SHL6422 - Elite Physiology/Sports Nutrition

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:

(1) demonstrate an understanding of the immunomodulatory effects of severe exercise stress.
(2) design an appropriate test procedure for a given athlete in both a laboratory and a field situation.
(3) utilise and apply previously acquired physiological and biochemical knowledge to aid the understanding of the effects of severe heat stress on the elite performer.
(4) demonstrate an understanding of the effects of high volume training on the hypothalamic - pituitary axis in female athletes.
(5) demonstrate an understanding of the digestion, absorption and fate of nutrients in the human body;
(6) analyse the role of macro and micro nutrients in optimising health and physical performance;
(7) evaluate the role of a range of ergogenic aids and dietary supplements designed for the sports market;
(8) demonstrate an understanding of the principles of dietary planning and guidance for participants in physical activity in a specified setting;

Content:

Physiological adaptations to training, overtraining, muscle damage, staleness, recovery, infections of the respiratory tract, immune function, immunosuppression, neutrophil function, phagocytosis, role of glutamine. Physiological, biochemical and metabolic changes associated with brief high intensity exercise, recovery, role of glycogen and phosphocreatine. Menstrual status, amenorrhea, osteoporosis, hypothalamic-pituitary axis and menstrual disruption.

Digestion, absorption and fate of nutrients in the human body. The nature of body composition and the principles of energy balance. Dietary reference values and nutrient requirements of different sectors of the population, including sportsmen and women. The role of macronutrients and micronutrients in optimising health and physical performance. Ergogenic aids and dietary supplements designed for the sports market. Introduction to dietary counselling. Planning diet regimens for individuals and groups of active sport men and women.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Lectures
Contact Hours 48
Number of Groups1

Workshop
Contact Hours 6
Number of Groups 2

Assessment: