Sports Scientist
Sports scientists assist sportspeople to achieve the best
possible sporting performance by applying knowledge and
techniques from the areas of medicine, physiology,
biomechanics (the study of human movement), nutrition,
psychology and physiotherapy/massage.
A sports scientist may perform the following tasks:
- devise treatment and exercise programs to assist
sportspeople to return to training or competition
- 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.
Sports scientists may specialise as a:
Dietitian (Sports) who plans diets for athletes so
they will eat the correct balance of foods needed for
strenuous or extended physical activity. Dietitians liaise
with athletes and coaches to implement maximally effective
nutritional programs.
See also separate entry for Dietitian.
Physiotherapist (Sports) who treats and assists in
the rehabilitation of most muscle, ligament and joint
injuries. They may use manual means or electrical apparatus to
stimulate damaged muscle tissue and may restore the full range
of limb movement by stretching or mobilising techniques.
See also separate entry for Physiotherapist.
Sports Medicine Practitioner who is concerned with
the treatment and prevention of sporting injuries caused by
sporting accidents or overuse. They may monitor sporting
performances and provide on-site medical treatment. Sports
medicine practitioners also diagnose injuries and devise
treatment programs to assist sportspeople to return to
training or competition.
See also separate entry for Medical Practitioner.
Sports Trainer who usually sees an injured athlete
at the time of injury. They determine whether an injury is
minor or potentially severe and aid in applying appropriate
first aid and minimising the damage to injured tissues. Sports
trainers also assist in pre-exercise preparation, including
pre-event bandaging and massage.
Sports scientists often attend training sessions and
sporting fixtures to monitor sporting performances as well as
working in an office or testing laboratory. They have a high
level of contact with the public.
Required Skills - Sports Scientist
- enjoy competitive sport
- enjoy medicine or the sciences
- good powers of observation
- attention to detail and accuracy
- problem-solving skills
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Sports Match Maker
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find people with similar sporting interests.
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