The Dr Alex Milligan Research Laboratory is at the heart of our Sport and Exercise Science research. It's home to a wide range of projects including pioneering research on the biomechanics of the breast and the development of fitness standards for a range of occupational groups.
The laboratory is named in memory of Dr Alex Milligan who died from leukaemia in 2017. After joining the University to study Sport and Exercise Science in 2005, she went on to complete a Master's degree before gaining her PhD and then working as a Senior Research Associate with our renowned Research Group in Breast Health.
These facilities enable staff and students to engage in our internationally-recognised, interdisciplinary research. This research informs many of the undergraduate and postgraduate units of study offered on our courses, and provides students with the opportunity to develop their learning and research skills.
Our approach directly benefits athletes, patients and workers across various sporting groups, industries and organisations, as well as people in their everyday lives.
As well as research activity, courses using the laboratory include BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science and MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Performance.
Recent research projects
Our recent projects include:
- Research which showed how wearing an ill-fitting bra is bad for your health
- An assessment of the physical ability of offshore wind industry technicians who have to climb 120-metre ladders in order to perform routine maintenance
- A study describing the kinematics of breasts augmented with reduced mass implants during standing, walking and running, compared to natural breasts
Equipment
The laboratory is a large, flexible work space which can be configured to meet bespoke project demands. However, it primarily houses:
- A Polhemus motion tracking system, allowing 3D movement of sensors to be tracked
- A DEXA body scanner
- A treadmill, climbing ladder, stepper and hot tub
Where to find us
Dr Alex Milligan Research Laboratory
School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science
University of Portsmouth
Spinnaker Building
Portsmouth
PO1 2ER