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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.
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 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.
The research of Dr Duncan Buchan, a member of the Institute of Clinical Exercise & Health Science, has led to two critically important impacts which involve the identification of the prevalence of cardiometabolic disease risk in youth populations and thereafter the effects of physical activity interventions upon cardiometabolic risk in these populations. A key impact has been in the evaluation of the effects of High Intensity Training (HIT). The results have generated significant levels of media publicity and interest from the health and well-being community both nationally and internationally. This work has significantly contributed to the debate and awareness of the importance of physical activity for health and well-being.
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 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.
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 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.
In this case study we describe an interrelated collection of impacts on healthcare in the NHS; these are summarised in the Table below.