Our infrastructure for physical activity research has been developed within the Leicester Diabetes Centre (Leicester General Hospital) in 6000m2 of refurbished research space. Within the Leicester Diabetes Centre we operate the following facilities:

Exercise training and testing laboratories: Our exercise laboratories include four automated breath-by-breath gas analysis monitors, specialist treadmills, cycle ergometers, resistance exercise machines and function training equipment for clinical and research populations, a specialist room for conducting acute sedentary behaviour (i.e., sitting) protocols and 4 adjacent clinical measurement rooms, all supported with medical safely equipment, including fully stocked and inventoried resuscitation trolleys. This enables an environment where exercise testing and supervised interventions can conducted in a safe controlled manor.  

Physical activity measurement suite: We manage over 3000 wrist, waist and thigh worn accelerometers, allowing us to embed device-assessed measures of sedentary behaviour and physical activity across our portfolio of research studies.

Imaging: We run one DEXA scanner to quantify body composition and bone density. For research purposes only

Indirect calorimetry: We have static and portable indirect calorimeters to assess resting energy expenditure and energy expenditure when engaging in sedentary behaviours and physical activity.

Biochemical laboratory: We have a specialist biochemical laboratory analysing both traditional and novel biomarkers as outcomes within our research.

Computing and statistics: Our work is supported by the Leicester Real World Evidence Unit with access to 12 statisticians and administrative staff. This has ensured that our research is underpinned by statistical excellence allowing us to apply a wide range of modeling techniques in our epidemiology research.

Behaviour Change and Psychology: Our work is supported by specialists in behaviour change and implementation to develop bespoke innovative and evidence-based interventions.

Diet and Nutrition: Our team encompasses leading experts in nutrition with capacity to deliver diverse dietary interventions and assess dietary behaviours.