Sports Physiology

Introduction

Sports Physiology Unit operation hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Located at the 2nd floor right side of Medical and Scientific Athletes Services Office. The Sport Physiology Unit is responsible for identifying, assess, evaluate the physical and physiological characteristics that contribute to performance in particular sports, and the most effective method of manipulating these characteristics to increase likelihood of success. The Sports Physiology unit measures the performance demands in different sports, and monitor training progress, to understand their physiological implications and to allow accurate assessment of the level of stress placed on athletes. This involves the measurement of a range of physiological parameters including cardiovascular, muscular and performance variables. The sports physiology unit works with coaches and other sports scientists in performance monitoring in both training and competition settings to provide a holistic approach to define performance needs and identify the implications of training interventions.

Mission

The Sports Physiology Unit is dedicated to deliver efficient services to the national athletes to
maximize athletic performance.
The unit is committed on a scientific approach to identify, select and develop sport talent
through nationwide promotion and education to its stakeholders.

Staff

a. Marie Roxanne R. Narciso, MSHMS Research Assistant/ Performance Manager
b. Maria Daniela P. Santos Sports Science Officer

Duties and Responsibilities

  • To perform physiological testing and evaluation for the national athletes
  • Identify the strength and weakness of each individual athlete
  • Physiological Testing Parameters:
  • Anthropometric measurements such as Height, Weight, Sitting height and Arm span;
  • Parameters of fitness components such as Muscular Strength, Flexibility, Muscular and Cardiovascular endurance, Body composition and
  • Sports-specific performance related skill tests such as Speed, Agility and Anaerobic Power.
  • The primary significance of the Physiological Testing Evaluation (PTE) is to obtain baseline data and monitor the present fitness and performance level of the athletes on a quarterly basis. ▪ Blood Lactate Testing
  • Breath by Breath Pulmonary gas exchange test
  • To conduct evaluation sessions to the National Athletes
  • To give further recommendations for training based on the test results
  • Athletes, coaches and trainers with regards to the importance of Physiological Testing in relation to their sport.
  • This session technically presents the scientific updates and evidences to provide appropriate recommendations for training based on the results of the test and to enable the coaches to evaluate the effectiveness of their coaching methods and/or training programs.
  • Provide feedback of the results that will motivate athletes to push or strive harder for improvements to take place on the next testing session
  • Monitor progress by repeating appropriate tests at regular intervals (tests conducted every 3 months to provide time for interventions to establish the effectiveness of the training program prescribed by the coach to the athlete)
  • Endow the coaches and athletes with better understanding of the demands of their sport and the attributes that are required to be successful.
  • To establish norms for physiological parameters of the athletes in various sports
  • To give impetus and opportunity for research in Sports Science
  • To provide scientific updates and evaluation procedures to athletes, coaches and trainers with regards to the importance of Physiological Testing
  •  To aid in the screening for potential athletes (Talent Identification)
  • To recommend further evaluation in the presence of incidental abnormal findings during testing
  •  Keep records of athletes/sport tested with confidentiality
  • Arrange testing and evaluation schedules of athletes per sport
  • In charge of the safe keeping of all testing equipment and paraphernalia’s of the Sports Physiology Unit
  • Perform other functions may be assigned by the Unit Head, Medical Director and Administrative Officer in charge.

Physiological Test

A fitness test, also referred to as fitness evaluation or fitness assessment, includes a series of measurements that help determine the health status and physical of an athlete.

I. Guidelines for Physiological Fitness Test & Evaluation of the National Athlete

As per order of the PSC Chairman, all athletes are required to undergo quarterly physiologic testing. In line with this, the Sports Physiology Unit (SPU) of the Medical and Scientific Athlete Services has set the following procedures and guidelines for testing.

a) Coaches or Team Captains of the sport should coordinate with the staff of Sports Physiology Unit regarding their preferred schedule of testing. The Sports Physiology Unit staffs conduct testing from Monday – Friday from 8am to 5pm.
b) Once a schedule has been finalized, all athletes and if possible, all coaches are expected to attend the testing as a team. The Sports Physiology Unit does not conduct individual testing for Team Sports Events.

  • It is required that the SPU be informed if the team cannot make it at least 24 hours before the agreed schedule.
  • In the event that the posted schedule of testing has been changed, the team is given only one opportunity to re-schedule for another test.
  • Athletes who missed the scheduled quarterly physiology test must wait and be present in the next quarterly testing schedule. In cases, of athletes who are leaving abroad for training, he/she must submit a notification from the NSA affairs or from the PSC Executive Director to be accommodated for testing.
  • Injured athletes who cannot participate in the scheduled physiology test must show a medical certificate from the Rehabilitation Unit and/or attending Medical & Scientific Athletes Services physician.

c) After the testing has been conducted, the SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY UNIT will inform and confirm the schedule of the evaluation session with the coaches. This is conducted to give the results of the test and recommendations for training and improvement. It is required that all members of the team including the coaches should be present during the session.

  • In the event that the team cannot attend the session, the SPU be informed at least 24 hours before the agreed schedule

II. Guidelines for Physiological Testing and Evaluation of the Junior National Athletes

a) Coaches or Team Captains of the sport should coordinate with the staff of SPU regarding their preferred schedule of testing. The SPU conducts testing from Monday – Friday from 8am to 5pm.
b) The National Sporting Association Affairs should make an official requesting letter for Physiologic Testing or lecture. Attached to the letter is the official line up of athletes to be tested
c) After creating an official letter, the NSA affairs should bring it to the RECORDS Office for bar code.
d) Once filed by the records Office, the request letter will be given back to the NSA concerned and relayed to the Administrative Manager of Sports Science Center.
e) Once allowed, Coaches or Team Captains of the sport could coordinate with the Sports Physiology unit staff regarding their preferred schedule of testing. The Sports Physiology unit conducts testing from Monday – Friday from 8am to 5pm.

  • It is required that the SPU be informed if the team cannot make it at least 24 hours before the agreed schedule. In the event that the posted schedule of testing has been changed, the team is given only one opportunity to re-schedule for another test.
  • Athletes who missed the scheduled quarterly physiological test must wait and be present in the next quarterly testing schedule. In cases, of athletes who are leaving abroad for training, he/she must submit a notification from the NSA affairs or from the PSC Executive Director to be accommodated for testing.
  • Injured athletes who cannot participate in the scheduled physiological fitness test must show a medical certificate from the PT Unit and/or attending SSC physician.

III. Specific Guidelines Before and After Testing

All athletes and coaches should follow the instructions prior to testing:

a) Instructions the day before the test:

  • No heavy training
  • No alcohol or caffeine intake or any substance known to enhance performance
  • Ensure at least 8 hours of sleep

b) Instructions on the day of the test

  • No training (to avoid fatigue and allow actual performance capacity during the test)
  • No heavy meal at least 2 hours prior to the test
  • No alcohol or caffeine intake or any substance known to enhance performance
  • Ensure proper sports specific athletic attire during the test (If possible, bring own sporting equipment like racquets, bikes, etc)
  • Bring towel and water

Since the physiologic testing with the Sports Physiology Unit is done quarterly, the physiologic testing results also serve as the Pre-Participation Physical Examination (PPPE) requirement.