SPS3105 Week 1 Cards

ECU SPS3105 - Strength & Conditioning Overview

Week 1 Introduction

  • Dr. Stuart Guppy, CSCS

  • Focus on creative thinking in strength and conditioning.


Lecture Objectives

  • Introduction to the Unit

    • Overview of strength and conditioning as a profession.

  • Role and Scope of Practice

    • Understanding responsibilities of a strength and conditioning professional.

  • Effective Warm-Up Construction

    • Techniques for designing warm-ups for resistance training.


Unit Objectives

  1. Program Design for Resistance Training

    • Learn principles underlying resistance training program design.

  2. Performance Assessment

    • Understand methods of performance evaluation in program design.

  3. Resistance Training Strategies

    • Gain knowledge on various resistance training approaches.

  4. Physiological Underpinnings

    • Study the physiological basis for resistance training techniques.


Teaching Staff

  • Dr. Stuart Guppy - Unit Coordinator/Lecturer

    • Office Hours: Tuesday/Friday 1300-1400 on Teams

  • Dr. Kristina Kendall - Tutor

  • Yoshi Nagatani - Tutor


Semester Schedule

  • Week 1 (24/2/25): Role of Strength and Conditioning Professional; Warm-Up

  • Week 2 (3/3/25): Physiological Adaptations to Resistance Exercise

  • Week 3 (10/3/25): Designing Effective Warm-Ups

  • Weeks 4-14: Various topics including periodisation, programming strategies, and practical assessments.

  • Key Due Dates:

    • Participation Quizzes and Mid-Semester Assessment Dates


Required Texts

  • Mandatory Readings:

    • Weekly book chapters and journal articles.

  • Suggested Texts:

    • "Advanced Strength and Conditioning: An Evidence-based Approach" (Second Edition)

    • "Strength and Conditioning for Sports Performance" (Second Edition)


Practical Assessment

  • Conducted Weeks 12-13 during lab time.

  • End of Semester Exam based on all course materials and assessments.


Unit Expectations

  1. Lab Attendance and Participation

  2. Online Participation Activities

  3. Punctuality and Completion of Work


Role of the Strength & Conditioning Professional

  • Involvement with athletic populations as guided by ASCA Scope of Practice.


Core Roles & Responsibilities

  • Program Design

    • Create and implement periodised athletic development programs.

  • Monitoring Progress

    • Assess athletes' physical condition for improvements.

  • Nutritional Guidance

    • Provide basic information on nutrition and supplementation.


Other Responsibilities

  • Facility management and maintenance.

  • Regular record-keeping and emergency response planning.


Scope of Practice

  • Cannot diagnose or treat injuries, prescribe medications, or provide specialized dietary advice as per ASCA guidelines.


Knowledge Requirements

Professional Knowledge

  • Understand scientific principles related to strength and conditioning.

    • Cited work: Stewart P, Comfort P, Turner A.

Interpersonal Knowledge

  • Ability to interact effectively with athletes and team members.

Intrapersonal Knowledge

  • Commitment to self-reflection and continuous practice review.


Accreditation

  • ASCA and UKSCA Memberships

    • Involves certifications and significant contributions in the field of strength and conditioning.

  • National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)

    • Requires at least an undergraduate degree for most accreditations.

  • Importance of Accreditation

    • Enhances employment opportunities, liability protection, networking, and continuing education.


Designing Effective Warm-Ups

What is a Warm-Up?

  • A structured activity to prepare mentally and physically for exercise.

  • Generally progresses from general movements to specific ones.

Benefits of Warm-Ups

  • Increased blood flow, oxygen delivery, mobility improvements, enhanced force production.

Issues with Traditional Warm-Up Structures

  • Effectiveness can depend on available equipment and may not support complete athletic development.


The RAMP Protocol for Warm-Ups

  1. Raise

    • Activities that elevate muscle temperature and focus on relevant movements.

  2. Activate and Mobilise

    • Focus on joints and improve fundamental movement patterns.

  3. Potentiate

    • Implement specific patterns that prepare for the main session.


Questions?

  • Contact during office hours on Teams or via email: s.guppy@ecu.edu.au