Summary of the impact

An international patent emanating from research from Professor Paul Greenhaff's laboratory and owned by the University of Nottingham (UoN) was purchased by MuscleTech Inc. in 2001 (along with provision of £750k research funding), and used to underpin their highly successful creatine based sports supplement, CellTech. The patent has since been used in [text removed for publication] products creating sales worth $[text removed for publication] million (US) since 2010. A further international patent from the same laboratory based on research on carnitine as a sports supplement has to date been accepted in Australia and Canada and used by the Olympic Team GB in 2012. Negotiations between the UoN and a global company regarding the licencing of this technology are at an advanced stage.

Summary of the impact

Manchester Metropolitan University's (MMU's) novel research on the musculoskeletal adaptations to resistance training has directly informed what has been called the "gold-standard" for exercise, physical activity and rehabilitation guidelines for older adults published in the USA, as well as the UK Department of Health's guidelines on physical activity and exercise for older adults. MMU's musculo-skeletal research has led to commercial impacts as it has directly informed the design, and modifications to the design of `Technogym' (an international exercise equipment manufacturer) and vibration training devices. Clinical impacts have been realised through the contribution of musculoskeletal research into rehabilitation programmes for children with muscle weakness across Europe. And finally, MMU's research has also raised awareness of, and informed local Government decision-making and policy on, ageing and musculoskeletal deterioration.

Summary of the impact

The Human Performance Research Group at Aberystwyth University developed a novel high- intensity "warm-up" regime, known as "priming exercise". Performing this type of exercise can provide an ergogenic effect during subsequent exercise or competition. This research has impacted upon professional practice of sports scientists and coaches tasked with preparing elite athletes for competition. Specifically, previously warm-up exercise was performed prior to exercise, whereas now many practitioners apply priming exercise regimes. In addition, this practice has a direct impact upon the performance of both elite and amateur athletes.

Summary of the impact

This case study relates to Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) research on musculoskeletal responses to microgravity conditions in spaceflight and the resulting applications and impacts. MMU's research and influence within the UK Space Biomedicine Consortium underpinned a shift in UK Government policy towards full participation in European Space Agency (ESA) programmes. Impacts have also resulted from the development of gravity-independent devices and exercise systems that have been tested by ESA and NASA within various "live" missions on board the International Space Station. MMU's research has also had a big influence on the organisational practices of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) particularly around space physiology.

Summary of the impact

Research carried out by the SESRC has resulted in the development of three novel devices that improve foot and lower limb circulation. These have been commercialised by Actegy Health Ltd.

Since 2008, impact arising from this research includes,

• successful product efficacy trials satisfying Advertising Standards Authority requirements;
• filing of three patent applications;
• generation of total revenues of £53M of which in 2012 two thirds were overseas (£16.3M);
• created 22 direct jobs with significantly more indirect jobs in manufacturing, logistics and marketing;
• a Red Dot Good Design international award in 2012;
• recognition of Actegy Ltd as a Sunday Times fast track 100 company in both 2010(4^th) and 2011(17^th).

Summary of the impact

Tart cherries are rich in phytochemicals that include compounds that contain anthocyanins and melatonin, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and consequently have the potential to enhance recovery following strenuous physical activity. Our research has examined novel applications of tart Montmorency cherry juice, specifically in recovery from exercise and managing exercise-induced inflammation, oxidative stress and sleep; this has led to extensive reach to the scientific and wider community and has seen significant increases in the sales and its routine use by athletic (Olympic and professional sports) and general populations who report positive effects on the global effects of recovery following training, competitions and injury.

Summary of the impact

Research at Essex underpinned the development and application of near infrared muscle oxygen spectroscopy (NIRS) devices that have had medical and sporting applications in three areas:

1) Research on second derivative spectroscopy underpinned the concept of the Hutchinson Technology InSpectra^TM tissue spectrometers, and later Essex publications validated the technology. The current device is used for muscle research worldwide, including in sports and exercise science. It has US Food and Drug Administration approval and has been sold for use in many US hospitals with improved clinical outcomes and economic benefits.

2) Applied research, undertaken at Essex, made first use of the Artinis Inc. Portamon^TM portable NIRS device in elite athletes (UK short track speed skaters). Subsequently this technology has been used to assist the training of a number of sports teams including [text removed for publication] and the Team GB hockey team.

3) This work was also used to engage the public in sports science research both nationally (e.g. Edinburgh and Cheltenham Science Festivals 2010-2013) and internationally (Abu Dhabi Science Festival 2011-2013).

Summary of the impact

This case study relates to the optimisation of endurance performance in athletes through the use of newly developed carbohydrate-based sports foods and beverages. It describes a systematic program of scientific research that resulted in major advances in our understanding of how to optimise athletic performance through nutrition. This research substantially influenced the sports nutrition guidance for athletes given by the very highest global authoritative source (i.e., International Olympic Committee Consensus Statement on Sports Nutrition [IOC]). Furthermore, the research has stimulated development of innovative food and beverage products in the sports nutrition manufacturing industry allowing the benefits of the research to reach consumers and athletes on a truly global scale.

Summary of the impact

Research from the Unit has demonstrated a positive effect of the amino acid beta-alanine on exercise performance and capacity, which has informed best practice on its use by elite athletes, athletic individuals and the general population. In addition, this research has allowed performance nutritionists and exercise physiologists access to research that affords them the ability to follow an evidence based practice approach with their clients. Our research has contributed to the increased worldwide use of beta-alanine as a dietary supplement to enhance sport and exercise performance.

Summary of the impact

The Case Study focuses on the work of Ibrahim Akubat, an exercise physiologist lecturer who joined the department in 2010. Based on his research, Akubat has enabled a range of clubs to monitor accurately players' training loads and understand their footballers' training outcomes. Akubat's research shows the superiority of the new individualised training load monitoring method over existing methods of monitoring internal training load and exercise dose in intermittent sports. This has led to coaches from numerous professional clubs, including those from the English Premier League, attending workshops to seek guidance on modifying their approaches to training load monitoring.