ARTICLES
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SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY/HUMAN PERFORMANCE LABORATORY
The TIS Sports Performance Unit (SPU) has a purpose built and nationally accredited Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) which has been in existence at the Silverdome premises since 1997.  In 2007, a strength facility was constructed alongside the HPL providing  a state of the art gym to the TIS head quarters.  In addition, the TIS have an HPL located in Hobart at Wirksworth House.  Physical Preparation services in the south are conducted out of partner gyms.

The Sports Performance Unit conducts a wide range of tests on the scholarship holders and provides information to coaches and athletes regarding performance. In conjunction with this information there is assistance with 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.

Field testing is conducted in the main for team sports.

Testing includes:
*Anthropometry
*Explosive power
*Sprint speed
*Agility
*Flexibility
*Abdominal Strength
*Endurance (using the 20m shuttle run test)
*Sports Specific Tests (depending on the national protocol)

PHYSICAL PREPARATION OFFICER
Along with tactical and technical aspects, physical preparation represents one of the main components of any athlete's training program. Broadly, it can be defined as the ability to meet, or exceed, 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 strength, power, endurance, speed, agility, flexibility, movement quality and injury prevention.  It is important that any gains in speed, strength and power are done within the framework of correct movement patterns and loading, otherwise the large stresses involved may lead to injury.

The provision of services to TIS athletes may take many forms, including resistance training, stretching regimes, injury rehabilitation programs, cardiovascular and speed/agility training. The TIS Physical Preparation Officers will be available to assist coaches and athletes in designing and implementing these programs so as to maximise long term athlete development and performance gains.

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 sports psychology seminars.

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.