Year
Revolutionizing Adapted Physical Activity for Individuals with Physical Disabilities: Examining the Health Impact of and Promoting Sitting Light Volleyball in the Greater Bay Area
Dr. LEUNG Ka Man, Carman (PI)
People with physical disabilities (PWPD) are more susceptible to physical inactivity, leaving them more vulnerable to lower health and fitness levels than their physically able-bodied peers. Importantly, PWPD numbers in Hong Kong and Mainland China have tripled over the last 20 years. In 2018, the principal coordinator co-developed a new adapted physical activity, Sitting Light Volleyball (SLVB), which combines Paralympic sitting volleyball and light volleyball with PWPDs, as well as to examine the effectiveness of an SLVB intervention on health outcomes among PWPDs in Hong Kong. The SLVB group demonstrated significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance, body composition, and physical activity enjoyment compared to the control group. To enhance PWPD’s health in Hong Kong and China, the present study investigates the effectiveness of an SLVB intervention on physical and psychological health outcomes in about 220 adults with physical disabilities in Hong Kong using a mixed-methods design. We will then further promote SLVB in Hong Kong and China by organising (i) train-the-trainer workshops, (ii) SLVB classes and (iii) SLVB competitions in Hong Kong and China.
Impact of wearable activity linked kinetic therapy on the walking performance and vascular health in patients with peripheral artery disease: A randomized clinical trial (the WALK-PAD trial)
Prof. HA Sau Ching, Amy
RGC General Research Fund (2025-2027) (Co-Investigator; funding: $1,597,860). Impact of wearable activity linked kinetic therapy on the walking performance and vascular health in patients with peripheral artery disease: A randomized clinical trial (the WALK-PAD trial).
Profiling Elite Runners in Orienteering
Dr CHOW Chi Ching Gary (PI), Dr. LOUIE Hung Tak, Lobo, MH
Background: Profiling adolescent and elite runners have involved assessing trainability and physiological determinants of success. Objective: The objective of the “Profiling Elite Runners in Orienteering” is to develop a comprehensive database of runners. Methods: Fourteen elite runners will be recruited for two types of assessments: i) Lab-based testing conducted at the Human Performance Laboratory at the Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK); ii) Field-based testing conducted at a sports field. Analysis: The profiles of elite runners will be created to highlight the performance standard of international athletes in orienteering. Concurrent validity analysis will also be performed to evaluate the feasibility of adopting field-based testing for runners’ profiling. Potential Impact: This runners’ profiling project aims to lay the groundwork for talent identification. The methodology developed could be extended to schools or community programs to identify potential orienteering runners. With an approved budget of HK$140,000, Dr. Chow Chi Ching Gary, Dr. Lobo Louie and their research team at EdUHK will commence the research project of “Profiling Elite Runners in Orienteering” from January 2025 to December 2026 (i.e., 2-Year). Dr. Chow will oversee the research progress, while OAHK will be responsible for participant recruitment.
Impact Measurement of Adventure and Wellness Camps Collaboration Programmes
Dr. WONG Ming Yu, Claudia (PI), Dr. LOUIE Hung Tak, Lobo, MH
The project aims to evaluate user satisfaction and the psychological impact of adventure and wellness camps through a structured research study. It compares independent and co-organized camps, assessing social-emotional competence and psychological well-being while identifying behavior change in adventure recreation participation.
Sports Programmes to Build Youth Resilience and Supportive Networks
Dr. WONG Ming Yu, Claudia (PI)
Evaluate the effectiveness of Outdoor Sports Adventure Programs in enhancing youths’ resilience and other psychological well-being indicators