The Physical Activity and Performance Research Cluster has over 30 research active staff undertaking multi-disciplinary research in both physical activity and sports performance contexts. Our research has been externally recognised as 'internationally excellent' and 'world leading' in the 2021 REF submission for Allied Health Professionals (Unit of Assessment 3) and Psychology (Unit of Assessment 4). Our research benefits local communities and a range of stakeholders across health, rehabilitation, physical activity and sports performance contexts.
Our aims
We aim to undertake research and evaluation into the impact and implementation of physical activity and health interventions across the human lifespan. Our physical activity research is centred on the effectiveness and the experiences of individuals and communities, as well as physical activity and health professionals. We also undertake research which enhances the performance of individual athletes, sports teams and organisations including professional and elite teams and organisations at the highest level in a range of sports.
Physical activity
Our group of physical activity researchers investigate the impact and implementation of interventions. They undertake research across the human lifespan to include children, adults and older adults and in different settings such as NHS, schools and the community. Our expertise includes the measurement of physical activity levels, health outcomes, as well as investigating the impact and implementation of interventions including the experiences of participants and providers. We have expertise in the evaluation of a range of physical activity programmes at the local and national level.
Our collaborations in Physical Activity include Active Derbyshire, Active Nottinghamshire, Notts County Foundation and Digibete. Our researchers have been involved with national organisations including the UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines, Moving Medicine, BASES and the NICE Guidelines.
Sport Performance
Our research in this area is undertaken by three groups of researchers:
- The optimal training and performance researchers aim to understand and enhance human performance across sport, exercise and clinical settings. Our interdisciplinary research is based on our expertise which spans the core disciplines of sport and exercise science, biomechanics, physiology and psychology, as well as the fields of training, nutrition, performance analysis, skill acquisition and strength conditioning. Our members are interested in exercise immunology, with specific expertise in viral reactivation.
- Athlete and practitioner development researchers aim to optimise athlete performance under pressure examining the pressure-performance relationship. They also consider the influencing role of individual differences; athlete development and well-being in sport and exercise. They explore the mental wellbeing-performance relationship, individual maladaptive behaviour, and growth of talented athletes, and practitioner development in sport focusing on the development of the neophyte practitioner, reflective practice, and professional practice effectiveness.
- Coaching, community and culture researchers aim to undertake research including investigations into the business operations of sporting organisations including football club community trusts as well as coaching and athlete and talent development.
Our collaborations in Sports Performance research include the governing bodies of elite sport including WADA, British Cycling, British Wheelchair Rugby, British Canoeing, the English, Welsh and Danish Football Associations. Our researchers also work with several Professional Sports Teams such as Burton Albion FC, Leicester City FC, GB Cycling and Derbyshire County Cricket. We also work with our university colleagues at Sport and Physical Activity.
Our research
- Case Study 2: Sports Performance, Increasing the performance of elite wheelchair athletes/Dr Simon Briley. Simon’s programme of research involves investigating the performance of elite wheelchair athletes including wheelchair rugby and basketball.
- Case Study 3: Physical Testing, Nature and Incidence of Injuries in Elite Teams and Athletes
Dr Lee Pote, Dr Tom Outram and colleagues lead this programme of research.
Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Activity Levels in Children
The research into the movement skills and physical activity levels in children is aiming to improve the fundamental movement skills (FMS) of children in the UK, Ireland and ultimately worldwide. Professor Clare Roscoe's research highlights that less than one-fifth of 6–9-year-olds have achieved competency in four key FMS (run, jump throw and catch), and she therefore suggests we need children’s FMS to improve because a more competent child will engage in greater physical activity levels and maintain greater health outcomes.
Professor Roscoe's research on FMS has developed from working with preschool children, to primary aged children and assessing grassroots footballers. Clare was part of a team from England and Ireland to write the first ever motor competency expert statement, on behalf of the International Motor Development Research Consortium. A team at the University of Derby have assessed grassroots footballers within the laboratory and were the first to examine and quantify energy expenditure during different physical activities and FMS via indirect calorimetry in 8–11-year-olds. This research progressed into schools which was influential in highlighting that less than one-fifth of children aged 6-9 years have achieved competency in four key FMS (run, jump, throw and catch). This is worryingly low and has been an inciteful article in allowing me to make a critical contribution to the area of FMS and physical activity.
Human Performance Unit
Linked to our research in Sports Performance is our Human Performance Unit. Utilising the state-of-the-art sport science facilities within the newly developed sports centre, the Human Performance Unit has been established to provide expert sport science services to sports clubs and individual athletes from beginners to elite performers. Human Performance Unit - Facilities and networks - University of Derby For further information on the Human Performance Unit, please contact Dr Tom Outram T.Outram@derby.ac.uk
Join us
If you are interested in our research and would like to find out more, would like to join our research cluster or are applying for a PhD in this research area, please contact Professor Andy Pringle (a.pringle@derby.ac.uk), Dr Lisa Ledger (L.Ledger@derby.ac.uk) or Dr Jack Parker (J.Parker@derby.ac.uk) for more information.
For further information on the Human Performance Unit, please contact Dr Tom Outram (T.Outram@derby.ac.uk).
