28 September 2007

BASES position stand on genetic research and testing

Scientists Highlight Benefits Of Genetic Research In Sport, But Warn Of Ethical Concerns, UK@medical news today

Genetic research into athletic ability should be encouraged for its potential benefits in both sport and public health, a leading group of scientists meeting at the University of Bath said recently.

They highlight two dangers of genetic performance tests. Firstly, genetic performance tests might later be linked to disease. For example, a muscle growth gene may later be linked to cancer growth.

Secondly, genetic performance tests can be performed even before birth and this may lead to the selection of foetuses or to abortions based on athletic potential.

The report recommends that genetic testing should be used for anti-doping testing as long as the genetic samples are destroyed after testing.

Click here to read the executive summary or the whole position stand

technology development for coaches

Advanced Technologies Aim to Transform the Coaching of Top Athletes@EPSRC

The SESAME (Sensing for Sport and Managed Exercise) project is developing innovative video and body sensor technologies designed to aid the training of both novice and elite athletes. The aim is to combine these technologies into a unique, integrated computer system that substantially increases the quantity and variety of data available to coaches during training sessions.

The system will produce simultaneous shots from multiple video cameras located in different positions that can autonomously track a moving athlete and then transmit pictures to the coach for near-instant, slow motion replay.

In addition, the project is developing on-body sensors that will use small, low-power electronics which exploit recent advances in wireless communications to collect data about arm angle, knee lift, body lean etc.

The 4-year SESAME initiative is due to run until 2010 and received EPSRC funding of £2,910,272.

15 September 2007

Singapore Coaches Day

Singapore Sports Council celebrates first Coaches Day@CNA

As coaches are integral to the success of athletes, Singapore has decided to celebrate these individuals on the second Friday of every September.