Research Centre of Applied Sport & Physical Activity

We are a vibrant, enthusiastic community of researchers who are externally facing, which allows us to address global issues and challenges. Our research looks at the challenges that connect sport and activity for social good. Seeking to enhance success in sport and its connected fields we continue to work on improving performance, education and rehabilitation methods for those participating in sport, exercise and physical activity. We are responding to the need to develop an active nation, and we use sport as a vehicle to address global inequalities.

The centre brings together four themes:

This theme provides research excellence in the application of science and technology to sport and rehabilitation for the benefit of individual athletes, whether they are elite, amateur, para or an active member of the public. This includes research from Sport and Exercise Sciences, the Allied Health Research Unit (AHRu) and the MedTech Solutions Group.

Our expertise transcends biomechanics, musculoskeletal modelling, strength and conditioning, rehabilitation, recovery, sports injury, and nutrition. We collaborate with companies, industry and health organisations and are actively involved in the development and evaluation of products and services. To find out more please contact Dr Ambreen Chohan, Dr Graham Chapman or Dr Jonathan Sinclair.

This theme encompasses all aspects of Sport and Physical Education research explored primarily through the social sciences. Our research explores how Sport and Physical Education act as historical and contemporary mirrors for a range of social and political issues, and as vehicles to bring about social change. Through our multidisciplinary academic research and community engagement, we explore challenges in Sport and Physical Education locally, nationally, and internationally, offering a rich field from which to engage in dialogue, undertake research, and make a positive real-world impact. To find out more please contact Dr Jess Macbeth.

The active lifestyles group are dedicated to promoting and understanding the benefits of physical activity for individuals and communities. Comprised of experts from various fields including exercise science, public health, psychology, and sociology, our group conducts cutting-edge research aimed at elucidating the factors that influence participation in physical activity and its impact on health and well-being.

Our research spans a wide range of topics, from investigating the effects of physical activity upon mental health using the green and blue spaces to exploring strategies for promoting active living in diverse populations. Through collaborative efforts with community organisations, policymakers, and healthcare professionals, we aim to translate research findings into actionable interventions that empower individuals to lead healthier, more active lives.

At the core of our mission is a commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering positive behaviour change, and ultimately improving public health outcomes through the promotion of active lifestyles. To find out more please contact Dr Matthew Reeves.

Through the lens of ‘sport’, this theme engages with innovative research to maximise the potential of individuals, teams and organisations across the performance spectrum, from developmental level to high-performance, transcending across multiple domains including sport, military, emergency services and other applied settings. Our research considers the biological-psychological-sociological and technological aspects of the individual and teams within the context of performance setting and organisational values. This strand supports the exploration of the cutting-edge of theoretical and professional knowledge across the multiple-domains, covering the dichotomy from individual and team decision-making, performance enhancement strategies, pedagogical process, sociotechnical systems, and technological integration. To find out more please contact Dr Pamela Richards.

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