Sport Science and Sport Medicine
The CSCA Sport Science and Sport Medicine department has members who work with athletes and coaches at all levels from Canada Games to Olympic Games. The Sport Science and Medicine service providers meet a high level of certification and education within their respective fields.
Definitions of Services:
Exercise Physiology
Exercise Physiology is the discipline of understanding how the body's systems adapt to exercise. An exercise physiologist will typically help work on the periodization and planning of an annual (and quadrennial) training plan. An exercise physiologist will help design and refine specific fitness assessments and recommend some appropriate training strategies to improve performance.
Mental Performance
According to the Canadian Sport Psychology Association, Mental Performance Consultants work with athletes and coaches to assist them in achieving many of the following objectives (http://www.en.cspa-acps.ca/index.html):
- Reach their performance potential in sport and/or other aspects of life
- Regulate arousal, stress and/or emotions
- Improve confidence, commitment and/or concentration
- Manage time effectively
- Mentally plan for training and competitions
- Create and maintain positive environments (e.g. imagery, goal-setting)
- Debrief and evaluate performance or programs
- Improve decision making process
- Rehabilitate from an inquiry
- Make a positive transition from sport
Strength & Conditioning
A Strength & Conditioning professional will design and implement a specific conditioning program usually for the purposes of performance enhancement and injury prevention. A strength and conditioning specialist works closely with all members of the team to ensure the program is well integrated into the overall plan.
Nutrition
A Sport Nutritionist will work with the athlete and coach to ensure that the food and fluid intake is appropriate for the current training goals. A Sport Nutritionist will work with athletes one-on-one or in a group providing valuable and long lasting education in planning, selecting and preparing meals and snacks.
Massage Therapy
A Massage Therapist works closely with the athletes and team to provide regular services. The Massage Therapist can practice in a home training environment or on site travelling with a team to competitions and training camps.
Excellence
"Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better."
-Pat Riley