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The Physical Activity in Ageing, Rehabilitation and Health Research Group at Aberystwyth University has designed, implemented and evaluated rural Community Exercise Schemes (CESs), including GP referral of sub-clinical populations, and more specialised schemes, such as cardiac rehabilitation and falls prevention. This research has made a distinct and material contribution to the provision of CESs in the region by providing evidence to inform service planning and delivery, increase access to and engagement with services, improve health and influence professional standards, guidelines and training.
Prof Doherty's research is themed around `safe and effective exercise for patients with complex cardiac disease' where, until his leading research had been carried out, thousands of patients were denied access to such services. Prof Doherty implemented the first prospective randomised control trial (RCT) in this population which has: benefitted patients directly by enabling more programmes to offer rehabilitation to this group of patients; impacted on clinical guidance nationally and internationally; contributed to Department of Health policy; and influenced the public and clinical populations through the NHS, British Heart Foundation, Arrhythmia Alliance and professional clinical groups.
This research into the effective management of exertion intensity, symptoms and pain in the treatment of cardiovascular and neuromuscular diseases has resulted in the setting of national and international standards for safe and effective education, training and professional practice.
Physical activity forms a core component in the prevention and rehabilitation of cardiovascular disease and in genetically acquired neuromuscular disorders. Physical activity benefits are linked to the volume — frequency, intensity and duration — of participation, which will bring about physiological and/or psychosocial improvements.
Smith's research in Exercise Science focuses on exercise adherence and health enhancing physical activity (HEPA). Doherty's research looks at `safe and effective exercise for patients with complex cardiac disease' and implemented the first prospective Randomised Control Trial in this population. Smith and Doherty have collaborated on an RCT, on `Active York' and on a successful proposal to the BHF. Smith's work has had an impact on practitioners and professional services by shaping regulatory frameworks for `exercise on prescription' schemes. In health, Doherty's research has benefitted patients directly by enabling hundreds of programmes to offer rehabilitation to patients with complex cardiac disease and has impacted on national and international practice.
Research undertaken at the Centre for Physical Activity and Health Research within the Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute has directly contributed to changes in public policy surrounding the health benefits of exercise and has informed the development of international and national physical activity guidelines.
High intensity training: Impact can be evidenced on multiple levels ranging from adding to the public debate on exercise duration and providing information to the sports industry. This includes publication of the findings/applied recommendations of this research in lay magazines (e.g. Men's Health), books (e.g. The High Intensity Workout Dundee University Press 2012) and television shows (e.g. Horizon). In addition, the research has informed coaches (ice hockey and rugby union) and people working in the fitness industry (personnel trainers), and has contributed to the debate on exercise for health (Scottish Government).
It is widely acknowledged that increasing physical activity (PA) levels within `hard-to-reach' groups is challenging. Researchers in the School have addressed these challenges resulting in impacts in two recognized `hard-to-reach' groups: ethnic minority communities and patients who are at risk of disease onset and/or are suffering from diminished quality of life/disability due to chronic disease. In the former, our research has demonstrated how to make PA accessible and appropriate; in the latter, in addition, we have increased physical activity levels. In both examples, our research has changed professional training and/or standards.
The term `Green Exercise' was first coined at the University of Essex to describe physical activity undertaken in `green' surroundings. Essex research demonstrates and quantifies the associated benefits to health and well-being. This research has stimulated changes to the policies and practices of health and environmental organisations, and has also been used in the private sector to support a consumer engagement campaign. Most notably, the mental health charity Mind used the findings of Essex research as part of a successful Big Lottery bid. This led to Ecominds, a £7.5M, 5 year programme supporting 130 environmental projects nationwide, which have improved the mental health of participants via green activity engagement.
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.
In this case study we describe an interrelated collection of impacts on healthcare in the NHS; these are summarised in the Table below.