13 April 2007

'Quiet Eye' helps elite athletes

'Quiet Eye' helps elite athletes@CNN

The technique is a measure of visual focus, recorded with a variety of technologies, which, according to Vickers, gives an athlete insight into their actions.

The "Quiet Eye" is based on key elements of data:
1. the optimal location of the eyes' focus in space

2. when the eyes begin to focus

3. when the players' gaze leaves the "optimal location"

4. the duration of the quiet eye's period

09 April 2007

new AIS hub

Fact sheet: new AIS services hub for sports science and medicine@ASC

• The $17 million Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Hub is a major part of the Australian Government’s commitment to the AIS redevelopment project (announced in the May Federal Budget of 2002) to ensure the future success of Australian sport.

• The AIS Hub provides new improved facilities for the testing and development of Australia’s elite athletes.

• It is designed to integrate a range of sports science and sports medicine specialists and coach and athlete services under one roof. Staff will be located in a three-storey extension to the existing Sports Science and Sports Medicine (SSSM) building.

• This includes physiology, performance psychology, skills acquisition, biomechanics and performance analysis. There is also provision for national coach and athlete career and education services. Sports medicine, physical therapies and nutrition will remain located in the current SSSM building.

• Improvements in this facility include new physiology laboratories, an enhanced strength and conditioning gymnasium and an indoor 110-metre running track (with jumping pit) and new altitude house complex.

• The AIS is a world leader in key areas of Sports Science and Sports Medicine. The AIS is renowned for conducting innovative and cutting-edge sports science and medicine, research and technology development. This includes conducting groundbreaking research and innovation in micro-technology applications for athlete monitoring and performance.

• Coaches and sports scientists will be equipped with powerful tools to observe, analyse, fine tune and perfect the technique, actions and performance of Australian athletes and teams.

• Over 26 years, the AIS has evolved into the nation’s premier sports training institution, making a major contribution to Australia’s sporting success by identifying, developing and producing champions.

• AIS staff expertise contributes to the success of Australian athletes and teams at the Olympics Games in roles as scientists, doctors, nutritionists, physiotherapists, massage therapists and a range of other important support services.

• The new facility will play an integral part in preparing Australian athletes and teams for competition in the lead-up to World Championships and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

• Other key improvements include the AIS Recovery and Swimming Centre (which boasts a new high-tech 10-lane, 50-metre pool) and new athlete residences which will boost the capacity of the Institute to service and support the training needs of Australian athletes and teams.

• New athlete residences will accommodate up to 144 AIS scholarship holders and support staff which includes a new improved dining room and study hall expected to be completed later this year.