13 July 2010

Young footballers wanted to aid bone research

Young footballers in Tayside and Fife will have their movements captured using the same kind of hi-tech motion analysis that has been used to represents such as Wayne Rooney and Tiger Woods in computer games.

Researchers at the University of Dundee are looking for the footballers to contribute to a project investigating the effects of intensive football training on bone growth.

As part of the project, volunteers will be asked to visit the Institute of Motion Analysis and Research (IMAR) at the University where hi-tech motion analysis cameras will be used to capture their movements in 3D.

'Although football is a major global sport, there is a significant weakness in the scientific literature as to whether targeted exercise training and many hours of practice are actually beneficial to growing individuals,' said Professor Rami Abboud, Director of IMAR.

'The limited knowledge is extremely worrying with respect to the short and long-term welfare of young footballers, as well as society as a whole due to the ever increasing focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle in order to tackle childhood obesity.'

The new research project is a joint one between IMAR and another of the University's internationally renowned centres, the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID), which recently featured in the major BBC2 series 'History Cold Case'.

The combination of IMAR’s expertise in motion analysis and biomechanical and musculoskeletal medicine, and CAHID’s excellence in osteological and anatomical research will generate an invaluable source of evidential research, helping to bridge the gap in scientific knowledge.

'Understanding the long-term growth and development of individuals could significantly influence school curricular activities and professional training regime policies, therefore this research has the potential to improve the overall health of our future society,' said Professor Abboud.

Researchers are looking for 12 to 14-year-old footballers to help with the project, and need around 20 volunteers. Anyone interested should contact imar@dundee.ac.uk, 01382 496332, or write to: The Institute of Motion Analysis and Research (IMAR), TORT Centre, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee, DD1 9SY.

For media enquiries contact:
Roddy Isles
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University of Dundee
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