The primary research of the laboratory is the acute and chronic cardiovascular response to exercise. More specifically, the work uses novel echocardiographic techniques and circulating biomarkers in the investigation of cardiac function and myocardial stress. Originally, the work focused on endurance and ultra-endurance athletes. However, recently the laboratory has started to examine the impact of exercise upon cardiovascular function in a number of different populations such as adolescent athletes, patients with cardiovascular disease, pre- and post-menopausal women, and spinal cord injury.

Using novel echocardiographic techniques the laboratory is investigating regional and mechanical responses, and adaptations of the heart to exercise. A new and exciting addition to the work of the laboratory is a comparative study of the cardiac structure and function on non-human great apes. Working alongside a number of UK zoological collections the laboratory has been able to assist in the assessment of heart disease in our nearest evolutionary cousins whilst simultaneously collecting comparative physiological data.

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