The NCSEM East Midlands (NCSEM-EM) is one of three hubs forming the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine, along with London and Sheffield. The East Midlands hub is a partnership between the University of Leicester, Loughborough University, The University of Nottingham, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
The NCSEM-EM aims to apply world-class expertise to policies and practice that will benefit the health and wellbeing of the nation – from everyday people at risk of ill health through to elite athletes.
Evidence shows that sport, exercise and physical activity are effective in the prevention, treatment and management of disease and can enhance mental health and wellbeing, reducing the risk of mental illnesses such as depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s. The NCSEM-EM builds on this evidence in key research areas which are translated into teaching and training through our educational programmes and the clinical services we offer.
The NCSEM-EM has a hub and spoke structure with the hub based in a newly built facility at Loughborough University. The building has been specifically designed to bring together the research, education and clinical capabilities of the partner universities and NHS trusts to facilitate the translation of research into education, training and clinical services.
Our aims
- Provide a focal point for advice and guidance on sport, exercise and physical activity, injury and rehabilitation.
- Provide a clinical service, including a state-of-the-art diagnostics facility.
- Promote the benefits of sport, exercise and physical activity to sufferers of chronic diseases and aim to reduce their impact on the NHS.
- Accelerate the translation of research into new models of patient care.
- Inform future government policy.
- Develop and deliver continuing professional development opportunities to raise professional standards and share best practice.
- Provide expertise and services to industry and promote knowledge transfer.
Key themes
The NCSEM-EM has five key themes that cover research, education and clinical activity:
- Optimising health and wellbeing, through lifestyle, physical activity and nutrition
- Exercise in the management of health conditions
- Rehabilitation and musculoskeletal health
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Supporting athlete performance and injury prevention