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Factors affecting performance in sports
Anatomy and physiology 1
Anatomy and physiology 1
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My interest in movement and sport performance began to blossom during my undergraduate studies in my anatomy and physiology courses. I was fascinated by the mechanics of different muscles and bones working together. More specifically, I wanted to discover how to maximize efficiency and safety in exercise and training. This growing interest combined with my pre-medicine focus and led me to become an emergency medical technician, where I continued to develop my understanding of human ergonomics. Now, after spending the last three years pursuing my passions of language and travel, I have an increasing drive to strengthen my knowledge in sport performance, and to build a career helping others achieve the best version of themselves, as both a rounded trainer in the field and progressive researcher in the lab. …show more content…
Building such relationships is important in any field, but I want my ability to help to be rooted in methodical approach, researched plans, and an extensive understanding of the many factors that improve performance. I found myself unable to offer patients and athletes this area of expertise, which fuels me to learn and study at the graduate level. This program will provide me with depth, and a powerful understanding of these concepts. The biomechanics module is of particular interest because it will take an extensive look into the relationships between the body and various sporting technology, giving me a foundation in identifying unique strategies for specific individuals. And by combining this knowledge with later modules of advanced research methods and application, I will acquire the skills necessary to provide future patients and athletes with goal-oriented, contoured plans that maximize potential and
Scibek, J. S., Gatti, J. M., & Mckenzie, J. I. (2012). Into the Red Zone. Journal of Athletic Training, 47(4), 428-434.
Exercise science possess many traits that attracted my attention whether it dealt with the different job opportunities or the ability to help an individual. There are two areas of exercise science that one can choose as a possible career path or as a major minoring in something else related to this type of work. One of the areas of study includes exercise physiology which can be defined by “the study of how the body’s structures and functions are changed as a result of acute and chronic bouts of exercise”. Not only does exercise physiology promote a healthy lifestyle, but it is closely connected to human performance, fitness, development/aging, and prevention/rehabilitation from disease or injury. Pursuing a degree in exercise physiology allows an individual in this profession to choose between several careers including physical education, exercise science and athletic training (Fisher, 2). In addition, becoming a chiropractor can be achieved through exercise science.
To satisfy my curiosity and gain a broad understanding of athletic training, I chose to interview my boss, Pete Stevens. Pete is employed by Physiotherapy Associates, a nationwide corporation that specializes in physical/occupational therapy, athletic training, and fitness/sports training. He has worked there for three years. He is currently the Head Athletic Trainer for The Arizona Rattlers. Pete received his undergraduate degree in Athletic Training at Boise State University in Idaho, followed by a graduate degree in Recreation from Arizona State University. He is currently considering additional education to become a Physician’s Assistant.
The term biomechanics means the study of the structure and function of biological systems using the methods of mechanics. Biomechanics studies the process of kinematics and develops artificial limbs and footwear specifically to aid the body in performance. The study of biomechanics also includes the stress testing on crash dummies in car accidents and any sport where stress is placed on the body in order to produce performance. The type of stress specifically is the joint stimulation and bone modeling stress.
Having started gymnastics at four years old, I grew up intrigued about how my body was able to perform the strenuous tasks I asked of it. As I continued participating in the sport, I became increasingly more flexible and was able to put my body under conditions which one might find stressful, such as being able to do the splits. I have always been interested in sports but it was the science of how our bodies allowed us to do such things that compelled me. Combining this appreciation of sport’s ability to develop one’s character and my captivation with the anatomy and biomechanics of the human body, has sparked my passion to study Sports Science at university, whilst hopefully still participating in sports competitively.
Athletic Training plays a big role in the world today. Many people are on the go whether it is for sports or every day activities. Athletic Trainers can help with athletes of any age or industrial workers performing physical tasks or even an average citizen in recreational athletics. They help prevent injuries and help recognize injuries and treat them. They also help rehabilitate injuries that result from physical activity (Athletic Training Association). They are usually first on the scene of an injury (Campus Explorer). Athletic Trainers are health care professionals that work along the side of certified physicians. They also work for other health care professionals, coaches, or parents (Athletic Training Association). While working full time for a sports team, they are faced with tough decisions that could affect the players’ health or career. They must also be able to make fast decisions under pressure. A trainer working for a team can advance their job by switching teams or even becoming an Athletic Training director (Campus Explorer). Athletic Trainers are certified in prevention, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate care, treatment, rehab and reconditioning, organization and administration and professional responsibility (Athletic Training Association). They help athletes prepare for practices, competit...
Jeffers, N. (n.d.). Training youths for a sound future in athletics. Intensity Magazine. Retrieved March 17, 2004, from http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/inmag51.htm
Athletic Trainers play a crucial part in today’s professional sports. They also help on lower levels of sports in high school, and college level teams. The job of an athletic trainer is simple yet very important, they are charged with treating, and preventing injuries. A trainer does this by developing therapies to reduce pain, and improve mobility (“Athletic Trainer Salaries”). They have to stand for long periods of time, work well with athletes of different sizes, move or carry equipment around, good mobility and communication skills to give instructions (“Athletic Trainer, Healthcare Program”). These trainers serve as a crucial part of an athlete getting back into their sport. Athletic trainers usually work under the direction of a physician, so they are like the Doctor’s healing hands in action.
The sheer energy of a gymnast alone can be felt by audiences of all ages, but what the spectators lack the ability to feel is the pounding of the bodies that bear the impact of the athletes in action. Gymnastics consists of a mixture of acrobatic performances of four different events for females, and six different events for males (Gianoulis 1). Gymnastics is demanding in a multitude of ways, including: physically, emotionally and mentally. It requires countless hours of dedication. The concerns of most gymnasts are moving up to the next level, or getting a more advanced skill, while the concerns of the doctors, coaches, and parents revolve mostly around the athlete’s health, which is put at stake for the adored yet dangerous sport. Injuries are common among both male and female gymnast alike, but due to the fact a female gymnast’s career peaks at the same time of major growth and development, a female gymnast’s body as a whole is more likely to undergo lifelong changes or affects (Gianoulis 2). Among the injuries of the mind blowing athletes, the most common ones affect the ankles, feet, lower back, wrist, and hands of individuals (Prevention and Treatment 1). From sprains, to the breaks, the intriguing sport of gymnastics is physically demanding on a gymnast’s body.
Creative new training methods, developed by coaches, athletes and sport scientists, are aimed to help improve the quality and quantity of athletic training ( Kellmann, 2010, p.1). However, these methods have encountered a consistent set of barriers including overtraining ( Kellmann, 2010, p.1). Due to these barriers, the need for physical and mental recovery in athletics brought an increasing attention in practice and in research ( Kellmann, 2010, p.1).
During my undergraduate studies, I spent time exploring the field of exercise science. I endured laborious coursework that molded my character into a strong-willed, disciplined student. As I deepened my knowledge of the human body, my passion for working in health care evolved to new heights. I also grew a fondness for learning new material and concepts. By the end of my undergraduate experience, I knew how to maximize my personal success.
Movement Science in the School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan is the major I aspire to study because it intertwines with my extracurricular and academic passions. This riveting field offers both a broad perspective on human movements and interactions, as well as an intricate background in detailed physiology and biology to promote a thorough understanding of the human body. University of Michigan’s motto Artes, Scientia, Veritas (Arts, Knowledge, Truth) encompasses the vibrant atmosphere and thriving student body of Movement Science and my personal connection to the curriculum. From learning about The Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci to admiring anatomy exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry at Chicago, I have always regarded the human body as a masterpiece because of its intricate details and overt functions. I learned through experiences and classes just how the human body is a mold that can be sculpted.
The internship that I acquired during the summer of 2010 at the Greenwood Sports and Industrial Rehabilitation Center (GSIRC), allowed me to gain an immeasurable amount of experience during my tenure at this facility. Within this period, the exposure to new concepts within the physical therapy industry allowed me to observe and work hands on with patients of all ages and disabilities that exposed me to various treatment plans and programs to restore client’s mobility. The essential Physical Education and Exercise Science (PEES) courses taken at Lander University were beneficial to my academic knowledgebase, which prepared me and developed me for the opportunity within the physical therapy discipline. Working as an intern taught me the responsibility of time management and working within a lean schedule that allow me to further develop my skill set. This reflection paper will illustrate my classroom experience, internship experience, and learning experience.
I am applying for a Masters in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Solid Mechanics to expand on my study of and experience with materials. I have thoroughly enjoyed studying Materials Science and Engineering as an undergraduate at UCLA. I now look forward to moving into graduate study in a field of engineering with a related, but different perspective. Materials Science and Engineering has allowed me to explore both materials and other fields within engineering, contributing to my strong interest in combining my study of Materials Science and Engineering with Mechanical Engineering. I have completed basic coursework in most areas of engineering, learning statics, thermodynamics, basic programming, and circuit design. This has provided a strong foundation to continue graduate study in other engineering disciplines. I
My firsthand experience seeing my dad enjoy his work as a PM&R physician sparked my interest in the field. I further confirmed my interest, as I was exposed to wheelchair tennis, gained experience with teams, and learned about the neuromusculoskeletal system. My passion, coaching experience, and leadership skills have led me to choose the field of physiatry as a lifelong career. Coaching wheelchair tennis in high school, was one of my most memorable and influential experiences.