Evaluation of Time Measurement Methods – A Review

Keywords:
Sprint, Photocells, Stopwatch, Reliability, Validity

Abstract:
Accurate sprint time measurement is essential for assessing athletes' speed capabilities and informing training decisions. This review paper examines the characteristics of various timing methods, including electronic timing systems (such as photocells and digital setups) and manual methods (like stopwatches), with a focus on their validity, reliability, accuracy, and practicality across different sports contexts. The analysis includes ten scientific papers published between 2020 and 2025 that compared measurement methods in both laboratory and field settings. The findings indicate that electronic systems significantly reduce human error, providing greater accuracy and consistency in measurements compared to stopwatches. Nevertheless, manual methods remain valuable in resource-limited environments, particularly when standardised protocols are followed. Additionally, mobile applications emerge as a promising alternative, especially when complemented by software analysis. In conclusion, the choice of measurement method should be guided by the test objectives, the level of expertise, and the available resources. For situations requiring high precision, the use of electronic systems is recommended.

CITATION:

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S. Marković, S. Rakić, “Evaluation of Time Measurement Methods – A Review,” in Sinteza 2025 - International Scientific Conference on Information Technology, Computer Science, and Data Science, Belgrade, Singidunum University, Serbia, 2025, pp. 487-492. doi:10.15308/Sinteza-2025-487-492

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Marković, S., Rakić, S. (2025). Evaluation of Time Measurement Methods – A Review. Paper presented at Sinteza 2025 - International Scientific Conference on Information Technology, Computer Science, and Data Science. doi:10.15308/Sinteza-2025-487-492

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