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SSE 245: Monitoring Recovery in American Football

Athlete monitoring can be used to gauge and elevate players’ responses to training to help the maintenance of maximal performance and minimize injury and/or illness risk. There are many tools for both internal and external load monitoring, however little research has been performed within the context of American football. Given that American football is a team sport made up of different positions requiring unique skillsets and game demands, the individualization of monitoring tools and/or techniques is critical. Data analysis and interpretation needs context, both in terms of training phase (e.g., preseason vs. in-season) and in determining meaningful changes in selected monitoring tools. The authors review different parameters associated with external and internal load assessments in football and tools on how to monitor the player’s recovery with the aim of optimizing both their health and performance.

Reference Article

SSE 245: Monitoring Recovery in American Football

Course Objectives

  • Define recovery in terms of American football
  • Identify the differences between in preseason and in-season monitoring needs
  • Describe the methods associated with determining external and internal load assessments

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

11/27/2027

BOC

1

11/27/2027

CSCCa

1

11/27/2027

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_245.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 244: The Fluid Replacement Process: Principles of Beverage Formulation for Athletes

Substantial volumes of fluid can be lost during intense or prolonged exercise as a consequence of thermoregulatory sweating. In these situations, athletes need to drink during and after exercise to replace fluids lost to avoid potential negative effects of dehydration. Fluid replacement is a multi-step process involving a number of physiological systems including fluid intake, fluid delivery to the bloodstream, distribution within the body fluid compartments, and whole-body fluid retention. Adequate fluid replacement is influenced by beverage composition, as certain ingredients can facilitate or hinder one or more steps in the rehydration process. Dr Lindsay Baker reviews the scientific principles of fluid replacement and role of beverage formulation on the rehydration process for athletes.

Reference Article

SSE 244: The Fluid Replacement Process: Principles of Beverage Formulation for Athletes

Course Objectives

  • Define the physiological systems involved in the fluid replacement process 
  • Identify factors influencing fluid intake, delivery, distribution, and retention 
  • Describe the differences in rehydration needs before, during, and after exercise 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

11/12/2027

BOC

1

11/12/2027

Commission on Dietetic Registration

1

11/12/2027

CSCCa

1

11/12/2027

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_244.pdf?sfvrsn=4

SSE 243: Use of Buffers in Specific Contexts: Highly Trained Female Athletes; Extreme Environments; and Combined Buffering Agents

Buffering agents including sodium bicarbonate, beta-alanine and sodium citrate are routinely used by athletes, and effects of buffering agents on athletes’ performance have been investigated since as early as the 1930s. Extracellular buffering agents, including sodium bicarbonate and sodium citrate, can increase the blood’s buffering capacity (pH and [HCO3-]), and intracellular buffering via beta-alanine supplementation can increase muscle carnosine concentration. The recent International Olympic Committee consensus statement on nutritional supplements reported that for sodium bicarbonate and beta-alanine, there is scientific evidence for beneficial effects on athletes’ performance. There is also growing evidence that sodium citrate can be effective in improving performance. There is a high prevalence of the use of supplements and buffering agents within athletic populations and consideration of the use of buffering agents in specific contexts relevant to athletes is therefore warranted. Contexts that have been investigated within the literature to only a limited extent include the use of buffering agents in highly trained female athletes, in extreme environmental conditions (e.g., training and/or competing in hot weather conditions or at altitude) and when using combinations of buffering agents. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the effectiveness of extracellular and intracellular buffering agents can be influenced by modifying factors, such as the dose, timing, duration, and intensity of exercise performed. Additionally, the translation of research findings in buffering agents to highly trained athletes can be influenced by the design factors of research studies (e.g., use of crossover or matched group study design, familiarisation trials, pre-test dietary standardisation, performance tests that were representative of the real-world competitive demands of athletes) and athlete-specific factors (e.g., recruitment of highly-trained athletes as research participants, measures of buffering capacity, and reported improvements in performance tests that replicate real-world competitive events). There is therefore further scope to provide a practical evaluation of the evidence on buffering agents, which may be particularly relevant to performance support practitioners and coaches seeking to implement an evidence-based buffering protocol for their athletes.

Reference Article

SSE 243: Use of Buffers in Specific Contexts: Highly Trained Female Athletes; Extreme Environments; and Combined Buffering Agents

Course Objectives

  •  Discuss the current evidence-based guidelines for buffering agents (sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate and beta-alanine), and the moderating variables that can impact the efficacy of buffering agents in enhancing athletes’ performance.
  • Describe factors that may impact the translation of research findings in buffering agents to highly trained athletes’ real-world practice, including study design factors and athlete-specific factors.
  • Describe strategies that can be used to develop evidence-based supplementation protocols for individual athletes, which can be integrated within their broader training and preparation strategies.

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

11/12/2027

BOC

1

11/12/2027

CSCCa

1

11/12/2027

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_243_003.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 242: Carbohydrate nutrition and skill performance in soccer

In all sports, skill is used as an umbrella term that includes not only physical performance of a particular skill but also the complex interaction of cognitive and technical ability to respond to the multitude of scenarios that occur in every match. However, when competing in team sports participants experience, to different degrees, physical and mental fatigue that has a negative impact on the performance of sports specific skills.  As nutrition counter measure, the ingestion of appropriate quantities of carbohydrate, at appropriate times, has been shown to maintain or benefit aspects of skill performance. The mechanisms underpinning this preservation of skill with carbohydrate feedings involve a complex series of events between brain and skeletal muscle that interact to minimize the impact of physical and mental fatigue. Although these questions are specific to soccer research, many of the principles are directly transferable to other “stop-and-go” team sports. 

Reference Article

SSE 242: Carbohydrate nutrition and skill performance in soccer

Course Objectives

  • Identify contributing factors which reduce skill performance. 
  • Define how skill is measured and assessed in research and applied settings. 
  • Describe the appropriate carbohydrate ingestion strategies to help maintain skill performance. 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

12/19/2026

BOC

1

12/19/2026

CSCCa

1

12/19/2026

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_242_002.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 240: Creatine Supplementation: New Insights and Perspectives on Bone and Brain Health

Creatine is a well-established dietary supplement which enhances resistance training adaptations across the lifespan, including muscle mass and performance. Beyond muscle, creatine has been shown to have favorable effects on measures of bone biology in older adults and disease state populations and measures of brain health and function across a variety of populations, including young adults who experienced traumatic brain injury. This review will outline recent advances and perspectives on how creatine supplementation functions to improve indices of bone and brain health across a variety of populations. 

Reference Article

SSE 240: Creatine Supplementation: New Insights and Perspectives on Bone and Brain Health

Course Objectives

  • Outline a general overview of how creatine supplementation enhances muscle mass and performance. 
  • Describe the mechanisms and highlight recent research examining creatine’s effects when combined with resistance training on bone tissue. 
  • Discuss recent research evaluating the effects of creatine supplementation on brain function and highlight the benefits when the brain is stressed (i.e., mental fatigue, sleep deprivation, aging, and hypoxia).  
  • Identify which neuromuscular diseases have been shown to benefit from creatine supplementation. 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

12/19/2026

BOC

1

12/19/2026

CSCCa

1

12/19/2026

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_240_001.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 238: Micronutrient Considerations for Female Athletes

Vitamins and minerals are essential for numerous metabolic processes in the body, such as immune functioning, haematological adaption, energy metabolism and growth and repair. Athletes often have higher micronutrient requirements than the general population due to the increased utilisation and/or losses of micronutrients associated with exercise and training adaptation. Females can be at greater risk of micronutrient deficiencies and vitamin and/or mineral supplements can have a useful role in helping an athlete meet daily micronutrient needs. Iron, calcium, vitamin D and folate are identified as micronutrients which require greater attention for female athletes.

Reference Article

SSE 238: Micronutrient Considerations for Female Athletes

Course Objectives

  • Articulate key anthropometric and physiological differences between males and females. 
  • Discuss some of the reasons female athletes are at increased risk of micronutrient deficiencies, and the overarching nutritional factors that should be addressed.  
  • Define key vitamins and minerals which female athletes should pay specific attention to and their recommended dietary intakes.

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

11/21/2026

BOC

1

11/21/2026

CSCCa

1

11/21/2026

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_238_003.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 237: Hydration in Physically Active Women

A significant amount of research has been conducted to understand body water regulation and the effects of hypohydration on thermoregulation, cardiovascular function, and performance during exercise in heat. However, women have been underrepresented in hydration research, accounting for less than ~30% of subjects tested in recent studies. Women have lower whole body sweating rate (WBSR) and sweat sodium concentrations as a population than men, but in most environments these differences are attributed to lower absolute workloads. Dr Lindsay Baker reviews the state of the literature, the impact of the menstrual cycle on hydration and how hypohydration (≥ 2% body mass loss) can adversely affect athletic performance in women.

Reference Article

SSE 237: Hydration in Physically Active Women

Course Objectives

  • Identify differences in sweating rate and composition between men and women 
  • Describe the impact of different phases in the menstrual cycle on thirst and fluid retention 
  • Define the physiological responses to dehydration during exercise in women

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

BOC

1

11/21/2026

CSCCa

1

11/21/2026

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_237_004.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 233: A Practitioner's Guide to Improving Sleep in Athletes

Athletes are at a higher risk for sleep problems due to lifestyle and sports-related factors, and frequently suffer from sleep-related complaints. There are sleep strategies for practitioners and coaches to emphasize that can help improve athletes’ sleep and performance. Drs Lambing and Bender review the importance of recurring sleep education and screening for sleep disorders and how the practitioner can support the athletes and promote good quality and quantity of sleep.

Reference Article

SSE 233: A Practitioner's Guide to Improving Sleep in Athletes

Course Objectives

  • Describe the importance of sleep screening and the best timing to perform a sleep screening 
  • Define the negative impact a poor night of sleep can have on mental and physical performance  
  • Identify strategies to promote good sleep hygiene 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

11/21/2026

BOC

1

11/21/2026

CSCCa

1

11/21/2026

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/gssi_sse_233_final.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 232: Exogenous Ketone Supplements as Ergogenic Aids in Athletic Performance: A New Dawn Fades?

The ketone bodies acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate have wide-ranging metabolic and molecular effects on organs such as the brain, heart and skeletal muscle, some of which are suggestive of benefits to athletes in terms of performance and recovery. The recent development and increasing commercial availability of ingestible forms of ketone bodies as exogenous ketone supplements has amplified interest in these compounds. A variety of compounds classified as exogenous ketone supplements are now available and have been subject to several studies in exercise performance and recovery contexts in human participants. While there are mechanistic bases for potential beneficial effects of exogenous ketone supplements in various athletic contexts, most studies to date have failed to observe benefits to performance or recovery.

Reference Article

SSE 232: Exogenous Ketone Supplements as Ergogenic Aids in Athletic Performance: A New Dawn Fades?

Course Objectives

  • Discuss the differences between various exogenous ketone supplements in terms of form and effects on circulating ketone body concentrations 
  • Describe the potential mechanisms by which exogenous ketone supplements may improve or impair exercise performance 
  • Utilize the research to date on the effects of exogenous ketone supplements on exercise performance to guide athletes

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

05/15/2026

BOC

1

05/15/2026

CSCCa

1

05/05/2026

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_232_003.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 231: Dietary carbohydrate and the endurance athlete: contemporary perspectives

The importance of carbohydrate as a fuel source for endurance exercise and athletic performance is well established. Despite decades of intense carbohydrate research within the field of sports nutrition, new knowledge continues to be generated with the potential to inform practice. To ensure sufficient muscle glycogen availability, endurance competition or high-quality intense training should be preceded by daily dietary carbohydrate intakes scaled to the demands of the subsequent exercise. The optimization of liver and muscle glycogen content in the hours before and hours directly after exercise are important goals for carbohydrate nutrition. In this respect, nutrition strategies that combine glucose and fructose carbohydrate sources appear most beneficial for enhancement of performance and recovery. Athletes looking to benefit from carbohydrate feeding during exercise can choose from a wide range of readily oxidizable carbohydrate sources, with glucose-fructose blends (inc. sucrose) affording the greatest flexibility for within-event modulation of carbohydrate intake. Finally, a periodized approach to dietary carbohydrate intake around training will ensure athletes have sufficient fuel to execute the demands of training to maximize training adaptation whilst minimizing the potential for adverse health or performance consequences (e.g., through development of RED-S). 

Reference Article

SSE 231: Dietary carbohydrate and the endurance athlete: contemporary perspectives

Course Objectives

  • Utilize the available information on dietary carbohydrates and exercise when considering your athlete’s nutrition plan 
  • Describe the metabolic basis underpinning dietary carbohydrate recommendations for athletes 
  • Discuss technologies that practitioners might use to individualize dietary carbohydrate intakes for athletes

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

05/15/2026

BOC

1

05/15/2026

CSCCa

1

05/05/2026

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_231_005.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 227: Sports Nutrition Recommendations for Elite Female Soccer Players

The application of sound nutritional guidance is necessary to support female soccer player health and performance. Based on findings in elite female soccer players, there is scope to improve nutritional practices relative to energy intake, fueling, hydration, and supplement use. Drs. Samantha Moss and Rebecca Randell discuss the energy and nutrient needs of female soccer players and areas where additional high-quality research that includes elite female players as participants is necessary.

Reference Article

SSE 227: Sports Nutrition Recommendations for Elite Female Soccer Players

Course Objectives

  • Describe the role of energy availability in terms of performance and recovery. 
  • Compare current macronutrient intakes in female soccer players with recommended macronutrient intakes. 
  • Outline dietary supplements that may provide health and performance benefits to female soccer players.

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

04/04/2026

BOC

1

04/04/2026

CSCCa

1

04/04/2026

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_227_005_final.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 226: Sweat Biomarkers for Sports Science Applications

There has been considerable interest recently in the concept of sweat biomarkers, which is generally defined as the use of sweat as a non-invasive alternative to blood analysis to provide insights into human physiology, health, and performance. Despite recent technological advances in wearable devices the application of sweat diagnostics in sports science has been limited to date. This course will discuss the challenges of utilizing sweat biomarkers and wearable technologies as well as where future work is needed.

Reference Article

SSE 226: Sweat Biomarkers for Sports Science Applications

Course Objectives

  • Define the different types of sweat glands and which is most relevant to sweat biomarker analysis. 
  • Identify the electrolytes, trace minerals and vitamins, metabolites, nitrogenous waste, stress and immune markers found in sweat and discuss their evidence as a biomarker. 
  • Describe the roles of wearable technologies in sweat biomarker analysis and where additional research is needed.

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

02/06/2026

BOC

1

02/06/2026

CSCCa

1

02/06/2026

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/sse_226_007.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 220: Plant versus animal-based proteins to support muscle conditioning

Because of the discussions on more sustainable food production and the need to improve lifestyle and health, there is a growing interest in the transition towards consuming a more plant-based diet. As a result, daily protein intake will be derived more from the consumption of plant-based proteins at the expense of animal-based proteins. There are many questions on whether this has impact on the capacity of an athlete to recover and recondition following exercise. So far, basic research indicates that the ingestion of plant-derived proteins may not stimulate muscle protein synthesis to the same extent when compared to the ingestion of an equivalent amount of animal-derived proteins. The proposed lesser anabolic properties of plant- versus animal-based proteins have been attributed to differences in protein digestion and amino acid absorption kinetics. Furthermore, most plant-derived proteins have lower essential amino acid contents and can be deficient in one or more specific amino acids. However, it should be noted that very few studies have directly compared muscle protein synthesis rates following the ingestion of plant- versus high quality animal-derived proteins. Theoretically, a lower bioavailability and/or functionality of plant-based protein sources and/or plant-derived protein concentrates may result in greater daily protein requirements for athletes transitioning towards a (more) plant-based diet. However, as athletes typically consume a diet that provides more than 1.5 g protein per day, a lesser protein bioavailability or protein quality will unlikely compromise muscle conditioning in athletes adopting a (more) plant-based diet. However, when athletes are changing to a plant-based diet under conditions of low(er) energy and/or protein intake, a sports dietitian should be consulted to ensure ample protein provision.

Reference Article

SSE 220: Plant versus animal-based proteins to support muscle conditioning

Course Objectives

  • Define the scientific background on the proposed lesser capacity of plant-based protein sources or plant-derived proteins to stimulate muscle protein synthesis when compared to the ingestion of an equivalent amount of high-quality, animal-based protein. 
  • Describe the differences in the bioavailability of protein from plant- versus animal-based protein sources and the intrinsic differences between plant- versus animal-derived proteins.  
  • Discuss the proposed impact of the transition towards a (more) plant-based diet on protein intake, protein intake requirements, and the capacity to recover and recondition after exercise.
 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

11/09/2025

BOC

1

11/09/2025

CSCCa

1

11/09/2025

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/vanloon_sse220.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Methods to Keep the Female Athlete Healthy: From Mental to Physical Health

While there is a disparity in sports performance research on female athletes, several experts in the field are making progress in furthering the understanding of the unique characteristics and needs of this population. From physiological and nutritional needs, to mental health and performance considerations, hear Dr Wendy Borlabi, Dr Trent Stellingwerff, Dr Abbie Smith-Ryan and Dr Sara Oikawa cover methods to keep the female athlete healthy. 

Reference Article

Methods to Keep the Female Athlete Healthy: From Mental to Physical Health

Course Objectives

  • Discuss how low energy availability (LEA) “exposure” does not always lead to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) and elements of the practical application of LEA to optimize health and performance.
  • Understand the initial data and known physiological differences that support evidence-based application for ingredients used by female athletes and discuss the possible implications.
  • Describe sex differences in skeletal muscle morphology and protein metabolism and identify gaps in the scientific literature related to female athlete specific protein research. 

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

2.25

07/29/2025

BOC

2.25

07/29/2025

CSCCa

2.25

07/29/2025

Reference Article

http://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/educational-materials/webinar-handouts/acsm-2022-pre-con-handouts---all-files.pdf?sfvrsn=2

SSE 215: Practical Approaches to Nutrition for Female Athletes

The majority of published sport nutrition recommendations are based on studies conducted with male athletes. In female athletes, the menstrual cycle may affect optimal nutrition strategies for performance, but menstrual cycles can be quite variable. Authors Bryan Holtzman and Kate Ackerman review the nutritional recommendations for female athletes from a variety of perspectives. Within the review, the energetic requirements for athletes and the negative effects of failing to meet these requirements are discussed. The authors also establish a model for meeting nutritional needs of increasing complexity and personalization for female athletes and provide baseline recommendations for female athletes. This course aims to provide practical advice for athletes, coaches, physicians, and other members of the athlete entourage.

Reference Article

SSE 215: Practical Approaches to Nutrition for Female Athletes

Course Objectives

  • Define energy availability and the impact of failing to meet energy needs in female athletes 
  • Describe unique physiological considerations for female athletes related to the menstrual cycle. 
  • Identify micronutrients of particular interest for female athletes and baseline recommendations for intake.

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

05/26/2025

BOC

1

05/26/2025

CSCCa

1

05/26/2025

Reference Article

http://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/sse-docs/final-gssi_sse_215.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Health and Performance Considerations for Female Soccer Players

Female soccer players face a variety of physical demands related to their sport but also must manage health factors unique to females. Through a strong nutrition plan, the female soccer player can fuel appopiately, managing energy availability and supporting athletic performance while maintaining physical health in the short and long term. Dr. Rebecca Randell will discuss the demands placed on the female soccer player, how menstruation and energy availability impact health and performance as well as recommendations to help the athlete and recover throughout the season.

Reference Article

Health and Performance Considerations for Female Soccer Players

Course Objectives

  • Discuss health considerations for female soccer players
  • Utilize nutritional recommendations and customize for female soccer players
  • Describe the knowledge gaps in the existing literature

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

.75

02/09/2025

BOC

.75

02/09/2025

CSCCa

.75

02/09/2025

Reference Article

http://www.gssiweb.org/docs/default-source/educational-materials/webinar-handouts/health-and-performance-considerations-for-female-soccer-players.pdf?sfvrsn=4

SSE #213: Cannabidiol (CBD) and the athlete: claims, evidence, prevalence and safety concerns

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant and is no longer prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency; however, all other cannabinoids remain on the prohibited list. The legal status of CBD is complicated and varies from country to country. Athletes and coaches must be aware of the country (and state) specific legal status of CBD. Dr. Graeme Close and colleagues discuss the benefits of CBD that have been reported both anecdotally and within the literature as well as the risks with CBD use on health, safety and potential for inadvertent doping via the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or other cannabinoids in CBD supplements. 

Reference Article

SSE #213: Cannabidiol (CBD) and the athlete: claims, evidence, prevalence and safety concerns

Course Objectives

  • Describe an overview of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) 

  • Appraise the current evidence and efficacy in relation to CBD use in sport 

  • Discuss the issues and risks surrounding inadvertent doping following the use of CBD

Course

Credits

Course Expiration

ACSM

1

01/26/2025

BOC

1

01/26/2025

CSCCa

1

01/26/2025

Reference Article

https://www.gssiweb.org/en/sports-science-exchange/Article/cannabidiol-(cbd)-and-the-athlete-claims-evidence-prevalence-and-safety-concerns