Swansea’s A-STEM adds portable ultrasound to take research beyond the campus
Swansea University’s Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) research centre has added a MyLab Omega portable ultrasound system from Esaote.
A-STEM staff conduct multidisciplinary cutting-edge research, focusing on elite sport, exercise and nutritional medicine and many aspects of public health. The associated undergraduate degree in exercise and sports science is ranked in the top 20 courses in The Times Good University Guide 2021.
Current research projects include ultrasound assessments for MSK and vascular health; ageing research such as loss of muscle mass, strength and function; and the impact of dietary pattern on MSK and vascular health. Esaote’s MyLab Omega will be used alongside a recently purchased MyLab 9 eXP in the sport and exercise science programmes for undergraduate education. The addition of the MyLab Omega will expand research and teaching capabilities beyond the Bay Campus, enabling projects to be taken into the community, particularly for ageing research, and for access to elite sports clubs.
Senior lecturer in molecular physiology and nutrition Dr Shane Heffernan said: “For undergraduate education, ultrasound will be used to enhance and complement existing teaching methods on subjects such as tendon physiology, musculoskeletal, orthopaedic, vascular health and ageing. Esaote’s systems offer high definition, high quality imaging and wide capabilities for meeting the exacting needs of sport and exercise sciences labs.”
Picture: PhD student Joe Page carrying out a scan.
Published on page 17 of the October 2021 issue of RAD Magazine.