Exercise and Public Health
Children and Exercise
"How much should children exercise? Is powerlifting dangerous for children?"
There has long been the belief that powerlifting can inhibit a child’s physical growth. However, with such prevalence of sedentary behaviour among today’s younger generation, researchers agree that young people need to do powerlifting to avoid ill-health in later years. Children themselves should decide on their exercise, taking into consideration their interests and everyday life.
Exercise in the Future
"What kinds of training equipment will we use in the future?"
There will be an increase in the use of assistive technology for training and health in the future. Artificial tracks, virtual reality headsets, and poles with sensors are just a few examples. A research project is currently underway that focuses on a wireless sensor that can measure the lactate content from lactic acid in sweat on the skin. The sensor measures the athlete’s level of performance in a more reliable way than was previously possible. This allows the athlete to adjust intensity during a training session so that they perform better in the long term.
Older People and Exercise
"How should older people exercise so that they can stay as healthy as possible?"
Intensive exercise and a high pulse during exercise are not dangerous just because you are in your later years. Of course, we need to adapt our exercise to what our bodies can handle. Also see "Preventive training" below.
Pregnancy and Exercise
"How should pregnant people exercise? Is it dangerous to exercise during pregnancy?"
There is still a lot of uncertainty when it comes to exercising and pregnancy. The research, however, is clear: exercising while pregnant is good! It is not dangerous for the foetus and what is more it can make for easier childbirth and quicker post-partum recovery. Heavy lifting is also fine as long as there is an awareness of the body’s signals and there are no physical complications to prevent exercise.
Preventive training
Falls and Learning To Fall Correctly: "Can I learn to fall without hurting myself?"
With the right fall technique and through training inspired by judo, you can reduce the risk of injury, according to research at Dalarna University.
Pain and Rehabilitation
"How should I exercise when I have chronic pain; can I exercise myself free of pain?"
Chronic pain is a major public health problem that causes personal suffering and huge costs for society. A research project is currently underway that aims to improve rehabilitation for people with chronic pain, where the personalisation of exercise and physical activity is an important feature.
Vasaloppet: the world’s biggest cross-country ski race
Vasaloppet's events annually attract nearly 100,000 registered skiers, cyclists and runners in Dalarna. A rich history combined with a unique mix of participants stirs great media interest in our events throughout the year, both inside Sweden and internationally.
Energy and Physical Recharging
"What should I do to avoid complete exhaustion during an ultramarathon race like Vasaloppet?"
Skiers often reach the point of exhaustion during the Vasaloppet because they have not consumed enough energy. It is important that they regularly consume such food items as blueberry smoothies, sports drinks and buns during the race.
"How much energy does an athlete burn during an ultramarathon race?"
Through tests in the university's sports laboratory, the energy consumption of skiers during, for example, the skiing race Vasaloppet can be calculated. Based on this, researchers can estimate how much energy a skier will need during a race.
Make the most of your ability to take part in the Vasaloppet
"How can I become a faster Vasaloppet skier? "How do I become a more effective double poler in Vasaloppet?"
The ability to regulate physical intensity during competition is directly linked to the choice of speed strategy. Based on gender, age and previous experience of participating in the Vasaloppet, researchers can provide tips and advice on how athletes can optimise their performance and enhance the overall experience of taking part in the 90-kilometre skiing competition between Sälen and Mora.
Tomas Carlsson conducts research in sports and health sciences and has studied various cross-country skiing techniques in several research projects.
The Financial Story of the Vasaloppet
"How did the Vasaloppet go from being a non-profit event to a commercial success?"
Putting together a competition the size of the Vasaloppet in small municipalities in northern Dalarna is really quite a crazy notion. Just one of the challenges it had to face was how to get 50 000 people from the starting post to the finish line over one short week. Add to that the challenges that come with accommodation, transportation and logistics.
Once a non-profit event, the Vasaloppet successfully commercialised in the late 1900s. Building something similar today may not even be possible. Lecturer and researcher Joacim Larsson von Garaguly has investigated the factors that led to this success story.
Tourism and Traffic in Sälen (Vasaloppet)
During the high season, when the Vasaloppet coincides with the winter school break, the number of inhabitants in Sälen increases fivefold. This affects the environment and the local community, and results in major issues with traffic. In a research project, researchers have enlisted the help of local residents, tourists and businesses in Sälen to find sustainable solutions.
