Heart-rate of opponent in his seat is interesting information. Can we tell, for example, who is more susceptible to slow-play? Or some other move?
First of all, heart rate is a very useful tool for analyzing both performance and something that elite athletes, and more recently weekend warriors specifically train themselves in for optimal performance. Specifically, you would want to train for heart rate variability.(HRV) I work in this field and was really interested to see the heart rate displayed. The sampling rate of how the heart rate was displayed limits analysis.
Generally, for optimal performance heart rate variability is measured beat to beat, R wave to R wave and athletes would train for increased voluntary control of heart rate variability to maximize performance. Sympathetic activity of the nervous system(arousal) as reflected in heart rate is generally higher but with less variability. Example: a rapid heartbeat that does not change much in pace through the task. Parasympathetic activity of the heart and other organs is mediated by the vagus nerve, which has the ability to affect focus and other neural networks associated with optimal performance.
It definitely varies from moment to moment. The most obvious pattern I’ve noticed is that when someone is up at the table their heart rate goes up, typically to ~110, and then when they sit down it drops to below 100.
I think we’re gonna need electrodermal and pupil dilation next.
Again the way it was displayed is limited in terms of analysis but I did notice that Shane demonstrated much more variability than his opponent which would be expected. I forwarded this link to a few experts in the field who found it interesting as well. What would be very interesting would be to display EEG via a Bluetooth sensor. I'll post some links if anyone's interested.
Any more info on the heart rate stats?
You can check out some of the links for more info. Personally I think pool is a sport that would benefit from this training especially due to the need for extended focus, fine motor control and not having to hit a moving target.