Using applied research to support the health and wellbeing of people and businesses

Many researchers at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) work under the umbrella of the Lifelong Health and Wellbeing theme working closely with individuals, communities and businesses to understand what affects quality of life in terms of physical, mental and social health and wellbeing. We can also support new product design and testing.

We find solutions based on evidence, developing new treatments and interventions, which can truly transform people’s lives.

Research in Applied Public Health looks at health protection, nutrition and food safety and the promotion of improved health and wellbeing.

Our Health Services researchers look into the delivery of healthcare services from access, effectiveness and quality, to use and costs. Working with the NHS, we explore rehabilitation and prevention within stroke care and the improvement of lives for cancer patients post-diagnosis and treatment.

The Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity and Performance highlights best practice and develops new methods of assessment and engagement of people taking part in sport, exercise and physical activity. Applied research includes; strength and conditioning, nutrition, physical activity, coaching and performance, sport in society, lifelong physical activity and exercise, and rehabilitation.

Focus on the Allied Health Research Unit, (AHRu)

The aim of this group is to improve the quality of life of patients treated by allied health professionals, developing new techniques to assess and manage musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, so that we can improve the quality and effectiveness of health services and care.

This includes working with businesses on the development and evaluation of products that are designed to interact with the body, and the effectiveness of surgical and therapeutic treatments, which are supported through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and UCLan’s ERDF funded Innovation Clinic.

Supporting this work is the Movement Analysis Laboratory - one of the top facilities of its type currently in use in Europe. It is equipped to conduct advanced motion analysis, force measurement, pressure measurement, muscle and strength assessment, and thermal imaging.  We also use a number of custom-made pieces of equipment that have been developed with commercial partners.

We work with many hospitals, clinics, community health services, voluntary sector agencies and other research groups throughout the region, across the UK and around the world.

We currently work with clinicians including; Physiotherapists, Sports Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Podiatrists, Orthotists, Occupational Therapists, Surgeons, and Engineers through UCLan’s MedTech Solutions Group.

Our work has had a significant impact and we have:

  • influenced changes in clinical practice
  • been involved with the development and testing of healthcare products and medical devices
  • supported the professional development of healthcare professionals

Find out more about our work or email Professor Jim Richards at [email protected] 

Firefighters’ cancer risk identified through new national database

We have recently created a new nationwide database to assess the potential link between exposure to fire toxicants and the increased occurrence of cancers and other diseases among firefighters. Working with the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and Royal Preston Hospital, we will analyse data to identify and recognise the most common cancers and diseases related to firefighters’ work. We will then be able to offer preventative health screening, education and support that is specifically designed to protect firefighter’s health. Find out more here

Find out more about how we work with businesses through research.

Contact us to find out more:

uclan.ac.uk/business

[email protected] 01772 895500 (Twitter Icon) @UCLanBusiness

Enjoyed this? Read more from Lancashire Business View

Latest news

1

New India branch campus on the horizon for Lancaster University Keir Starmer meets Indian PM and included Prof Simon Guy Lancaster University. Pic Simon Dawson

New India branch campus on the horizon for Lancaster University

09 Oct 2025

2

Best events and talented students complete finalists list for Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026 Best Events and Talented students on Lancashire Tourism Awards finalist list

Best events and talented students complete finalists list for Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026

09 Oct 2025

3

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards Andrew Dewhurst with the award win

East Lancashire Learning Group named UK digital transformation leader in CIO 100 Awards

09 Oct 2025

4

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool Jason Davenport PHX Training

PHX Training appoints new business leader in Blackpool

09 Oct 2025

5

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m Velocity Composites Has Announced Its Entry Into The Us Market

Velocity seals Airbus extension worth up to $54m

08 Oct 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th
Ai 10.10.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
10 Oct 2025 - 10 Oct 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West

Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe, LA4 5AP

08:00 - 10:00

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials
EventBrite NORi - 15th Oct 2025 Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials

Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Teams, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

October Freelancer Meet-Up
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

October Freelancer Meet-Up

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine
LBV Advert_Autumn Reset 1200 x 630px.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Autumn Re set - pour me a wine

The Artistry House , Preston , PR1 3JJ

17:30 - 19:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (26).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 09 Jan 2026

Women scaling up Blackpool Fylde and Wyre

The Small Business Academy, Blackpool, FY4 5JX

09:30 - 15:30

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues
EventBrite NORi - 22nd Oct Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
22 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025

HR Essentials for pubs, bars and licensed venues

Online - Teams, Leyland, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin