Certified medical sports supervisor - face-to-face training at the interface of sport and medicine

Success in sports, whether in competitive or recreational sports, requires sport-specific training for building, preparation, and compensation. This type of training is essential for performance improvement and should also address potential imbalances and overuse issues.

Sport-specific training involves strength, endurance, coordination, speed, and flexibility training tailored specifically to the respective sport. In competitive sports, it's also important to consider the pressure conditions (time pressure, expectation pressure, etc.) in the training regimen.

To train specifically, the coach relies on sports analysis to create a requirements and stress profile of the sport, which also determines the desired state of the athlete. To conduct sport-specific training based on the requirements analysis, it must be precise, individualized, and differentiated.

However, it's worth noting that unspecific training stimuli can also positively influence sport-specific abilities. Whether a training is sport-specific depends on several factors, with transfer playing a significant role. In this unit, participants learn how to create sport-specific training programs based on the sports analysis, taking into account pressure conditions, for various sports.

After conducting a sports analysis, the question arises when creating a training program about the transferability of a training exercise to the training goal. With transfer exercises, it is therefore crucial to ensure optimal transferability to sport-specific performance.

For example, squats using the "IK training method" could contribute to improvement in running or jumping disciplines, while using the "hypertrophy method" could lead to deterioration.

So, for optimal transfer of exercises, it is important that not only the sport-specific movement is present but also that the method used is considered. But is that all? To what extent is angle-specific strength training suitable, and what role does the rate of force development, i.e., the speed of force application, play?

In this unit, participants will learn all the important aspects of transfer training and, in particular, how to achieve the transfer of strength, speed, coordination, and technique to sport-specific performance most effectively.

The unit Grip Techniques in active sports use consists of both theoretical and practical components. In the theory part, active and passive regeneration measures are briefly reviewed, with a focus on massage. Participants will first learn about the types of massages (from classical to sports massage) and their applications. To better understand the different applications, the physical and psychological effects of each massage type will also be discussed. Before moving to the practical part, participants must understand the massage contraindications, basic rules and sequence, and various massage techniques. In the practical session, the grip techniques of classical massage will be demonstrated and participants will have the opportunity to practice them themselves. There will be ample opportunity for practice as the techniques will cover muscles from the legs up to the neck.

The central nervous system is our control center and the foundation of every movement. Although we have 100 billion brain cells, we only tap into a small percentage of the huge potential of our brains.

Coordination training based on the Life Kinetik approach is a scientifically developed training that challenges our brain through non-routine tasks, engaging coordination, cognition, and visual skills. This type of coordination training scientifically proven to enhance brain performance and problem-solving intelligence, the ability to frequently act correctly. The goal is to surprise the brain with new challenges that are simultaneously enjoyable. By introducing new stimuli, new synapses are formed in the brain, ultimately leading to enhanced performance. This special training method brings about improved concentration, stress resistance, speed of action, better coordination, reduced errors, and improved visual perception.

In this unit, participants will learn all about coordination training based on Life Kinetik, while the practical part will involve presenting and performing some exercises ranging from beginners to elite athletes. This training method offers entirely new possibilities in daily training routines and can elevate performance to the next level.

In order to stay successful in sports in the long term and free from injuries, regeneration measures and the targeted scheduling of recovery phases are crucial parts of a successful training process. Load and recovery are inseparable, and the absence of regeneration measures leads to longer recovery times and poor to no training adaptations.

Regeneration is a process that compensates for both physical and psychological strain. Therefore, it is important for a coach to consider the appropriate regeneration phases depending on the workload in the training plan and to quickly recognize and respond to fatigue symptoms if necessary.

In this unit, participants learn about causes of fatigue, fatigue symptoms, and the differences between central and peripheral fatigue. They will learn about active regeneration measures such as relaxation techniques, autogenic training, or fascia massage, as well as passive measures such as thermotherapy, cryotherapy, or contrast baths, to name a few. Finally, they will learn about the different effects of each regeneration measure and how to correctly and individually apply them according to the specific workload.

For those interested in delving deeper into regeneration and relaxation, our training programs for Relaxation Coaches are worth considering.

The analysis of sports forms the cornerstone of every professional, high-quality training plan, along with training and competition analysis.

The aim of sports analysis is to thoroughly analyze a sport in detail and to filter out the individual components and characteristics for the subsequent training planning. This begins with the anthropometry of the athlete and the favorable conditions for the sport. It then moves on to the characteristic movement skills such as the performance-determining coordinative abilities or the relevant movement patterns and their muscular demands. This also includes the stress patterns of the sport in terms of strength, endurance, speed, flexibility, and not to forget the mental stress. Questions arise here such as:

What type of flexibility is needed? What type of strength? What is the duration of strength application in competition? Are there position-specific differences? Last but not least, of course, the rhythms/cycles of the sport, i.e., how long is the competition duration, how long is the effective stress duration, how high is the intensity, ...

In this unit, participants learn about all relevant factors as well as associated analysis tools for sports analysis and are then able to shed light on a sport precisely.

This highly practical unit covers both classic taping as well as the increasingly popular kinesio taping that has gained popularity in recent years.
Classic tapes are functional adhesive bandages designed to provide stability to joints and help prevent unwanted movements. These tapes can provide stability to joints, especially after injuries to the ligaments, allowing for earlier resilience. Furthermore, they can be used to support chronically unstable joints. Tapes can also be used for pain relief and functional improvement in cases of joint pain. Various ankle supports, braces for rotational instability of the knee, shoulder joint fixation bands, and wrist bands up to a sling bandage for the thumb basal joint are covered in the practical part.
Kinesio taping is used to treat pain, inflammation, and swelling using an elastic, self-adhesive bandage. Following a detailed anamnesis and various tests, the tape is applied to the body where it can best achieve the desired effect. The tape remains in place for several days to two weeks to achieve a better effect. Kinesio tape is attributed with versatile effects, such as improving blood circulation and metabolism, activating the lymphatic system, influencing muscle function, and thereby improving muscular stabilization of joints. In practice, kinesio taping is tested on 19 different muscles.

Performance diagnostics aims at determining the current physical condition and forms the basis for any successful training intervention. Through testing, goals can be set, and the training process can be monitored. With interim tests (retests), valuable insights into the current training planning and control can be drawn, and adaptations can be made if necessary. Performance diagnostics allows not only monitoring of training progress but also better monitoring of the athlete's health. Regular testing, for example, can be helpful in quickly detecting signs of overtraining.

This unit covers the common practical tests for assessing the current performance level. It differentiates between tests for sports motor skills, apparatus-based test procedures, and physical fitness.

Both the theoretical background and the advantages and disadvantages of the various tests are highlighted. For practical implementation, the criteria established for standardized test procedures are explained. Additionally, an overview of the specific applications for different sports and target groups is provided.

Since professional training planning is a highly complex process that requires a lot of expertise and experience, the unit on Training Planning in Specialization delves even deeper into the details to best combine theory and practice.

Due to the complex nature of the topic and the amount of input from the two previous units on training planning, the most important points are briefly summarized and reiterated at the beginning in a concise manner. However, the focus then shifts to sport-specific planning practices. Years-long training plans from the macrocycle to the training session level are presented and worked through in detail for various sports such as triathlon or tennis. This involves training planning at the highest level. It covers sports that consist of multiple disciplines or require the development of multiple basic motor skills simultaneously to achieve the goals. This scenario is found, for example, in team sports, where athletes need a high level of strength, endurance, and speed in addition to their sport-specific technique. Similarly, in triathlon, where athletes need to train both technique and sport-specific endurance across three disciplines. In such cases, nothing can be left to chance, and every step must be meticulously planned and coordinated. Participants learn how to truly maximize the athlete's potential and achieve highly complex tasks or ambitious goals.

Fascial training with a foam roller or the so-called "Blackroll" is becoming increasingly popular in the training routines of many athletes. Especially in the field of rehabilitation and prevention training, it has gained importance in recent years. Since 2004, the fascia roller has also become popular in strength and fitness sports, serving as a favorite tool for warm-up or regeneration measures.

The applications are very diverse, as are the promised effects. Fascial training is attributed to improving mobility, performance, and regeneration, among other benefits. But what really lies behind the myth of fascia and fascial training? Can all promises really be kept? What are fascia and what functions do they perform? What fascial techniques are available, and how can they be used effectively?

All of these questions are answered in the theoretical part of the Myofascial Training unit. In the practical part, participants will receive an overview of exercises for the entire body and will practice several fascial techniques.

The Performance Physiology unit builds on Physiology from the Sports Competence module. While in physiology the basics of the energy supply of the muscle, the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system were explored, performance physiology delves deeper into the subject matter and presents the effects of different load stimuli on the organism. Thus, the background of athletic stress is examined in more detail and what changes are brought about by the conscious control of training methods. In particular, energy metabolism, muscular fatigue and the physiological adaptations of endurance and strength training are examined in depth. Among other things, the physiological effects of altitude training or blood doping will be gone through. For strength training, the morphological adaptation phenomena of the musculature to the different training methods are shown and the process of muscle growth at the cellular level is illuminated.

The unit Plyometric Training focuses on a special training form aimed at improving primarily the speed strength and reactive power of athletes. Every athlete can benefit from it. These training methods are particularly important in track and field, team sports, martial arts, and skiing. The most famous example is jump training using the Plyo-Box named after this training form. But there are also various options for training reactive power in the upper body.

The training form is based on the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) of the muscle-tendon apparatus. It takes advantage of the stretch reflex and the associated stored energy to generate more force when actively controlling the muscle-tendon complex.

Since not only muscles but also tendons and ligaments are stressed, they can also be strengthened, subsequently minimizing the risk of injury. However, the top priority of these training methods lies in improving the performance of athletes.

The course participants learn the exact sequences of an SSC and what structural prerequisites must be given for a well-functioning SSC. They are provided with a wide range of exercises with a methodical approach to increase reactive power.

Building on the unit Training Planning and Periodization, participants should already bring a lot of basic knowledge about training planning. The goal of the unit Analysis of Training Planning is to delve deeper into the matter and analyze training processes in detail.

Firstly, we address general mistakes in training planning and uncover them. These include fundamental points such as inadequate current state analysis or training and competition analysis, errors in goal setting (both short-term and long-term), lack of performance assessment, and inadequate phase orientation (macro, mesocycle) in training planning. Only after these mistakes have been identified and corrected can we focus on the analysis and guidance for specific training planning. Here, the planning of individual basic motor skills (strength, endurance, speed, flexibility, and coordination) is discussed, and how to integrate them into a long-term training process and, if necessary, combine them without significant interactions. This includes cycling of training methods, tapering phases, as well as regeneration and the combination of training units in a microcycle. Thus, our graduates know what is needed for optimal training planning and how individual goals, from recreational to competitive sports, can be achieved.

Training planning is an essential part of the work as a Certified Medical Sports Supervisor. To achieve progress in training and improve performance in the long term, several factors need to be considered. This means that periodization (systematic planning and methodical and temporal organization of the training process) is the foundation for achieving long-term goals. Training level, age, recovery, available time, and many other factors play an important role in training planning. Only by addressing the individual needs and resources of the clients can the training plan be successfully implemented in practice.

Our graduates learn about the physiological adaptations of the body's functional systems to different training loads. Furthermore, they learn about various periodization models and how these can be implemented in practice for different performance levels. This equips our graduates with the knowledge of what is required for optimal training planning, what obstacles may arise, and how to set (and, of course, achieve) individual goals correctly.

While mental training may not have received the necessary attention a few years ago, nowadays it is indispensable in (competitive) sports.

Through mental training, we can anticipate actions mentally and mentally experience various outcomes in advance. In sports, it is possible to influence learning successes and competition performances by mentally visualizing them in our mind's eye. So, whether it's a movement or a distance covered, we mentally anticipate the end product. The art lies in creating something in the mind that we have not yet achieved or want to achieve. It is understood that this cannot replace real training. Nevertheless, it is a good complement that can optimize real training. Additionally, it helps athletes find an optimal state of being somewhere between anxiety activation and relaxation to deliver their best performance in competition. Mental training can also be used for goal setting, motivation, concentration, dealing with pressure situations, and even for regeneration measures.

In this unit, participants learn about the different techniques of mental training and how they can be individually applied.

For those with increased interest in mental training, knowledge can be deepened with our Sports Mental Trainer B-License!