The scope of the research agenda of HPALS encompasses work over a wide range of complementary disciplines:

  • We conduct basic research using tissue culture, rat models and human participants at the level of genes, proteins,
    signalling pathways and whole body physiology and metabolism. Our basic research is integral to our studies on sporting performance, soft-tissue injury, chronic diseases and abnormal conditions of the muscle and fat tissue, as well as the role of the brain in performance and fatigue resistance;
  • We conduct intervention studies to determine the impact of physical activity, training, nutrition, sports rule changes, game analysis and ergogenic aids on performance and fatigue resistance;
  • We measure and monitor populations and communities, with respect to physical activity, obesity, and lifestyle risk behaviours including diet and sleep, and sports- and exercise-related injuries;
  • We co-design and measure the effectiveness of physical activity, sleep health and weight loss programmes in schools, communities  and worksites;
  • We conduct clinical trials to determine the efficacy of orthopaedic devices, rehabilitation strategies, nutritional supplements, performance monitoring devices and pharma agents;
  • We innovate and develop bespoke solutions, tools, instruments, measurement platforms, algorithms and products, to support our work, our partners, and which have potential for commercialization or for scaling up;
  • We harness technology for addressing limitations to human movement, and optimising sports skills and running gait in our studies on performance and injuries;
  • We provide skilled and independent evaluation of existing programmes in sports for development, “natural experiments” in the built environment for transport and recreation, and we lead in evidence-based advocacy initiatives.

We partner with researchers all over the world, to understand the factors that contribute to both childhood and adult obesity, early life determinants of later adult disease, post-professional quality of life in retired sportsmen, genetics of soft-tissue injury, and  the pursuit of the sub-2-hour marathon.