Physiology
Physiology is the study of living organisms and the functions of their parts. Among other things, it explores how the human body functions, regulates and adapts to, for example, physical exercise, nutrition and environmental factors.
Human physiology in relation to health and performance
Research in physiology has an emphasis on human physiology in relation to exercise, physical activity, inactivity, and nutrition. Overall, research is conducted within the following themes:
- Occupational physiology with a focus on performance and injury prevention
- Muscle physiology with a focus on health and exercise adaptation
- Neurophysiology with a focus on brain health and motor control
- Nutritional physiology with a focus on metabolic health and performance optimization
We want to understand how we can get people healthy, prosperous and high-performing throughout their lives and regardless of genetics and environment. This is done through a wide range of approaches involving molecular biology, organ function and interaction, functional and applied tests, as well as real outcomes such as physical performance and disease incidence.
Specialisations
A significant focus is physiology in relation to the prevention and treatment of diseases via exercise and nutrition regimens. This applies to a wide range of medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sarcopenia, rheumatism, obesity, cancer, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
A strong emphasis is also placed on athletic performance, and how we can optimize muscle function and performance through training regimes, recovery and specific nutrients including muscle growth, strength, explosiveness, endurance and sport-specific performance.
We apply a wide range of methodologies that include sampling of blood, muscle tissue and adipose tissue, for analysis of, for example, protein expression, enzyme activity, gene expression, mitochondrial function and histological morphology.
The methodology also includes applied function such as oxygen uptake, spirometry, muscular power development, blood flow measurement, insulin sensitivity, and muscle mass and bone density.
The physiology at GIH is historically strong and we cherish its breadth, from molecule to human, from healthy to sick, while striving for scientific excellence and excellence.
Collaboration and partners
Research in physiology is characterized by national and international academic collaboration, and collaboration with relevant societal actors and industry.
Strong academic collaboration has been established with Karolinska Institutet, Umeå University, the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, the University of Jyväskylä, the University of Birmingham and Ghent University.
Extensive collaboration is conducted with the sports movement, for example via the Swedish Sports Confederation, the Swedish Olympic Committee, the Swedish Swimming Federation, the Swedish Gymnastics Federation and the Orienteering Federation.
Collaboration with the business community exists, for example, with Monark Exercise AB, Exxentric AB, Nomio Nutrition AB, Maurten, Bayer Medical and Jaeger Medical.
Short address to this page: www.gih.se/fysiologi
