Physiology
Sports physiology is concerned with the assessment, monitoring and evaluation of how the body responds and adapts to single and repeated bouts of physical exercise. Physiological services are provided to Irish High Performance athletes in a practical and relevant manner in various environments such as the laboratory, in the field, at training camps, pre-competition camps and at competitive events.
Physiological services provided at the Sport Ireland Institute are wide-ranging and include:
- Physiological Testing
- Physiological Monitoring
- Monitoring Training Load
- Research and Development
- Education
- Development of Individual Strategies
Key Roles of Sports Physiologist
- To identify athletes strengths and weaknesses
- To provide baseline physiological data and help coach to formulate periodised training programme
- Examine new training programmes and evaluate existing training programmes
- Establish appropriate training levels and intensities
- Monitor training load
- Monitor adaptation to training
- Provide objective data regarding physiological response to key training sessions
- Physiological monitoring and support to athletes both home and abroad on training camps and at competitions.
- Assist in peaking at the right time
- Provide objective data that may assist in assessing health status and return of athlete from illness or injury
- Investigate innovative training interventions
- Work with athlete and coach in development of individual training and competition strategies to optimise performance
Physiology
Some of the tests which can be carried out in the physiology lab in the Sport Ireland Institute. Video features athlete Eve McCrystal