Disciplines of Sports Sciences
The field is defined as ” a combination of well-established disciplines and one or more professions that deliver a social service”.Contemporary physical education, exercise science, and sport has evolved from a common heritage—the traditional program of physical education designed to prepare teachers to serve children and youth in the school setting. Since the 1960s, the foundation, scope, and focus of sport science programs have grown and changed tremendously, led to the development of various disciplines of sports sciences. The application of social sciences in sports is evident, what is new to note is the integration of hard science disciplines like physiology, anatomy, chemistry, and physics with sports to accomplish a shared goal of improving sports performance. The disciplines of sports science are described below:
Exercise Physiology– The study of effects of exercise on the body structure ( muscle, bones, nerves) and body systems ( Muscular system, skeletal system, etc.). Exercise physiologists work as cardiac and rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, and fitness instructors to name a few.
Sports Medicine/Athletic Training– It is concerned with the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries.
Sports Biomechanics– Sports biomechanists study the effect of various forces and laws ( eg- Newton’s laws of motion) on body and sports objects ( eg- Javelin, balls, etc.)
Sports Psychology– Sports psychologists use principles from psychology to study human behaviour in sport. In broad terms, sports psychology studies the effect of exercise on the mind and the effect of emotions and mind on sports performance.
In conclusion to the above, with knowledge of hard sciences being combined with sports, sports sciences have more disciplines to offer to study than just physical education.