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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.
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.
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.
Research by Alison McConnell and colleagues has underpinned the creation of a new category of exercise training and rehabilitation; "breathing training" improves exercise tolerance and reduces perceived exertion. McConnell invented the market-leading POWERbreathe® breathing trainer, and since joining Brunel (2000), has led further new product developments via Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) and consultancy. Research by McConnell and her team underpins marketing by POWERbreathe® and several "copycat" products serving UK and overseas markets. Impacts include: 1. physiological benefits to individual users globally, from elite athletes to patients; and 2. commercial benefits to POWERbreathe International Ltd., its supply chain, and to new international businesses serving the breathing training market created by POWERbreathe®.
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.
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).
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.
This case study details the impact of a body of research exploring the effects of tourism on wild primates. Our findings have been communicated to a range of conservation organisations, government bodies, tourism associations and other parties, and used by them to promote wider public appreciation of tourism-related conservation issues, and to inform development of guidelines relating to primate tourism. In addition, we have engaged the public with this work through a range of traditional and online media. Through local, national and international consultation and collaboration, our research is having a significant impact on the wider approach to primate tourism.
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.
This case study examines the long-term and ongoing relationship between an industrial collaborator (Chas A Blatchford & Sons Ltd) and researchers at the University of Roehampton. This systematic programme of biomechanical research on how prostheses perform in activities other than walking has had two significant outcomes. Firstly, this work has significantly improved prosthetic design, with four new prosthetic designs marketed worldwide. Secondly, it has increased awareness of — and importantly increased engagement with - exercise therapy for amputees among healthcare professionals (prosthetists and physiotherapists) and amputees themselves. This research has reached a wider audience including amputee charities and healthcare professionals, with whom we focus on mobility and movement rather than the prostheses.