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Integrating scientific research with athlete training is a prominent trend in the contemporary sports sector. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has established a new fitness room in the New Annex of the University Sports Centre. This is the first time athletes using a campus gymnasium will have access to new measurement devices capable of providing real-time on-site assessment of their physiological and biomechanical indicators, enabling CUHK’s elite athletes to fine-tune their training strategies. Furthermore, the new facility is equipped with the latest sports equipment and a dedicated app, allowing athletes to set training goals and monitor their progress. This holistic approach not only optimises training efficiency but also minimises the risk of sports injuries.

Integrating sport and science for precise athlete training

To optimise athletes’ sporting performance, the new fitness room has a lactate measurement device. Lactate concentration in the blood rises with increasing exercise intensity and fatigue. By measuring the lactate threshold, athletes can gain valuable insights into their maximum pacing capabilities during high-intensity exercise. Other new equipment includes a novel force plate, which provides real-time data on strength, power and lower limb symmetry, timing gates, speed guns and handheld dynamometers to monitor athletes’ training progress and fatigue levels, facilitating adjustments to personalised training plans.

Dr Elean Leung Fung-lin, Director of Physical Education Unit at CUHK, stated that the new fitness room also incorporates a wide range of functional training equipment, complemented by a dedicated app, “this not only facilitates physical fitness assessments and group competitions for student and staff users but also empowers them to track, analyse and evaluate all training data. The app enables users to set specific training goals, monitor and make necessary adjustments to training progress, enhancing overall performance.”

CUHK is ranked first in China in QS World University Rankings by Sports-Related Subjects and continuously enhances support for elite athletes

In response to the government’s support for outstanding student athletes, the University Grants Committee launched the Student-Athlete Learning Support and Admission Scheme (SALSA) in 2022. Among those who were admitted to CUHK through this scheme, around 60% are enrolled in the CUHK five-year Bachelor of Education in Physical Education, Exercise Science and Health programme or two-year Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Health Education programme. Professor Cindy Sit Hui-ping, Chairperson and Professor, Department of Sports Science and Physical Education in the Faculty of Education at CUHK, said, “The Department provides comprehensive personalised learning support and guidance to outstanding student athletes, enabling them to pursue their personal aspirations in both sports and academics. CUHK was ranked 41^st globally and first in China in the QS World University Rankings by Sports-Related Subjects 2024. Our curriculum places a major emphasis on integrating theory, practice and research, allowing student athletes to apply their disciplinary knowledge and research findings to enhance their sports training and performance.”

Former elite triathlon athlete Dr Daniel Lee Chi-wo, PhD in Sports Science and Physical Education at CUHK, said, “Scientifically supported training programmes are crucial for elite athletes to maximise the marginal benefits from training and enhance their performance in competitions. Moreover, enabling student athletes to gain a better understanding of their physiological responses to training can improve their knowledge of sports science and their athletic excellence. The new fitness facility at CUHK will be advantageous for the learning and training of CUHK students and athletes.”

Elite long-distance runner Ms Christy Yiu Kit-ching, Bachelor of Nursing at CUHK, stated, “In addition to providing support to elite student athletes in the form of scholarships, in recent years, CUHK has also upgraded its fitness facilities and established the SALSA program, which provides comprehensive support for elite student athletes at various levels, ensuring that they can focus on achieving outstanding results on the field without worrying.”

Elite karatedo athlete Mr Tang Yu-hin, year two student in the Bachelor of Education in Physical Education, Exercise Science and Health programme at CUHK, expressed his deep gratitude to CUHK and the Department for their support. He stated, “CUHK has provided me with various types of learning support, including tutoring, online video recordings and special examination arrangements. These provisions have allowed me to balance my full-time training and competitions with my academic pursuits, achieving dual-track development.”

Elite swimmer Mr Adam Mak Sai-ting, year one student in the Bachelor of Education in Physical Education, Exercise Science and Health programme at CUHK, also stated, “CUHK offered me assistance in adjusting my academic schedule each term based on my training and competition commitments. This has allowed me to seamlessly balance my academic pursuits, training and competitions without concern, meaning I was able to successfully participate in this year’s World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships, Asian Games and Asian Group Championships.”

The new fitness room is open to all staff and students at CUHK. The annual homecoming day of the Department of Sports Science and Physical Education will take place on 20 April (Saturday). Alumni of the Department are welcome to visit the new fitness room on the day and experience the new equipment. For further details, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/cuhksspe/