Future directions for the research in sport medicine

Present and future directions in sports medicine are largely developed in the present edition of "Sciences & Sport". Our aim is to provide some examples and develop some general concepts. Specificity of the research in sports medicine relates to the fact that highly trained athletes show different physiology and physiological responses as compared to non-athletes. Repeated and intensive training result in both qualitative and quantitative changes and adaptations. Cells must not only increase their function but also modify their metabolism to fulfil high metabolic requirements and allow high levels of performance to be reached. Research in sports medicine uses most conventional techniques - such as cell biology, imaging, integrative physiology and clinical research - and must follow accepted techniques, ethics constrains and legal rules. Developed techniques have to be adapted to the athletes' physiology but may indeed benefit non-athletes submitted to exercise activity. All techniques of life sciences can be applied to the research in sports medicine and allow for a better understanding of short and long term physiological consequences of exercise. The common aims are the improvement of the quality of life through sports or exercise and the prevention of the risks resulting from sports activity. (c) 2005 Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.