| Contributions of CIDESD to Science |
World Leading Performance Analysis Research in Team Sports.
CIDESD stands as a renowned center at the forefront of performance analysis research, distinguished by its integration of complexity science and dynamical systems methodologies. This approach is notable for its utilization of state-of-the-art measurement technologies, including wearable sensors, inertial measurement units and computer vision systems, alongside expertise from diverse fields such as sports science, biomechanics, physiology, psychology, data science and technology. Moreover, CIDESD boasts long-term partnerships with key players in the sports technology industry, including Realtrack Systems, Rendimiento 24/7, NBN23, and Byomedic System. Collaborative research efforts with the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior have yielded innovative studies focusing on collective cooperation and competition dynamics in professional football, leveraging high spatiotemporal data. Additionally, CIDESD has been at the forefront of describing the multifractality of movement behavior, thus revolutionizing the measurement of movement synchronization and enhancing the understanding of the intermittent demands of team sports. The accumulation of a substantial body of research over the years has resulted in the development of prototypes dedicated to analyzing and visualizing physical and positional data in football and basketball. Notably, research conducted in high-level futsal has also had a significant impact, with CIDESD members integrating the coaching staff of the Portugal National Team, currently being the European and World Champions. The recognition of CIDESD’s contributions to the field is widespread, evidenced by its frequent presence in Barça Innovation Hub dissemination articles and engagements in elite-level club consultancies. Furthermore, CIDESD’s international recognition is underscored by keynote presentations at leading scientific events.
Advancing Health and Wellness: Cutting-Edge Research in Healthy Aging and Clinical Exercise Science.
CIDESD serves as the R&D unit supporting IMPAS, a Master’s course stemming from our international excellence in Performance Analysis of Sport. This program is the outcome of a collaboration between Otto-von-Guericke University of Magdeburg, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro and Lithuanian Sports University. IMPAS is designed to offer a joint international curriculum and to facilitate effective inter-institutional knowledge transfer, enhance the recognition of the awarded Master’s degree, integrate students into diverse local environments, establish connections with sport industry-based work placements and cultivate research-led student learning experiences. It provides an innovative and distinctive learning experience with a focus on enhancing employability by integrating education, training and research while internationalizing the curriculum. Stakeholders and potential employers offer opportunities for challenging professional internships. CIDESD is tasked with delivering content over one semester, concentrating on the role of the Sports Scientist, Field & Laboratory Technology, and Applied Performance Analysis. The course consistently attracts approximately 20 students annually from various countries across all continents.
Transferring Science into Olympic and Paralympic Excellence.
CIDESD is focused on monitoring elite athletes and providing scientific support to enhance sports performance by developing strength and conditioning parameters, race analysis strategies, biochemistry markers and warm-up routines. CIDESD members are actively involved in translating scientific findings into the preparation for major sports events, including European and World Championships, as well as the Olympic and Paralympic Games. A notable long-term partnership exists with the Portuguese Swimming Federation, where CIDESD is recognized as the main R&D contributor to the recent and unprecedented Gold Medals at the 2024 World Aquatics Championship (Diogo Ribeiro, 50m and 100m Butterfly). Furthermore, CIDESD members have made significant contributions to the content of coaching courses and the guidelines of the Long-Term Athlete Development Plan for Swimming, not only in Portugal but also internationally with LEN European Aquatics.
IMPAS – International Master in Performance Analysis of Sport
CIDESD serves as the R&D unit supporting IMPAS, a Master’s course stemming from our international excellence in Performance Analysis of Sport. This program is the outcome of a collaboration between Otto-von-Guericke University of Magdeburg, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro and Lithuanian Sports University. IMPAS is designed to offer a joint international curriculum and to facilitate effective inter-institutional knowledge transfer, enhance the recognition of the awarded Master’s degree, integrate students into diverse local environments, establish connections with sport industry-based work placements and cultivate research-led student learning experiences. It provides an innovative and distinctive learning experience with a focus on enhancing employability by integrating education, training and research while internationalizing the curriculum. Stakeholders and potential employers offer opportunities for challenging professional internships. CIDESD is tasked with delivering content over one semester, concentrating on the role of the Sports Scientist, Field & Laboratory Technology, and Applied Performance Analysis. The course consistently attracts approximately 20 students annually from various countries across all continents.
CIDESD at the Forefront of Interdisciplinary Research.
CIDESD stands at the forefront of interdisciplinary research, embracing the OneHealth framework to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. This approach has facilitated contributions to various topics, including the role of green exercise as a key determinant in promoting environmental well-being and the exploration of how enhancing soil quality can lead to the production of better food products. In a particular study, CIDESD researchers tested how a locally rich product like cowpea, combined with resistance exercise, yields positive effects in combating sarcopenia in older adults. Following this framework, further contributions have been made to understand how animal health and pets influence the daily physical activity of their owners, as well as to comprehend the role of the attachment to pets in their owners’ cancer-derived depression. These outputs highlight CIDESD’s commitment to fostering a comprehensive understanding of health dynamics across various domains such as veterinary sciences, environmental sciences, urban planning and design, agroecology, crop science and food security. A part of CIDESD’s work transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries, showcasing its dedication to advancing knowledge and promoting holistic approaches to health research.
