Sports Scientist

Sports scientists assist sportspeople to achieve the best possible sporting performance by applying knowledge and techniques from the areas of biomedical science, physiology, biomechanics (the study of human movement), nutrition, psychology and sport assessment.

Sports scientists may perform the following tasks:

conduct assessments specific to an athlete's sport to determine how to improve sporting performance
devise treatment and exercise programs that support athletes' preparation and recovery, and help them return to training or competition
conduct research, 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 developing training programs for sportspeople to improve sporting performance and reduce the risk of injury
refer clients to sports medicine physicians and other health professionals such as physiotherapists, dietitians, sports psychologists and podiatrists
work as part of the athlete's support team to develop the athletes performance.

Specialisations:

Motor Control and Learning Specialist

A motor control and learning specialist uses their knowledge of motor control and learning to analyse an athlete's perceptual and decision-making abilities during sporting events and devises strategies to improve learning and performance.

Sports Biomechanist

A sports biomechanist conducts computerised analyses of an athlete's sporting technique. This is done using high-speed video, force transducers and other mechanical devices to determine the athletes mechanical efficiency. Working in conjunction with the coach, they also devise methods to improve the athlete's technical efficiency.

Sports Physiologist

A sports 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 responses to exercise and training, analysing heart-rate data and blood samples or measuring changes in 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.