Science and Technology Courses, as applied to Sport

Science and Technology in Sport

Technological innovations and advances are a constant in today’s society. A digital transformation has also revolutionised the sports industry. Science and technology have become an inseparable combination today but in the physical activity and sport sector they remain merely latent.

Research and case studies have shown how scientific knowledge can improve performance in sports disciplines. It is a fact that the role of science is becoming increasingly relevant in the development of new technologies and innovations.

This physical/sporting activity has been incorporated into our lives as a practice for life. Science has made it possible to improve the performance of athletes, both amateur and professional, in a safe and controlled way. In addition, the conjunction of science and technology has made it possible to magnify the physical potential by maximising the basic physical capacities: strength, flexibility and resistance. Technical upgrading and technological innovations have made it possible to improve support and precision tools. Applying new training methods and improving sports exercise techniques have also helped improve sports performance.

 

What is science and technology, as applied to sport?

Science and technology are both very present in our lives. Sport, as a social activity, is also affected by these criteria. To talk about science and technology applied to sport is to refer to the technical and technological developments obtained by applying scientific knowledge to sports.

For many people, physical and sporting activity means a recreational pursuit with which they can improve their quality of life. For others, it’s much more - it’s their profession.

In order to understand the role of science in sport it is important to be aware that the human being is in constant need of improvement. Aided by science, the technique and functioning of the human body have been improved over time, in addition to the creation of technological innovations that have contributed to an exponential development in sporting potential.

The discovery of new training methods and improvements in the education of sports techniques has been one of the factors that has led to this improvement in performance.

Medicine has also played an important role thanks to physiological knowledge about the bodies of athletes. One of the most relevant scientific disciplines today is computer science/technology. With the emergence of increasingly precise apparatus, it is possible to analyse the movements of athletes and even predict and control the results of sports training.

 

 

Why study sports sciences and technologies?

Choosing a course which combines sport, science and technology means opting for innovation and challenge.

The current requirements of the sports industry have changed. Big clubs, professional athletes and sports equipment brands are now more orientated towards technological innovations and the improvement of sports performance, both professional and amateur.

This new environment, in that it affects the sports and fitness sector, is causing the emergence of new professional profiles and positions. Now, it is no longer enough to know about sport and its benefits. Specialised profiles are more in demand and experts who understand the role of technology, as applied to sport, and who are able to create new roles for innovative applications, are required.

Studying sports sciences and technologies will allow students to increase their career opportunities with a more innovative and challenging approach.

 

Technological advances in sports and new professions

Technological advances have increased exponentially in recent years. Especially in the sports sector, an industry which has seen the proliferation of new sports gadgets and wearables which are improving the practice of sport.

One of the most challenging advances has been the application of thermography as a technological tool to prevent injuries, improve sports performance and support sports management.

Another, relevant and very important innovation has been the technological manipulation of textiles to which nanotechnology has been applied through the Dry-Fit and Play-Dry systems.

In addition, global and local positioning systems (GPS), artificial vision systems and other AI (Artificial Intelligence) technologies are contributing to our behaviour, as they are based on the analysis of numerous metrics which obtain information about sports activity.

Given these new environments, the need arises for specialised profiles in data analysis, as well as for experts capable of innovating and transforming the sports industry: expert analysts in improving sports performance, responsible for design, development and marketing of sports services - the sports technology consultants...