Research Areas

Field of Concentration:

Exercise and Sport.

The PPGEFI research areas encompass two major thematic projects, which integrate all research projects conducted by faculty advisors.

1. Physical Activity and Health

This area investigates the effects of physical exercise, physical activity, and sedentary behavior on health in various population groups and experimental models.

Project A – Effects of Physical Exercise and/or Sedentary Behavior on Health and Morphophysiological Changes in Different Diseases and Thermal Environments

This project focuses on four main research themes:

1. The effects of sedentary behavior on the pathophysiology of various diseases (chronic kidney disease, heart disease, metabolic disorders, cancer, etc.).
2. The role of physical exercise as a primary intervention for improving health in both able-bodied individuals and those with disabilities (physical, intellectual, sensory, or multiple), as well as in experimental models and individuals with chronic diseases.
3. The acute effects of exercise, particularly regarding cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses under different metabolic levels and environmental conditions.
4. Diagnosis of physical fitness and health.

Experimental models for hypertension, pulmonary disease, heart failure, diabetes, and drug use (e.g., anabolic steroids) are employed in all research axes.

Project B – Physical Activity for Health Improvement, Quality of Life, and the Fight Against Chronic Diseases: An Epidemiological and Interventional Approach

This project explores physical activity as a tool for the prevention and/or treatment of risk factors associated with chronic diseases, comorbidities, and mental health disorders. It also examines physical activity epidemiology and sedentary behavior across different life stages, including populations with disabilities.

2. Sport Studies and Its Manifestations

This area focuses on the socio-historical, biological, psychological, and methodological aspects of sports and their manifestations.

Project A – Development and Validation of Psychometric Methodologies for Assessing Body Image, Eating Disorders, Gender Identity, and Professional Training in Sports

This project includes studies on body image disorders, the development and validation of questionnaires and psychometric scales, and research on gender identity disorders in sports. It also explores athlete trajectories, representations, and discourses on gender hierarchies and policies in sports.

Project B – Physical Performance, Performance Assessment, and Recovery in Sports

This project investigates strategies to enhance performance across physical, technical, and tactical aspects, as well as recovery protocols for both able-bodied athletes and athletes with disabilities. It also focuses on methodologies for training load monitoring and resistance training, along with performance analysis in individual and team sports, particularly in cycling (and its variations), athletics, combat sports, soccer, and volleyball.