SPORTS
PHYSIOLOGY/HUMAN PERFORMANCE LABORATORY
The TIS Sports Performance Unit has a purpose built and nationally accredited
Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) which has been in existence at the
Silverdome premises since 1997. In 2001, through a partnership with
MBF, the Sports Performance Unit was able to expand its services with
the introduction of a mobile testing unit. This Unit will allow services
to be taken to the athletes all over the state, especially to the competition
and training environment.
The Sports Performance Unit conducts a wide range of tests on the scholarship
holders of the TIS and provides information to coaches and athletes
regarding testing performance. In conjunction with this information
there is assistance with programming training and competition and the
provision of up to date information in the sports performance field.
Testing can be divided in to two areas: Laboratory and Field testing.
Laboratory testing is conducted at the TIS in the HPL, while field testing
is conducted at different sporting venues depending on the sport. Athletes
are expected to present themselves for testing in a manner which will
allow them to achieve their best.
Prior to any testing being conducted, the athlete completes a pre-test
medical/health questionnaire and the supervising Sports Scientist deems
whether the individual will test or not.
Field
testing is conducted in the main for team sports. However, with the
advent of the new mobile testing unit, we are able to take laboratory
equipment to a venue other than the HPL.
Testing is conducted in most cases at the venue where the game/competition
is held.
Testing includes:
*Anthropometry:
*Explosive power using the Vertical Jump test.
*Speed over varying distances depending on the sport
*Agility
*Flexibility
*Abdominal Strength
*Endurance using the 20 m shuttle run test
*Sports Specific Tests depending on the national protocol
PHYSICAL
PREPARATION OFFICER
Along with mental and technical aspects, physical preparation represents
one of the main components of any training program. Broadly, it can
be defined as the ability to meet the physical demands imposed by
your sport. This not only includes those of competition, but also
for training, where the potential for overuse injuries is enhanced.
Components of physical preparation include speed, agility, endurance,
flexibility, muscle control and strength. It is important that any
gains in speed, strength and power are done within the framework of
good posture, otherwise the large stresses involved may lead to injury.
The provision of services to TIS athletes may take many forms, including
weight training, stretching regimes and speed/agility training. The
TIS Physical Preparation Officer will be available to assist coaches
in designing and implementing these programs for their athletes.
SPORTS
MEDICINE NETWORK
The TIS has a consultant network throughout Tasmania who provide services
to athletes and coaches in the following areas:
* Sports Medicine
* Sports Nutrition
* Sports Psychology
* Physiotherapy
* Sports Optometry
* Sports Massage
The TIS consultant network has been established to provide athletes
with easy to access services from professionals who have a knowledge
of the medical aspects of training and competition. All TIS athletes
are encouraged to use these practitioners.
All athletes on entry into the Tasmanian Institute of Sport undergo
a medical and musculoskeletal screening. They also have the opportunity
to meet with a TIS Sports Dietitian and have access to a sports psychology
seminar.
Through the services of Hobart Pathology, all athletes have their
full blood count and ferritin levels measured. Re-testing is conducted
on those who require follow up as deemed by the Sports Medicine Coordinator.
On request from coaches and where appropriate, athletes have access
to a Sports Optometry service where a general vision test is conducted
together with sport specific tests to assist identify any weaknesses
that can be rectified.
The Sports Medicine Network is involved in education seminars/forums
provided to the TIS.
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