Training and Performance
Sports and Performance Vision: An Optometrists Role in Enhancement of Athletic Performance
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Amar Sayani, Jasleen Jhajj
Vision is integral to an athlete's success. Performance metrics such as batting average, fielding percentage, save/shot ratio, pass completion percentage, free throw percentage, field goal percentage, and others are improved by enhancing visual functioning. Optometric sports vision optimizes vision as it relates to athletic performance. This is achieved through vision training, and the application of spectacles or goggles, tints, contact lenses and/or refractive surgery. Management and prevention of sports related ocular injuries are also covered. Vision is commonly defined as the smallest line read on an acuity chart (visual acuity). In reality, visual acuity is one of many skills that determine the efficiency of the visual system. For example, dynamic visual acuity is the ability to resolve and discriminate objects in motion (e.g. a ball). Other visual skills impacting athletic ability include contrast sensitivity, depth perception at distance, peripheral awareness, ability to fixate and track moving objects, eye-hand coordination, reaction time, near-far quickness, dominance (eye, hand and foot), and higher order visual processing. Great binocular vision is necessary to make accurate spatial judgements. Visual sequela are a leading area of impairment in sports related concussions. Optometric vision training/rehabilitation normalizes and enhances visual skills leading to improved visual performance.
Dance and Sport: Fundamental Movement Skills
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Margo Apostolos
Dance provides a cross training activity for athletes in both team and individual sports to include the environments of land, air, and water. The dance experience presents a training method of both fun and fitness. This paper reveals specific examples, sport by sport, and discusses the benefits for athletes. A key point is a focus on injury prevention and pre-habilitation through an individualized approach to movement.
Work-based Learning in Sport Education: A Case Study from Scottish Higher Education
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Laura Graham
The inclusion of work-based learning in programmes of Higher Education plays a crucial role in preparing students for employment and in contextualising knowledge and understanding. This is particularly relevant in sport professions, where the tendency is still for practitioners to rely on experience as a source of learning rather than formal, structured opportunities. The BSc Sport Coaching and BSc Sport Development programmes at The University of the West of Scotland have long promoted work placements as an integral part of student development. For the past three years however, a formal service level agreement with the local leisure trust has facilitated the incorporation of workplace training courses into placement modules, structured and progressive placement opportunities from first to third year, and an integrated approach to monitoring student development in the workplace. Influenced by the lead author's doctoral research on the development of coaching philosophies, the academic delivery of these modules has been adapted to involve: structured, vertical integration between year groups to encourage the development of communities of practice; engagement with Career Services including completion of and reflection upon online video interview simulators; and a strong focus on preparing students for employment with applied, reflexive, professional skills and attributes. The proposed presentation details the journey towards the development of these modules including the main challenges and triumphs, student perceptions of the concepts, and future developments. It is hoped that this information will be valuable for colleagues engaged in the push towards embedding work-based learning across the H.E. sector.
