Researchers from the School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science have made substantial contributions in the fields of exercise physiology, clinical biomechanics, ergonomics, muscle energetics, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, neuroscience, sport psychology and coaching. Using the school's state-of-the-art facilities, our researchers are leading the way in areas such as childhood obesity, bone health, efficiency of skeletal muscle, fall recovery biomechanics, tissue responses to electrotherapy, tennis elbow, lower back pain in golfers, cardiovascular responses to hypoxia and optimising exercise protocols for the elderly and for patients with chronic lung and heart disease.
Associate Professor Chris Barclay conducting research on muscle physiology. Research in the Muscle Energetics laboratory recently discovered that muscles can produce very high power outputs when they shorten while relaxing and it has been shown how the energy used by heart muscle can be partitioned amongst the various energy using processes that underlie contraction.
Research areas
Current research specialisations are headed under the following areas:
- Biomechanics
- Physiotherapy
- Musculoskeletal physiology
- Cardiopulmonary physiology
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Sports coaching
The following research centres are affiliated with the School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science.
Heart Foundation Research Centre
The Centre's research activities focus on the basic principles of cardiovascular science that have broad relevance and application with the impact of aging on heart and lung disease the priority research area. The most modern techniques and approaches are used in innovative, ground breaking research.
Centre for Musculoskeletal Research
Research in this centre ranges from fundamental mechanisms of musculoskeletal function, to the prevention and management of acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders. This centre consists of researchers with expertise in medicine, pharmacy, muscle and bone physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, functional anatomy and the exercise and rehabilitation sciences