Pioneering breast health and fitness studies
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.
Explore our laboratory
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Engage in pioneering research
Learn and develop your research skills when you access our research laboratory.
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Home to our Research Group in Breast Health
Our facility aims to improve scientific understanding of breast health through advanced research in breast biomechanics.
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Utilize advanced technology
Get access to the latest technology and enhance your technical skills.
Read lessEquipment and amenities
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
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
Related facilities
Biomechanics Laboratory
Use equipment including force plates, pressure plates and our electromyography system to explore the impact of exercise on the body in this lab, from the limits of human endurance to the effects of chronic health conditions.
Physiology Laboratory
This lab includes treadmills, a swim bench, ergometers and a physiological monitoring kit for analysing athletes' blood, heart rate, and urine.
Sports and Human Performance Testing
Analyse sports performance and environmental physiology, and use some of the best extreme environments facilities in the UK.
Where to find us
Dr Alex Milligan Research Laboratory
School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science
University of Portsmouth
Spinnaker Building
Portsmouth
PO1 2ER