Exercise scientists study human movement and physiology in order to better understand physical performance.
The particular role of any exercise and sports scientist typically involves detailed assessment of the specific demands of an athlete. Fitness assessments or evaluations involve the cooperation of both trainer/coach and athlete, in addition to analysis of the aspects of performance that are considered vital to their success. For most athletes, data is acquired through routine fitness evaluations which are carried out at regular intervals during an athlete’s training regimen. Depending on the situation, the exercise scientist will choose an assessment procedure from finding advice in up to date scientific research, and which tests are presently utilized by the national regulating organization of the athlete’s sport. Most exercise and sport scientists pursue a graduate degree in Exercise Science to learn more advanced fitness testing concepts and methods.
Exercise and Sport Scientists use fitness assessments to:
- Record legitimate data
- Reproduce sport specific motion patterns
- Provide accurate and consistent results
- Identify minute differences in the particular area being evaluated
Most instances the information produced can be matched up to the results of top professional athletes that have undergone the same evaluations, pre-determined ideal values and any prior data reported from the athlete.
Exercise and Sport Scientists use data from fitness assessments to:
- Assess an athlete’s strong points and weaknesses relative to his or her individual sport
- Examine the results of the athlete’s training camp or workout cycle
- Offer short term objectives
- Determine the athlete’s physical health
- Detect an athlete’s preparedness for competition
