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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.
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®.
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,
The Vascular Health Group led by Bailey has achieved international impact by transforming our understanding of the source, mechanisms and consequences of free radical formation in the ageing human. The development of novel biomarkers of health and well-being has challenged conventional wisdom, informed public policy and debate and raised public awareness to the vascular benefits of physical activity. These advances have improved health and welfare outcomes of the elderly including those suffering from advanced atheroslcerotic disease. Applied research focused on the pro-oxidant stimulus hypoxia, has led to improvements in the management of high-altitude illness amongst both mountaineers and native communities.
Research carried out by the SESRC has resulted in a new category of health and wellness footwear which has been commercialised by FitFlop Ltd.
Since 2008, the Company has:
This case study details the impact of research on the biomechanics of ageing, and the translation of novel methods developed in this research into clinical applications for Parkinson's disease. Our work, commissioned by and developed with English National Ballet (ENB), has raised the profile of dance as a novel health intervention, promoting the health of patients and facilitating the public services of ENB. The reach of our impact is international, and includes a wide range of beneficiaries including Parkinson's patients, dance and health professionals, the general public, ENB and other dance organisations. The significance of our work is indicated by the profound differences it has made to the beneficiaries, awards that the project has received, and the substantial press coverage it has attracted.
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).
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.