ABOUT ESSM

The UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine (ESSM) was founded in 1989 by Prof. Tim Noakes and a group of researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT). ESSM is located at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, in Newlands, Cape Town, and boasts state-of-the-art equipment, extensive facilities and internationally renowned research staff whose primary functions are teaching and research.

Although located at SSISA, ESSM remains part of the Department of Human Biology within the Faculty of Health Sciences at UCT. ESSM prides itself on using a multi-disciplinary approach in its research to acquire an integrated understanding of the effects of physical activity on the body. At any given time, there are at least 60 research projects underway at ESSM. Discovery Health funds Professor Noakes’ Chair of Exercise and Sports Science. Funding for the research is also derived from UCT, the South African Medical Research Council (MRC), the National Research Foundation (NRF), the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIPP) and via contract research for various companies. Additional support also comes from long-term committed donors, such as Bromor, Virgin Life Care and SSISA.

MISSION STATEMENT

The UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine exists to research factors influencing physical performance and health and to disseminate knowledge and skills through education.

RESEARCH AIM

To develop a novel understanding of integrated human function during exercise and to use this knowledge:

• To promote health and well-being

• To treat and prevent specific chronic diseases

• To treat and prevent injuries and medical conditions associated with sport and exercise

• To optimize exercise performance

 RESEARCH AREAS

• Health and well-being

• Exercise in the management of chronic disease

• Injuries and medical conditions associated with sport and exercise

• Exercise performance

LABORATORIES

ESSM uses four exercise laboratories, two clinical laboratories, three molecular biology/biochemistry laboratories, a biomechanics laboratory, an environmental chamber, a metabolic chamber and an electroencephalography (EEG) facility to conduct its research. These laboratories are located at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, which provides a good environment for ESSM to collaborate with the Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic, Biokinetics, Physiotherapy, Psychology and Dietetics Practices as well as the High Performance Centre. In addition ESSM has access to a controlled pressure (barometric) chamber at the nearby Kingsbury Hospital.

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