Overview

All sports involve varying degrees of skill, strength, speed, power, and endurance. Two key factors, the innate level of ability and adaptability to training are important for the athlete who seeks to perform well. Furthermore, the appliance of sport and exercise science and the understanding the biological basis of sports performance allow better planning of training for competition, with improved performance and reduced risk of injury and illness. This module will provide valuable insight into physiological responses to acute and chronic exercise, as well as common approaches to optimize performance in sporting and physical activities.

**Topics may include **

• Physiological challenges with exercise • Cardiac and vascular limitations to endurance performance • The cardiovascular challenge of exercising in the heat • Altitude training and exercise performance in elite athletes • Fatigue and performance • Steroid hormones and performance • Recovery and sleep • Principles of training, periodization and programming

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -(C) Evidence of basic knowledge and understanding of the principles and application of physiology to sports training and performance, critical analysis of available evidence; and, the ability to identify gaps or controversies in evidence. Most criteria are meet to an adequate standard; there may be a wide range in the quality of different components -good -(B) Evidence of good knowledge and understanding of the principles and application of physiology to sports training and performance, critical analysis of available evidence; and, the ability to identify gaps or controversies in evidence. Most criteria are meet to a good standard; some may be met to a very good standard -excellent -(A) Evidence of deep knowledge and understanding of the principles and application of physiology to sports training and performance; critical analysis of available evidence; and, the ability to identify gaps or controversies in evidence. Some criteria are meet to an exceptionally high standard; the remainder are met to an excellent standard

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate scholarly ability to identify relevant scientific information, critically analyse existing knowledge, and to identify gaps or controversies

• Demonstrate systematic understanding in a range of physiological factors affecting sports performance

• Produce a detailed analysis and assessment (i.e., strengths, weaknesses, future directions and/or applicability to sport and exercise practitioners) of a specific topic from performance physiology

• Produce and deliver a presentation that provides an up-to-date briefing, for the benefit of a coach /performance director, on a specific area of physiology to optimise athlete performance