Has science and technology improved sport and physical education?
Martens (1997) has suggested that kinesiologists and physical educators have been profoundly effected by technology which he states is: radically altering how we practice our professions and live our personal lives. This amazing world of technology is dramatically improving productivity and quality in the manufacturing of products and the delivery of goods and services. It reduces drudgery and, contrary to early concerns, often inspires greater creativity because of the elimination of tedious tasks (p 251). The question that Martens asks his colleagues to address is “How do we avoid technology taking us for a wild ride in which we have no control or little influence, but instead determine how we may optimally put technology to use…”(p. 252). In his book When Things Bite Back , Tenner (1997) describes how the introduction of safety features such as boxing gloves for boxers and protective headwear for football players has led to a greater incidence of injury. For example, the adoption
