Practical Skills in Sport and Exercise Science: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Whether working with elite athletes or devising exercise programmes for patient groups, sport and exercise scientists have to have a sound grasp of the interdisciplinary nature of their work. Interdisciplinary practice, drawing on the core disciplines of physiology, psychology and biomechanics, can answer questions, solve problems or explain issues that may be too broad or complex to be dealt with adequately within a single discipline. Practical Skills in Sport and Exercise Science is the first textbook to introduce the core skills, practical procedures, protocols and techniques in sport and exercise science from an interdisciplinary perspective, and to fully explain how connections are made between different areas of sport and exercise in research and practice. The first section of the book offers step-by-step guides to key lab and field techniques in physiology, psychology and biomechanics, with an evidence-based scientific rationale provided for each technique, as well as a full explanation of the professional, real-world context in which that technique would be used. The second section of the book provides a broad range of case-studies and examples of interdisciplinary working in action, in the context of both performance sport and physical activity and health, providing an invaluable resource sport and exercise students engaged in problem-based learning and investigation. The book also introduces the full range of generic skills, from dealing with health and safety to pre-assessment protocols, that sport and exercise students will find invaluable in later professional life. Practical Skills in Sport and Exercise Science is the perfect companion to any laboratory, practical or research methods course taken as part of a degree programme in sport and exercise science.

Table of Contents:
Section One: Development of Practical Skills 1. Interdisciplinary practice within sport and exercise 2. Practical Skills in Sport and Exercise Physiology 3. Practical Skills in Sport and Exercise Psychology 4. Practical Skills in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics Section Two: Interdisciplinary Practice in Action 5. Optimising Sports Performance 6. Developing and Maintaining Health and Well-being 7. Interdisciplinary Research Skills 8. Practical Resource Manual

About the Author :
Dr Mark F Smith is a Principal Lecturer, the Director of Research and an Academic Programme Leader within the Department of Sport, Coaching and Exercise Science at the University of Lincoln.