Welcome to the Exercise Science @ UCNISS site.

Here we hope to provide Exercise Science related information relating to our study programs and research as well as provide information on career options and resources.

Courses include:

• Bachelor of Sport, Coaching and Exercise Science (coursework)
• Bachelor of Sport Studies (Honours research)
• Master of Exercise Science (coursework)
• Master of Sport Science (research)
• Doctor of Philosophy (research)

If you want to know more about UCNISS, including events, the online journal, staff and the Sport Management and Sport Media programs, check out ucniss.net

Applied Physiology in Rugby Union: Match Analysis and Training Load Management

Research Spotlight - in progress

Dean Higham
PhD candidate

Supervisors: Judith Anson, David Pyne1 and Anthony Eddy2
1. The Australian Institute of Sport, 2. Australian Rugby Union

Abstract: The research program, incorporating a series of progressive research studies, will address the physical preparation and training load management of rugby union players competing at the highest level of domestic and international competition. The research aims to validate novel methods of analysis of rugby union match and training performance and to identify strategies to optimise training efficiency and effectiveness in producing favourable performance outcomes. Initial investigations will characterise rugby sevens match demands of domestic and international tournaments. Observational and controlled experimental research studies of rugby training will quantify the physical and physiological demands of common training drills and identify strategies designed to direct the specificity of players’ responses to training. By distinguishing training drills related to particular aspects of physiological and tactical competition demands, coaches may more appropriately prescribe training programs that maximise performance outcomes. The outcomes of the research plan will provide the basis for ongoing athlete monitoring within Australian Institute of Sport and Australian Rugby Union sport programs.

Image is London Sevens winning photo by IRB/Martin Seras Lima.

Cryotherapy use on recovery from, and adaptation to, muscle damage - a repeat bout modulator

Research Spotlight - in progress

Ben Rattray, Kate Pumpa and Nick Ball
Staff

Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of ice therapy on recovery from muscle damage and subsequent adaptation to a second bout of exercise. Athletic training and exercise health interventions aim to generate changes that improve performance or health outcomes. Training aims to optimise adaptation and a balance between training stimulus and recovery must be met. Local cold pack application can decrease inflammation, aiding recovery, but its use long-term may interfere in the positive adaptations from training. This study will investigate the effects of a series of local cold pack applications (cryotherapy) on muscle performance before and after eccentric exercise.

Plain English: It is unclear if the act of putting ice on a muscle after exercise improves or obstructs adaptations to exercise. This study will measure muscle performance before and after training with and without regular ice treatment. The training used in the study will be exercise that the participants are unaccustomed to, creating some muscle soreness. The outcomes of the study are likely to influence recommendations for exercise recovery.

Image is ice bath by g. rox