Movement Sciences

Contact: pesser@brookes.ac.uk +44 (0)1865 483833

About us

The Movement Sciences research theme focuses on the development and implementation of new methodologies to measure, map and improve the mobility and physical activity of people of all ages with and without clinical conditions.

This research theme is a multidisciplinary group of researchers covering biomedical and mathematical engineers, data scientists, data analysts, various allied health professionals and end-users. We work with and alongside other research themes, centres and external partners, both academic and commercial.

Together we have been involved in the successful development, validation and implementation of novel clinical outcome measurements such as:

Gait analysis based on single inertial measurement units to monitor gait abnormalities with potential diagnostic power
Physical Activity measurements and data analysis suitable for adolescents, adults and those with clinical conditions
Rhythmic stepping outcomes for the identification of motor problems in children

Researcher placing gate sensor on lower back

Part of

Related courses

Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) (MSc)
Physiotherapy (BSc (Hons))
Sport and Exercise Science (BSc (Hons))
Sport, Coaching and Physical Education (BSc (Hons))

Research impact

MRI scanner ready for in-scanner motion task for children with developmental coordination disorders

Over the past few years, we have developed a smartphone-based device which, given its ultra sensitivity, can potentially aid in the diagnosis of a range of conditions before the manifestations of obvious clinical symptoms. This unique approach is quick, accessible and could have substantial impact on international healthcare systems.

The vast range of exciting projects links us with clinical and academic experts from world renowned institutions in the UK, such as the University of Oxford and University College London, as well as internationally, such as McGill University (Canada) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China).

Leadership

Dr Patrick Esser

Reader in Sport and Rehabilitation Technology

View profile

Key Publications

2023

Al-Yahya, E., P. Esser, B. D. Weedon, S. Joshi, Y. C. Liu, D. N. Springett, P. Salvan, A. Meaney, J. Collett, M. Inacio, A. Delextrat, S. Kemp, T. Ward, H. Izadi, H. Johansen-Berg, H. Ayaz and H. Dawes (2023). "Motor learning in developmental coordination disorder: behavioral and neuroimaging study." Front Neurosci 17: 1187790.
Inacio, M., P. Esser, J. Li, L. Xu, H. Zeng, R. He, H. Dawes and F. Liu (2023). "Spectral parameters of gait differentiate diabetic patients from healthy individuals." Foot (Edinb) 56: 102038.

2022

Joshi, S., B. D. Weedon, P. Esser, Y. C. Liu, D. N. Springett, A. Meaney, M. Inacio, A. Delextrat, S. Kemp, T. Ward, H. Izadi, H. Dawes and H. Ayaz (2022). "Neuroergonomic assessment of developmental coordination disorder." Sci Rep 12(1): 10239.

2021

Beale, N., E. Eldridge, A. Delextrat, P. Esser, O. Bushnell, E. Curtis, T. Wassenaar, C. Wheatley, H. Johansen-Berg and H. Dawes (2021). "Exploring activity levels in physical education lessons in the UK: a cross-sectional examination of activity types and fitness levels." BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 7(1): e000924.

2020

TEKTONIDIS, T. G., COE, S., ESSER, P., MADDOCK, J., BUCHANAN, S., MAVROMMATI, F., SCHOTT, J. M., IZADI, H., RICHARDS, M. & DAWES, H. 2020. Diet quality in late midlife is associated with faster walking speed in later life in women, but not men: findings from a prospective British birth cohort. Br J Nutr, 123, 913-921.