Kinesiology and
Integrative Physiology
Research Unit

Profile

Main thematic areas
Sport Science, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Neuromechanics, Health-Enhancing Physical Activity
Group leader

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Overview

The Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology Research Unit (KIP) is dedicated to advancing understanding and knowledge in the fields of sport and exercise science. KIP focuses on investigating the complex interactions between the human body's physiological systems during physical activity, exercise, and movement.

KIP employs a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach, integrating expertise from fields such as exercise science, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, nutrition, and public health to promote health, physical activity, and performance optimization in diverse populations, including athletes, clinical populations, and the public.

We utilize state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, innovative methodologies, and cutting-edge technologies to address research questions with both basic science and applied research. Through our research activities, we aim to contribute to scientific knowledge and inform evidence-based practice through fostering excellence in research, education, and society contribution. 

The main research interests and activities of the members of the lab are related to:
  1. Exercise Physiology: Investigating the acute and chronic physiological responses to exercise, including cardiorespiratory function, metabolism, muscle physiology, and neural adaptations.
  2. Biomechanics and Motor Control: Exploring the mechanical principles underlying human movement, motor learning, coordination, and control mechanisms involved in executing movement tasks.
  3. Integrative Physiology: Examining the integrated functioning of multiple physiological systems (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, nervous) during various physiological challenges, such as exercise, aging, and environmental stressors.
  4. Physical Activity and Health: Studying the impact of physical activity and exercise interventions on health outcomes, disease prevention, rehabilitation, and overall well-being across the lifespan.
  5. Sport Performance Optimization: Investigating strategies to enhance athletic performance, optimize training programs, and improve recovery techniques through physiological and biomechanical analyses.
Since its establishment, the KIP has participated in more than six research projects that have been secured in a competitive environment and funded by national and international organisations, such as the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport in Cyprus, Cyprus Sports Organisation, the European Commission, and other bodies. In many of these projects, the Unit has been the Host Organisation and has been responsible for their scientific coordination.

PositionNameDepartmentResearch Domain
Head of Unit Dr Elena Papacosta Life and Health Sciences Exercise physiology, Sport performance, Health-enhancing physical activity, Exercise in clinical populations
Unit Member Dr Anthi Xenophontos Life and Health Sciences Neuromechanics, Kinesiology, Training & detraining, Development and aging, Neuromuscular and musculoskeletal diseases
Unit Member Dr Garyfallos Anagnostou Life and Health Sciences Pedagogy of Physical Education, Teaching methods in Physical Education, Sport participation and motivation, motivational factors affecting exercise
PhD candidate Dr Panos Constantinides Life and Health Sciences Pedagogy of Physical Education, Teaching methods in Physical Education, Effective teaching and attitude of children towards Physical Education, Health, fitness and obesity
PhD candidate Dr Panayiotis Paoullis Life and Health Sciences Computational Statistics, Numerical Methods, Data Analysis and Developing Measurement Instruments
Start YearProject TitleLead Partner/ AssigneeFunding fromProject Website
2022 National program to assess the physical fitness of the secondary education student population Frederick University Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport https://cyfit.schools.ac.cy
2022 HEInnovaSport: Building innovation capacity and entrepreneurship in sport science HEIs Norwegian School of Sport Sciences EIT HEI Initiative https://eit-hei.eu/projects/heinnovasport/
2021 TEachers’ TRraining to combat Gender-based violence In Sports (TETRIS) Link University Campus Erasmus + (KA2) https://sports-tetris.eu
2021 A whole school approach promoting health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) Frederick University Erasmus + (Sport) https://hepa.frederick.ac.cy
2021 An integrated approach for the prevention, detection and combat of sexual harassment in sports (iSports) University of Thessaly Erasmus + (Sport) https://project-isports.eu
2021 Customer satisfaction for Sport For All program of Cyprus Sports Organisation Frederick University Cyprus Sports Organisation N/A