2010-11 - Tasmanian Institute of Sport

Research
The SPU has long been interested in improving performance through research and projects, with the past year no
exception. For example, one such project is examining the effect of warm up duration in heat with cycling. Sports
Performance Officer Ben Scarlett lead the SPU team through an extensive testing program at the University of Tasmania
heat chamber. Athletes underwent pre-cooling, which saw them sit in an ice bath for 10 minutes at 10ºc and wrap
iced towels for five minutes, then undertake either a 15 or 30 minute warm up. After the warm up athletes performed a
20 minute all-out effort on the watt bike ergometer. The results showed the 15 minute warm up was as effective as the
30 minute one and perception of effort was less in the shorter warm up duration. Athletes used the findings from this
project at track and road nationals to good effect.
Other projects have included:
• Force and angle testing of canoe athletes.
• Biomechanics testing of rowers.
• Video clip hosting on external websites.
• Video integration with hammer throwing.
• Heart rate monitoring in football and basketball.
• Use of slow motion camera in video feedback.
• Strategies to enhance recovery.
• Attendance and presentation of research at conferences.
The SPU has continued to undertake testing at the Aurora Netball Stadium in Hobart and we have used facilities at the
University of Tasmania, Launceston. We thank centre coordinator Phillip Stoneman and Dr James Fell respectively for
their assistance during the year.
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