Research

The department is research active, and members of staff are involved in various projects including collaborative work with other Universities and organisations. Members of academic staff have an established record of publications in high-quality peer reviewed scientific journals, in authored and edited books as well as contributing to book chapters, popular magazine articles and television and radio broadcasts on issues related to their research. See the staff profiles pages for up to date information on staff research and publications. 

 

The majority of research within the department falls under the two main research themes.

Human Performance in Sport and Exercise Contexts

Under this theme, research examines those factors which directly or indirectly influence human performance in sport and exercise contexts, including the performance of individual and team athletes, coaches, leaders, and sport scientists.  Responses and adaptations to acute exercise, training and involvement in sports and exercise are studied from physiological, biomechanical and psychological perspectives. Physiological research conducted within this theme encompasses investigations of exercise testing, pulmonary gas exchange kinetics, muscle energetics and fatigue/potentiation, immunology and nutritional interventions. Psychological research within this theme encompasses investigations of individual difference, interpersonal and socio-environmental factors affecting psychophysiological, psychological and behavioural responses in sport and exercise.

Physical Activity in Ageing, Rehabilitation and Health

This interdisciplinary group includes researchers in biomechanics, motor control, physiology, nutrition and cognitive and behavioural psychology.  Members of the group work closely with NHS clinicians, patients and voluntary organisations.  The research group broadly aims to address the causes of activity limitation and determine the effects of physical activity and lifestyle on outcomes including quality of life and functional capacity. A key aim of this research is to develop strategies and interventions to optimise health and rehabilitation benefits.

 

Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008

The Department of Sport and Exercise Science, which was returned for the first time since its formation in 2002, performed very well with 65% of research submitted rated as being recognised internationally and 15% being of international excellence. Click here for further information on the RAE 2008 results.

Departmental Research Seminars

Click the link below for the programme when available. All SES SES staff and interested students welcome.