Musculoskeletal health and physical activity
The research centre conducts applied research and adds to the knowledge base of UCN's study programme in physiotherapy. The research centre comprises three research programmes:
- Musculoskeletal health
- Lifestyle-related diseases and physical activity
- Neurology and trauma
The research centre is engaged in national as well as international collaborative research activities, partnering with regions, municipalities, private healthcare providers, universities and university colleges as well as clinical research environments. In collaboration with practice, we strive to create an innovative research environment with a high degree of student involvement.
The department of physiotherapy at UCN possesses a 400-square-metre movement and test lab that allows the conduct of analyses and examinations in biomechanics, movement and activity analysis, cardiovascular and physiological testing, using non-invasive sensor technologies for monitoring vital parameters in tissues and much more.
The research centre is currently engaged in more than 30 research projects. Find three selected examples of our projects below.
MORE STEPS AFTER ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY
Focused, Intensive Repeated Stepping Training (FIRST) contributes to improved walking function in individuals with brain injury. In this project, we are studying the implementation of FIRST in Denmark. The project is performed in collaboration between UCN's physiotherapy study programme, Hammel Neurocenter research department, Neuro Unit North Brønderslev, and the Municipalities of Aalborg, Jammerbugt and Thisted.
PHYSICAL TRAINING FOR YOUNG ADULT WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA
The onset of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders usually occurs in the early twenties and involves a 4-5 times higher risk of developing the metabolic syndrome. These individuals live 5-20 years less than others due to various risk factors, which include physical inactivity. We are conducting a PhD project in collaboration with CARMEN research unit at Glostrup Psychiatric Centre, University of Copenhagen, the Psychiatric Hospital in the Capital Region of Denmark, the Psychiatric Hospital in the Central Denmark Region and the Psychiatric Hospital in the North Denmark Region. The project is part of the national VEGA project.
SEQUELAE FROM CANCER
More and more people survive cancer and live longer after their cancer. To improve the management of sequelae from cancer, patient pathways need optimising and the treatments provided by hospitals, general practitioners and physiotherapy practitioners need coordinating. In this project, we develop treatment pathways, information material to patients and develop education possibilities for doctors and physiotherapists. The project is conducted in collaboration with the North Denmark Region, Aalborg University and Rigshospitalet.