Applied Practice

In the previous modules we discussed performance, physiology and testing in a broad manner, detailing the prerequisites to working with combat sport athletes. In this module, we will provide greater context outlining the thought process and methods applicable in specific scenarios. This text is designed to complement the video content which delivers real world case studies. We will begin by discussing from a philosophical stand point “What is the role of a sports scientist?”. We will then move onto 3 specific examples:

• Assessment and profiling of an MMA athlete (detailing the UFCPI’s approach to working with elite UFC fighters)
• Working with a group of combat sport athletes (looking at how one may work with an elite taekwondo team)
• Assessment and profiling of a grappling athlete (discussing how to design a testing battery and improve performance for a grappler)

Video: Module 4 Introduction (1 min)

The Role of a Sports Scientist

The term sport or performance scientist is used quite broadly across high performance sport landscape. With the sport scientist often asked to complete peripheral tasks that seemingly wouldn’t fall under the umbrella of traditional sports science. However, what is crucial to understand is that the role of a sports scientist is to positively influence performance decision making. Here we will delve into key components of sport science and highlight some common areas where the sports scientist can have a positive impact on the overall direction of the program they are contributing to and ultimately endeavor to have a positive impact on performance. We will discuss three different key factors:

• Systematic Approach to Programming and the UFC IPOS approach.
• Critical Thinking: The role of a sports scientist, to ask and answer the right questions that are key to success.
• Support: Program detail and structure, as well as practical examples of tools sports scientist use to support coach programming, program formulation.

IPOS (increasing the probability of success)

This is the UFC systematic approach to athlete development and program design. That is, all sports are chaotic but none more so than combat sports. With such high degrees of freedom and so many avenues for success or failure. How then can we as practitioners help athletes and coaches to best improve the probability of a positive outcome within this chaos.

“If You’re not assessing you're guessing”

We must be informed to be able to inform, so therefore, if we are not assessing we are guessing. A systematic approach to testing and re-resting to ensure the programs we are a part of are achieving the adaptations we set out to achieve and delivering best practice. As scientists and practitioners our rationale must be grounded in science. Therefore, we must be evaluating and quantifying our interventions to ensure we are delivering best practice and indeed the program is achieving the key outcomes we set out to achieve. 

Athlete Centered Approach

Our role as sports scientists is to aid in the performance of the athlete or group we are servicing. To achieve this, we must always keep the athlete at the center and forefront of all decisions made. This is a key component of the IPOS model.

Evidence Based Approach

As mentioned previously, as scientists we must be grounded in robust underpinning scientific principles. To do so, we can draw on the existing available literature and internal research programs to guide our knowledge and define best practice. Further, we also have the expert knowledge of both coaches and athletes to ensure a pragmatic lens can be applied to a sound evidence-based, best practice approach.

Sport science is the application of scientific theory to sport, or the study of sport using scientific methods of inquiry in the fields of human performance, athletic endeavor, and sporting competition. The role of a sports scientist is to think critically about the performance task at hand, ask, answer and review pertinent questions, with the goal to formulate newfound knowledge that will contribute to an improvement in performance. Taking a concept from an initial question to knowledge dissemination, that will hopefully aid in the optimization of performance.

Figure 4.1 The process of transforming and initial question to knowledge and dissemination

Sport scientists work by converting data into valuable information that can then be used to support decision making and influence performance outcomes towards best practice. Practically, this means our role is to understand the underpinning physiology and biomechanics of a given sport and assist coaches to design, structure and review their programming with the aim of optimizing sport performance.

The Data-Information-Knowledge-Wisdom (DIKW) Pyramid

The Data Information Knowledge Wisdom pyramid illustrates the progression of raw data to valuable insights. Each level of the pyramid builds on lower levels, and to effectively make data-driven decisions, we utilize all four levels.

Figure 4.2 The Data Information Knowledge Wisdom Pyramid

• Data refers to raw, unprocessed facts and figures without context. It is the foundation for all subsequent layers but holds limited value in isolation.
• Information is organized, structured, and contextualized data. Information is useful for answering basic questions like "who," "what," "where," and "when."
• Knowledge is the result of analyzing and interpreting information to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships. It provides an understanding of "how" and "why" certain phenomena and our results have occurred.
• Wisdom is the ability to make well-informed decisions and take effective action based on the understanding of the underlying knowledge that we have created.

Then how we effectively communicate this newfound knowledge and wisdom is key. In figure 4.2, the quadrant model in the upper right hand of the image reflects the 4 key components of communication.

• Application: A key component of ensuring our newfound knowledge is translated into real-world actionable insights. How to apply what we found to OUR environment.
• Understand: To have foundational knowledge of the question is key as it enables us to analyze, evaluate arguments, and draw inferences from our existing knowledge. This clarity of thought is an integral element of critical thinking and effective communication. Being able to articulate ideas clearly and concisely is crucial for efficient communication
• Problem solving: Decision-making and problem-solving are crucial aspects in sport science communication. This enables individuals to analyze situations, identify possible options, and weigh the pros and cons of each choice. breaking down complex problems or arguments into manageable parts to understand their underlying structure.
• Critical Thinking: An essential cognitive skill that individuals should cultivate in order to master effective communication. It is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understand the logical connections between ideas, identify and construct arguments, and evaluate information to make better decisions.

These 4 factors all contribute to the ability to be able to effectively communicate as a sports scientist.

Assess, Inform and Provide Context

The role of a sports scientist in more practical terms is to assess, inform, and provide context. We need to ensure we are collecting robust data (valid, reliable, and in a way where we can understand the signal from noise). We aiming to quantify the demands of training and competition in order to guide efficient and effective programming.

• Reliability: refers to how repeatable the score or observations are. If we repeat our measure under very similar conditions, we should get a similar result if our data are reliable. Reliability may be referred to as consistency or stability in some circumstances.
• Validity: refers to how truthful a score or measure is. Is the test measuring what it is supposed to measure. 
• Signal vs noise: this is how we assess a meaningful change in performance. Due to this variation, simply identifying that an athlete performed better in a fitness test over a period of time does not provide sufficient evidence that this change is actually meaningful. When assessing an individual’s measured performance change, the observed change in performance (signal) needs to be higher than the random variation (noise) associated with the test to know we are seeing a true performance increase.

For example, the SWC (smallest worthwhile change) for elite athletes can be calculated as 0.2 multiplied by the between-subject standard deviation of the particular test and can be used to assess whether the change in testing outcome is indeed real.

Summary

The role of a sports scientist in high-performance sports is multifaceted, focusing on enhancing performance through systematic programming, critical thinking, and support for coaching. The UFCPI's IPOS approach, seeks to increase an athlete's probability of success amidst the chaos of combat sports, and a strong emphasis on assessment to inform decisions. Our aim is to maintain an athlete-centered and evidence-based approach, utilizing reliable and valid methods to evaluate performance adaptations, convert data into actionable insights and support effective coaching strategies for improved outcomes.