Latest News

Olympic Torch Celebration - 28 May 2012

As part of the special events celebrating the Olympic Torch relay through the city of Bangor, the School will be hosting an interactive exhibition showcasing the School's research. The 'Test your Health and Fitness' event will be held in the Deiniol Centre on the afternoon of Monday, 28 May.

There will be an number of activities on offer which will provide the perfect opportunity to get involved. There will be something for everyone - ranging from general health related tests; how good is your balance on a simulated surfboard; how quick your reaction time is; to other fun exercise activities allowing you to have a go and learn about your fitness. Experts from the University will explain why exercise is so important and for you to ask those exercise and fitness related questions that you've always wanted to ask. Information about the School and the research we undertake will be available, plus the possibility for you to join up to some current research studies, so do come along and see us on the 28th and get involved.

How personality affects sporting achievement

At the highest level of sporting performance, the difference between winning and losing may have more to do with your personality than your sporting prowess.

To achieve ‘Gold’, athletes need to be able to perform at a high level while under an immense amount of pressure. The key to success is the combination of the highest level of athletic performance and the ability to perform while also under great personal stress. While some individuals thrive under pressure, others will ‘choke’ and fail to perform as well as in training- when the stress is reduced.

Ross Roberts Recognising this combination of athleticism and personality, researchers at the Institute for the Psychology of Elite Performance (IPEP) at Bangor University have been revealing more about the personality types that perform best under stress. They’re also examining how different coaching strategies can support and motivate different personality types.

The Institute, part of the School of Sport, Health & Exercise Sciences, have furthered current understanding in this field, finding that ‘narcissist’ types (people who think highly of themselves and their own abilities); the personality types who perform well under pressure, actually increase their effort under pressure. Conversely, they perform less well in situations where they are less likely to attain glory.

Institute member and Lecturer, Dr Ross Roberts, explains: “We think the reason why narcissists thrive in these stressful situations is because when they excel under these circumstances, they receive the admiration and adulation that they crave: you could say that they’re personalities that are ‘driven by glory’. People with these personality types perform less well in situations where their desires will not be met- where pressure is lacking. For sportsmen and women, that might be in training or when coaches don’t give individual attention to the athlete during ‘team’ activities.”

Their research has demonstrated that introducing or increasing an element of inter-personal competition and rivalry during coaching sessions can keep narcissists performing to a high level during training sessions or other situations lacking the pressure or challenges needed to inspire them. But the researchers also found that introducing the competition or rivalry had a negative effect on the individuals who are not ‘narcissist’ personalities.

Calum Arthur, Co Director of the Institute explains: “Given that athletes at the Olympics and or at other international levels, have to perform under intense pressure, understanding how and why different personalities perform differently under pressure is paramount. As sport psychologists, we are able to work with coaches to tailor coaching methods to meet the specific needs of individual athletes. This should result in more effective coaching and successful athletic performance.

Members of IPEP have worked with the England & Wales Cricket Board, the British Armed forces and work closely with Sport Wales.

Watch the video

Impact of Bangor University research on London 2012 highlighted in new report

Universities Week (30 April – 7 May) report shows impact of universities’ research and sport development around the Olympic and Paralympic Games and UK sports industry.

Bangor University’s research is included in a new report showing the impact of universities’ research and sport development on the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and UK sport generally. The report has been released as part of Universities Week (30 April – 7 May) which aims to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK’s universities.

The report, Supporting a UK success story: The impact of university research and sport development, highlights just some of the many ways in which research has helped Team GB limber up and prepare for London 2012. Two pieces of research from the University’s School of Sport, Health & Exercise Sciences are highlighted in the report (Ironic Error and Sports Personality).

The research projects are among those at the School that look at the various pressures faced by top athletes and how individuals and coaches can prepare so that the athletes can perform at their highest level. Of course some of the strategies and skills have applications in other arenas and can be useful in everyday life.

The illustrations highlight how research taking place at universities across the UK, including Bangor University,is helping to give athletes that extra split second or millimetre advantage which can mean the difference between gold and silver medals in competitive sports.

The report takes an in-depth look at how exploration and development in the areas of technology, health and wellbeing, design, sport development and participation and the Games past and present, have contributed to London 2012 and the UK sports industry.

Professor John G. Hughes Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University, said:

“Universities Week 2012 is an excellent opportunity to showcase some of the fantastic work universities are contributing to the world of sport, which is especially apt with the Games taking place this year. It’s also a great chance to invite people to experience university life first-hand, whether they’ve been to university themselves or not.”

From the science behind athlete hydration to the regeneration of East London, home to the Olympic Park, the report takes a journey through the research and sports development that sits behind the lasting impact of London 2012 on the UK. Throughout the report, issues of endurance sit side by side with examples of urban regeneration and the history of sports medicine to demonstrate the diverse ways in which the whole of UK society benefits from the work of universities linked to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive, Universities UK, said: “It is sometimes easy to forget when you watch an athlete or team compete just how much preparation has gone into their performance. This isn’t simply a question of training schedules and practice. These days, cutting-edge university research is used to support every aspect of Olympic sports – from nutrition and health to equipment, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and of course performance. For instance, the combination of design and technology can be immensely effective for top athletes so that the actual design of a kayak or bob-sleigh can be as important to athletes as their own skill and training.”

Karen Rothery, Chief Executive Officer, British Universities & Colleges Sport, said: “Sports development within our universities is encouraging greater participation in sport and activity across the student population and within the communities of universities. A variety of programmes and the support and development of a supporting workforce in volunteers and officials means that more people have the opportunity to be more active and enjoy the many benefits that brings.”

Copies of the full report are available on request from universitiesweek@fourcommunications.com and later for download from www.universitiesweek.org.uk

BBC Radio Wales interview with Prof. Neil Walsh

Professor Neil Walsh recently appeared on the BBC Radio Wales programme Jamie Owen and Louise Elliott.

Click here to listen, the interview is 10 minutes into the programme.

As seen on TV - 'Hidden Talent' of SHES staff

Last year, Tim Woodman and Jamie Macdonald, plus members of the Extremes Research Group, took part in filming for an upcoming Channel 4 series entitled Hidden Talent. Tim and Jamie were asked to be involved and devised tests and acted as mentors for the climbing element of the programmes. Their contribution can be seen in the first episode 'Climbing and Lie Detection'. The series will start on Tuesday. 24 April 2012 on Channel 4 at 9.00pm and future episodes include:

Ep 2 - Freediving and Art - Tuesday, 1 May at 9.00 pm

Ep 3 - Language - Tuesday, 8 May at 9.00 pm

Ep 4 - Opera and Sat Nav - Tuesday, 15 May at 9.00 pm

Ep 5 - Super Tasker and Super Recogniser - Tuesday, 22 May at 9.00 pm

Ep 6 - Catch up show - Tuesday, 29 May at 9.00pm

You can see a press release by clicking on the following link:

http://www.channel4.com/info/press/programme-information/hidden-talent

Ex student and Bangor City assistant manager joins Thierry Henry's New York Red Bulls

Ioan Llewelyn, Bangor City assistant manager and the club's head of youth development, has joined the Bulls' burgeoning Academy structure on an initial eight-month contract. Ioan studied for both his BSc and MSc with the School and as James Hardy, Deputy Head of School, Teaching and Learning, comments:

"It is always great see ours students excel but its particularly pleasing to see a local lad like Ioan have this fantastic opportunity.

He did his undergrad and masters degrees with us and during that time his passion for coaching and bringing on talent was obvious for people to see. No doubt he's putting into practice principles he learned while studying here but this is his hard earned achievement. I'm made up for him!"

BBC News click here

Vodafone Scholarship allows SHES student to strengthen the existing Partnership with Mencap Cymru

Jade Mottley, a Year 3 Sport Science student with the School has been successful in obtaining a student scholarship from Vodafone that gives her the opportunity to work with charity Mencap Cymru.

The Vodafone World of Difference programme is about spending time making a difference for a dream charity whilst getting paid. The programme offers 500 scholarships and past winners have lent their considerable expertise to diverse causes like children and young people, the environment, animal welfare, poverty relief, health and the arts.

Following a review of her proposal and a round of interviews, Jade has been successful in being awarded one of the 500 scholarships and will be working for the charity Mencap Cymru for the next four months for 15 hours a week. Mencap is the leading voice of learning disability and works with people with a learning disability to change laws, challenge prejudice and support them to live their lives as they choose.

The project that Jade will be working for is project 'Play our Way'. This is a BBC Children in Need project aimed at supporting young people with a learning disability to socialise independently, gain new skills and form friendships. The role that she will have within the project is to support the project Ambassadors to access a range of specialist/ mainstream activities. She will be supporting young people with leisure activities including dance, football archery and trips out to the cinema for two evenings a week and will lead team building activities for two Saturdays a month.

This new link with Mencap Cymru adds to the already successfully secured ESF funding for the KESS Ph.D scholarship and the Access to Masters (ATM), both supervised by Dr Gavin Lawrence.

Knowledge Transfer Partnership Awarded Certificate of Excellence

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Bangor University and Isle of Anglesey County Council which ran from 2007 to September 2010 has been awarded the highest grade of 'Outstanding' by the KTP Grading Panel for its achievement in meeting KTP's objectives. The study 'to enhance the design and provision of older people's physical activity programmes on Anglesey to increase participation and effectiveness; establishment of a valid evaluation strategy' was carried out by MPhil student Gareth Parry. Gareth was supervised by SHES staff Dr David Markland and Dr Jeanette Thom, and Mr Brian Jones, the Council’s Older People Strategy Coordinator.

Some facts:

A third year module, "Healthy Aging", was rewritten from a theory based module to include practical applications. This enables students to conduct health and physical tests on older people.
The Council gained an Excellence Wales award from the WLGA.
Excellent opportunities for collaboration have been formed, providing access to a previously hard to reach population to enable research in the area of age related health and well-being.
The KTP provided the Council with evidence that supports the value of investing in preventative services for older people.

For a report on the 'Age Well Anglesey' conference in July 2010, jointly hosted by SHES and the Isle of Anglesey County Council to celebrate the end of the KTP, click here.

(3.2.12)

SHES PhD supports England U-19 Cricket Team on Bangladesh Tour

ECB funded PhD student, James Bell, will be travelling with the England U-19 cricket team on their upcoming tour of Bangladesh. This is a crucial part of the U-19's preparation for next year's World Cup in Brisbane, Australia. The team will be playing seven One Day Internationals in three different venues.

During the tour James will be working with the players on their mental preparation strategies to develop their ability to perform under the intense pressure of international competition. Bangladesh has been specifically chosen as a venue because of the many challenges it will provide for the players on and off the pitch. As a result James will work closely with the coaches to ensure that opportunities are taken to enhance the player's mental toughness. (Jan 2012)

SHES Research helps local company become market leaders

Bethesda-based Blizzard Protection Systems Ltd, are market leaders in the field of out-door thermal survival products partly thanks to research carried out by Dr Sam Oliver and PhD student Jenny Brierley of the University’s Extremes Research Group. Blizzard’s Managing Director, entrepreneur and inventor Derek Ryden commissioned tailored research into how effective the company's innovative material Reflexcell™, is in directing escaping body heat back into the body, preventing or delaying the onset of hypothermia in extreme conditions. This has given Blizzard important information to help them market their products more effectively.

For the full story, click here.

IPEP’s Lauren Mawn supporting No 1 ranked Super G skier Zac Pierce

Over the last year Zac Pierce has been receiving sport psychology support from IPEP’s Lauren Mawn. Zac, a member of the Great Britain Children’s Alpine ski team, has been working closely with Lauren towards achieving his goals and enters the 2012 season ranked no 2. British Super G skier. 2012 sees Zac’s third season with the GB team and during this time he has represented his country at International level in the Czech Republic, Andorra and at the “Trofeo Toppolino” in Italy, the children’s world championships. Zac’s dad said “Working with Lauren at IPEP has made a big difference to Zac. Not only have his performances improved but he appears much more confident and composed both in training and, especially, on race days”.

Zac holds both UK and French race licenses and 2012 will see him based in France and representing his respective clubs, Abundance and Dragons in French and British National races. Zac plans to continue to work closely with the institute while competing and training in France in an effort to achieve his targets. Zac’s targets for the future include securing a place on the British Junior team and eventually represent his country at senior International level on the Europa and World Cup Circuits, and, at the Winter Olympic Games. Zac says, “I have learnt lots working with Lauren. What we have done has helped me to prepare for my races, to stay relaxed and to make sure I do my best when I am in the course. It has also been great fun, I am happier with myself from last season, skiing well and I have been selected for the GB team!”

Zac’s achievements have created considerable interest with the media both at home and in France. He has featured regularly in articles in the local press and in several articles in the French Alps where he lives and trains in the winter. Zac was also presented with the ‘Conwy Young Sports Person of the Year Award’ this year from Rugby League star Joe Lydon.

Top Marks for SHES in the National Student Survey

SHES maintained its record for high levels of student satisfaction this year with the publication of the National Student Survey results putting us in the top ten Sport Science Schools. With an overall score of 91% satisfaction with the quality of the course and a fantastic endorsement of staff teaching scoring 98%, SHES continues its drive to be excellent in every area of the School's work be it teaching and learning or research.

News from Previous Years ....