Chapter 1

Introduction to

Sports Physiology

for Coaches

Definitions

• Anatomy– The study of the shape and structure of the body and

all of its parts as well as their relationships to each other.

• Physiology– The study of the body and how it works

• Sports Physiology– The study of how the body deals with the effects of

exercise

– Immediate – Heart Rate, respiration etc.

– Long term – Adaptations in structure and function

Training

• Stimulus

– Activity that brings about specific training effects

• Effects

– Physiological changes brought on by training

• Program

– A plan devised to achieve specific training effects

• Annual program

– A program that guides a year of training

Why is this Important for Coaches?

• Foundation for athlete development

• Create training programs the elicit results

• Athletes trust a knowledgeable coach

• Prepared to answer athlete questions

• Satisfying for a coach to see success.

Sources of Information

• Books

• Magazines

• Clinics

• Web

• Other coaches

• Research

* Be careful of products or programs that offer easy solutions and quick fixes.

Choose Wisely

• Take your information from a reliable source. – Remember some of the muscle / fitness

magazines that you can purchase at the grocery store might not always be a good source of information.

• Avoid sources that are trying to sell you something. Everyone wants your money.

• Choose good sources.

Research

• Status

– A comparison study

• Correlation

– A study that determines relationships

• Experimental

– A study where a variable is randomly assigned and tested for its effectiveness.

Research

Research How’s done? Proof of cause and effect

Status Compares groups No

Correlation Determines relationships No

Experimental Manipulates variables Yes