Applied sport science is the application of scientific principles and techniques to help improve sport performance.
Sport science cannot improve sport performance without being integrated into the overall programme of an athlete. The sport scientists and fitness consultants at Oarsome Sport & Fitness consider all aspects of an athlete’s life when designing a training regime.
Sport science covers the following disciplines:
Sport physiology is related to how the body adapts and responds to the stresses of training and competing in different environments. One of the main components of sport physiology is fitness testing. Sport scientists use fitness testing to monitor changes in performance following a period of training. Training programmes are manipulated to induce specific responses depending on the goals of the athlete and the point they are at in the competitive season.
Sport psychology looks at behavior change. Physical and mental strengths and weaknesses are assessed with a focus on maximising strengths and developing weaknesses in performance. Performance improvements are achieved through using mental skills and techniques to control thoughts, feelings and actions.
Biomechanics often looks at the technical aspects of sport. By breaking down the technical aspects of performance, sport scientists can help athletes develop areas of weakness and maximise performance. Match and performance analysis can provide valuable information to both athletes and coaches, particularly in team sports.
Dietetics or sport nutrition involves looking at an individual’s diet and ensuring that they are getting the correct types of foods to fuel there training and competition. Sport scientists in this field also monitor changes in body composition to ensure athletes maintain the optimum weight and body composition for their sport.
Strength and conditioning involves the physical preparation of elite athletes. Strength training is used to build muscle, strength and power to compliment other forms of training and improve performance. Conditioning deals with the more sport specific fitness element of training and can involve endurance training, SAQ training, flexibility and mobility training and sport specific circuit training.
All areas of sport science contribute to one thing - performance enhancement!