Science has had a major impact on the world of sports. In fact, science has reformatted the way in which games are trained for, the way that they are played and the way that they are viewed. Sports have become so dependent on science that sports have become its own science specialty.
Equipment Design
Science is always looking for ways to improve upon sports equipment. These improvements are made by utilizing theories of physics and chemistry. Physics concepts are used to determine better shapes and designs for sporting goods. The new shapes are designed to make the equipment more aerodynamic, lighter weight, stronger and in some cases to absorb shock.
Chemistry concepts, on the other hand, are used to enhance the design of sporting goods and equipment. For example, chemistry can be used to design a resin that is light weight and durable to use in rackets and other types of bats. Chemistry can also be used to improve the protective quality of helmets and padding, without adding weight or extra bulk to the safety equipment.
Sports Training
Sports training has also been impacted by science. Today sports medicine is a booming industry. This field of medicine examines the impact that sports have on the body and what a person needs to do to counter these impacts. Science can also be used to develop training programs that will enhance the performance of an athlete. Finally, science has led to the development of sports technology that enables machines to test the fitness levels of athletes and to even stimulate muscles electronically to aid in the rehabilitation of damaged muscles.
Sports Nutrition
Sports nutrition is a multi million dollar industry that has worldwide appeal. The science of nutrition and biology have both led to the development of new supplement and food products that enhance an athletes performance and recovery. This is accomplished by delivering a specific ratio of carbohydrates, electrolytes and proteins in the sports nutrition product.
Sports Psychology
One of the emerging fields in sports science is sports psychology. This field of science is all about developing thought processes and behaviors that will enhance sports performance. Sports psychologists work with athletes to help them overcome fears, to help them focus and to set and meet goals.
Athletic Shoes
One of the biggest changes that has been generated by advancements in science is the assortment of athletic shoes that are now available. There are dozens of athletic shoes designs that you can choose between. There are shoes that have been designed to meet the needs of each sport. Some sports, like running and basketball, have entire lines of shoes. These lines have designs that are based on the ergonomics of various types of human foot pronations. Shoe designs have also been influenced by the development of new synthetic materials that absorb shock or that stabilize a foot.
Media and Sports
While all of the above changes in sports are significant and important to how we participate in sports, advancements in communication technology has had the most profound impact on how we watch sports. Media technology has now made it possible to watch in real time sporting events that are taking place around the globe. It also enables us to watch sporting events online, on mobile devices and on television.
Author Resource:
I am an educational specialist. Over the last several decades I have worked to get kids excited about science and about the exploration and innovation of science concepts and solutions. http://www.super-science-fair-projects.com