Strength and Conditioning priorities for Elite Swimming Athletes

Biography

Professor Robert Newton is the Foundation Professor in Exercise and Sports Science at Edith Cowan University, Australia and an Honorary Professor of The University of Hong Kong. Prior to this appointment, Professor Newton was Director of the Biomechanics Laboratory, at Ball State University in Indiana. He has also worked at the Pennsylvania State University as a visiting research fellow in the Center for Sports Medicine. Current major research directions include: assessment and development of maximal strength and power, muscle architecture and musculotendinous stiffness, athlete load monitoring, muscle, fat and bone composition of athletes.

Professor Newton is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Fellow of Exercise and Sports Science Australia and Fellow of the NSCA. In 2004 he was awarded Outstanding Sports Scientist of the Year by the NSCA. He has published over 250 refereed scientific articles, two books, 16 book chapters and has a current h-Index of 46 with his work being cited over 9,000 times. As of 2013 his research had attracted over $19.5Million in competitive research funding.

Professor Newton has an extensive track record of research and consultancy in the assessment and development of neuromuscular performance in particular maximal strength and power. He has been a consultant to many professional teams and sporting organisations including Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, Indianapolis Colts, England Rugby, Manchester United, English and Australian Institutes of Sport and Surfing Australia. In 2012 Professor Newton was appointed to the Advisory Board of Nike SPARQ.

Synopsis

The vast volume of scientific research supports evidence from professional practice that an appropriate, well implemented and integrated strength and conditioning program is an essential component of total athlete management and critical to maximising performance, rehabilitation, reducing injury and illness. Swim athletes of all ages and level of competition can benefit from regular strength and conditioning training but program design will dictate safety, efficiency and effectiveness. In this presentation we will explore the latest research informing strength and conditioning science and practice in the preparation of elite swim athletes.