Sports and exercise
Research areas
Research areas
Sports and exercise
CEMIS develops testing environments and measurement systems that can be used for coaching and testing elite athletes, for example, as well as for activating young people to engage in physical activity, or for studying the effects of ageing. One of CEMIS’ strength lies in its technological expertise, combined with research in sport coaching and fitness testing, biomechanics and physiology.
The Vuokatti Sports Technology Unit (JYU-Vuokatti) of the University of Jyväskylä specialises in multidisciplinary and applied research in biology of physical activity. The unit has strong expertise in analysing and utilising measurement data in support of sport coaching, for example. JYU-Vuokatti adheres to a strong ‘from science to practice’ principle in its applied research and development activities, and the aim is to incorporate the outcomes of the development work into practical applications as quickly as possible in response to stakeholders’ needs. JYU-Vuokatti has a solid national and international research and development network. The unit is also involved in the national sports data strategy work.
The unit’s laboratory facilities are located in Sotkamo, in the heart of the Vuokatti ski and sports centre, in Technology Park Snowpolis, which has a diverse research infrastructure for physiological and biomechanical measurements, as well as testing and research laboratories for skiing and shooting. The surroundings of Vuokatti provide excellent opportunities for RDI activities related to sports and exercise, especially winter sports – over the years, testing conditions have also been developed for skiing equipment testing and biathlon. The testing and research environment for ski jumps and the ski tunnel has been created in collaboration with the Vuokatti Sports Institute.
In addition, JYU-Vuokatti educates masters and doctors of sports technology. In connection with education activities, dual career education tailored especially for athletes has been established, which makes it possible to combine studies with elite sports.
Utilisation of sports and tourism data in business and the development of management by knowledge is one of the spearheads of the development activities of Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK). Training on these themes is also available in addition to other education in the field of sports.
Director of JYU-Vuokatti, Professor Vesa Linnamo: We develop measurement and analysis methods related to physical activity, especially winter sports. We are involved in the national sports data strategy work, which aims to gather data from different sources into the same data pool and utilise it in research and coaching work.
Senior Researcher Jarmo Piirainen: We study motor control and changes in neurophysiology function and their effects on performance. In addition, dynamic balance measurement technology has been developed as part of motor control research.
VERSATILE MEASUREMENTS AND SITE MODELLING
VTT MIKES’ Kajaani unit has special expertise in measuring and testing solutions for sports and physical activity, especially in measurement arrangements for measuring man-made force. The complete range includes sensor solutions and determination of the uncertainty of measurement results.
The Measurement Technology Unit (MITY) of the University of Oulu supports research and services in exercise and sports by developing measurements suitable for athletes that enable repeated and continuous monitoring of key health factors.
KAMK’s strengths lie in 3D and VR/AR-based simulation and visualisation solutions. The competence is utilised in the modelling of sports events, among other things, and in the use of simulated racecourses in coaching. Through game education and development, KAMK has expertise in the new fields of e-sports and exergaming within the sports and well-being sector.
EXPERTISE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SENSITIVE DATA
In the management of measurement data, KAMK’s expertise covers the entire chain from measurement solutions to the management and processing of data, analysis, and presentation of data for utilisation. In equipment design, KAMK offers expertise in electronics design, device-oriented programming, and telecommunications solutions.
CSC has solid expertise in data management, data analytics, machine learning, data visualisation and anonymisation, utilisation of synthetic data, and management of real-time measurement data. The expertise in the management of sensitive data is of paramount importance when measurement data related to people is processed.
With the LUMI Euro HPC supercomputer located in Kajaani, the opportunities for utilising high-performance computing have increased in demanding modelling tasks related to sports, exercise, well-being, and health data.
Vice-Director of JYU-Vuokatti, Senior Lecturer Ritva Mikkonen: We study how the physiological factors of female exercisers/athletes (e.g. menstrual cycle, hormonal contraception, menstrual disorders) affect performance, health, training responses and adaptations. We are involved in international research networks and working groups that aim to research, promote and optimise women’s health, well-being and performance.
OTHER RESEARCH AREAS
