Exercise is a profoundly powerful tool for enhancing human health, preventing disease, and even for treating or managing some diseases. People with injuries and illnesses often have the most to gain from the beneficial effects of exercise.

At USC, we educate exercise physiologists and exercise scientists through accredited degrees. Exercise physiologists use exercise as a clinical intervention for disease management. Exercise scientists use exercise for health promotion, disease prevention and fitness. Accreditation for exercise physiologist and exercise scientists is provided by Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA).

Our research is focused across a broad range of health issues including ageing, cardiovascular disease, cancer, musculoskeletal disorders and cognitive impairment. We undertake a broad range of studies from experimental investigations of disease processes, through to clinical investigations of exercise therapy and other interventions. Our work aims to directly inform the practice of exercise physiologists and exercise scientists, and we disseminate our work through scientific publication, systematic reviews and professional guidelines. Some of our current project areas include:

• Exercise, cardiovascular function and health in ageing and disease.
• Cardiovascular responses to posture changes and “weightlessness”: implications for health and spaceflight!
• Effect of cold water immersion on cardiovascular dynamics and performance recovery in elite athletes
• Train and sustain: A model for quality supervision in work integrated learning.
• Exploring health literacy in tertiary students: An international study.

• Rehabilitation for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Exercise and dietary effects on liver disease

• Exercise and cancer - exploring the mechanisms through which exercise improves outcomes for those diagnosed and treated for cancer.