U-M launches exercise and sport science initiative

ANN ARBOR'The University of Michigan today launched the Exercise & Sport Science Initiative, a new research program that draws on experts from a wide range of faculty and students across campus, Michigan Athletics and industry partners to optimize physical performance and health for athletes and exercisers of all ages and abilities. "With developments in areas ranging from improved helmet designs to the analysis of sports data, science and technology are opening up a host of new opportunities to transform sports and exercise," said Jack Hu, vice president for research. "With the help of industry partners, we seek not only to explore the science underlying new advances, but also to translate new ideas and insights into practice on our campus and beyond." ESSI builds on the work of more than 100 faculty and student researchers from such diverse disciplines as kinesiology, medicine, bioengineering, psychology, nutrition, social sciences, and data science will partner with industry and government on projects that address physical activity and human performance across the lifespan. Research will initially focus on three key areas: Performance optimization in exercise and sport for individuals and teams?Strength training; conditioning; psychology; nutrition; and rest, recovery, and regeneration, as well as understanding the role of physical activity in improved physical and mental performance, overall health, and quality of life at all ages. Data science and analytics'Sport and exercise apps, big data, individual and team analytics, data underlying business development, marketing, and entrepreneurship.