The basic principles of elite performance development are based on a fundamental training model composed of distinct cyclical components:
The training 'stress' i.e. the load on the body, the training paradigms;
The overload phase i.e. the decrement in performance due to training stress;
The recovery, i.e. the repair of the body from the training stress;
The compensation, i.e. the performance improvement above the original level before the training stress was applied.
It is these fundamentals which underpin the development of elite human physical and technical performance. We are continually investigating new paradigms and methods to 'stress' the human body in the elite athlete to maximise gain from the limited training time available. Knowledge is continually evolving in this area and is only limited by our imagination.
The next significant breakthrough is likely to come through improved understanding and interventions which can accelerate the recovery, adaptation and compensation processes. By furthering our knowledge and manipulation of this phase of the training process, we can apply new 'stressors' in a shorter time and therefore accelerate the performance growth in human performance.
This challenge is centred around furthering our core understanding of this process and developing interventions through application of physiological, mechanical and manufacturing methods to develop more rapid recovery technologies based on sound knowledge, which have practical application.
The growth and interest in Paralympic sport has been significant in the past 20 years. What was previously an ad hoc multi-disability committee organising Britain's participation in the 1988 Games has grown to be one of the worlds leading Paralympic organisations with significant success at the major Games. The growth in this development has not been matched by the knowledge, understanding and application of science, medicine and engineering for our best athletes.
The need for customised performance technologies to support the training and competition is not met by any commercial market due to the need for individualisation and application in this community.
The increased public profile through such examples as the Blade Runner, illustrate the potential that exists in this field.
This challenge is centred around the integration of many aspects of performance science, medicine and engineering to provide elite GB athletes with a unique, custom process to evolve and develop elite knowledge which can impact on Paralympic sporting performance.
The application of human physiology, design, electronics, manufacturing, material science, and biomechanics can all provide bespoke insights to supporting the best prepared Paralympic team ever.
To develop innovative performance support technologies for elite GB Paralympic athletes.
