Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Education, CUHK

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The objective of the research laboratory is to advance the knowledge and practice of exercise and fitness to health through quality research, so as to enhance the quality of life of human beings. Research focus lies in physical fitness (both health-related and performance-related) and physical activity investigations. Recent projects include evaluation of Tai-chi exercise and walking exercise on improving cardiovascular health and metabolic rate. This study received the best research project award from 2006 Australian Sports Medicine Federation. Evaluation of physical fitness and physical activity patterns of school students (primary & secondary). Development of physical fitness screening test for pre-employment selection for Disciplinary Departments (Customs & Excise; Immigration; Correction Services, & Police). Community Fitness Evaluation and Sports-for-All Study on Sports Participation and Patterns of Hong Kong citizens supported by the Leisure and Cultural Service Department. As childhood obesity becomes a global health concern, we are collecting and tracking data on childhood obesity of Hong Kong children regularly.

PERSON IN CHARGE

Prof Stanley Sai-Chuen HUI

RESEARCH TEAM MEMBERS

From left to right: Miss Regina CHO, Miss Mandy TSE, Mr Daniel YEUNG,
Prof Stanley HUI, Miss Candy CHIK, Dr Violette LIN, Miss Flora LIU

MAJOR FACILITIES

Metabolic Measuring Systems -

COSMED K4B2 breath-by-breath portable Metabolic measuring system (Rome, Italy). There are two completed units
Treadmill, maximum elevation 25%, capable of handling 500 pounds of weight (SCIFIT, AC7000, Tulsa, USA)
Monark Cycle-ergometers
Polar electronic heart-rate monitors (basics and advanced models with PC interface)
Motion and activity sensors, such as digital pedometers, CalTracks and TriTracks

Body Composition Measuring Systems -

Hydrostatic Weighing (Underwater weighing) system, integrated with digital measuring scale and PC interface
Bio-electrical impedance analysis scales (Tanita, TBF-543, Tokyo, Japan)
Anthropometry measuring equipments such as skinfold calipers (Harpenden, Lafayette, abd Slimguide), Lafayette large and small anthropometers, stadiometers

Other Fitness Measuring Systems - -

Electronic back strength dynamometer, accuracy to the nearest 0.1 kg (Takei Scientific Instruments Co. Ltd., T.K.K. 5102 Back D, Tokyo, Japan) x 4
Electronic hand-grip dynamometer, accuracy to the nearest 0.1 kg (Takei Scientific Instruments Co. Ltd., T.K.K. 5101 Grip D, Tokyo, Japan) x 2
Goniometers for flexibility and range-of-motion assessments, accuracy to the nearest 1 degree (Lafayette Instrument Company, 01130, Layfayette, Indiane)
Flexometers for flexibility measurements
Sit-and-reach boxes for flexibility measurements
Curl-up testing boards

ON-GOING PROJECTS

Virtual Trainer: An Innovated Approach for Exercise and Health Promotion (Earmarked Research Grant 2004/2005)
Physical Fitness Test for the Community (Leisure and Cultural Services Department, HKSAR Government)
Development of a Health-Related Physical Fitness Assessment Inventory: A Preliminary Study (Direct Grant for Research 2005-06)
Comparison of Physical Fitness and Physical Activity Participation of Chinese Adults Among Four Major Cities in China: A Preliminary Study.
Evaluation of Energy Expenditure and Cardiovascular Health Effects from Tai Chi and Walking Exercise (Health and Health Services Research Fund 2004/2005, Home Affairs Bureau)

PAST PROJECTS

A Survey Study on Primary Schools Students' Physical Fitness and Their Attitude Towards Physical Education 2005-06 (Education and Manpower Bureau, HKSAR Government)
Survey on Secondary Schools Students Physical Fitness and Attitudes Towards Physical Education 2004-2005 (Education and Manpower Bureau, HKSAR Government)
Survey on Primary Schools Students Physical Fitness and Attitudes Towards Physical Education 2003-2004 (Education Department, HKSAR Government)
Relationship Between Physical Activity, Physical Fitness and Heart Disease Risk Factors in Hong Kong Middle-age Adults (Hong Kong Sports Development Board)
Investigation on Health-related Physical Fitness of School Children in Hong Kong (Earmarked Research Grant 1999/2000)
Validation of the 1-mile Walk Test for Predicting the Aerobic Capacity of Chinese Children Investigation on Health-related Physical Fitness of School Children in Hong Kong (United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia Faculty Research Grant & Hsin Chong - K.N. Godfrey Yeh Education Fund)
Fat to Fit: Weight Loss Program for Obese Children in Hong Kong (Health Care and Promotion Fund, Hospital Authority)
Impact of Perception and Knowledge of Physical Activity on Physical Activity Level: A Cross-cultural Comparison between American and Hong Kong Adults (Direct Grant for Research, CUHK)