Exercise in health, disease and rehabilitation
The Sport and Exercise Sciences (SES) Research Group at Leeds brings together researchers from 10 separate Institutes in the University.
The group incorporates both multi- and inter-disciplinary research aimed at improving the understanding of the relationship between physical activity patterns, health and the predisposition to chronic diseases.
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Current Research Studies
The aims of the research group and our research themes are described on the Home Page.
This page outlines some of our current research projects currently underway in the SES RG. If you would like to volunteer to be a subject in an upcoming study described on this page please contact the named researcher.
Exercise, Health & Ageing
Does regular exercise protect the cardiovascular system in postmenopausal women with Type 2 diabetes? |
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We are looking for post menopausal women with Type 2 diabetes to volunteer for a study looking at the effects of exercise training. We are looking for both women who would like to become more active as well as those who simply would like to get an idea of their cardiovascular health |
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Non-invasive imaging of skeletal muscle metabolism and oxygenation during exercise in humans |
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Exercise tolerance is largely dependent on the ability to transport and utilise oxygen. This project brings together research teams from UK and Japan to invesigate oxygen flux from the atmosphere to the muscles during exercise using non-invasive techniques. This will help us to determine sources of exercise limitations in health, ageing and chronic disease |
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Oxygen uptake kinetics in patients with chronic heart failure |
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Tolerance to exercise is reduced in patients with chronic heart faluire (CHF), which is traditionally attributed to the reduced capacity of the heart. However, it is now known that the skeletal muscles are also affected. This study aims to better understand the role of the skeletal muscles in limiting exercise tolerance in CHF patients |
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The ageing sinoatrial node |
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But what is responsible for the apparently inevitable decline in heart function (e.g. maximum heart rate) with age? This research project aims to uncover why the heart’s pacemaker slowly fails with age, its role in the decline in aerobic performance, and to identify ways to better preserve it. |
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Cardiovascular and intramuscular interactions in the control of skeletal muscle O2 consumption kinetics |
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The ability provide energy through aerboic pathways is key to muscular endurance. Exercise tolerance, in turn, is a key determinant of health, quality of life, and mortality. This project will investigate the integration of the cardiovascular and muscular systems in the adaptation of aerobic energy provision at exercise onset. |
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Motor Control
Structural and Functional Plasticity in the CNS - activity dependent plasticity in the spinal cord |
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This study aims to better understand the biochemical, structural and electrophysiological properties of spinal interneurones and motoneurones, especially when isolated from supraspinal input. This will provide insight into the mechanisms involved in plasticity events required for control and learning of motor tasks, with direct implications to neurorehabilitation. |
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Upper limb coordination in healthy elderly adults |
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This study examines unimanual and bimanual coordination in aiming and prehension tasks in healthy elderly adults. It is a collaborative project with the School of Health Sciences at The University of Southampton and ETT Solutions |
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Neural correlates of bimanual coordination across the healthspan |
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This project aims to identify the neurophysiological correlates associated with planning and execution of reaching and grasping. This work is borne out of our collaboration with the Perception, Action and Cognition Group in the Institute of Psychology |
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News and Events
Research Group meeting dates and venues for 2010/11 are posted on the Meetings Calendar.
Next events:
3 May 2011, 1-2pm Garstang 7.52
Professor Peter Ellaway
Imperial College London
Does the muscle spindle kindle locomotion?
5 May 2011, 12-1pm Miall Museum
BNA Sponsored Young Researchers Talks 2011
Dr Fiona McBryde
University of Bristol
The neural control of arterial pressure
News:
Congratulations to SES RG memebers on their recent research grant awards:
Dr Ronaldo Ichiyama. Royal Society. Understanding rehabilitation mechanisms to improve functional recovery after spinal cord injuries. Project Grant. 2011.
Dr Matthew Lancaster. British Heart Foundation. Ageing to Arrhythmias and Dysfunction – Model Building for Mechanisms. Project Grant. 2011-2014.
Dr Shaunna Burke. Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. Investigating the psychological benefits of scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro among joint replacement recipients post surgery. Project grant. 2011.
SES Leeds hosts international visitors
Hot off the press:
Weightman A, Preston N, Levesley M, Holt R, Mon-Williams M, Clarke M, Cozens A, Bhakta B. Home based computer-assisted upper limb exercise for young children with cerebral palsy: A feasibility study investigating impact on motor control and functional outcome. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 43:359-363, 2011. [Editors Choice].
Murgatroyd SR, Ferguson C, Ward SA, Whipp BJ, Rossiter HB. Pulmonary O2 uptake kinetics as a determinant of high-intensity exercise tolerance in humans. Journal of Applied Physiology. In press. 2011.
Murgatroyd SR, Wylde LA. The power-duration relationship of high-intensity exercise: from mathematical parameters to physiological mechanisms. Journal of Physiology. In press. 2011. [Review].
See the News page for current as past news items from the Research Group