Sport and Exercise Science

Research

Biomechanics

 The Biomechanics division undertakes research in a number of focused areas:

Breast Health

The Research Group in Breast Health promotes research on the breast from a biomechanical, physiological and clinical perspective, with the aim of improving knowledge in this area, educating women and evaluating the development of better products to support the health of the breast. This research group was established in 2005 and currently includes four members of staff. The Research Group in Breast Health has gained international reputation in academic world with invited presentations and published research. The group has also gained commercial recognition leading to collaborations with top international bra manufacturers. Our research in this area has lead to a large amount of media coverage, which helps disseminate our knowledge to the general public.

Sports Apparel and Musculoskeletal Biomechanics

Sports apparel research focuses on the biomechanical aspects of performance enhancement and injury reduction associated with their use within a range of sport, leisure and clinical domains. Recent projects have included the effects of compression clothing on soft tissue movement and muscle activity and their implications on performance and injury risk. This ties into our musculoskeletal biomechanics research which investigates the motion and forces produced by and acting on the musculoskeletal system whilst wearing compression garments during a range of sporting actvities.

Recent UG and PG projects

The effects of compression garments on fast bowling in cricket.

An investigation of loading on the human body during landing from a rugby lineout.

Leg stiffness responses to changes in landing surfaces.

Injury risk associated with sports specific footwear.

Find out more about the Biomechanics Facilities at University of Portsmouth.