The primary aim of the sport science programme is to assist athletic performance through informing and educating the athlete in application of the scientific principles involved in their sport. Aspects such as a biomechanical analysis of the movement patterns and techniques used by the athlete and performance on the different physiological test are essential tools in ensuring that the athlete performs at his or her peak. This leads to the quantification of athletic potential and the development of individual training programmes for the different phases of the athlete’s season. Bonolo Ramphomane is the resident sport scientist at the ECAS High Performance Unit in Port Elizabeth and she is on hand to assist athletes with their programme prescription.

Sport science is also concerned with the safety of the athlete while he or she performs. Medical screening is thus an important subsection of the ECAS sport science programme – mainly concerned with the detection and elimination of incorrect and harmful techniques, body dysfunction and muscle imbalances. All athletes periodically undergo screening tests to identify possible strengths, weaknesses and prevent future injuries. The medical screening assists the ECAS medical personnel in devising the athlete’s training programme and ensures that any health problems are diagnosed early and treated effectively.