Sports Scientist
Sports scientists assist sportspeople to achieve the best possible sporting performance by applying knowledge and techniques from many areas including medicine, physiology, biomechanics (the study of human movement), motor control and development, nutrition, psychology and physiotherapy.
Sports scientists may perform the following tasks:
- devise treatment and exercise programs that support athletes' preparation and recovery, and help them return to training or competition
- conduct experiments, make observations and interpret data in relation to sporting performances and communicate findings to officials, athletes, coaches and other support staff
- design or assist in designing training programs for sportspeople to improve sporting performance without causing injury, or to strengthen particular areas of the body
- refer clients to medical and paramedical specialists such as orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists and physiotherapists
- assist with psychological issues of motivation and stress.
Specialisations:
Exercise Physiologist
An exercise physiologist provides scientific support to sportspeople by studying how their bodies respond to physical activity. This can be done using various methods, such as studying heart-rate data, analysing blood samples or measuring a sportsperson's strength and flexibility.
Sports scientists often attend training sessions and sporting events to monitor sporting performances in addition to working in an office or testing laboratory. They have a high level of contact with the public.
Personal Requirements:
- interested in sport and fitness
- interested in the sciences
- good observation and problem-solving skills
- able to work with accuracy and attention to detail.
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