The Institute applies its expertise in both research and practice, making a significant contribution to the translation of new research findings from the laboratory into real-world application (translational research). The range of research topics in sports science is vast and diverse: Research on the analysis of physical performance? The optimal diet for elite athletes? The best possible rehabilitation training for an injured professional footballer?
Sports medicine and sports science focus on exercise and physical activity from different perspectives and in many areas. This includes everything from the extreme demands of ultramarathons or long-distance triathlons, to Olympic and Paralympic elite sport, to recreational/grassroot sports, and clinical settings involving neurological or orthopaedic conditions. The scope extends from examining the cellular processes towards studying high-performance within the sport stadiums; from patients to highly specialised professionals training 35 hours per week.
At the Institute of Interdisciplinary Exercise Science and Sports Medicine (IIES), our goal is to develop pioneering strategies for performance enhancement, health promotion, prevention, and rehabilitation for individuals across the lifespan, based on the current state of research and in the spirit of translational science.
Foundations
The Institute's foundational research focuses on generating essential foundational knowledge (mechanistic approaches) in the depth of scientific detail, while still aiming for practical application. These studies are conducted in highly controlled laboratory settings.
The fundamental research at the Institute focuses on generating essential foundational knowledge (mechanistic approaches) at a deep level of scientific detail, without excluding the goal of application. The studies are conducted in highly controlled laboratory settings.
Application
Applied research questions are generated in close collaboration with practical setting and enrichted by insights from the literature. The sampling is typically done pragmatically (e.g., through sport science students or patients).
The Institute also explores how social inequalities can be reduced by promoting physical activity. This includes examining and evaluating physical activity policies, environments and programs aimed at improving access to exercise and sports for all population groups.
Clinical Research
Patient-centred research aims to improve clinical practice by testing new and innovative therapeutic and rehabilitative approaches. Associations are examined through randomised controlled trials across sectors (e.g., telemedicine) .
Practical Research
Practical research questions and methods are often case-specific and subject tothe respective practical setting. Depending on the sample population (e.g., a team of elite athletes), studies may often consist of small sample sizes or even single case studies, which may not be directly applicable to the broader population.
As an interdisciplinary institute, the following areas are covered:
The Institute also focuses on reducing inequalities through the promotion of physical activity. This includes research into physical activity policies and programmes aimed at improving access to exercise and sport for all population groups and reducing health disparities. The Institute is involved in the development and evaluation of physical activity programmes and - policies that seek to provide access to all regardless of their social background or life circumstances.
In the highly specialised environment of the Interdisciplinary Research Laboratory (IRL), individualised strategies for performance enhancement, health promotion, prevention, and rehabilitation are developed for a wide range of target groups, based on the current state of research.
The aim is to provide evidence-based, scientific support for people across the lifespan, including those from general health to extreme sports, as well as elite Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Exercise for the development and maintenance of psycho-physical health and performance