AIS innovation to aid athletes at Glasgow Commonwealth Games

With just over 100 days to go until the Commonwealth Games, Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) designed recovery equipment has begun its 16,000km journey to Glasgow. 

Recovery is a critical service the AIS delivers at major international events, supporting Australian teams at the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games and helping athletes perform across demanding, multi-day competition schedules. 

AIS Engineering and the AIS REST Hub (Recovery, Environment, Sleep and Travel) have spent months developing a new ice bath design for the Games to better meet the needs of Para athletes. First used at the Paris Paralympic Games in 2024, the system has continued to evolve through close collaboration with athletes, with a focus on improving safety, stability and usability. 

“The commercially available inflatable baths historically used are not very stable when it comes to Para athletes transferring from their day chair into the bath,” AIS Sports Engineering Lead Andy Richardson said. 

“We’ve designed a transfer stand that allows athletes to move safely from their day chair into the recovery bath, with stability a key priority. 

“The updated bath is slightly narrower to provide more security, particularly for athletes with limb deficiencies or spinal cord injuries, and we’ve added an adjustable headrest so athletes can find a comfortable and supported position.” 

The improvements also support greater independence for Para athletes, reducing the need for assistance during recovery. 

“One of the challenges we had was the accessibility of the bath, and often the athlete would need assistance, which takes away their level of independence,” AIS Rest Hub Senior Advisor Dr Steph Davis said. 

“The feedback we’ve had is that athletes are feeling more comfortable, more confident and it relieves that anxiety around transferring or having to rely on someone else.” 

The Commonwealth Games begin on 23 July.