COLLINGWOOD is ensuring it remains renowned for using the latest and most innovative sports science methods possible, by exploring international ideas and considering techniques used in rival sports.

Former head of conditioning David Buttifant, who had his role changed to sports science director at the beginning of this season, has been embarking on overseas trips to make sure the Pies are front-runners in the evolution of sports technology.

Buttifant recently travelled to Indianapolis to attend the American College of Sports Medicine conference with club doctor Paul Blackman, as well as jetting to Norway with the Pies' other doctor Andrew Jowett to visit the World Congress of Injury Prevention.

He claimed the visits helped the club to realise the extent of processes available in the improvement of physical preparation, sports science services and medical techniques.

"What it does do is it makes you look at new concepts, and it kind of crystallises a lot of the current techniques we're currently using. It's all about refining and continually reviewing and updating some of the minor procedures," Buttifant told collingwoodfc.com.au.

"You can enhance the program. There's a lot of stuff there that's not applicable, but at the same time, there's some stuff that has a real influence on our program.

"It's about being able to scrutinise what things can have an influence and what things can't.

"We've come across some interesting techniques, from medical to recovery to monitoring to performance, and we've looked into genetics as well but there's a lot of conjecture with that.

"With technology, there's always new stuff coming out, so my job is about going out to these conferences and looking at the stuff that's being presented and deciding if it can have a real application to our needs."

Buttifant said there is evidence to suggest techniques currently implemented in other sports, such as soccer, American football, motor and Olympic sports, can be used in AFL preparation.

He also said injury management processes used in such sports can help with addressing long-term complaints sustained by the club's players, but indicated the Pies will be hesitant on using any procedure not yet proven.

"It's an ongoing thing with a lot of our athletes, and we look at how we can fast-track them and how to ensure they have a safe recovery," he said.

"Most importantly, there is a duty of care with all our athletes and we have to think long-term with them.

"If there's a practice that's new but not really conclusive, we've got to be very careful because if it does have a negative effect, it could affect well-being down the track."

Ultimately, Buttifant said moves to ensure the club is aware of the latest sports science discoveries can only be worthwhile if the basics are being performed adequately.

"You've got to do your core competencies well, and then once that's off and going, then you can start to bring these extra peripherals in and start to implement them," he said.

"If you keep bringing in all these new things all the time, you lose the ability to have consistency and keep those systems in place.

"It's continuity in the program that's really important, and we'll just keep refining it."