Sport and Exercise Sciences

The Sports and Exercise Sciences group has a world-class focus for research excellence in exercise science, building on its distinctive identity in understanding the basic mechanisms, and translational applications of physical activity in health and disease. The group has over 50 members including 20 permanent academic staff, research and teaching fellows.

<p>The group covers a wide range of topics, which are underpinned by fundamental research. We work closely with the <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/cardiovascular">Cardiovascular group</a>, sharing three research themes (<a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/research-9/doc/skeletal-muscle-health-disease">Skeletal muscle in health and disease</a>, <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/research-9/doc/ageing-cardiopulmonary-system">Ageing and the cardiopulmonary system</a>, <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/research-9/doc/cardiovascular-sport-exercise-science-themes">Exercise and the failing heart</a>), and use an interdisciplinary approach to answer shared research questions. Our research themes includes:</p> <h3><a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/sport-exercise-sciences/doc/sport-research-themes/page/1">Biomechanics</a></h3> <p>Research in the biomechanics theme is split into two complementary areas; Comparative Biomechanics and Exercise & Sports Biomechanics.</p> <h3><a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/sport-exercise-sciences/doc/sport-research-themes/page/2">Motor Control and Neurorehabilitation</a></h3> <p>The overarching research aim in the Motor Control and Neurorehabilitation theme is to investigate how the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) interact and integrate information from the environment in order to produce effective motor behaviours.</p> <h3><a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/sport-exercise-sciences/doc/sport-research-themes/page/3">Physical Activity and Public Health</a></h3> <p>Physical activity has significant benefits for mental and physical well-being. While policies have been put in place throughout the UK to help establish active lifestyles across the lifespan, a finding that becomes even worse during key life events such as pregnancy and with age.</p> <h3><a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/sport-exercise-sciences/doc/sport-research-themes/page/4">Skeletal muscle in health and disease</a></h3> <p>Skeletal muscle is vital for life, underpinning locomotion, respiration, and metabolism, yet we still poorly understand its response to exercise and disease.</p> <h3><a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/sport-exercise-sciences/doc/sport-research-themes/page/5">Ageing and the cardiopulmonary system</a></h3> <p>Age is a major risk factor for the majority of cardiopulmonary complications. In part this is because many cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases are progressive. However, even healthy ageing is associated with a reduction in blood vessel and lung function, with a sharp decline in maximal cardiac output and aerobic capacity as people advance into their 60s and beyond.</p> <h3><a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/sport-exercise-sciences/doc/sport-research-themes/page/6">Exercise and the failing heart</a></h3> <p>Heart failure is a complex syndrome with impairment of cardiac, respiratory, musculoskeletal and vascular function, all of which contribute to reduced quality of life and mortality. Exercise has established benefits in patients with heart failure but debate continues as to the most appropriate exercise modality.</p>

<p>If you are interested in a product in this research area please search for our <a href="https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/research-degrees/doc/how-to-apply">research opportunities</a>. </p>

<p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Office<br /> e: <a href="mailto:https://biologicalsciences.leeds.ac.uk/research-degrees">fbsgrads</a><a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">@leeds.ac.uk</a>, t: +44 (0)113 343 8186</p>