1st Edition

Technology, Sport and Recreation

Edited By Jacob Bustad, Gashaw Abeza Copyright 2026
252 Pages 5 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

252 Pages 5 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

252 Pages 5 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

This book critically examines the transformative intersection of technology with sport and recreation, revealing how technological innovations reshape performance, participation, community engagement, and sustainability. Drawing from empirical research, diverse case studies, and industry insights, the book explores technologies such as wearable fitness devices, artificial intelligence (AI),... Read more

1. Technology, Sport, and Recreation: A Conceptual Framework

Gashaw Abeza and Jacob Bustad 

Part I: Technology and Performance Enhancement 

2. Wearable Technology and Personal Fitness

Niveditha Karthikeyan, Susmit S. Gulavani, James Du and Jeffrey D. James 

3. Gamification of Fitness and Training

Manning Zhang 

4. Sports Analytics and Data-Driven Performance

Andrew Baerg 

Part II: Emerging Technologies and Virtual Experiences 

5. Artificial Intelligence in Sports and Recreation

Yoonki Chun and Philip Kang 

6. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Sport

Chad Goebert and John David Johnson 

7. Esports and Digital Technology

Armand Buzzelli, Artemisia Apostolopoulou and John Clark 

8. Digital Transformation of Traditional Sports

Cindy Lee and Gary Lhotsky 

9. Sport Tech Startups and Innovation

Matthew A. Masucci and jay johnson 

Part III: Social and Community Engagement in Digital Spaces 

10. Digital Communities in Sport

Gashaw Abeza and Jacob Bustad 

11. Technology in Adaptive Sport and Recreation

Irina Perfilova, Robin Hardin and Joshua R. Pate 

Part IV: Technology and Built and Natural Environments 

12. Technology, Sport Venues and Event Management

Angela I. Hayslett and Katharine M. Nohr 

13. Technology and Sustainability in Sport and Recreation

Jacob Bustad and Gashaw Abeza 

Part V: Conclusion 

14. A Reflection on Technology, Sport, and Recreation Framework

Gashaw Abeza and Jacob Bustad

Biography

Jacob Bustad is an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Towson University, USA. His primary research and teaching interests are in the fields of sport management, physical cultural studies, the sociology of sport, and urban studies. 

Gashaw Abeza is an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Towson University, USA. His research interest is in marketing communication, particularly digital media in the context of sport.