Scientific principles are applied to athletic activities sports scientists. Creating comparative performance charts to designing exercise and nutrition programs to improve athletic performance are all possible tasks. These researchers may use information from a variety of fields, including physiology, anatomy, nutrition, and psychology. Many sports scientists place a high priority on research.
Sports science encompasses a number of sub-disciplines. Comparing different body sizes and shapes, as well as measuring various functional capacities, are examples of tasks related to anatomy and physiology. When it comes to nutrition, some athletes, such as those who participate in high-speed, high-energy sports, require more of certain nutrients, such as carbohydrates. A sports scientist would keep track of these individual requirements and develop custom diets for different athletes. A sports psychologist, on the other hand, might assess the roles of the brain and human intellect in various athletic influences such as stress management and endurance.
Another important aspect of sports science is exercise physiology. This field studies how physical movement affects bodily functions. Muscle strength, breathing, and heart rate are all important factors. These analyses can aid in the development of athletic training programs, such as aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises.
Exercise physiology is covered in a variety of scientific journals, and sports scientists may submit their work to these or similar publications. A sports scientist who focuses on research might primarily study and record physiological responses. August Krogh, who won the Nobel Prize for discovering how blood flows through muscles in the early twentieth century, is one of the most famous examples. In addition, Austin Flint, a physician, was a pioneer in the field, providing information on how the body reacts to exercise.
One of the aforementioned subdisciplines may be pursued a sports scientist. Some people may choose to work as exercise trainers, teachers, or coaches, or in other jobs that require them to disseminate information. Dieticians, physical therapists, and professional sports consultants, for example, choose a more medically based profession. There are also research positions available that require a lot of laboratory and statistical work. Some sports scientists go so far as to manage sports teams or sports-related facilities on an administrative level.
A bachelor’s degree in sports science or a related field is required for most sports scientist positions. For many jobs, certification is also required. Accredited organizations like the United States Sports Academy assist in meeting these needs.