Athletic training degree programs specialize in optimizing athletic performance and rehabilitating sports injuries. Popular programs include kinesiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and sport psychology. Graduates can pursue careers in physical education, fitness management, research, and coaching.
There are a variety of athletic training degree programs available to students depending on their interests and specialization. Most sports training programs focus on optimizing athletic performance as well as diagnosing, managing and rehabilitating sports injuries. Individuals looking to earn a trainee degree will be exposed to areas involving kinesiology, psychology, nutrition and biomechanics as they learn to help athletes compete at optimal levels.
Kinesiology is one of the most popular sports training programs. This specialty involves the scientific study of how the human body moves and operates on a mechanical level and is a combination of a variety of disciplines including biomechanics, anatomy and physiology. A student who is studying in this field will learn about various body structures and muscle functions. This type of program usually lasts about four years and prepares a student for a career in physical education, fitness management, or clinical research.
Many sports training programs revolve around the field of biomechanics. This specialty is often seen as a sub-discipline of kinesiology. This specialty focuses on the science of body movement and is used to help athletes develop better techniques that can improve their performance. For example, the principles of biomechanics can be implemented to improve a golfer’s swing or a basketball player’s shot. Students who are majoring in biomechanics will be responsible for learning the principles that govern motion, friction, and inertia. Upon completion of this type of program, students will be prepared to launch careers in roles such as sports technique consultants, research analysts for sports companies, or strength coaches.
There has been an increase in sports training programs that revolve around nutrition. Elite athletes often have rigorous training regimes, and inadequate nutrition can have detrimental effects on their performance. Studies have shown that proper nutrition is necessary for optimal performance, so there has been an increasing demand for sports nutritionists. Students in this field will discover techniques and strategies for diagnosing eating disorders, managing weight, and using supplements for optimal nutritional gain.
Sport psychology is another degree program that focuses on the relationship between an athlete’s mental preparedness and their athletic performance. Individuals studying this field learn about using goal setting, imagery, and positive affirmations as ways for athletes to perform better in their respective sports. In addition to performance enhancement, sport psychologists also work with athletes to help them overcome injuries and progress through the rehabilitation process.
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