The Sydney Swans have added a new high-tech training device to their sports science unit this time accessing a Vacusport Regeneration System which was developed for astronauts on the International Space Station.

The device is the only sports version in Australia and works by regenerating muscle damage in the quickest possible time between training sessions and matches.

Players strap their body, from hips down, into the Vacusport device which, via an intermittent pumping action increases cell perfusion to achieve waste product removal. The result is accelerated reduction of lactate and creatin kinase (CK).

In its most simplistic explanation, it makes players’ legs feel as though they haven’t been through the rigours of training and playing matches. Ultimately, it will speed recovery from training, games and players coming back from injury.

Reserch for the Vacusport was first carried out in space as scientists looked to develop a device that improved blood flow in astronauts, who without gravity, have a limited ability to pump blood to their extremeities.

Swans’ Football Planning and Operations Manager Peter Berbakov said it’s critical the Club looks to innovative scientific developments to improve player performance. The Club will trial the Vacusport and document the effect it has on its players throughout the season.

“As a football Club, we are constrained by the AFL's salary cap and other equalisation measures such as the draft, so we need to provide an edge to on-field performance via other means,” Berbakov said.

“Using the Vacusport for recovery purposes is perhaps where we hope to see the greatest benefit for our players.

“In a physically demanding game that lasts over two hours, with huge loads from accelerating and decelerating, jumping, tackling, jostling and changing direction over 15 kilometres per player per game, backing up to compete at your physical peak each week is a major challenge.

“Quicker muscle regeneration means we can get players training earlier and longer, recovering faster between sessions, and feeling better leading into games.”

In 2009, the Swans became the first sporting club in Australia to purchase an Alter-G treadmill, designed by NASA engineers, which reduces a player’s body weight by up to 80 per cent.

Players can therefore run large distances and get the kilometres into their legs without putting too much stress on their bodies.

Player availability is critical to team success and is the reason behind the Swans’ sports science team developing and trialling new methods to keep players on the field.

“When the Swans won the 2005 premiership, the Club only made one forced selection change from injury in the last ten games of the year,” Berbakov said.

“Maintaining player availability was critical to achieving the ultimate success for the Swans, and this result was not just from an ability to treat injuries, but from a program that prioritised recovery from games and training.”