Background to the Research Centre for Physical Activity and Sport Performance

Low levels of physical activity and high levels of sedentary behaviour are major contributors in the development of non-communicable disease. The current obesity epidemic has contributed to a rise in diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which causes a major burden on the individual and the economy. Understanding the causal relationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and non-communicable disease is essential so that effective preventive and treatment strategies can be identified to promote population health.

Enhancing participant fitness capabilities to increase performance and reduce injury and illness as a result of sport participation has significant importance in the UK, highlighted by the recent Olympic sport successes. Evaluation and implementation of scientifically rigorous training programmes to maximize the physical capabilities of performers is therefore crucial to maintaining and building on these successes for current and future athletes.

Research in this centre is dedicated to three special interests groups in the areas of:

• Sedentary Behaviour and Health
• Physical Activity, Nutrition and Metabolism
• Sports Performance and Biomechanics

This Centre’s aim is to identify and evaluate physical activity strategies and training interventions to enhance population health and human performance at the individual, community and national level. 

Active Partners of the Research Centre

• Bedford Borough Council
• Bedford Hospital NHS Trust
• Team Beds and Luton
• Active Luton
• BeeZee Bodies
• County Sports Partnership Network – Workplace Challenge
• Ergotron
• Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport
• Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research