A new study on performance diagnostics in girls’ soccer demonstrates how innovative wearable technology and subjective self-assessments are setting new standards in training analysis. The Human Motion Analytics research team at Salzburg Research, in collaboration with Adidas AG, has published its latest findings in the renowned journal Frontiers in Sports and Active Living.

Technology meets training practice: smart insoles in use

The study examined 46 players from the U17 and U20 teams of 1. FC Nürnberg. The players wore smart insoles for 14 months. The insoles contained inertial measurement units (IMUs) that recorded precise movement data during regular training sessions. Additionally, the players documented their perceived training intensity and emotional experience after each session.

The goal was to combine objective performance metrics, such as ball speed, top speed, and running distance, with subjective assessments.

Emotional states influence performance levels

The evaluation revealed that approximately half of the observed players exhibited significant performance trends, both positive and negative. The change in top speed was especially notable.

One notable finding concerns the perceived intensity of training. Players who found training particularly strenuous tended to have lower ball speeds, especially goalkeepers and defenders. Conversely, higher running performance was often associated with a high subjective assessment of intensity. Emotional factors also played an important role. Players who felt happier after training showed better technical performance, especially in the midfield.

Individualized training management – relevance beyond soccer

The results demonstrate the perfect complementarity of technological and psychological perspectives. Combining high-resolution sensor data with personal assessments opens up new possibilities for personalized training, targeted stress management, and effective injury prevention.

Although this study focuses on girls’ soccer, researchers see great potential in transferring the methodology to other sports, such as handball or basketball. They also see potential in applying it to competitive sports in general.

The study was conducted as part of the research project “DiMo-NEXT—Next Level of Digital Motion in Sports, Fitness, and Well-Being.” The project is funded by the COMET program (Competence Centers for Excellent Technologies) through the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility, and Infrastructure (BMIMI), the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy, and Tourism (BMWET), the FFG, and the federal states of Salzburg, Tyrol, and Upper Austria.

Photos: © adidas

More information:

• Publication: Stefan Kranzinger, Christina Kranzinger, Wolfgang Kremser, Burkhard Dümler (2025): Performance tracking in female youth soccer through wearables and subjective assessments In: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 30 June 2025, Sec. Elite Sports and Performance Enhancement. Volume 7 – 2025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1627820
• Press release: Neue Studie: Wearables revolutionieren Leistungsdiagnostik im Mädchenfußball