Unit of Assessment 24 embodies research-related activities associated with the investigation and evaluation of human function, health, and the social context.
This is a growing area of research enquiry, where interdisciplinary and collaborative partnerships are the underpinning basis of our research-related activity. This exciting research area brings together the expertise of academics from health and exercise psychology, sports psychology, psychophysiology, exercise physiology, sociology of sport, biomechanics, physiotherapy, nursing and neuroscience.
Human Function and Health overview
Meet the team
Our Human Function and Health research area is led by Dr Shelley Duncan. Shelley is a senior research fellow with expertise within the fields of cognitive and behavioural neuroscience and exercise physiology. A core driver behind her work involves the development and facilitation of research that has potential to lead to real-world impact. To facilitate this activity, Shelley utilises multimodal research designs that incorporate mobile brain imaging, ambulatory ECG, and EMG to evaluate the relationships between cognitive and physical function. Shelley’s core areas of interest include the evaluation of the impact and dynamics associated with ageing and the influence of neurological diseases, namely Parkinson’s disease, and the evaluation and use of different tools and interventions, such as simulated immersive environments, to optimise decision making within the real-world context.
Shelley’s portfolio of research, partnership working with academic partners and community organisations, as well as her contributions to the academic community through contributions to peer review duties, course leadership of the postgraduate certificate in research methods, co-leadership of the Mind-body connections research group, and PhD supervision, underpins Shelley’s proactive approach to the development and leadership of Solent University’s sport and exercise science researchers, whose work concerns the evaluation of human function and health.
Live research
Sample of current projects
- The exploration of breathing interventions, HRV in sport settings, and HRV and executive function.
- Multimodal research incorporating mobile brain imaging, ambulatory ECG and EMG to evaluate the relationships between cognitive and physical function.
- Evaluation of electro-cortical brain activity in older adults and neurological diseases.
- The use of simulated environments (VR) to optimise decision making and anticipation in sport and use of VR in treatment of sporting-related phobias
- A collaborative research project with The University of Exeter exploring the validity and fidelity of simulated shipping environments within the maritime industry.
- The reliability and sensitivity of the sub-maximal yo-yo intermittent recovery (level 1) test in professional soccer players during a 6-week pre-season.
PhD project themes
- Adherence and motivation to exercise.
- Optimal functioning in strength and conditioning.
- Nursing pedagogy.
- Psychological care and wellbeing within allied health professionals.
- Achieving optimal running performance and economy.
- Growth, mindset, and physical education.
- Range of motion and muscle hypertrophy.
- Training dose and 1RM strength in powerlifters.
