Research Projects
Research Projects
The Following Research Projects have all been submitted but Level 3
Coaching Candidates as part of their assessment process to complete
their Level 3 ASCA Coach Accreditation. Research Projects are selected
in order to ensure that practioneers in the field can clearly
understand the scientific and practical implications of the specific
topic. The following Projects have all been approved for publication.
Research Project by Craig Abbott
This research project has been undertaken by Craig Abbott as part of his final assessment for the Level 3 Coach Accreditation
Topic - Periodisation ModelsCraig is the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the VFL Box Hill Hawks and has 6 years experience as a Strength and Conditioning Coach.
AbstractThe most highly regarded sports scientists claim that programming is not an exact science and therefore there is no absolute right answer in determining the best approach to planning and organsiation. However, using the underpinning principles behind periodisation, any coach should be able to adapt the experts models to the specific needs of their athletes. The aim of this paper is to provide an insight into the successful application of periodisation models for athletes of different qualifications. Coaches will find that the classical model of periodisation will not suit athletes who have surpassed the novice stage and need a higher level of programming to elicit ongoing positive results.
Download full article
here
Research Project by Glenn Corcoran
This research project was undertaken by Glenn Corcoran as part of his final assessment for the Level 3 Coach Accreditation.
Topic - Strength Training for Rugby Union: The General Preparation Phase
Glenn has been a Level 2 Strength and Conditioning Coach for 11 years and has worked with a wide range of sports at the elite level including Rugby Union, Rugby League, Hockey, Cycling, Swimming, Athletics and Boxing.
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to address pre-season training in rugby union, with the focus on weight training in the general preparation phase. The issues addressed include the manipulation of several key variables including frequency, intensity, volume and periodisation in relation to the effectiveness of achieving specific training outcomes in the strength program. The goal is to optimise athlete performance while reducing risk of injury.
The article addresses the conventional approach to periodisation to solve program goals sequentially, encompassing 3 mesocycles including hypertrophy, strength and power. The periodised plan is the most effective way to vary training stimulas and is an essential component of our training plan. Effective strength programs not only achieve physical performance benefits, but also contribute to reducing the risk of injury.
The strength and conditioning coach needs to be aware of time constraints on their athletes and aim to ensure our programs are time efficient and practical whilst still achieving our program objectives.
Download full article
here
Research Project by Warren Frost
This Research Project has been undertaken by Warren Frost as part of his final assessment for the Level 3 Coach Accreditation
Topic - Eccentric Training
Warren Frost is the Sport Scientist/Medical Coordinator for the New Zealand Cricket Team and holds a Bachelor of Physical Education Degree
Abstract
Muscle acts in one of three ways: overcoming an imposed load (concentric), yielding to a load (eccentric) or holding a load (isometric). Conditioning coaches and athletes are familiar with overcoming or holding loads, but are less familiar with yielding eccentric muscle actions. The relationship between force and velocity in eccentric actions is such that as the velocity of eccentric actions increase so too does the maximal force production, this is in stark contrast to concentric actions where force production is inversely related to velocity i.e. heavy loads are moved slowly. In addition, eccentric muscle actions are different to concentric or isometric actions in that they rely on sensory feedback to achieve a desired trajectory utilising alternative processes both neural and mechanical.
Research Project by Dan Baker
This Research Project has been undertaken by Dan Baker as part of his final assessment for the Level 3 Coach Accreditation
Topic - Combining Scientific Into Practrical Methods to Increase the Effectiveness of Maximal Power Training
Dan Baker is the President
of the ASCA and has been the Brisbane Broncos Strength and Conditioning Coach for 8 years.
Abstract
Power is the most desired physical
quality for a number of sports because it entails both force (strength) and
velocity (speed) aspects. Power is
typically defined as the rate at which work is performed (Mass x Distance /
Time). For coaches and sports people it
is more often described as strength x speed.
Because both strength and speed can be improved by many different
training variable manipulations, training to improve power output has been
described as requiring a multi-faceted approach (Newton and Kraemer, 1994).
Download full article here
Research Project by Hayden Masters
This research project has been undertaken by Haydn Masters as part of his final assessment for the Level 3 Coach Accreditation.
Abstract
Topic - Optimal Power Production
For decades athletes have been improving their sports
performance through strength training of many varieties. It can be argued that
success in most sports depends upon attainment of some threshold level for
maximum strength, power and speed (Newton & Kraemer, 1994). It is the
ability to express explosive strength in the field of play is one of the
essential elements of elite athletic performers. Therefore, the design of
resistance training programs that can result in beneficial adaptation across a
variety of performance skills is a challenging undertaking, especially when
dealing with well-trained athletes. In order for resistance training to enhance
performance, the isometric and dynamic force related characteristics and the
power developed must transfer to these skills (Harris et al., 2000).
Research Project can be downloaded from
here
Figure 1 can be downloaded from
here Figure 2 can be downloaded from
here Table 1 can be downloaded from
here Table 2 can be downloaded from
here