- Urban Green Space and Health
- Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
- Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control
- Physical Activity and Health
- Non-Invasive Vital Sign Monitoring
- Behavioral Health and Interventions
- Sports Performance and Training
- Noise Effects and Management
- Urban Transport and Accessibility
- Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention
- Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
- Muscle activation and electromyography studies
- Health, psychology, and well-being
- Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue
- Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies
- Recreation, Leisure, Wilderness Management
- Environmental Education and Sustainability
- Sleep and related disorders
- Children's Physical and Motor Development
- Adventure Sports and Sensation Seeking
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies
- Sports injuries and prevention
- Workplace Health and Well-being
- Chronic Disease Management Strategies
- Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation
University of Essex
2014-2025
University of Suffolk
2022-2025
Coventry University
2007
A randomized crossover study explored whether viewing different scenes prior to a stressor altered autonomic function during the recovery from stressor. The two were (a) nature (composed of trees, grass, fields) or (b) built man-made, urban lacking natural characteristics) environments. Autonomic was assessed using noninvasive techniques heart rate variability; in particular, time domain analyses evaluated parasympathetic activity, root-mean-square successive differences (RMSSD). During...
The studies of human and environment interactions usually consider the extremes on individuals or how humans affect environment. It is well known that physical activity improves both physiological psychological well-being, but further evidence required to ascertain different environments influence shape health. This review considers declining levels activity, particularly in Western world, may help motivate facilitate activity. also addresses additional mental health benefits appear occur...
The purpose of these experiments was to develop a rating-of-fatigue (ROF) scale capable tracking the intensity perceived fatigue in variety contexts. Four were carried out. first provided evidential basis for construction ROF scale. second tested face validity ROF, and third convergent divergent during ramped cycling exhaustion 30 min resting recovery. final experiment with time day physical activity (accelerometer counts) across whole week. Modal selections descriptions diagrams at...
Previous evidence suggests that the heart rate (HR) increase observed with isometric exercise is dependent on different afferent mechanisms to those eliciting in blood pressure (BP). Central command and muscle metaboreceptors have been shown contribute this differential effect. However, experimental animals passive stretch of hindlimb increases HR suggesting small fibre mechanoreceptors could also a role. This has not previously humans was investigated study. Healthy human volunteers were...
Objective: To evaluate the effect of a program modified Pilates for active individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain. Design: A single blind randomized controlled trial. Participants: 49 pain were randomly allocated to control (n = 24) or group 25). Thirty-four completed study (14 and 20 group, respectively). Intervention: The undertook six week Pilates. Both groups continued normal activity. Main Outcome Measures: An assessor blinded allocation conducted functional...
Individuals may be losing touch with nature as their contact it decreases worldwide. Although the consequences for people's personal well-being outcomes are becoming well documented, there is almost no research examining social correlates of nature. This article used a large nationally representative sample to link objective (percent greenspace) and subjective measurements nature, community cohesion, local crime incidence. The perceived quality, views, amount time spent in were linked more...
This study addressed a methodological gap by comparing psychological and social outcomes of exercise in green outdoors versus built indoors settings, whilst rigorously controlling mode intensity. The hypotheses were that greater improvements or more desirable values for directed attention, mood, perceived exertion, interaction time, intention future behaviour enjoyment would be associated with compared to exercise. Following baseline session, paired participants completed two conditions 15...
The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact physical activity (PA) in natural environment (eg, "green exercise") on resting autonomic function Walks4Work intervention. A secondary assess feasibility terms adherence, change PA levels, and cardiovascular health parameters.In an 8-week randomized control trial, 94 office workers international company were allocated one three groups: control, nature (NW), or built (BW) lunchtime walking route. Both groups required undertake two walks...
Lack of physical activity (PA) is a growing public health concern. There body literature that suggests positive relationship may exist between the amount local green space near one’s home and PA levels. For instance, park proximity has been shown to predict levels amongst certain populations. However, there little evidence for role relatedness towards nature perceptions on this relationship. The aim study was examine, in National UK sample, whether subjective indices associated with were...
We have previously shown that activation of muscle receptors by passive stretch (PS) increases heart rate (HR) with little change in blood pressure (BP). proposed PS selectively inhibits cardiac vagal activity. attempted to test this performing during experimental alterations tone. Large decreases tone were induced using either glycopyrrolate or mild rhythmic exercise. Milder achieved altering carotid baroreceptor input: neck (NP) suction (NS). the triceps surae was tested 14 healthy human...
Recognising the limited literature detailing practical application of co-production principles and practices within sport, exercise health research, critical reflections on practice are shared here, drawing two participatory action research (PAR) projects in United Kingdom (UK). Co-production PAR distinguished, their commonalities discussed. Both were facilitated by occupational therapists concerned with inequities social justice. The Voices for Inclusive Activity project brought disabled...
Previous research has demonstrated that force control in various muscles of the lower limb (measured according to magnitude fluctuations) explains significant variance static balance. Given dynamic nature many functional activities and sports, assessment balance its determinants under conditions is importance.Does muscle explain balance, as measured using Y test (YBT)?YBT performance knee extensor were 28 healthy participants. The YBT involved stance on right leg attempting maximal reach...
Summary Cardioprotective benefits of exercising at vigorous intensities are known, but reservations remain in prescribing such activity to the untrained population, due a perceived risk cardiac events. Few studies have investigated recovery autonomic nervous system (ANS) after single exercise bout, especially following healthy, young individuals. In this study, ANS, particular indices vagal were measured postexercise, three similar current international recommendations for health. Thirteen...
School playtime provides daily opportunities for children to be active outdoors, but only makes small contributions physical activity (PA) requirements. Natural environments facilitate unstructured PA and report a preference play in nature. Thus, on the school field might encourage more during playtime. The primary aim of this study was examine impact playing environment children's PA. Descriptive data fitness were assessed 25 aged 8–9 years from single school. Over two consecutive weeks...
Walking within nature (Green Exercise) has been shown to immediately enhance mental well-being but less is known about the impact on physiology and longer lasting effects. Heart rate variability (HRV) gives an indication of autonomic control heart, in particular vagal activity, with reduced HRV identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Night-time allows activity be assessed whilst minimizing confounding influences physical activity. The aim this study was investigate whether...
Abstract Background Population-levels of physical activity have remained stagnant for years. Previous approaches to modify behaviour broadly neglected the importance whole-systems approaches. Our research aimed (i) understand, (ii) map, (iii) identify leverage points, and (iv) develop solutions surrounding participation in across an English rural county. Methods A systems-consortium partners from regional local government, charities, providers, deliverers, advocacy groups, health social...
Improving outcomes and the integration of diabetes care for adults is a National Health Service ambition. In north east Essex, United Kingdom, an innovative interprofessional community-based service (North East Essex Diabetes (NEEDS)) was developed to provide single point access continuity across integrated, pathway. The aim evaluate how NEEDS embedded into Primary Care, gain insight it works from perspective staff delivering those receiving care. A mixed methods approach used. Retrospective...
This evaluation report outlines the proof-of-concept assessment conducted by Integrated Care Academy (ICA) on Age Technologies (ACT) Assess & Connect™ tool during Suffolk Pilot initiative. The ACT comprises 56 questions aligned with World Health Organisation of Older People (ICOPE) domains, designed to offer a comprehensive social and health aspects. primary objective is create holistic profile, pinpointing concerns guiding referrals local services. pilot aimed recruit 300 older...
This exploratory study enhances previous research into green exercise and addresses a gap in the by exploring contribution of individual combined senses recovery mood stress after psychological stressor, whilst rigorously controlling intensity. The hypotheses were: (i) from state would be greater following simulated compared to rest, (ii) facilitate better than alone, (iii) these effects remain 10 min intervention, (iv) visual stimuli alone enhance sound. Fifty participants were randomly...
Periods of prolonged sitting impairs endothelial function in lower limb conduit arteries, which is attenuated with physical activity breaks. The effect breaks on upper arteries has not been examined. This study assessed changes brachial artery following either a period or breaking up this sedentary time by performing sets callisthenics exercises. Ten healthy participants (6 men) completed 2 conditions counterbalanced order: (a) 1-h 26-min sitting, (b) every 20 min set 5 Brachial was via...
Green exercise is physical activity that takes place in the presence of natural environments. Despite promising evidence benefits, little known about how individuals' thoughts and feelings influence participation green subsequent outcomes. The aim current research was to develop questionnaires using Theory Planned Behaviour as a framework could both directly indirectly assess attitudes, subjective norms perceived behaviour control, along with intention toward exercise. Confirmatory factor...