Exchange for exercise science
Research exchanges with non-EU institutions benefit the EU. Such programmes foster long-term international collaboration, sharing of expertise and mutual learning. The EU-funded PANAMA (Physical activity & nutrition: Advancing measurement & impact assessment) project ran such an exchange between European institutions and one university each from Australia and New Zealand. Research themes included nutrition and exercise, for which the team developed new measurement technologies. The group also created new simulation models to assess the impact of interventions in public health, and documented a portfolio of cost-effective yet relevant interventions. Researchers developed new ways of measuring dietary intake and activity, with no effort required from users. The method consists of a small integrated camera and motion-sensing device worn around the neck. Later, the group extended existing models predicting the impact of dietary interventions on public health and nutrition. Study areas included Australia, Europe and New Zealand. Researchers also adapted an Australian method for assessing cost effectiveness for use in Britain and Ireland. PANAMA fostered 43 researcher exchanges, representing a total of 57 researcher months. The average length was 40 days. The work yielded 14 peer-reviewed articles, 10 funding applications and 24 conference attendances. The project's collaborations, leading to new ways of measuring diet and physical activity, will improve public health programmes in all participating countries.
Keywords
Exercise, nutrition, physical activity, public health, diet
