MASTER DEGREE IN HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORT :Strength and Conditioning( NSCA Education Reconigtion Program )

Photo by: EFEDos

CONTENT GREETINGS FROM THE DIRECTOR

GREETINGS FROM THE DIRECTOR

MASTER PRESENTATION

ATTRIBUTIONS AND CAREERS

COURSE STRUCTURE

SCHOLARSHIP AND AIDS

NATIONAL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

ASSOCIATION

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The Master in High Performance Sport: Strength and Conditioning is an official degree offered by UCAM in collaboration with prestigious International Universities and Organizations. This Master provides an opportunity for advanced study in the field of High Performance Sport. It is a two quarter full time course designed for the graduate in Sports Science or related areas to enhance their knowledge and training in the specific field of Strength and Conditioning. The curriculum is focused on an evidence-based approach to inform the practice.

This Master allows students to acquire the necessary training for the proper performance of their professional and/or research duties in the field of High Performance Sport. Also, students will be able to carry out

practical experiments in the UCAM Research Center for High Performance Sport, in the Porto University (Portugal) and the UCAM Sports Center. The Research Center is a state-of-the-art center with different primary data collection systems like force platforms, video cameras and electronic motion capture system, EMG system and isokinetic dynamometer, gas analyzers and densitometer. Some of the Modules of the Master are: Research Methodology, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics and Movement Analysis, Sport Nutrition, etc. Finally, the students carry out a practicum module and a Master´s Thesis.

From the direction and coordination of the Master we would like to emphasize the novelty of this title, which is configured as a particularly useful tool for the training of those called to lead the sport performance in the coming decades.

Dr. Pedro E. AlcarazPhD in Sports Science.

Head of UCAM Biomechanics Laboratory.Director of the Scientific Journal Culture Science Sport

( Cultura Ciencia Deporte ), NSCA - CPT and CSCS.

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Photo by: UCAM-José Bretón

Students who pass the Master Degree in High Performance Sport: Strength and Condition-ing will be able to perform duties and tasks such as:• To apply statistical techniques

needed to conduct a proper analysis in each of the re-search methodologies in the area of performance and conditioning.

• Identify the aspects that characterize the qualitative and quantitative designs applied to research in sports science.

• To analyze the consistency and adequacy of the quality criteria used in the evaluation sports performance and conditioning.

• To be able to apply physiological, biomechanical, behavioural and social, as the

research object.• Identify the risks associated

to the health of athletes, the inadequate physical activities, in the context of sports training and fitness.

• Be able to design preventive and promotional programs for the practice of physical activity in contemporary society.

• Apply assessment techniques, monitoring and controlling quantitative and qualitative research of physical activity related to athletic performance and conditioning.

• Identify the various methods for assessing both the per-formance and health in the field of performance and conditioning.

• Perform test to measure the strength, endurance, flexibility

and balance in older people based on their medical history.

• To be able to identify physiological and metabolic changes that occur with interventions in the area of sports performance and fitness.

• Manage scientific databases for review and literature search in order to master the specific work area of sports performance and conditioning.

• Develop based on the nature and structure of the various types of scientific publication and styles of writing and presentation of results, scientific work.

MASTER PRESENTATION

ATTRIBUTIONS AND CAREERSATTRIBUTIONS

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For successfully meeting established criteria, the USA National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) officially recognizes this Master Program in Strength and Conditioning.

This is the first Master in Spain that has achieved this recognition. In fact, together with the official title of the Master, which allows students to directly access a PhD program, students can also

acquire the official titles from this prestigious organization in the areas of Personal Trainer and/or Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

Denomination : Master in High Performance Sport : Strength and ConditioningCourse Location : Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport SciencesMode of study : Part-Time ModeNumber of places available : 25Credits (ECTS) number : 60 ECTS

The rationale of this module is to facilitate student admission into the formal research period for all those students who satisfy access criteria but may lack the necessary research training, as stated by our current Spanish legislation, as well as by the Norms and Regulations affecting Doctoral Studies at UCAM.

This unit will present modules in various aspects of computers and technology for research, measurement, data analysis and presentation. Students will develop basic skills and knowledge in the use of computers and the Internet to enhance their effectiveness as strength and conditioning professionals. Furthermore, the ability to search for research information, critically evaluate and interpret will be explored and developed.

In this module the contents included are: neural mechanisms involved in the strength and power; recruitment of selective motor units; Electromyography; Increased firing frequency; Total increase recruitment; Mechanics involved in muscle strength and power, muscle hypertrophy, muscle fiber type, muscle protein expression, musculoskeletal stiffness, muscle architecture.

This unit seeks to examine the adaptations to anaerobic and aerobic training. Specifically, the endocrinological, biochemical, immunological, molecular and biological adaptations will be studied, including acute vs. chronic responses. Detraining and concurrent strength and endurance training will also be studied.

This unit introduces students to the concepts influencing human movement, including the laws of physics, which govern the interaction of the human body with its environment, with particular reference to strength and conditioning exercises. The mechanics of the human body as a machine will be examined in detail.

This unit examines the advanced study of resistance training. Specifically, resistance training programs will be discussed with emphasis on hypertrophy, strength and/or power. Topics to be studied include plyometrics, Olympic lifts and their variants, sports-specific resistance training and power optimisation and the theory and integration of the annual plan in relation to preparation of elite athletes and teams.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH AND COMPUTER METHODS IN STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY

BIOMECHANICS AND MOVEMENT ANALYSIS

PROGRAM DESIGN AS RELATED TO STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

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This Master will train students giving them adequate skills as employable professionals working in the following areas: • Optimization, assessment

and control training, physical fitness and performance in individual sports.

• Biomechanics applied to health, fitness and sports training.

• Training of physiological

adaptations and performance evaluation.

• Performance Analysis in Team Sports.

• Analysis of the game-play and the teaching-learning-assessment in team sports.

• Prescription of exercise programs.

• Physical activity and exercise, functional autonomy and quality of life for older adults,

special populations and disability.

• Learning and motor control.• Personal training.• Physical preparation.• Coordination and

management programs in clubs and sports performance centers.

CAREERS

COURSE STRUCTUREMODULE CREDITS

Module I :Research Methodology

Module II :Research and Computer Methods inStrength and Conditioning

Module III :Scientific Principles of Strengthand Conditioning

Module IV :Exercise Physiology

Module V :Biomechanics and Movement Analysis

Module VI :Program Design as related to Strengthand Conditioning

Module VII :Sports Nutrition

Module VIII :Strength Training and Conditioningin the Elderly

Module IX :Strength and Conditioning - Practicum

Module X :Master´s Thesis

1st QUARTER

2nd QUARTER

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In this module the contents included are: conditional evaluation of the elderly. Changes in the anatomy and physiology of the organs and systems during the aging process. Assessment of risk factors for coronary heart disease, other diseases and lifestyle. Psychological aspects of aging. Physical activity and its relationship to the diseases of aging. The gait biomechanics. New methods of science-based training. Considerations for designing programs to older groups.

STRENGTH TRAINING AND CONDITIONING IN THE ELDERLY

PrerequisitesCurrent CPR Certificate or First Aid Certificate.

DescriptionThis module builds upon, and consolidates skills and knowledge learnt in the virtual classroom environment. Students further their understanding of theoretical concepts of Strength and Conditioning by undertaking a 4 weeks onshore series of workshops and practical experience at the UCAM University, Jerónimos Campus and practices at corporations and organizations and institutions with agreements with UCAM for students of the Master. 6 ECTS credits (150 hours).

To obtain the Master Degree in High Performance Sport: Strength and Conditioning, all students must pass the Master’s Thesis (MT). This work should be aimed at the assessment of skills associated with the master and it will be publicly defended once the student has completed all the credits of the curriculum of the master except those of the work. The MT will consist on the planning, development and defense of the MT in the field of Strength and Conditioning. This MT will be original and unpublished and will address issues related to the practices carried out during the period of the Master Practicum. The MT content and size must be proportional to 12 ECTS (300 h) allocated to it and, therefore, the number of hours of student work to its completion shall comply with such claims.

PRACTICUM

MASTER´S THESIS

The UCAM University offers 2 pre-doctorate grants for the best 2 students of the master. These grants allow the students to carry out their PhD studies for 4 years (12,000 € gross per year) in the preferred research group.

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In this module the contents included are: the classification and function of essential nutrients in the exercise; essential elements of an athlete’s diet, ergogenic aids agents; specific supply in different sports: endurance, strength, team, combat; food in special situations.

SPORTS NUTRITION

As the worldwide authority on strength and conditioning, NSCA support and dissemi-nate research-based knowl-edge and its practical ap-plication to improve athletic performance and fitness.

HISTORYFounded in 1978, the NSCA has been serving its members by bridging the gap between science and application. Take an online tour of the NSCA’s legacy and learn about the as-sociation’s impact on strength and conditioning as both prac-tice and profession.

LEADERSHIPThe NSCA brings together a diverse group of professionals from the sport science, ath-letic, allied health, and fitness industries. Its initiatives are governed by a board of nine directors and managed by an executive director and staff to carry out business.

CREDENTIALSThe NSCA offers the CSPS, NSCA-CPT, and CSCS certifica-tions. The CSCS certification is a specialized program that identifies individuals who have demonstrated profi-ciency in the areas of strength and conditioning practices. Those certified individuals have a diverse academic and

professional background, including strength coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapists, personal trainers, physicians, chiropractors, re-searchers and educators. The NSCA-CPT certification was developed for personal train-ers who work with both active and sedentary clients in one-on-one situations in a variety of settings including schools, health and fitness clubs and clients’ homes.

WHY CHOOSE NSCA CREDENTIALS ?Today’s marketplace has be-come increasingly competitive, and employers are looking for the most qualified individuals. How can you prove your ex-traordinary level of education and expertise? Over time, the Certified Strength and Condi-tioning Specialist and the NSCA-Certied Personal Trainer creden-tials have gained a reputation among employers, professors and industry experts around the world as the most respected and preferred fitness-related credentials. Earning the CSCS or NSCA-CPT credential gives you the ability to open doors both professionally and financially.

By simply adding the CSCS or NSCA-CPT designation after your name, you acquire cred-ibility in the eyes of potential

employers. This fact is demon-strated by industry expert Juan Carlos Santana, MEd, CSCS,*D: “In these times of information and education, the NSCA Cer-tification’s credentials assure both — that is their real power. To be successful in the fitness industry, the CSCS and NSCA-CPT credentials should be the credentials of choice for every fitness professional.”

BENEFITSTo establish Credibility. The exams are considered by many to be the most difficult in the industry to pass, which is one of the main reasons that those who do pass them display their credentials with pride. The sophistication of the exam development process also contributes to the preferred status of the credentials. Over-seen by industry experts and psychometricians who special-ize in developing certification and licensure examinations, the CSCS and NSCA-CPT ex-ams are specically based on “real world” responsibilities of strength and condition-ing and personal training professionals.

The exam development and administration procedures are driven by the accredita-tion guidelines of the re-nowned National Commis-

sion for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), based in Washington, D.C. National accreditation from the NCCA is perhaps the most significant factor in the credibility of the credentials. While there are hundreds of fitness-related certifications in the marketplace today, the NSCA Certification is the only organization to have fitness-

related credentials that have been nationally accredited for more than 10 years.

The CSCS and NSCA-CPT cre-dentials are helping people to achieve their career goals in an endless variety of ways. For example: thousands of certi-fied athletic trainers, physical therapists and chiropractors

have earned the CSCS creden-tial to highlight an additional area of expertise, while the NSCA-CPT credential is valued and often required at health and fitness facilities and corpo-rate wellness centers through-out the country.

THE ERP GRADUATE STUDIES PROGRAMThis program recognizes colleges and universi-ties that offer at least a Master’s degree related to strength and conditioning and/or sport perfor-mance. There are two related levels of recogni-tion available – applied curriculum and research curriculum. Schools can apply for either level of recognition, or both.

SOME UNIVERSITIES WITH THIS RECOGNITION(http://www.nsca-lift.org/Programs/Education-Recognition-Program/)

• Appalachian State University• Armstrong Atlantic State University • Auburn University Montgomery• California State University, Fullerton • Edith Cowan University • Louisiana Tech University • Springeld College • Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi• The George Washington University• United States Sports Academy• Universidad Catolica San Antonio De Murcia (Catholic University of San Antonio)• University of Houston-Clear Lake • University of Louisville • University of Memphis • University of Miami (FL)• University of Salford

NATIONAL STRENGTH ANDCONDITIONING ASOCIATION (NSCA)

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For Information

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SG +65 9732 9232Campus de Los Jerónimos

Guadalupe 30107Murcia - España

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