Sports Science
Sports Science is focussed on giving the GIS athletes a competitive edge using a science-led approach to athlete preparation.
The Sports Science programme reflects the integrated approach which underpins all aspects of the GIS and the Institute network. While the GIS can provide support in some disciplines, in others it requires to make use of the significant resource from within the Scottish Institute of Sport and the other Area Institutes of Sport.
The key disciplines areas of the programme are:
- Biomechanics1
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutrition
- Performance Analysis1
- Skill Acquisition1
- Sports Psychology
(1 disciplines provided through the Institute network)
Biomechanics
The area of biomechanics specialises in the analysis of movement, including kinematics (movement descriptors such as distance travelled, the speed of movement, and the rate of change of speed of movement) and kinetics (the forces underpinning an athlete’s movement).
Exercise Physiology
Exercise physiology support provides an insight into the physical demand observed within elite sports’ environments. This area can also assess an athlete’s relative capability to meet these physical demands in terms of their present physical status.
An athlete’s physical status changes over time and in particular in response to the coaching programme structure. Clear programme structures present patterns of activity that include rest and recovery. Testing within both training and recovery phases can provide knowledge about the success of programme manipulations and also an athlete’s relative response within coaching programmes. Physiologist Dr Marek Anestik is responsible for delivering the programme for GIS athletes.
Nutrition
Being able to ensure that each GIS athlete is eating the appropriate foods for their general health, and competition and training demands is an important support service provided by GIS Dieticians Jan Masson-Philpott, Neil Brown and Alex Mavroeidi.
During their induction the athletes go through a diet profile that also includes an evaluation of their body composition. This profile then forms the basis of guidelines for the athlete about future eating habits. In order to complement this dietary advice workshop sessions are organised to give the athletes practical experience of shopping and cooking on a minimum budget but with the maximum nutritional benefit.
Performance Analysis
Performance analysis is an area of sports science that informs the coaching process through the provision of statistical and video information. Research has shown that providing athletes with accurate feedback, based on systematic and objective analysis, is a key factor in improving sporting performance.
Skill Acquisition
Skill Acquisition is an essential component of elite level performance. An understanding of the basic principles of motor skill acquisition can enhance the athlete’s development, and the application of motor control principles may easily make the difference between winning and losing.
The process involves a five step approach which is designed to identify the athlete’s specific needs and create a developmental support framework. A typical plan of action is:
- Observation and needs analysis
- Construction of a plan of support action
- General support opportunities engaged, including educational and practical work
- Specific support areas might include development within the following:
Coach and athlete communication; Practice; The development of skill; Understanding the internal and external factors affecting skilled performance.
- Performance analysis integration
Sports Psychology
Sports psychology helps athletes to prepare for competition and to get the best out of themselves during competition. By helping to control their thought process and helping them to think profitably, they can control the level of physiological activation. Sports psychology can also be used to control athletes' anxiety levels, which allows them to focus attention appropriately.
Possible uses of psychology for professional athletes are as follows:
Skill Development; Motivation; Team-building exercises; Personal control techniques; Problem solving.