Sport and health research
Exeter is at the cutting-edge of research and education in sport and health.
Our Sport and Health Sciences department is ranked 3rd in the UK for research intensity and quality, with 89% of our work rated as world leading or internationally excellent. The impact of our research ranges from supporting Olympic athletes to push the boundaries of human performance to enhancing the health of the global population from childhood to old age and advising Government on physical activity guidelines.
Health and Exercise Research - from childhood to old age
We have developed evidence-based physical activity guidelines for children with cystic fibrosis and congenital heart conditions, which are now implemented in specialist centres and schools. We are working to develop evidence-based nutrition and exercise strategies that support healthy ageing by slowing age-related loss of muscle and bone mass, reducing blood pressure and improving cognitive function in older adults.
Improving athlete performance
Our researchers work with some of the world’s greatest athletes to redefine the limits of human physiology. Exeter has pioneered research into dietary nitrate supplementation in the form of beetroot juice to increase endurance, cherry supplementation to speed recovery, and protein intake to maximise muscle recovery and growth.