USW researchers helping athletes prepare for Commonwealth Games

Researchers in performance science from the University of South Wales (USW) have been helping athletes prepare for next month’s Commonwealth Games.

The Welsh Institute of Performance Science (WIPS), which was set up three years ago, gives Welsh athletes, coaches and practitioners access to the latest research in the field of sporting performance. Its researchers - based in universities, including USW, across Wales - work with elite athletes in different disciplines: from athletics to cycling and swimming.

Research projects include technique optimization for swimmers, tapering for competition, warm bath study for heat acclimation, breathe to win, and optimising athletic development.

As well as academic expertise, WIPS also involves businesses in the sector, and Sport Wales, which is responsible for developing and promoting sport and physical activity in Wales.

WIPS was set up to ensure academic research is answering key performance questions set by Sport Wales and their priority sports.  In addition, it also aims to maximize the impact of sports science research in academia, an area where Wales is very strong. 

Brian Davies, Sport Wales Director of Elite Sport, said: “Having access to performance science experts at universities across Wales is providing Welsh athletes and coaches with key gains in their training and preparation.

“The partnership is bringing benefits across Welsh elite sport, but the potential use of the research further down the sporting pathway and also for public health benefits are also hugely exciting.”

Ken Skates AM, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport at the Welsh Government, said: “Improving sporting performance through science, medicine and technology is what often sets successful sports men and women apart, aiding preparation, performance and recovery.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support the Welsh Institute of Performance Science in helping Team Wales athletes flourish, whilst at the same time driving prosperity through academic research and development, innovation and knowledge transfer.

“This will help contribute to Wales’ growing international reputation not only as a country of great sporting prowess but as a great place to innovate and do business. I am looking forward to seeing the results of some of that work at the Commonwealth Games when I visit the Gold Coast next month.”