Research projects

Research is a priority area at the Centre for Sports Science & Human Performance. The centre promotes and values both individual and multi-disciplinary or collaborative research.

Our staff have a wide range of research interests which helps position the centre as a valuable partner in multi-disciplinary research projects. The centre aligns its research interests and activities under a number of specialist institutes and units, which are supported by different companies, institutions and organisations.

Power Plate Research Institute on Vibration Training

The institute researches the effects and applications of new technologies based on vibration (mainly whole body vibration platforms). It also undertakes validation studies for new devices and technologies, educational events, and publications. Power Plate is the world-leading company on this field. It commits resources and funding to support the development of evidence-based applications of vibration training to improve health and performance.

The Centre for Sports Sciences & Human Performance has recently completed validation studies for the new PowerBikeTM device from Power Plate, an innovative cycle ergometer with vibration.
More information is available at www.powerbike.com/research

Staff involved: Dr Mark Goss-Sampson, Dr Monem Jemni, Edzard Zeinstra (Power Plate International)
PhD students: Daniel Robbins, Jag Matharoo
MSc by Research students: Davide Fillingeri (University of Palermo, 2010–11)

FIA Research Institute at Greenwich

The Fitness Industry Association (FIA) Research Institute provides evidence about the effects of structured exercise, delivered at health and fitness clubs. It contributes to the recognition of the industry as an effective partner in health promotion and public health practice, and promotes best practice for the health and fitness industry in UK.

The FIA Research Institute is supported by a range of partners, including Technogym, Myzone and Lifetime Fitness Education, and by an independent Scientific Advisory Board with representatives from the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), the Royal College of Physicians, The Faculty of Sports Medicine and The Faculty of Public Health.

Funding: Fitness Industry Association

Staff involved: Dr Mark Goss-Sampson, Dr Silvano Zanuso (Visiting Lecturer)
PhD student: Steven Mann

Maxinutrition Research Unit on Sports Nutrition and Supplements

The unit focuses on the study of the effects and applications of sports supplements that are designed to improve performance and health status.

Staff involved: Dr Mark Goss Sampson
PhD student: Robert Cooper

Research Unit on Exercise in Metabolic Disorders

The unit works with the Italian Metabolic Fitness Association www.metabolicfitness.it and focuses on the study, applications and positive effects of exercise as a treatment of metabolic diseases, for example, Type 2 and 1 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity. It undertakes a wide range of research projects and exercise interventions through acute and chronic randomised controlled trials.

Funding: Greenwich Research & Enterprise Ltd

Staff involved: Dr Mark Goss-Sampson
Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Dr Ludovic Chassin
External researchers: Dr Stefano Balducci, Dr Silvano Zanuso

International Research Unit on Strength and Conditioning

The unit works with the Real Madrid School of Sports Science, part of the European University of Madrid (Spain). Its joint research studies and projects are focused on strength and conditioning. MSc students from the Real Madrid School of Sports Science undertake research placements at the University of Greenwich.

Funding: European University of Madrid, Real Madrid School of Sports Sciences (Spain)

Staff involved: Dr Mark Goss-Sampson, Mark Chapman. From the European University of Madrid: Dr Jonathan Esteve (Visiting Lecturer at University of Greenwich)

International Research Unit on Community-based Interventions to Promote Physical Activity

The init works in partnership with the University of A Coruna’s School of Sports Science, based in Spain. It researches the promotion of physical activity and exercise as a public health tool.

Funding: University of A Coruna (INEF)

Staff involved: Dr Mark Goss-Sampson, Dr Xurxo Dopico (University of A Coruna), Dr Eliseo Iglesias (University of A Coruna)
IRU Co-ordinator: Dr Oscar Carballo (Visiting Research Fellow)
MSc by Research student: Anabell Lage

Application of the Critical Power Model in Cycling

This research is in collaboration with the University of Kent.

Critical Power has been widely accepted as a valid marker for endurance performance. With the use of endurance trained cyclists this PhD explores various ways of measuring Critical Power, its underlying physiology and its field application related to testing and training.

Funding: University of Greenwich

Staff involved: Dr. Mark Goss-Sampson
External Supervisors: Dr. Simon Jobson, Dr. James Hopker
PhD student: Bettina Karsten