Physical activity, health and rehabilitation

Our research covers a wide range of topics, including

• Physical Activity promotion

  Research in this area examines individual and environmental interventions to promote physical activity and prevent and manage chronic diseases.  This includes community-based research projects working with individuals with disabilities to explore different strategies to enhance diet, increase levels of physical activity, and improve access to health information and services. Our research is also examining the motivational and psychological health benefits of community-based sport and physical activity for marginalised and disadvantaged populations including socio-economically disadvantaged young people and young offenders. We are also working with older adults to increase levels of physical activity.

• Breast Health

  Our research in this area aims to increase scientific knowledge of breast health and to raise awareness of this important aspect of women’s health. We are internationally renowned for research on the biomechanics of the breast and have developed a unique database on the breast comfort and support requirements of thousands of women. We are responsible for over half of the scientific publications in this area and regularly present work nationally and internationally. Current projects are exploring the prevalence and influence of breast movement asymmetry and the influence of breast mass on posture and back pain.

• Exercise, Nutrition and Health

  Work in this area is examining the most effective training modalities and nutritional interventions for countering the negative effects brought about by a chronically diseased state. We work with a range of conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Type 2 diabetes, stroke and chronic kidney disease to try and improving quality of life. We are also examining the role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing, a valuable tool which can provide important clinical information regarding function and quality of life in those with chronic diseases, as well as undertaking  fundamental work examining the mechanism(s) by which disease pathophysiology affects an individual's cardiopulmonary and muscular function during exercise.

• Rehabilitation

  Our rehabilitation research involves a variety of cohorts. We are currently undertaking work investigating the role of emotional intelligence on uptake of exercise in the community following supervised exercise, and whether action planning can facilitate walking in post-myocardial infarction patients. We also have a programme of research investigating the biomechanical changes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction as well as research examining the community based rehabilitation programme following stroke.