1. Why did you decide to establish CEAR?
Sports Science is a multidisciplinary area integrating not only physical performance, but also educational and therapeutic purposes. This was not the main focus of any of the six centres included the ILD, but we decided to propose the creation of a seventh centre using physical activity as the integrative connection variable. In CEAR, a multifaceted group of professionals can work together to support and actively participate in promoting solid knowledge and evidence-based practical approaches to optimise human well-being, through physical activity, across the entire life course.
2. What do you hope to gain/achieve from it?
We expect to support and promote high-quality research actions. We will also guide and advise colleagues to work as a team for common achievements in disseminating our scientific production and obtain funding to further support innovative research. This will help students and professionals to work better and improve their professional development not only in our area, but also across the different areas integrated within the ILD.
3. What has the general opinion about it so far been?
In my view, the CEAR is a very attractive centre as it is able to merge researchers and experts from different areas who can work together to improve human health. People are now very conscious that physical activity is for all, and an active lifestyle is not only for athletes but for all people following a healthy lifestyle.
4. What kind of things and people are associated with CEAR?
CEAR is aimed to extend the spectrum of physical activity beyond what is traditionally considered in sports science that merely focuses on sport performance or physical conditioning. CEAR is open to colleagues from other wellbeing related areas, to contribute with their expertise in the development of exercise-based interventions to explore other aspects of human behaviours e.g. (i) cognitive outcomes, (ii) nutrition, (iii) pre- and rehabilitation in patients and healthy individuals across ages (children, adults, and elderly), (iv) social integration and education, etc. For such projects, a multidisciplinary team formed of psychologists, nurses, nutritionists, physiotherapist sociologists, educational teachers, and exercise science professionals is needed.
5. Can you give me some information on your background?
Before joining the University of Greenwich, I was the Head of the Human Performance Laboratory at the European University of Madrid (2009-2011). I have managed staff and researchers from different areas e.g. physiotherapy, medicine, education, etc. I have a reputation as a recognised researcher, publishing more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, five books, 36 book chapters and several video abstracts. Furthermore, I have a consistent track record of securing national (e.g. GlaxoSmithKline Ltd) and international (e.g. Real Madrid-International School) external funding as Principal Investigator for more than £350,000 since 2006. Due to my scientific and academic production in the last ten years, I was recently promoted to Professor in Strength Training and Sports Nutrition, in the School of Human Sciences where I lead MSc Strength and Conditioning.
6. Any last words?
As an interdisciplinary centre, CEAR works in partnership with local and international organisations, industry, and government bodies to achieve beneficial outcomes for children, youths, adults, older adults, workers, service users and patients. Our activities focus on addressing global health issues including:
· Professional practices using exercise and other regenerative strategies to promote health
· Interventions to improve wellbeing across the lifecourse
· Use of exercise and other rehabilitation strategies in education and social care
· Studies of physical activity, nutrition and rehabilitation in children, youths, middle aged and older adults. You can find our more and meet the experts on the Centre for Exercise Activity and Rehabilitation webpage.
We thank Professor Fernando Naclerio for taking the time to talk to us and wish him and CEAR all the best for the future!
