Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport news

Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport

Study explores impact of singing and dancing on healthy ageing

Researchers at the University of Stirling are exploring how singing and dancing can support healthy ageing and improve mental wellbeing among care home residents.

DanceSing lead a class.

Flavoured cigarette use by children overlooked, study finds

The widespread use of menthol cigarettes in underage smokers has been overlooked according to new research from the University of Stirling and Cardiff University.

An image of a loch

Calls to extend programme which supports people with alcohol problems in Glasgow’s Deep End Practices

A new study shows the effectiveness of specialist addictions nurses in general practices in the most disadvantaged areas of Glasgow in treating alcohol problems.

Stethoscope sits on top of a laptop keyboard in a GP's office

Study explores self-management treatment for pelvic organ prolapse

University of Stirling researchers will explore the clinical and cost effectiveness of an innovative self-management programme designed to help improve the lives of women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Pelvic pain in women

Alcohol policy measures could reduce ambulance callouts, study finds

New alcohol policy measures should be considered to reduce drink-related ambulance callouts, according to researchers studying data from Scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ambulance racing through town

MND diary project aims to enhance future care and support

A new University of Stirling study is seeking to improve healthcare and support for people living with motor neurone disease (MND) by exploring coping and resilience in those living with the condition.

An image of a loch

Stirling’s health visiting programme recognised for its breastfeeding training

The health visiting team at the University of Stirling has received a prestigious award from UNICEF in recognition of the high levels of breastfeeding training it provides to its students.

Unicef accreditation for breastfeeding

Ex-pro footballer’s managerial ambitions with Stirling MSc

A former professional footballer who played at the top level in Scotland with Hibs has set his sights on a career in football management after graduating from the University of Stirling.

Kevin Nicol

Widening inequalities in children’s physical activity, research finds

Deprivation-based inequalities in physical activity between Scotland’s children were already growing before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new research.

An image of a loch

University of Stirling triumphs at Student Nursing Times Awards

Staff and students from the University of Stirling are celebrating after receiving major recognition at the Student Nursing Times Awards.

awards

Targeted messaging required to tackle vaccine hesitancy, study finds

Decision-makers must deploy targeted public health messaging to tackle COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among groups where uptake is particularly low, according to new University of Stirling research.

Medical practitioner prepares a COVID-19 vaccine.

Pandemic impact on senior charge nurses and midwives explored

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on senior charge nurses and midwives will be explored as part of a new University of Stirling study.

nurse

Experts recommend resistance training to improve frailty in older people

Resistance training in frail older adults is effective in delivering significant improvements in functional capacity and strength, according to a new study by the University of Stirling.

Older people using resistance training equipment

University of Stirling experts explore framing of alcohol harm

Experts at the University of Stirling are leading a new research project aiming to create a better informed, more balanced and compassionate national conversation around alcohol harm.

bottle of alcohol

New study reveals hundreds of alcohol references during high-profile televised rugby matches

Experts from the University of Stirling have warned that rugby supporters – including young children – are being subjected to alcohol advertising hundreds of times during televised matches.

New study reveals hundreds of alcohol references during high-profile televised rugby

Experts to study secret doping of amateur athletes in East Germany

The doping of amateur athletes in the former state of East Germany is the focus of a new study involving experts from the University of Stirling and Aarhus University in Denmark.

Athletes running at a marathon

Scottish smoke-free vehicle legislation reduces pre-school asthma hospitalisations

Hospitalisations for asthma in pre-school children fell in Scotland in the two years following legislation that banned smoking in vehicles containing a child.

Image of driver's hand on wheel with cigarette

Stirling student is the first female judoka to compete at the Olympics for Trinidad and Tobago

A University of Stirling sports scholar will this month become the first woman – and second person ever – to represent Trinidad and Tobago in judo at the Olympics.

Gabriella Wood

Olympic swimming star celebrates graduation ahead of Tokyo Games

British Olympian Duncan Scott swapped his swimming gear for a scroll this week after graduating from the University of Stirling.

Duncan Scott

Grandson of former Scotland boss Craig Brown sets sights on a future in football after graduating from Stirling

The grandson and namesake of former Scotland manager Craig Brown has set his sights on a future in professional football after graduating from the University of Stirling.

Footballer Craig Brown tosses a football with one hand while looking to camera, wearing his graduation robes with the Wallace Monument seen in the background

Lockdown led to positive lifestyle changes in older people

The COVID-19 lockdown was a catalyst for many older people to embrace technology, reconnect with friends and build new relationships with neighbours, according to University of Stirling research.

Older man wearing a face mask

New alcohol policy research network launched across UK and Ireland

A new network for alcohol policy researchers in the UK and Ireland has officially launched today, led by the University of Stirling’s Professor Niamh Fitzgerald and Trinity College Dublin’s Professor Joe Barry.

Dr Niamh Fitzgerald photograph

Stirling study to analyse attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines

One year on from the original UK coronavirus lockdown, a study led by the University of Stirling is under way to understand attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines.

Medical practitioner prepares a COVID-19 vaccine.

University of Stirling cyclist selected for international esports squad

University of Stirling student and cyclist, Becky Storrie, has been selected for an elite global virtual racing squad, taking her to the highest tier of cycling esports competition in the world.

Beck Storrie thumbnail

New £200k study to explore fuel choices in East and Central Africa

A new £200,000 study – led by the University of Stirling – is seeking to understand the fuel choices of those living in East and Central African communities in a bid to improve health.

background pattern charcoals smolder on a black background closeup

Stirling secures £1.6m to connect older people

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers has been awarded £1.6m of funding to improve access to online resources for older people in a bid to boost health.

An image of a loch

New £296k study launched to better support long-COVID patients

A new study co-led by the University of Stirling will explore rehabilitation options for people suffering from long-COVID and recommend how best to maximise recovery and quality of life.

Chinese coronavirus COVID-19 under the microscope. 3d illustration

Young drinkers believe prominent health warnings on alcohol could boost risk awareness

Introducing prominent health warnings on alcohol products could be effective in increasing awareness of the potential harms of drinking, according to a new study involving young adult drinkers.

Wide range of alcohol for sale in a British supermarket.

New network to explore ways to help reduce smoking in the home

A multidisciplinary team of experts is seeking to understand how best to support people to create a smoke-free home, given the health risks particularly to pregnant women, babies and children.

Smoking

Study reveals impact of lockdown on the gambling habits of sports bettors

Around one in six sports bettors started a new form of gambling during the initial COVID-19 lockdown, and one in three placed bets more frequently, according to a new study.

Close-up on man holding a cell phone while winning an online bet on a football game at stadium

New study to improve mental health of farmers and crofters

Experts will explore the best interventions to help support the mental health and wellbeing of Scotland’s farming and crofting communities, as part of a new study.

A farmer gazes out towards a field of sheep.

New study questions whether pubs can effectively and consistently prevent COVID-19 transmission risks

A new first-of-its-kind study has questioned whether pub operators can effectively and consistently prevent COVID-19 transmission – after researchers observed risks arising in licensed premises last summer.

Dimly-lit pub bar

New project explores how live music can boost young people’s mental health

A new multi-partner research project – involving the University of Stirling – will examine the impact of live music experiences on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

A string quartet.

Study into children’s short, emergency admissions to hospital

Experts are exploring a rise in the number of short, unplanned admissions of children to hospital – and are appealing for parents to share their experiences as part of the study.

Child in hospital

£375k study launched to explore experiences of ‘long COVID’

A new £375,000 study led by the University of Stirling is seeking to understand the lived experiences and support needs of people suffering from the long-term effects of COVID-19.

covid19

Scotland players must shut out the importance of Euro play-off to succeed, says top psychologist

Scotland players must focus on their own individual performances rather than become distracted by the significance of tonight’s Euro 2020 play-off final if they are to triumph, according to a top sports psychologist.

Football

Social distancing is increasing loneliness in older adults

Social distancing introduced in response to COVID-19 is increasing feelings of loneliness in Scotland’s older population and impacting their wellbeing, according to a new University of Stirling study.

Social distancing

New £1.1m study to assess impact of bar/club opening hours on emergency services

A new £1.1 million study led by the University of Stirling is seeking to understand recent changes in opening hours for bars and nightclubs, and how these changes impact on health, crime levels, and emergency services in Scotland.

police

Stirling marks achievement of students in Singapore

The University of Stirling has marked the achievement of 82 graduates from the BA (Hons) Retail Marketing, BA (Hons) Sport Business Management, BA (Hons) Sustainable Events Management, and BA (Hons) Sports Studies and Marketing courses delivered at Singapore Institute of Management by lecturers from Stirling Management School and the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport.

world map

Lockdown did not reduce “most harmful” type of air pollution in Scotland

The significant reduction in vehicle journeys during the COVID-19 lockdown did not reduce the level of toxic fine particles in Scotland’s air, according to experts at the University of Stirling.

COVID-19 quiet roads

Professor Niamh Fitzgerald appointed Director of world-leading Institute

The University of Stirling has appointed Professor Niamh Fitzgerald as Director of its globally-recognised Institute for Social Marketing and Health (ISMH).

Professor Niamh Fitzgerald

Air in Scotland’s prisons 90% cleaner, due to smoke-free policy

Scotland’s smoke-free prisons policy is protecting the health of prison staff and those in custody – with the majority no longer exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke, according to a new study.

prison

Scotland should review workplace health and safety measures in light of pandemic, says expert

An occupational health expert is calling for a major review of workplace health and safety in Scotland following “failings” revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

office

Five studies launched into drug-related harms and deaths

Experts from the University of Stirling have launched five interdisciplinary research projects to address drug-related harms and deaths in Scotland.

drugs

New e-learning programme will enhance cancer care

An innovative e-learning programme developed by experts at the University of Stirling will educate and empower nurses to improve cancer care.

nursing

Office-based exercise could reduce heart disease risk by 15%

Office-based exercise could reduce heart disease risk by 15%

exercise bike

Impact of shale gas “ignored” in England, new study finds

The UK Government and its advisory groups “marginalised or ignored” the environmental and public health ramifications of permitting shale gas extraction in England, according to new research.

shale gas

Major study to investigate COVID-19 impact on gamblers

A major new study has been launched to understand how the COVID-19 lockdown has impacted gambling behaviour, including among potentially ‘high risk’ groups.

gambling online

Employers could face legal action over COVID-19 exposure, expert warns

Employers across the UK could face legal action from employees who return to work and contract the COVID-19 virus, a leading health and safety expert has warned.

workplace ppe

New report reveals impact of minimum unit pricing for alcohol on small retailers

The Scottish Government’s minimum unit pricing policy has been implemented as intended by small retailers in Scotland, according to new research carried out by the University of Stirling.

alcohol