Published on 14 November 2017
Sport and Exercise Sciences student Camila Rodriques presented her undergraduate research at this month's Fuse workshop hosted by Northumbria University.
Camila is currently completing her BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences and is working with Dr Paul Innerd to develop and deliver a bespoke, cost-effective exercise therapy programme aimed at sedentary adults. Sedentary adults typically have low physical and mental health which puts them at risk of developing serious chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.
Camila's exercise programme increased people's physical activity levels, reduced their sedentary behaviour and improved their physical and mental health. This is the first exercise programme aimed at sedentary adults to reduce their risk of chronic disease and associated burden on healthcare systems. Though Camila is still studying for her undergraduate degree, she plans to complete a PhD and pursue a career in research.
Dr Innerd is supervising Camila's work. He said: "This event is normally the preserve of health clinicians, academics and PhD students, yet Camilla's work gained significant interest. Camila delivered a fantastic talk that was composed, professional and really well received."
Dr Ian Whyte, Team Leader in the Faculty of Heath Sciences and Wellbeing said: "I am very pleased that Camila was given the opportunity to present her findings at such a respected event and that the feedback has been great. Staff at the University of Sunderland work hard to optimise student opportunities for real-life issues and develop confidence. Camila's work in such an important area of health and the manner in which she presented it shows that the strategy is paying dividends."
Fuse, the Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, brings together the five North East Universities of Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside in a unique collaboration to deliver robust research to improve health and wellbeing and tackle inequalities. Fuse is one of the five UK Public Health Research Centres of Excellence, it works hand-in-hand with the NHS, local and national government, voluntary and community sectors to help transform public health.