The research of The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences is in a dynamic stage of development. It aims to obtain permanent research facilities of its own.

The main emphasis is on sports pedagogics and human biology. The research is characterized by its close contacts with students and by growing international exchange.

The behavioural science oriented research is in collaboration with the Stockholm Institute of Education. The title of one recent doctoral dissertation is "The Way to the National Team". The author asks questions such as: What factors decide whether young people reach the elite? What personal characteristics distinguish the national orienteering team compared to the swimming team?

Another example of current research in behavioural science is a project on gender aspects of children's sports.

Research in human biology is conducted in collaboration with the Karolinska Institutet and focuses on two areas: One area is exercise physiology, in which the adaptation of the body's energy metabolism and circulation to work and exercise is studied. One of the research projects deals with the causes of fatigue. Another concerns management and control of energy processes in the muscles and their adaptation to training.

The other area is biomechanics and motor control. This research attempts to explain how movements are guided by the nervous system and the effects of various kinds of loads on the body. Advanced computerized systems are used to map the patterns of movement.

One research project in biomechanics concentrates on understanding the causes of back problems. Another area of research is the development of children's motor skills, balance and muscular strength.

Several of the teachers of the university college have written doctoral theses on subjects related to sports, and can thus show the students direct relationships between theory and practice.