For appropriate athlete-specific training programmes to be established, the individual needs of the athlete need to be taken into consideration. Physiological responses and requirements may differ among athletes, such as the female athlete, the veteran or masters’ athlete and the child/adolescent athlete, and because athletes are challenged by their innate, physiological characteristics, both of which suggest that these athletes need to be considered further. Students will, therefore, explore and analyse the physiological issues relating to exercise and training among different sub-populations. An example of content would be: The female athlete; the veteran athlete; the child and adolescent athlete, genetics, chronobiology and immune function.

1. Practical- Students will have the opportunity to carry out testing with a group of specific athletes, as part of a physiological monitoring event. The event will require students to prepare appropriate tests to monitor, analyse and diagnose the athletes’ fitness and training status (LO1). Relevant action and recommendations to the athletes will be prescribed in an appropriate format (LO1).

2. Presentation - Students will then be required to communicate to the athletes how innate, physiological characteristics might affect their performance and how their performance can be enhanced in consideration of these characteristics (LO2).

The module incorporates a tutor-led lecture programme complemented by practical lab sessions. The lab sessions will be hands-on, where students will develop and improve their technical skills in carrying out physiological monitoring and on giving advice and recommendations on physiological outcomes. Activities will be fully supervised so that formative feedback can be given throughout. Students will be required¿to conduct¿tutor-directed independent¿study, as well as student-led enquiry and reading into research around¿the relevant topics covered in the module. Students¿are highly encouraged to gain technical, practical and interpersonal skills outside of timetabled lab sessions, such as working with athletes via Peak Condition.¿Specific formative assessment, reading and preparatory tasks will need to be completed prior to the summative assessment.

1. Monitor, critically analyse and prescribe recommendations to enhance the physiological performance of a specific group of athletes Learning, Enquiry, Communication, Application

2. Evaluate and provide solutions to research-relevant, innate physiological characteristics that affect the competitive performer. Knowledge and understanding, Analysis, Problem solving, Communication

Appropriately equipped laboratory
Appropriate technical support
Appropriately equipped lecture room

Eston, R., & Reilly, T. (Eds.) (2009). Kinanthropometry and exercise physiology laboratory manual: Tests, procedures and data. (3rd ed.) Volume 2: Physiology. E. & F.N. Spon.

McArdle, W. D. Katch, F. I., & Katch, V. L. (2015). Exercise physiology: Nutrition, energy, and human performance. (8th ed.). Williams and Wilkins.

Physiological monitoring and exercise prescription need to be specific to the individual athlete. Physiological responses and requirements may, for instance, differ for the female athlete, the veteran or masters' athlete and the child/adolescent athlete. Athletes are also challenged by their innate, physiological make-up. You will, therefore, explore and analyse the physiological limitations relating to exercise and training among different individuals. An example of content would be: The female athlete; the veteran athlete; the child/adolescent athlete, genetics, chronobiology and immune function.