Health and Physical Literacy Research

Wales Academy for Health and Physical Literacy > Health and Physical Literacy Research

Current Research Projects

Wales Academy for Health and Physical Literacy (WAHPL) is engaged in a variety of exciting research projects across the South Wales region and further afield. Our work involves a range of different groups and activities and is aimed at improving participants’ awareness of the health and lifestyle benefits associated with having a physically active life and the confidence to include regular physical activity experiences into their lives.

SKIP-Cymru© (Successful Kinaesthetic Instruction for Pre-schoolers) is an early childhood programme of motor development designed to improve pupils’ physical development and physical activity behaviours. On-going research is investigating the effectiveness of SKIP-Cymru© in the Foundation Phase in Wales and asks the question: How do changes in teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge impact on pupils’ physical development and physical activity behaviours?

Footie Families is a family engagement programme. Working in partnership with the Football Association of Wales Trust. This three year study is researching and developing a programme that engages with families to help their pre-school children to be more physically competent by using developmentally appropriate movement experiences.

WAHPL research with young people is focused on curriculum development. Working with young people in secondary school contexts one study explores the implementation and impact of a new approach to Adventurous Activities for pupils in Wales. This study seeks to increase the opportunities for school-based, teacher-led and pupil-focused Adventurous Activities as an integral part of the Physical Education curriculum in Wales. It asks the question: How can a pedagogical model for adventurous activities be implemented within the Physical Education curriculum in Wales?

Adult research projects include an investigation into the unprecedented growth and participation in a range of new and exciting activities such as triathlon, open water swimming and parkrun over the last ten years. Collectively these activities are known as Mass Participation Sports Events (MPSE). Focused in Pembrokeshire where Ironman Wales is located this study draws together Physical Literacy across its outdoor, recreational, motivational and regional dimensions. It uses a phenomenological perspective to ask the question: What are the motivations and determinants of physical activity and health around Mass Participation Sport Events in Pembrokeshire?

Elite Sports Research focuses on lumbo-pelvic-hip injury reduction in elite/professional rugby union players and addresses the Physical Literacy journey of elite rugby union players through the implementation of targeted injury reduction strategies. It asks the question: Does a targeted lumbo-pelvic-hip strategy improve injury prevention in elite rugby union players? Outputs from this research include research publications and conference presentations as well inputs with other organisations involved with elite level football, hockey and rugby union in other countries.

Projects working with Older Adults (aged 50+) are delivered from the Centre for Healthy Ageing and focus on individuals working with a registered sports physiologist to develop a bespoke programme of exercise aimed at improving their current and future physical health. Current research projects involve older women aged 50+ incorporating HIIT training (High Intensity Interval Training) into their lives to improve health outcomes linked to weight loss, mobility, cardio-respiratory function and functional movement. Linking Physical Literacy with older women, strength training and improved health outcomes it asks the question: Does one high intensity training session per week provide late middle aged women with the equivalent physical and functional adaptations to those achieved by the following the current American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) internationally recognised guidelines for exercise?

Community Development links are firmly established with a range of local organisations including Llandysul Paddlers, Canoe Wales, Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter Group, SWOPAG (South Wales Outdoor Activity Providers Group) and Carmarthenshire Outdoor Learning Network. On a national level we annually host professional development training courses and seminars with the IOL (Institute for Outdoor Learning).

Recent Research Studies

Dr. Nalda Wainwright

The Contribution of the Foundation Phase to Physical Literacy.

A three year mixed methods study has explored the contribution of the Welsh Foundation Phase to children’s Physical Literacy. The Foundation Phase is a play based curriculum that has an emphasis on the use of the outdoors as an integral part of pupil’s learning.

The study looked at many different aspects of the curriculum and its impact.

The interpretation and implementation of the Foundation Phase. This phase of the study identified the main aim of the Foundation Phase and its key features as well as outcomes that were assessed in later phases.
Motor development of pupils, in particular looking at locomotor and object control skills.
Physical Literacy development, focussing on confidence, motivation and physical competence of the pupils and how the playful pedagogy of the Foundation Phase approach contributes to pupils’ holistic well being.
The autonomy supportive climate created by the playful pedagogy and its contribution to learning.
Fidelity of implementation of the Foundation Phase curriculum.

Publications and conference presentations for this research.

Dr. Peter Herbert

High Intensity Training and the Older Population.

This research examined the effects of a 6 week High Intensity Interval training programme in aging men (+60).

This world leading study has had over 26 peer reviewed publications and presentations on aspects of muscle power, recovery, quality of life and motivation to exercise, peak power, body composition and testosterone levels. For a full list of the publications follow the link here.

Dr. Andy Williams and Dr. Nalda Wainwright

Evaluation of Pilot Outdoor Education Residential Experience for the School of Education, University of Strathclyde, Scotland.

In January 2015 the Wales Academy for Health and Physical Literacy was invited to evaluate the impact of a pilot residential programme of outdoor education for year 1 students studying Education at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland.

Key findings of the study suggest students felt the outdoor residential programme was very successful in meeting a range of different student concerns and aspirations. In particular, it met the students’ requirements to: gain additional professional experience that would differentiate them to future employers; address feelings of disconnection from their course and university; develop new friendship groups and improve student-tutor relationships; and learn more about outdoor pedagogy in the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence.

Dr. Kate Williams

Supporting the Physical Literacy Journey for Elite Rugby Players Through Injury Reduction Strategies

This research is aimed at injury reduction initially with a focus on Rugby Union. Kate has a special interest in concussion, lumbar and pelvic hip injuries. The research study involves working with professional rugby players to put in place injury prevention strategies in order to maximise squad availability and team success.

Key findings of the study suggest students felt the outdoor residential programme was very successful in meeting a range of different student concerns and aspirations. In particular it met the students’ requirements to: gain additional professional experience that would differentiate them to future employers; address feelings of disconnection from their course and university; develop new friendship groups and improve student-tutor relationships; and learn more about outdoor pedagogy in the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence.

Publications

Dr. Peter Herbert

Hayes LD, Sculthorpe N, Herbert P, Grace FM (2017) Lifetime exercise is associated with eugonadism in ageing men: A preliminary investigation Sport SPA Vol. 14, Issue 1: 11-15

Herbert P, Hayes LD, Sculthorpe NF, Grace FM (2017) High-Intensity interval training (HIIT) increases insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) in sedentary ageing men but not masters’ athletes The Ageing Male

Herbert P, Hayes LD, Sculthorpe NF, Grace FM (2017) ‘HIIT produces increases in muscle power and free testosterone in male masters athletes’. Endocrine Connections, 430-436; 6:430

Elliott B, Herbert P, Sculthorpe N, Grace F, Stratton D, Hayes L (2017) “Lifelong exercise, but not short-term high intensity interval training (HIIT), increases GDF11, a marker of successful ageing” Physiological Reports

Hayes LD, Herbert P, Sculthorpe N, Grace FM (2017) Exercise training improves free testosterone in lifelong sedentary aging men. Endocrine Connections

Grace F, Herbert P, Elliot A, Richards J, Beaumont A, Sculthorpe N (2016). High intensity interval training (HIIT) improves resting blood pressure, metabolic (MET) capacity and heart rate reserve without compromising resting myocardial function in sedentary ageing men: Observational Study. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences

Sculthorpe N, Herbert P, Grace FM (2017). One session of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) every 5 days, improves muscle power but not static balance in lifelong sedentary ageing men. A randomised controlled trial. Medicine. Feb;96(6)

Herbert P, Hayes LD, Sculthorpe N, Grace FM (2016). High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) increases Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-1) in Sedentary Ageing Men but not Master’s Athletes: Observational Study. The Aging Male. Mar;20(1):54-59

Grace FM, Herbert P, Elliot A, Sculthorpe N (2016). High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is an Effective Method to Improve Maximal Respiratory Function, Blood Pressure and Resting Cardiac Work in Lifelong Sedentary Ageing Men. Heart, Lung and Circulation.

Sculthorpe N, Herbert P, Grace FM (2015). Low Frequency HIIT Improves Peak Power and Body Composition in Sedentary Healthy Older Men. Medicine & Science in Sport & Exercise.

Sculthorpe N, Herbert P, Grace FM (2015). Low Frequency High intensity interval training (HIIT) is an effective method to improve muscle power in lifelong sedentary ageing men: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of American Gerontology Society. Nov;63(11):2412-3

Hayes LD, Sculthorpe N, Herbert P, Baker JS, Spagna R, Grace FM (2015). Six weeks of conditioning exercise increases total, but not free testosterone in lifelong sedentary aging men. Aging Male, Jun 1:1-6.

Hayes LD, Sculthorpe N, Herbert P, Baker JS, Hullin DA, Kilduff LP, Grace FM (2015) Poor levels of agreement between serum and saliva testostero ne measurement following exercise training in ageing men. Ageing Male Jun;18(2):67-70

Hayes L, Sculthorpe N, Herbert P, Grace FM (2015) Testosterone In Older Men: Effect Of Exercise. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 47:26-26.

Herbert P, Grace FM & Sculthorpe N (2015). Exercising caution: prolonged recovery to a single session of high-intensity interval training in older men. Journal of the American Gerontology Society 63(4): 817-818.

Knowles A, Herbert P, Sculthorpe N, Easton C & Grace F (2015). Impact of low volume, high intensity interval training on maximal aerobic capacity, health-related quality of life and motivation to exercise in ageing men. AGE 37(2): 1-12.

Herbert P, Sculthorpe N, Baker J & Grace FM (2015). Validation of a six-second cycle test for the determination of peak power. Research in Sports Medicine 27:1-11

Grace FM, Herbert P, Ratcliffe J, New K, Baker J & Sculthorpe N (2015). Age related vascular endothelial function following lifelong sedentariness: positive impact of cardiovascular conditioning without further improvement following low frequency high intensity interval training. Physiological Reports 3, e12234.

Hayes L, Sculthorpe N, Herbert P, Baker J, Hullin D, Kilduff L, Reed D, Spagna R & Grace FM. (2014). Salivary testosterone measurement does not identify biochemical hypogonadism in aging men: a ROC analysis. Endocrine, 1-4.

Hayes L, Sculthorpe N, Herbert P, Baker J, Hullin D, Kilduff L & Grace FM. (2015). Resting steroid hormone concentrations in lifetime exercisers and lifetime sedentary males. The Aging Male, 18(1): 22-26.

Sculthorpe N, Herbert P, Ratcliffe J, Grace FM (2014. Effects of subsequent high intensity interval training (HIIT) on L-arginine, dimethyarginines (adma; Sdma) and their ratios in ageing males Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise January

Grace FM, Herbert P, Ratcliffe J, & Sculthorpe N (2013). Effects of subsequent high intensity interval training (HIIT) on resting testosterone and IGF-1 in ageing males Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise December

Hayes L, Grace FM, Sculthorpe N, Herbert P, Ratcliffe J, Kilduff L & Baker J. (2013). The effects of a formal exercise training programme on salivary hormone concentrations and body composition in previously sedentary aging men. Springerplus 2, 1-5.

Dr. Nalda Wainwright

Research Gate

Wainwright, N.,Goodway, J., Whitehead, M., Williams, A. and Kirk, D. (2019) Playful pedagogy for deeper learning : exploring the implementation of the play based Foundation Phase in Wales. Early Childhood development and care. doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2019.1653551

Wainwright, N., Goodway, J., John,A., Thomas,K., Piper, K., Williams, K. and Gardener, D (2019) Developing a children’s motor skills in the Foundation Phase in Wales to support physical literacy, Education 3-13. doi.org/10.1080/03004279.2019.1633374

Williams, A. and Wainwright, N. (2019) Rethinking Adventurous Activities in Physical Education: Models-Based Approaches. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2019.1634599

Godley, J., Williams, A. and Wainwright, N. Social media and the outdoors: Old solutions to new problems- A new role for the outdoor education residential?Horizons 84 Winter 2018/19, pp24-26.

Keegan, R., Barnett, L., Dudley, D., Telford, R., Lubans, D., Bryant, A., Roberts, W., Morgan, P., Schranz, N., Weissensteiner, J., Vella, S., Salmon, J., Ziviani, J., Okely, A., Wainwright, N.and Evans, J (2019). Defining Physical Education for Application in Australia: A modified Delphi Method. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education Vol. 38 pp 105-118

Barnett, L., Keegan, R., Dudley, D., Telford, R., Lubans, D., Bryant, A., Roberts, W., Morgan, P., Schranz, N., Weissensteiner, J., Vella, S., Salmon, J., Ziviani, J., Okely, A., Wainwright, N.and Evans, J (2019) Guidelines for the Selection of Physical Literacy Measures in Physical Education in Australia Journal of Teaching in Physical Education Vol. 38 pp 119-125

Wainwright, N., Goodway, J., Whitehead, M., Williams, A. and Kirk, D. (2018) Playful pedagogy for deeper learning : exploring the implementation of the play based Foundation Phase in Wales. Early Childhood development and care (in press)

Edwards, L., Tyler, R., Blain, D., Bryant, A., Canham, N., Carter-Davies, L., Clark, C., Evans, T., Greenall, C., Hobday, J., Anwen, J., Mannello, M., Marchant, E., Miller, M., Moore, G., Morgan, K., Nicholls, S., Roberts, C., Sheldrick, M., Thompson, K., Wainwright, N., Williams, S. and Stratton, G. (2018) Results from Wales’ 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth, Journal of Physical Activity and Health 15(suppl 2) (S2): S430-S432DOI:10.1123/jpah.2018-0544

Barnett, L., Dudley, D., Telford, R., Lubans, D., Bryant, A., Roberts, W., Morgan, P., Schranz, N., Wesseneteiner, J., Vella, S., Salmon, J., Ziviani, j., Okely, A., Wainwright, N., Roberts, J., and Keegan, R. (2018). How do we meansure physical literacy? Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 21 DOI:10.1016/j.jsams.2018.09.131

Wainwright, N. (2018) Physical Literacy in Wales (part three) – plugging the gap Physical Education Matters Vol 12 (4)

Wainwright, N., Goodway, J., Whitehead, M., Williams, A. and Kirk, D. (2018) Laying the foundations for physical literacy in the Foundation Phase in Wales: The contribution of the Foundation Phase to the development of Physical literacy. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy Vol 24(4)

Wainwright, N. (2017) Physical Literacy in Wales (part two) – identifying the gap Physical Education Matters Autumn Vol 12 (3)

Wainwright, N. (2017) Physical Literacy in Wales (part one) Physical Education Matters Summer Vol 12 (2)

Dudley, D., Cairney, J., Wainwright, N., Kriellaars, D. and Mitchell, D. (2017) Critical Considerations for Physical Literacy Policy in Public Health, Recreation, Sport and Education Agencies. Quest 69(4)pp 463-452.

Wainwright, N., Goodway, J., Whitehead, M., Williams, A. and Kirk, D. (2016) The Foundation Phase in Wales – A play-based curriculum that supports the development of physical literacy. Education 3-13 Vol 44(5) pp 513-524

Williams, A. and Wainwright, N. (2016) A new pedagogical model for adventure in the curriculum: Part 1 – advocating for the model. Journal of Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy. DOI:10.1080/17408989.2015.104821.

Williams, A. and Wainwright, N. (2016) A new pedagogical model for adventure in the curriculum: Part 2 – outlining the model. Journal of Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy . DOI:10.1080/17408989.2015.104822.

Evaluation of pilot outdoor education residential experience for the School of Education, University of Strathclyde. Williams, A. and Wainwright, N. (2015) Wales Institute for Physical Literacy.

Williams, A. and Wainwright, N. (2013) Professional development for adventurous activities in Wales. Welsh Jnl of Education (accepted for publication in October 2014)

Wainwright, N. (2013) Physical Literacy in the Foundation Phase in Wales. Journal of Sport Science and Physical Education, ICSSPE Bulletin 65 Special Feature Physical Literacy.

Williams, A. and Wainwright, N. (2012), Changing times for outdoor learning in Wales – Outdoor Learning Cards, Adventurous Activities and Physical Education Horizons July 2012

Wainwright, N. and Williams, A. (2012) “Miss that’s the best PE lesson we’ve ever had and we couldn’t see for most of it.” Adventurous Activities and Physical Education in Wales. Physical Education Matters, summer, Vol 7 (2), 51 – 54, 2012.

Lavin, J. Wainwright, N. et al. (2011). ‘Children’s Primary Physical Education in the United Kingdom- A post code lottery? In Primary Physical Education Matters vol.6 no.1

Wainwright, N. (2006) ‘Accessing Learning through Effective Physical Education’ In Primary Physical Education Matters vol. 1 no. 3.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Andy Williams

Williams, A. and Wainwright, N. (2019) Re-thinking adventurous activities in physical education: models-based approaches. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. Published online 27 June 2019.https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2019.1634599

Wainwright, N., Goodway, J., Whitehead, M., Williams, A. and Kirk, D. (2019) Playful pedagogy for deeper learning : exploring the implementation of the play based Foundation Phase in Wales. Early Childhood development and care. doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2019.1653551

Godley, J.; Williams, Aand Wainwright, N. (2019) Social media and the outdoors: Old solutions to new problems- A new role for the outdoor education residential?Horizons 84 Winter 2018/19, pp24-26.

Wainwright, N., Goodway, J., Whitehead, M., Williams, A.and Kirk, D. (2018) Laying the foundations for physical literacy in the Foundation Phase in Wales: The contribution of the Foundation Phase to the development of Physical literacy. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy DOI: 10.1080/17408989.2018.1455819. Published online 27 March 2018.

Williams, A. (2018) Place is special when we do a bit of homework. Horizons 82, Summer. pp.20-24

Wainwright, N., Goodway, J., Whitehead, M., Williams, A.& Kirk. D. (2016) The Foundation Phase in Wales – a play-based curriculum that supports the development of physical literacy. Education 3-13. DOI: 10.1080/03004279.2016.1176360

Williams, A. and Wainwright, N. (2016) A new pedagogical model for adventure in the curriculum: Part 1 – advocating for the model. Journal of Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy. DOI:10.1080/17408989.2015.104821.

Williams, A. and Wainwright, N. (2016) A new pedagogical model for adventure in the curriculum: Part 2 – outlining the model. Journal of Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy . DOI:10.1080/17408989.2015.104822.

Evaluation of pilot outdoor education residential experience for the School of Education, University of Strathclyde. Williams, A. and Wainwright, N. (2015) Wales Institute for Physical Literacy.

Williams, A. and Wainwright, N. (2013) Professional development for adventurous activities in Wales. Welsh Jnl of Education (accepted for publication in October 2014)

Williams, A. and Wainwright, N. (2012), Changing times for outdoor learning in Wales – Outdoor Learning Cards, Adventurous Activities and Physical Education Horizons July 2012

Wainwright, N. and Williams, A. (2012) “Miss that’s the best PE lesson we’ve ever had and we couldn’t see for most of it.” Adventurous Activities and Physical Education in Wales. Physical Education Matters, summer, Vol 7 (2), 51 – 54, 2012.

Dr. Simon Williams

Edwards L et al. Results from Wales’ 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. https://journals.humankinetics.com/doi/full/10.1123/jpah.2018-0544.

Stratton G, Edwards L, Tyler R, Blain D, Bryant A, et al.(2018). Active Healthy Kids Wales 2018 Report Card http://www.activehealthykidswales.com/media/reports/AHK-Wales_Report_Card_2018.pdf.

Tyler, R., Williams, S., Stratton, G et al. Results from Wales’ 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth: Is Wales Turning the Tide on Children’s Inactivity? Journal of Physical Activity and Health 13 (Suppl 2): S330-336; 2016

Stratton G, Cox R, Mannello M, Mattingley R, Robert C, Sage R, Taylor S, Williams S, Tyler R. (2016). Active Healthy Kids Wales 2016 Report Card.

Simpson, S., Williams, S. et alA feasibility randomised controlled trial of a motivational interviewing intervention for weight loss maintenance in adults.NIHR Journals Library, Health Technology Assessment, Volume 19, Issue 50, July 2015.

Stratton, G., Williams, S. et al. Healthy Active Kids Report Card (Wales). September 2014.http://www.swansea.ac.uk/activehealthykidswales/.

Sabin M, De Hora M, Holly J, Hunt L, Ford A, Williams S, Baker J, Retallick C, Crowne E and Shield J. Fasting non-esterified fatty acid profiles in childhood and their relationship with adiposity, insulin sensitivity and lipids. Pediatrics (2007)120:6; 1426-1433.

Taylor J, Williams S, Rhys R, James P, Frenneaux M. Conjugated Linoleic Acid Impairs Endothelial Function. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology26: 1-6; 2006.

Simon Williams. Active Lives: Physical Activity in Disadvantaged Communities. Full Report. Bevan Foundation Policy Paper no. 9. ISBN 1-094767-18-4. The Bevan Foundation, Tredegar, July 2006.

Simon Williams and Rhys Williams. Obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome: What are the choices for prevention in the twenty-first century? In, McNammee, M (Ed). Philosophy and the Sciences of Exercise, Health and Sport. Essays for Critical Research. Routledge, Novmber 2004.

Dr. Kate Williams (née Evans)

Bourne, M, Williams, M,Jackson, J, Williams, K.L, Timmins, R, Pizzari, T. (2018) Stronger hip abductors in the dominant (kicking) leg of elite soccer players reduces the chance of hip and groin injury: a prospective cohort study. Under Review.

Evans, K.L., Hughes, J., & Williams, M. D. (2018). Reduced severity of lumbo-pelvic-hip injuries in professional Rugby Union players following tailored preventative programmes. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 21 (3), pp. 274-279. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2017.07.004

Evans, K. L., & Williams, M.D. (2017). The effect of Nordic hamstring exercise on hamstring injury in professional rugby union. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51 (4), pp.315-316.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097372.84

Huggins, S., Davies, N., Evans, K.L., & Williams, M.D. (2017). Nordic hamstring exercise strength changes over a season in academy footballers. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51 (4), pp. 331. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097372.124

Evans, K.L& Williams, M.D. (2017). Association between hand-held dynamometry measures of hamstring strength and force obtained from the Nordic hamstring exercise. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51 (4), pp. 316.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-097372.85

Evans, K. (2016). Preventing Hip and Groin Injuries in Professional Rugby Union. Pain to Performance International Sports Medicine Conference, London.

Evans, K.L., Hughes, J., & Williams, W.D. (2016). Preventing Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip injuries in professional rugby: an example of the sequence of prevention through to completion. UKSCA Annual Conference, Leicester, UK.

Ohlwein, M., Evans, K.L., Sieniawski, J., Shield, A.J., Opar, D., & Williams, M.D. (2016). Eccentric knee flexor strength of International youth field hockey players. UKSCA Annual Conference, Leicester, UK.

Ward, K., Grice, M., Di Leva, R., Evans, K. and Baker, J., (2015). Clinical Assessment in Sports Therapy. In Ward, K., and Di Leva, R. (Eds). Routledge Handbook of Sports Therapy, Injury Assessment and Rehabilitation. Routledge.

Evans, K. (2015). Preventing Hamstring and Adductor Injuries in Professional Rugby Union. Society of Sports Therapists Annual General Meeting, London

Evans, K., Hughes, J.,Mathews, T., & Williams, M. (2015). Changes in adductor, abductor and hip extension strength following an intermittent running test in professional rugby union players. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Annual Conference. St George’s Park, UK.

Sieniawski, J., Evans, K., Shield, A., Opar, D., Hughes, J., & Williams, M. (2015). The effect of previous hamstring injury on eccentric knee-flexor strength in professional rugby union. BASES Annual Conference. St George’s Park, UK.

Evans, K., & Cady, K. (2010). A Review of Medical Provision in English Ice Hockey. International Sport Science and Sports Medicine (ISSSM) Annual Conference, Newcastle.

Evans, K., & Cady, K. (2010). Results of a Musculoskeletal Pre-Participation Screening (MPPS) programme in BUCS Super 8 Rugby League Players. ISSSM Annual Conference, Newcastle.

Dobson, A., Evans, K., & Dowdell, S. (2009). The effect of ribose supplementation on repeated maximal cycle ergometry in male collegiate soccer players. BASES Annual Conference. Leeds Metropolitan University.

Dobson, A., Evans, K., & Williamson, M. (2009). The effects of single vs. multiple set resistance exercise on maximal muscular strength in untrained men. BASES Annual Conference. Leeds Metropolitan University.

Evans, K. L., Smith, D., Dobson, A., & Towers, P. (2008). A comparison of work rate match profiles of a competitive football league match versus a friendly football match. European College of Sport Sciences Conference (ECSS), Estoril, Portugal.

Dylan Blain

Blain, D. & Bellamy, M. (2018). School Gym and physical activity. In Draper, N. & Stratton, G. (Eds.). Physical Activity: A multidisciplinary approach. Abingdon, Oxon: Routeledge.

Goodyear, V.A., Blain, D., Quarmby, T. & Wainwright, N. (2016). Dylan: the use of ‘mobile’ ‘apps’ within a tactical inquiry approach. In Casey, A., Goodyear, V. A. & Armour, K. M. Digital Technologies and Learning in Physical Education: Pedagogical Cases. Abingdon, Oxon: Routeledge.

Blain, D. (2012). Team of the year 2011. Physical Education Matters, 7(2), pp 62-64.

Conference Presentations

Dr. Peter Herbert

Sculthorpe N, Herbert P & Grace FM. (2015). Low frequency HIIT improves peak power and body composition in sedentary healthy older men. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) annual conference, San Diego, CA, 26th-30th May 2015.

Herbert P, Sculthorpe N, Baker JS & Grace FM. (2015). Validation of a 6 second cycle test for the determination of Peak Power Output (PPO) using the Wattbike cycle ergometer. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) annual conference, San Diego, CA, 26th-30th May 2015.

Hayes LD, Sculthorpe N, Herbert P & Grace FM. (2015). Resting steroid hormone concentrations in lifetime exercisers and lifetime sedentary males. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) annual conference, San Diego, CA, 26th-30th May 2015.

Grace FM, Herbert P & Sculthorpe N. (2015). Prolonged recovery to a single bout of high intensity exercise in ageing men. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) annual conference, San Diego, CA, 26th-30th May 2015.

Grace FM, Herbert P, Ratcliffe JWT, Kilduff L, Hullin D, Hayes L Baker JS & Sculthorpe N. (2014). Effects of Subsequent High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Resting Testosterone and IGF-1 in Ageing Males. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) annual conference, Orlando FL May 27th -31st.

Herbert P, Sculthorpe N, Ratcliffe JWT, Baker JS & Grace FM. (2014). Effects of Subsequent High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Balance, Flexibility and Power in Ageing Males. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) annual conference, Orlando FL May 27th -31st.

Ratcliffe JWT, Sculthorpe N, Herbert P, Kilduff L, Hullin D, Hayes L Baker JS New K & Grace FM. (2014). Effects of Subsequent High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Vascular Function and CV Risk in Aged Males. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) annual conference, Orlando FL May 27th -31st.

Sculthorpe N, Ratcliffe JWT, Herbert P, Kilduff L, Hullin D, Hayes L Baker JS New K & Grace FM. (2014). Effects Of Subsequent High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) On L- arginine, Dimethyarginines (ADMA;SDMA) And Their Ratios In Ageing Males. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) annual conference, Orlando FL May 27th -31st.

Dugdale HF, Raal-Nunes M, Herbert P, Sculthorpe N, Grace FM, Brown WM. Facial symmetry predicts physical fitness in older men: The role of DNA methylation in the paired box 3 (PAX3) gene. BASES student conference, Cardiff Metropolitan University 26-28th March 2013.

Herbert P, Ratcliffe J, Sculthorpe N, Baker, J, Richards, J and Grace FM. The effects of a 6 week ACSM intervention on aerobic fitness in sedentary older men. European College of Sport Science annual conference, Barcelona 26-29th June 2013.

Ratcliffe J, Sculthorpe N, Herbert P, Baker J, Richards J, New K and Grace FM. The effects of 6 week ACSM intervention on standard cardiovascular measurements in sedentary older men. European College of Sport Science annual conference, Barcelona 26-29th June 2013.

Hayes L, Grace FM, Sculthorpe N, Herbert P, Ratcliffe J, Kilduff L and Baker JS. The Effects of a Formal Exercise Training Programme on Hormone Concentrations and Body Composition in Previously Sedentary Aging Men. European College of Sport Science annual conference, Barcelona 26-29th June 2013.

Herbert P, Grace FM, Ratcliffe J, Baker J, Richards J and Sculthorpe N. The effects of a 6 week ACSM intervention on measures of power output in sedentary older men. European College of Sport Science annual conference, Barcelona 26-29th June 2013.

Herbert P, Sculthorpe N, Ratcliffe J, Baker J, Richards, J and Grace FM. (2013). The effects of a 6 week ACSM exercise intervention on body composition in sedentary older men. European College of Sport Science annual conference, Barcelona 26-29th June.

Hayes L, Grace FM, Sculthorpe N, Herbert P, Ratcliffe J, Kilduff L, & Baker J. (2013). The Effects of a Formal Exercise Training Programme on Hormone Concentrations and Body Composition in Previously Sedentary Aging Men. European College of Sport Science annual conference, Barcelona 26-29th June.

Brown WM, Raal-Nunes M, Dugdale HF, Ross A, Sully T, Herbert P, Sculthorpe N and Grace FM. (2013) Symmetry predicts physical fitness in older men: The role of DNA methylation in the paired box 3 (PAX3) gene. International Ethological Conference (IEC), Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour, Newcastle, UK, 4-8th August.

Dr. Nalda Wainwright

Wainwright, N. Footie Families: supporting families to develop the physical competence of their children to access a healthy active future. Rural Health Conference , Llandrindod Wells. 6th November 2019

Wainwright, N. Physical Literacy – The Role of Motor Competence in Supporting a Positive Health TrajectoryChild and adolescent obesity in Wales, Welsh Obesity Society & ASO Wales Conference, Cardiff June 26^th2019

Wainwright, N.,Moving Muscles Moving Minds. Keynote PresentationAiming for excellence conference, Llanelli, 10^thMay

Le Rossignol, P., Saunders, J., Kennedy, L., Markwell, K., Wainwright, N.and Copley, B. (2019) The Physical Literacy Journey of University Students (PLJUS) – an international collaboration. ACHPER International Conference, Canberra, 14^th-16^thJanuary 2019.

John, A., Goodway, J., Wainwright, N.and Williams, A. (2019) The impact of SKIP-Cymru on pupils’ motor competence, perceived motor competence, and physical activity levels. UK and Ireland network meeting Two- children’s motor competence, University of Cork. January 9^th2019

Wainwright, N. (2018) Laying the foundations of physical literacy in the Foundation Phase in Wales- a sustainable cross sector approach. Rural health conference Builth Wells, 13^th November 2018

Wainwright, N., Goodway J., John, A., and Edwards, K.(2018) Developing and supporting physical literacy in the Foundation Phase in Wales- a sustainable cross sector approach. 2018 AIESEP world congress. Edinburgh July 25^th -28^th

Saunders, J., Cropley, B., Kennedy, L., Markwell, K., and Wainwright, N. (2018) Making the transition into adulthood- how are university students experiencing the physical literacy journey? 2018 AIESEP world congress. Edinburgh July 25^th -28^th

Goodway, J., Famelia, R., Tsuda, E., Wainwright, N., and John, A. (2017) Summer Success: A pilot program to promote school readiness in Preschoolers from and urban disadvantaged environment. 3^rd International Consortium of Motor Development, Nov 9-11, Melagaco, Portugal.

Wainwright, N. (2017) Developing physical literacy through a multi-disciplinary approach. Change the Game, Umea Sweden. September 2017

Wainwright, N. (2017) Laying the foundations for Physical Literacy in early childhood. Change the Game, Umea Sweden. September 2017

Wainwright, N. (2017) The Wales Institute for Physical Literacy. Change the Game, Umea Sweden. September 2017

Wainwright, N., Goodway, J. Whitehead, M., Williams, A., Kirk, D. (2014) A Study of the interpretation and implementation of the Foundation Phase in Wales and its contribution to physical literacy. International Physical Literacy conference Vancouver June 2015.

Wainwright, N. Goodway, J. Whitehead, M. Williams, A. Kirk, D. (2014) Examining the impact of the Foundation Phase on children’s motor development and physical activity. British Educational Research Association Annual Conference, September 23^rd 2014.

Wainwright, N., Whitehead, M., Williams, A., Kirk, D. (2014) A Study of the interpretation and implementation of the Foundation Phase in Wales. PESS regional Share and Inspire conference June 19^th 2014

Wainwright, N., Whitehead, M., Williams, A., Kirk, D. (2014) A Study of the interpretation and implementation of the Foundation Phase in Wales. IPLA Charting Progress Workshops Bedford June 6^th 2014

Wainwright, N., Whitehead, M., Williams, A., Kirk, D. (2013) A Study of the interpretation and implementation of the Foundation Phase in Wales. The 2^nd International Physical Literacy Conference,

Dr. Simon Williams

How Much Exercise for Weight Loss Maintenance. Invited Lecture at the National Obesity Forum (Wales) Annual Meeting, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, May 2012.

Fighting Obesity. Inivited Lecture at Prescribing Greenspace, GreenSpace Annual Conference, Mayfair Conference Centre, London, November 2011.

Association of alanine aminotransferase with aerobic fitness in healthy children and adolescents in Wales, UK. 3^rdWorld Congress on Prediabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome, Nice, France, April 2009 and Journal of Diabetes, Volume 1 Supplement 1, page A179.

The effects of aerobic exercise training on visceral adipose tissue, liver fat and glucose tolerance in previously sedentary, overweight and obese non-diabetic men.2^ndWorld Congress on Prediabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome, Barcelona, April 2007 and Diabetes & Vascular Disease Research (2007) 4: S172, 2007 .

Association between Aerobic Fitness and Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents in Wales, UK. 2^ndWorld Congress on Prediabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome, Barcelona, April 2007 and Diabetes and Vascular Disease Research (2007) 4.

Prevalence Estimates of the Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents in Wales, UK. IASO International Congress on Obesity, Sydney, Australia, September 2006 and Obesity Reviews (2006) 7: S2; 234.

Obesity prevalence estimates in children and adolescents in Wales, UK: A comparison of standards based on BMI and waist girth. IASO International Congress on Obesity, Sydney, Australia, September 2006 and Obesity Reviews (2006) 7: S2; 234.

The prevalence of hypertriglyceridaemia and low HDL-cholesterol in children and adolescents in Wales, UK: Preliminary observations and comparison of paediatric and adult cut-off points. 1^stInternational Congress on Prediabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome. Berlin, Germany, April 13^th-16^th2005.

Serum adiponectin and body composition in obese men. 1^stInternational Congress on Prediabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome. Berlin, Germany, April 13^th-16^th

Overweight and obese 12 and 13-year old children show features of the metabolic syndrome and increased fibrinogen but not hyperhomocysteineaemia.13^thEuropean Congress on Obesity, Prague, Czech Republic, 26^th-29^th International Journal of Obesity 28 S1, 2004.

Dr. Kate Williams (née Evans)

Evans, K. (2016). Preventing Hip and Groin Injuries in Professional Rugby Union. Pain to Performance International Sports Medicine Conference, London.

Evans, K.L., Hughes, J., & Williams, W.D. (2016). Preventing Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip injuries in professional rugby: an example of the sequence of prevention through to completion. UKSCA Annual Conference, Leicester, UK.

Ohlwein, M., Evans, K.L., Sieniawski, J., Shield, A.J., Opar, D., & Williams, M.D. (2016). Eccentric knee flexor strength of International youth field hockey players. UKSCA Annual Conference, Leicester, UK.

Evans, K. (2015). Preventing Hamstring and Adductor Injuries in Professional Rugby Union. Society of Sports Therapists Annual General Meeting, London

Evans, K., Hughes, J., Mathews, T., & Williams, M. (2015). Changes in adductor, abductor and hip extension strength following an intermittent running test in professional rugby union players. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Annual Conference. St George’s Park, UK.

Sieniawski, J., Evans, K., Shield, A., Opar, D., Hughes, J., & Williams, M. (2015). The effect of previous hamstring injury on eccentric knee-flexor strength in professional rugby union. BASES Annual Conference. St George’s Park, UK.

Evans, K., & Cady, K. (2010). A Review of Medical Provision in English Ice Hockey. International Sport Science and Sports Medicine (ISSSM) Annual Conference, Newcastle.

Evans, K., & Cady, K. (2010). Results of a Musculoskeletal Pre-Participation Screening (MPPS) programme in BUCS Super 8 Rugby League Players. ISSSM Annual Conference, Newcastle.

Dobson, A., Evans, K., & Dowdell, S. (2009). The effect of ribose supplementation on repeated maximal cycle ergometry in male collegiate soccer players. BASES Annual Conference. Leeds Metropolitan University.

Dobson, A., Evans, K., & Williamson, M. (2009). The effects of single vs. multiple set resistance exercise on maximal muscular strength in untrained men. BASES Annual Conference. Leeds Metropolitan University.

Evans, K. L., Smith, D., Dobson, A., & Towers, P. (2008). A comparison of work rate match profiles of a competitive football league match versus a friendly football match. European College of Sport Sciences Conference (ECSS), Estoril, Portugal.

Current PhD Research Studies

Kate Piper (PhD c)

Mass Participation Sports Events (MPSE) and Physical Literacy in Pembrokeshire

A phenomenological perspective on motivation and determinants of physical activity and health around Mass Participation Sport Events in Pembrokeshire.

Over the last ten years there has been unprecedented growth and participation in a range of new and exciting activities such as triathlon, open water swimming and parkrun. Collectively these activities are known as Mass Participation Sports Events (MPSE). Focused in Pembrokeshire where Ironman Wales is located Kate’s study is a 3 year, scholarship funded, PhD that aims to better understand the upsurge in interest in these events by providing a phenomenological perspective of motivations and determinants of physical activity and health experienced by MPSE participants. The study draws together Physical Literacy across its outdoor, recreational, motivational and regional dimensions.

Amanda John (PhD c)

Successful Kinaesthetic Instruction for Pre-schoolers (SKIP-Cymru) and Physical Literacy

The impact of a programme of professional development for early childhood teachers and practitioners in Successful Kinaesthetic Instruction for Pre-schoolers (SKIP Cymru) on pupils’ physical development and physical activity behaviours.

At a time of unprecedented concern around the inactivity of young children and the rise in sedentary behaviours this study will assess the effectiveness of SKIP Cymru in the Foundation Phase in Wales. It will examine how changes in teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge impact on pupils’ physical development and physical activity behaviours. Through widespread access to schools in Pembrokeshire Amanda’s study is a 3 year, scholarship funded, PhD that develops from the work of Dr Nalda Wainwright to explore Physical Literacy through the relationship between physical competence and physical activity levels of pupils’ in the Foundation Phase in Wales.

Graham French (PhD c)

Physical Literacy as Adventures Activities in School Physical Education

How can a pedagogical model for adventurous activities be implemented within the physical education curriculum?

Adventurous activities are a statutory aspect of physical education provision in Wales yet pupils’ experience of AA is often limited to unchallenging orienteering lessons or a one-off visit to an outdoor centre. Graham’s study explores the implementation and impact of a new approach to outdoor and adventurous activities for pupils in Wales that seeks to increase the opportunities for school-based, teacher-initiated and pupil-foused AA. Drawing upon the work of Dr Andy Williams and Dr Nalda Wainwright this study examines Physical Literacy links between adventurous activities and school-based physical education.

Arwel Phillips (PhD c)

Physical literacy, outdoor activities, language and culture in Wales

What contribution does Welsh medium outdoor education at Glan-Llyn OE centre make to the cultural development of young people in Wales?

Wales is a bilingual country historically, socially and culturally and Canolfan Addysg Awyr Agored Glan-Llyn / Glan Llyn Outdoor Education Centre is a key location for the delivery of outdoor education in a welsh language context for young people in Wales. Arwel’s research examines the impact of Glan Llyn upon young people’s cultural development and takes an innovative ethnographic approach to investigate the cultural messages that are promoted and received during a residential visit to the centre. The study explores Physical Literacy links across outdoor activities, language and culture.

Dave Gardner (PhD c)

Physical Literacy and Improved Health in Middle Aged Women

Does one high intensity training session per week provide late middle aged women with the equivalent physical and functional adaptations to those achieved by the following the current American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) internationally recognised guidelines for exercise.

Current epidemiological evidence indicates that late middle aged women (45-65 years) who are inactive are likely to have lower physiological and physical capacities than those who train on a regular basis. This ultimately leads to greater incidence of illness and disability as they get older reducing their quality of life and places a preventable burden on the health care systems. Dave’s research aims to determine whether one high intensity training session per week will provide the same physical and functional adaptations as suggested by ACSM. Dave’s study develops the work of Dr Peter Herbert and extends our understanding of Physical Literacy by focusing on physical activity, older people and strength training.