Sport and Exercise Science

Research profile

We primarily focus on working with ‘healthy’ subjects to improve sport performance or to support health related physical activity. The wide range of academic backgrounds in the ARG (including biologists, physiologists, biomechanists, biochemists, sport therapists, sport psychologists and dieticians) allows us to bring together a plethora of techniques to perform an interdisciplinary, multilevel (including molecular, cellular, tissue and whole body levels) analysis of exercise and performance. 

Key areas of activity

• Consultancy and provision of CPD activities for external and internal clients, including sport science support for Coventry University sport scholars, strength and conditioning support for Coventry City FC Academy, Coerver Coaching and England Netball, nutritional consultation for AxarSport Ltd. Endurance Sports Training & Competition Services.
• Analysing and evaluating environmental and dietary effects on performance including: 
  • Physiological responses of individuals subjected to high temperatures (hyperthermia),
  • Physiological responses of individuals subjected to reduced amounts of oxygen (hypoxia),
  • Dietary and hydration assessment and intervention to meet training and competition requirements, including ultra-marathon sports in thermally stressed environments.
  • Impact of dietary and fluid manipulation on exercise performance.
  • Intake and impact of nutritional ergogenic aids (specifically bicarbonate or caffeine)
• Evaluating the activity levels and physical literacy levels in school children in collaboration with Coventry Children’s Learning and Young Peoples Directorate
• Exercise physiology in special populations (such as those with disabilities) using upper body exercise models for aerobic and anaerobic performance, training and acclimation Multi-level investigation into the physiological performance of muscle and biomechanics of locomotion

Strengths

• This emerging group produced a strong performance, under sports Related Studies, in the Research Assessment Exercise of 2008
• Inter-disciplinary approach to consultancy and research projects involving numerous BASES accredited scientists
• Well equipped suite of ‘human performance’ laboratories allowing us to offer a range of field and laboratory tests and support including:
  • Aerobic parameters (including VO2max, Lactate Threshold) 
  •  Anaerobic power tests (including upper and lower body Wingate and Constant Load Tests)
  • Anthropometry and body composition analysis (including BodPod, Skin Callipers, Bioimpedance)
  • Cardiovascular measurements (beat by beat blood pressure and heart rate measurements)
  • Quantification of localised sweat production, blood flow and hydration (including Electrolyte analysis)
  • Biomechanical analysis and support (including 2D and 3D, high and low speed, video and motion analysis with use of DartFish, Motus, Vicon  and Quintic analysis software; isokinetic testing, force plate and EMG analysis)
  • Strength and conditioning support via accredited UKSCA coaches
  • Sport psychology assessment and support via accredited BPS and BASES psychologists
  • Dietary  and Nutritional analysis (including food diaries, advice on sports supplements, cooking skills sessions, dietary analysis and consultation, nutritional education)
  • Physical activity monitoring (Yamax, Sensewear , Garmin and Tritrac systems)
  • Fundamental movement skill analysis (FMS)
  • Health screening (blood profiles)
  • Sports therapy clinic
  • Other testing available on request