Research
Sport science
Reaching peak athletic performance through research
Applied sport science optimises the performance of individuals and teams within the professional sports industry. Research in this area is continually evolving, and innovative, multi-disciplinary approaches are essential to find the winning edge.
At UWA, we apply a holistic approach from the core disciplines of physiology, biomechanics, skill acquisition and psychology. We work with elite institutions to drive practical research stemming from industry-based questions. Our industry links and close partnerships ensure the research resulting from our high-performance laboratory remains contemporary and relevant to athletes.
28th in the world for Sports-related subjects (QS 2021)
26th in the world for Anatomy and Physiology (QS 2021)
Key research areas
- High performance in sport and industry
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This interdisciplinary area involves the School of Human Sciences’ research activity over five decades, related to maximising human performance at the highest level in sporting and industry settings. The group focuses on practical outcomes and producing high-quality, applied research, relevant to both athletic and industry-based situations.
We draw expertise from several sub-disciplines including:
- Sports physiology and nutrition
- Sports biomechanics and motor learning
- Applied sports psychology
- Sports medicine and injury prevention
Our key research strengths include:
- athletic performance optimisation
- injury prevention and rehabilitation
- technology and innovation
- safe and productive workplaces
Key staff contacts:
- Principles and mechanisms of movement
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This research focuses on understanding the fundamental physiological, molecular, psychological and neuromusculoskeletal principles and mechanisms of biological systems and human movement and activity. We use basic science to develop and improve best practice methods, experimental procedures and computational models. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we create empirical foundations to best inform applied and clinical research.
Our key research strengths include:
- neuromusculoskeletal modelling and simulation
- macro and molecular comparative biology
- cardiovascular biology
- psychometrics
Key staff contacts:
Research partners
We have established relationships with high profile local, national and international sport organisations. Our research informs and supports peak sporting performance as well as advancing studies into rehabilitation, sports psychology and physiological principles.
Our research partners include:
- International Olympic Committee
- The National Institute Network (including the Australian Institute of Sport and Western Australian Institute of Sport)
- Exercise and Sport Science Australia
- Sports Medicine Australia
- International Cricket Council
- Canoeing Australia
- Triathlon Australia
- Australian Football League
- Western Australian Football League
- West Coast Eagles
- Fremantle Dockers
- Hockey Australia
- Perth Glory
Courses
People
News
UWA researchers investigate supplements
UWA’s Peter Peeling and Martyn Binnie joined a team of researchers discussing the importance of decisions surrounding performance supplements.
Read moreUWA researchers examine elite athlete tests
In the world of elite sport, cognitive performance is considered as important as physical performance.
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