Sport and Exercise Sciences Research
Research and knowledge exchange in the Section of Sport and Exercise Sciences includes the work of the Centre for Sport, Physical Education & Activity Research (SPEAR), which collaborates on funded projects across and outside the University, and Sports Lab, which provides research-informed scientific services to sportspeople and organisations.
Our work is organised across three themes:
- Clinical Exercise Science includes research into the role of isometric and/or ambulatory exercise in reducing blood pressure, in cardiac rehabilitation, and in preventing cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
- Human Performance includes research into efficiency and economy in cycling and running performance, swimming ergometry, and psychological factors that regulate or control performance (including placebo effects).
- Policy, Politics and Education includes research into Olympic and event legacy policy and education, public health and physical activity and sport policy in adults and children (including issues of sport, gender and the body), and tourism behaviours and life politics.
While the work of SPEAR and Sports Lab connects research across the Section, SPEAR’s work has largely been in the area of policy, politics and education, with some interests in clinical exercise science, whilst Sports Lab services are largely focused on the development of aspects of human performance.
Isometric Research Group
The aim of our group is to examine the efficacy and effectiveness of IET in reducing blood pressure among normal, preclinical and clinical populations. In doing so we aim to increase the range of treatment options open to both patients and clinicians. Find out more about the Isometric Research Group.
Perinatal Physical Activity Research Group (PPARG)
This multidisciplinary group designs, conducts and communicates high quality research focusing on physical activity during pre-conception, pregnancy and post-natal periods. PPARG work both in collaboration, and offers consultation with, a large range of stakeholders to maximise benefit and impact of their research and expertise. Find out more about the Perinatal Physical Activity Research Group.
Sport and Body Cultures research group
The Sport and Body Cultures research group (SBC) is a forum for researchers with a shared interest in the socio-cultural aspects of movement and body cultures, particularly within the context of sport, physical activity and dance. Find out more about the SBC research group.
Mechanised Orthosis for children with neurological disorders (MOTION) project
The MOTION project is a three year project involving 15 cross border partners. MOTION aims to develop robotic assistive technology - a wearable, lower limb 'exoskeleton' - to help children with cerebral palsy (CP) and other neurological conditions stand and walk as part of their rehabilitation therapy. It is part of the Interreg 2Seas Programme. Researchers from The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care and The Section of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences are working together on the project. Please visit the MOTION project page for further information.
Postgraduate research
Full and part-time doctoral study takes place across the three themes, and in SPEAR and Sports Lab. Please visit the MPhil/PhD research opportunities page for further information. You can also browse our PhD student profiles.