Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports

News from the section

Movement and Neuroscience

Electrical stimulation of the nervous system can improve motor learning

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have demonstrated that the brain's ability to learn certain skills can be significantly enhanced if both the brain and nervous system are primed by carefully-calibrated,…

Physical exercise boosts motor learning – and remembering what one has learned

Violinists, surgeons and gamers can benefit from physical exercise both before and after practicing their new skills. The same holds true for anyone seeking to improve their fine motor skills. This is demonstrated by ne…

Children’s spelling skills improve when teaching integrates movement

A new study from the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports shows that children who use their bodies to 'shape' letter-sounds improve their spelling skills more than those who receive…

New research project will investigate the effect of sleep extension on body weight, metabolism and learning ability in children

Many children and young people sleep less than recommended. A new research collaboration between the University of Copenhagen and Rigshospitalet will study the effect of sleep extension on weight, metabolism and learnin…

Whole-body learning can boost children's letter sound recognition - the first step towards reading

Children who move while learning sounds of letters significantly improve their ability to recognize individual letter sounds. This is the conclusion of a new study conducted by the University of Copenhagen’s Department…

Strength Training

Varied strength-training programmes increase strength, but not muscle mass

For years, it has been assumed that variation in strength-training programmes impacts training outcomes. New research at the University of Copenhagen demonstrates that varied strength training has a positive effect on…

In principal, some Olympians can indulge in junk food for breakfast and still perform

The buffet tables of Olympic athletes are piled with scrumptious nosh each and every day. However, the extent to which these athletes can indulge depends entirely upon the disciplines in which they are competing. Read…

Basketball Mathematics

Basketball Mathematics scores big at inspiring kids to learn

New study with 756 1st through 5th graders demonstrates that a six-week mashup of hoops and math has a positive effect on their desire to learn more, provides them with an experience of increased self-determination and…

Facemasks do not impair indicators of cognitive performance when performing moderate physical work in hot environments

A novel study shows that facemask use does not affect indicators of cognitive performance when the wearers are resting or performing moderate physical work in hot environments. However, wearing a facemask does make it…

Working in the sun - Heating of the head may markedly affect safety and performance

Prolonged exposure of the head to strong sunlight significantly impairs cognitively dominated functions and coordination of complex motor tasks shows a new study from the Heat-Shield project coordinated by researchers…

European workers fail to maintain water balance

A newly published scientific paper indicates that occupational safety and daily day performance in 7 out of 10 workers, from several European industries, is negatively affected by a combination of heat stress and failur…