Sports Science

Physiology
Sports physiology aims to maximise the adaptations of the body to acute and chronic training. At TFIS, sports physiology delivers sports science support with laboratory and field-based testing that ultimately helps coaches and athletes adapt training programmes to maximise performance. Sports physiology can be used on an educational basis with coaches and athletes on a range of topics based mainly on the physiological characteristics that contribute to performance in particular sports, and the most effective methods of manipulating these characteristics to enhance the likelihood of success.

A further key function of sports physiology is to monitor training sessions in order to allow the coach to accurately assess the level of stress placed on athletes. This involves the measurement of a range of physiological variables including cardiovascular, neuromuscular, hormonal, blood and performance variables. Sports physiology also works with coaches, athletes and other scientists in performance monitoring in both training and competition settings.

Sport Psychology
Sport psychology has become an increasingly interesting and important aspect of performance sport. Coaches, athletes and even sports commentators speak freely about a player or a team’s confidence, their ability to absorb pressure, the chances of choking under pressure or not being able to break the cycle of poor performances. Sport psychology is about helping athletes deal with such issues, to enable them to perform to their athletic potential.

Strategies are taught to be used in training and competition. Psychological skills require practice, in a similar way that technical skills do and the benefits are not always seen overnight. However, with the support of the sport psychologist the athlete can learn to overcome issues such as nerves, improve their concentration and focus, manage distractions, improve their mental imagery skills, raise their confidence levels and deal with injury, should it occur. Educational workshops are also provided to small groups of athletes in order to provide basic mental skills knowledge on topic areas such as; goal setting, arousal control, self talk and visualisation.

Sport psychology works with coaches and other service providers to assist the athlete during periods of training and competition.

Nutrition

Declan Fields qualified as registered dietitian in 1998 and has over 10 years experience working in the NHS. He is the lead Dietitian for the Specialist Weight Management Service at Ninewells Hospital Dundee. Declan has over 5 years experience working in sports nutrition and he joined TFIS in 2006 on a part time basis to provide nutrition support for performance athletes across a range of individual and team sports. His role involves providing one to one assessments or group education sessions with athletes to raise awareness of the importance & benefits of sound performance nutrition; and support the athletes in making practical & optimum changes to their diet.

Declan is also involved in delivering nutrition programmes at St Andrews Golf Academy and SIS National Swimming Camp weekends. He has his own private practice and has previously consulted for Dundee FC & Faldo Golf Series.

Declan enjoys the gym, mountain biking and playing squash (occassionally!)

Contact TFIS Tel: 01382 388319 Fax: 01382 385696 Email: info@tfis.org.uk