Centre for Active Lifestyles

We address factors underpinning (in)activity, aiming to improve community and/or service provision. Our experimental work addresses how the body (including cognition and executive function) responds to physical activity (PA) and exercise. Our community work challenges taken-for-granted assumptions that any PA provision will ensure more people become more active.

Young capillaries under the microscope
A mum walks through a forest with three kids

We are responding to the societal need to better understand and deliver PA to improve Public Health and reduce longstanding social inequalities. 

research themes

The Centre addresses two main themes;

  • Identifying and improving community and/or service-based PA provision and
  • Establishing physiological and biochemical responses and adaptations to exercise and PA (SARCA)

We focus on daily-life PA and structured exercise. Our focus is on ‘under-reached’ communities. This makes it especially relevant to contemporary public services, especially Public Health, Social Services and Education. Our academics draw on a range of areas – from Psychology to Physiology - to deliver insights. We offer a distinctive, innovative and effective approach to designing, delivering and evaluating tailor-made programmes.

Our approach is highly translational. We blend the best of science with best practice. This create a ‘best fit’ for potential users. Our approach supports individuals, groups and whole communities to become more physically active.

research groups

Improving community and service-based physical activity provision

Our distinctive perspectives on promoting lifestyle change allow us to create tailor-made approaches. These activate the adaptive capacities of individuals, groups and services. We aim to identify and then modify the underlying causes of under-activity. Then, using innovative methods, our approaches activate the most powerful influences on day-to-day behaviour. Our methodologies produce effective, context-specific interventions.

Here are some of our current projects:

  • Active lessons in schools
  • Community PA based on iconic sports events
  • Evaluation of the Calderdale Local Delivery Pilot
  • Whole systems approaches to PA promotion in Leeds

research Groups

SARCA: Skeletal Muscle Health, Arthritis and Cardiovascular Health

SARCA consists of three interdisciplinary special interest research groups that collaborate to achieve two key objectives; firstly, to promote skeletal muscle and cardio-metabolic health across the lifespan, and secondly, to investigate the therapeutic utility of exercise, physical activity and nutritional interventions for associated non-communicable diseases. 

 

Professor James McKenna

Professor of Sport / Carnegie School Of Sport

A professor of Physical Activity and Health, Jim studies behaviour change at a range of levels; individual, social and whole community. He is Director of the Active Lifestyles research centre in the School of Sport.

interested in research?

the graduate school

If research is your thing, then you’re in the right place. We have a growing research profile within our region as well as nationally and internationally. If you decide to study for a research degree with us you'll join a thriving academic community in an inspiring and supportive environment.

Clock tower at Leeds Town Hall
Image of a male student sat down