Log in
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.
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.
It is important that valid outcome measures are used to assess clinical services and interventions to demonstrate that services are effective. Additionally, outcomes of interventions need to be meaningful to the patients reporting them, as this adds value to the outcome of trials over and above the statistically significant difference derived mathematically. Singh and colleagues explored the minimum clinically important difference of the incremental shuttle walking test for individuals with chronic respiratory disease. As a result of Singh's research, this threshold is now included in international guidelines for pulmonary rehabilitation and has also been introduced into research and practice among people attending cardiac rehabilitation over the last 5 years.
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.
The modified shuttle test (MST), developed at the University of Ulster by Professor Bradley and colleagues, is an evidence-based exercise test that is having the following impacts:
King's College London (KCL) research has had substantial impact, through making strong contributions to international and national guidelines which recommend that pulmonary rehabilitation should be made available to all appropriate people with COPD, including those who have had a recent hospitalisation for an acute flare-up.
Recommendations citing our research include those published internationally by a Cochrane Review and the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, and nationally in the UK by NICE and IMPRESS — which provides clinical leadership to the NHS. These recommendations have been taken up by the NHS and are also included in NHS Best Practice Guidance (2012). The Department of Health (2010) estimated "widespread use of pulmonary rehabilitation would bring substantial annual savings".
The pioneering research carried out by Brookes' Movement Science Group (under the umbrella of the Centre for Rehabilitation) into the barriers and benefits of safe community led exercise for people with long-term neurological conditions, has significantly improved quality of life for many sufferers. Their research has raised awareness amongst healthcare and fitness professionals, and led to specific measures being put in place to facilitate and encourage exercise. These measures include the development of: clinical exercise and rehabilitation units, web-based physical activity support system, national occupational standards, and the only level 4 accredited exercise training course in the UK. The research has also led to the establishment of a registered charity that aims to increase exercise participation of people with long-term neurological conditions across the UK.
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 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.