Main description:

Ergonomics in Sport and Physical Activity: Enhancing Performance and Improving Safety is the first text to provide an in-depth discussion of how the principles of ergonomics can be applied in the context of sport and other physical activities to reduce injury and improve performance. The textblends concepts from biomechanics, physiology, and psychology as it shows how ergonomics is applied to physical activity.

This comprehensive text outlines methods for assessing risk in and procedures for dealing with stress, eliminating hazards, and evaluating challenges posed in specific work or sport environments. It discusses issues such as the design of effective equipment, clothing, and playing surfaces; methods of assessing risk in situations; and staying within appropriate training levels to reduce fatigue and avoid overtraining. The text not only examines sport ergonomics but also discusses ergonomic considerations for physically active special populations.

Ergonomics in Sport and Physical Activity explains what ergonomics is, how ergonomists solve practical problems in the workplace, and how principles of ergonomics are applied in the context of sport and other physical activities when solving practical problems related to human characteristics and capabilities. The text shows readers how to improve performance, achieve optimal efficiency, enhance comfort, and reduce injuries by exploring topics such as these:

Essential concepts, terms, and principles of ergonomics and how these relate to physical activity Physical properties of the body and the factors limiting performance Interactions between the individual, the task, and the environment Injury risk factors in relation to body mechanics in various physical activities Injury prevention and individual protection in the review of sports equipment and sports environments Comfort, efficiency, safety, and details of systems criteria in equipment design. This research-based text uses numerous practical examples, figures, charts, and graphs to bring the material to life. In addition, descriptions of technological advances show where we have been and how technology has advanced the field. Through the book's discussion of the various stressors and adaptive mechanisms, readers will learn how to cope with various environmental conditions. They will also learn how various training modes can be used to alter sport-specific capabilities and enhance performance.

Presenting a wide range of approaches, theoretical models, and analytical techniques, Ergonomics in Sport and Physical Activity: Enhancing Performance and Improving Safety illustrates the potential for ergonomics to be extended across recreation, competitive sport, and physically active work environments. Bridging the gap between ergonomics and exercise science, this unique text will assist both health care and exercise professionals in developing an improved awareness of how human capabilities are best matched to physical activities.

Contents:

Preface

Introduction

Part I. Risk Factors

Chapter 1. Physical Properties of Human Structures

Monitoring Activity Demands

Assessing Individual Characteristics

Assessing Physiological Capabilities

Assessing Mental Load

Overview and Summary

Chapter 2. Health and Safety

Injuries

Predisposition to Injury

Overtraining and Overreaching

Immunosuppression

Risk Assessment

Risk Taking and Fun

Spectator Safety

Human Ethics and Risk

Overview and Summary

Chapter 3. Environmental Stress

Thermoregulation

Altitude

Air Quality

Noise

Overview and Summary

Chapter 4. Circadian Rhythms

Training and Time of Day

Sleep-Wake Cycle

Travel Fatigue and Jet Lag

Sleep Deprivation or Disruption

Nocturnal Shift Work

Overview and Summary

Part II. Sport Ergonomics

Chapter 5. Ergonomics Models and Training Modes in Sport and Leisure

Fitting the Task to the Person

Generic Models

The Training Component

Technological Training Aids

Overview and Summary

Chapter 6. Competitive and Training Stress in Sport

Physiological Loading

Spinal Loading

Physical Loading

Psychological Loading

Overview and Summary

Chapter 7. Sports Equipment and Playing Surfaces

Sports Implements

Sport Surfaces

Sports Clothing

Sport Shoes

Protective Functions of Sports Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment

Overview and Summary

Part III. Ergonomics in Physical Activities

Chapter 8. Fitness for Work

Military Personnel

Prison Officers

Police Officers

Firefighters

Bus Workers and Postal Workers

Drivers

Ambulance Workers

Forestry Workers

Beach Lifeguards

Professional Divers

Workplace Fitness Programs

Overview and Summary

Chapter 9. Special Populations

Young People

Women

Elderly People

Athletes With Disabilities

Match Officials

Overview and Summary

Chapter 10. Clinical Aspects

Predispositions to Injury

Musculoskeletal Loading

Overreaching

Warming Up and Cooling Down

Recovery Process

Prophylactic Measures

Supplements in Clinical Contexts

Artificial Neural Networks

Overview and Summary

Chapter 11. A Holistic and Nutritional Ergonomics Perspective

Participatory Ergonomics

Human Enhancement Technologies

Performance and Cognitive Enhancement

Historical Perspective on Drug Use

From Clinic to Gymnasium

Nutritional Supplements and Over-the-Counter Drugs

Global Ergonomics

Overview and Summary

Afterword

References

Index

About the Author