Biomechanics

Exercise physiology      Biochemistry      Kinanthropometry

Health education

Motor control/ development

Biomechanics	The research emphasis at PESS is in applied sports biomechanics. Current research in the biomechanics group focuses on applications within several sports, namely: sepak takraw, badminton, track and field, gymnastics, swimming and soccer. In addition to sports biomechanics, human movement studies (such as the effects of backpack loading on gait, and the kinematics as well as kinetics of jumps) are also being investigated in the laboratory. The use of information technology in the teaching of biomechanics and gymnastics, isokinetic dynamometry, the optimization and simulation of sports techniques, equipment design and testing are areas that we are currently developing at PESS. In addition, we conduct research mentorship programmes for students attending Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges, Polytechnics as well as for those in the Gifted Education programme.
Researchers:
	Ast/P John Tan Cher Chay	john.tan@nie.edu.sg
	Mr Ng Kean Mun	keanmun.ng@nie.edu.sg

Exercise Physiology	The research team focus at PESS is multi-faceted. Human factor and performance studies look at physiological & metabolic indicators of high intensity intermittent exercise of elite athletes, as well as large-scale healthy lifestyle projects at population level and kinanthropometry projects at national and international levels. Also investigated are the physiology, biochemistry and genetic aspects of metabolism, nutritional medicine, immunology & cognitive function in various exercise states and diseases, involving obese individuals, patients with kidney disease and cardiac patients. The research team also develops textbooks and software applications for different education and research purposes in health education, paediatric physiology and coaching, clinical science, body composition and nutrition.
Researchers:
	Ast/P Balasekaran	govindasamy.b@nie.edu.sg
	Ast/P C Kunalan	kunalan.c@nie.edu.sg
	A/P Michael Chia	michael.chia@nie.edu.sg
	Ast/P Patricia Wong	pat.wong@nie.edu.sg
	Dr Swarup Mukherjee	swarup.mukherjee@nie.edu.sg

Motor Control	Studies in motor-control are currently investigating: 1) the association between quadriceps muscle weakness and acute/chronic injuries in the knee joint as well as 2) the role of nonlinear pedagogy in the acquisition of skills in the context of physical education and sports. For the former research, force distribution patterns, coordination patterns of three leg joints' angles, and EMG patterns on leg muscles are being measured and analyzed during landing in relation to quadriceps muscle strength. For the latter research, a multi-articular lower limb interceptive task, soccer chip, is being used to investigate changes in coordination as a consequence of the interaction between key task, performer and environmental constraints.
Researchers:	Ast/P Chow Jia Yi	jiayi.chow@nie.edu.sg
	Ast/P Kim Chung Gon	jeoungkon.kim@nie.edu.sg
	A/P Quek Jin Jong	jinjong.quek@nie.edu.sg
	A/P Teo-Koh Sock Miang	sockmiang.teo@nie.edu.sg

( Last updated on 20 May 2008)