Background

Who are we?

The Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine (CHESM) was established in October 2000. It is a multidisciplinary Centre within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences administered through the School of Physiotherapy. It combines high calibre researchers with experienced clinicians from the disciplines of physiotherapy, medicine, science and exercise science and has a number of internationally recognised clinical associates and research collaborators.

What do we do?

The Centre’s activities fall under three main areas:

• Research – including post doctoral training in clinical and basic science areas
• Education – research higher degree supervision, coursework programs for physiotherapists, teaching within the undergraduate and postgraduate curricula
• Knowledge transfer – ensuring research has an impact in the general and professional communities

What is our focus?

Our main research focus is on the role of conservative strategies, particularly exercise, in promoting overall health and well being and in preventing and managing the public health problems that are currently facing society. To do this, a lifespan approach is taken from childhood through to the elderly years. Prevention and management of sports injuries is another focus as this will facilitate continued participation in sport and exercise.