The Sport and Health Sciences research unit investigates cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neural (cognitive functions), and psycho/social aspects related to elite sports, recreational sports, and physical activity in primary schools. These topics are examined both in a fundamental research context and through more applied clinical and exercise science research projects.
Research activities within SHS are characterized by frequently bridging basic research with more applied research, including studying mechanisms for the health-promoting effects of physical activity.
These are the methodologies and techniques used in SHS:
Research activities within SHS are characterized by frequently bridging basic research with more applied research, including studying mechanisms for the health-promoting effects of physical activity.
These are the methodologies and techniques used in SHS:
- Postural balance analysis
- Measurement of maximum muscle strength
- Movement analysis using GPS, video, radio waves, and heart rate monitoring
- Fitness tests in the laboratory (direct oxygen consumption measurement) and on the field (YoYo test)
- Cognitive tests - Reaction time, memory, etc.
- Blood pressure, heart rate, body fat measurement (impedance, calipers, and DXA), and bone density (DXA)
- Blood tests for analysis of blood sugar, cholesterol, lactate, insulin, bone health, and aging markers, etc.
- Questionnaire techniques
- Echocardiography
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Physical function tests (back load, sit-to-stand, etc.)