Although exercise and sports science studies are a relatively young discipline, they have evolved significantly since the first National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia was created in 1975. Likewise, the role of research and scientific methodology has become consolidated and integrated into the profiles of the various professionals who work in the area of sport.
In the constant search for improved performance, learning about motor skills and injury prevention, Complex Systems in sport constitutes a new way of understanding and observing the reality of sports games and of appreciating the heirarchy of live systems and dynamic interaction that results in self-regulation. It also constitutes a first stage in the realisation that new methodologies and approaches can help us to achieve our goals more efficiently.
This holistic vision of dynamic systems is accompanied by new terminology that is gradually becoming established among sports professionals (integrated training, dynamic systems theory, constrains, stochastic perturbations, affordance, structures, nonlinear dynamics, differential learning, variability, etc.).
However, the sciences that examine the complex systems still have much ground to cover and many major challenges ahead. These include bringing theory into practice and consolidating progress, based on scientific evidence.
The Conference on Complex Systems and Sport is a clear commitment to knowledge and innovation to which FC Barcelona is giving impetus via the Barça Innovation Hub. The alliance between the INEFC, the Complex Systems and Sport research group and the Barça Innovation Hub will make it possible to unite the best of the world's specialists at one single event.
We are convinced that the conference will inspire all those who attend and enable them to consolidate and form new relationships and projects to continue to work for the leadership and excellence of our club and of the sports world in general.
E-mail address: francesc.cos@fcbarcelona.cat
