Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality
The power of sports
Sport and exercise contribute to a vital, healthy society. Unfortunately many Dutch people don’t exercise, or don’t exercise enough. This is especially true for vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, or children from financially disadvantaged families. What issues do these people run up against, and how can we get them moving? The Professorship in the Power of Sports is exploring these questions.
Participation in sports
The Professorship in the Power of Sports has two focus areas: ‘Participation in Sport’ and ‘Modified Sport’. The former aims to demonstrate the importance of participation in sport and encourage Dutch people to exercise, or exercise more. For example, the professorship is conducting a study to find out whether the use of online apps has a positive impact on the sporting habits, lifestyle and health of Amsterdam residents.
Modified sports
The aim of the ‘Modified Sport’ focus area is to increase participation in sport among vulnerable groups. The professorship is examining whether the sports activities currently on offer meet the requirements and wishes of people with disabilities. The researchers are also looking into the impact of the participation in sport on confidence and health.
The Professorship in the Power of Sports is a joint initiative by Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and Inholland University of Applied Sciences.
The Professorship in the Power of Sports is a joint initiative by Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and Inholland University of Applied Sciences. The professorship frequently works in conjunction with a range of other professorships from within both universities:
- The Professorship in Sports Care at AUAS
- The Professorship in Health Contexts at AUAS
- The Professorship in Youth Spot at AUAS
- The Professorship in Digital Life at AUAS
- The Professorship in Medical Imaging (‘Medische Beeldvorming’) at Inholland
- The Nursing Under the Auspices of the Dutch Association of Mental Health and Addiction Care Professorship (‘GGZ-Verpleegkunde’) at Inholland
In addition, there is a direct link between the Professorship in the Power of Sports and the Professorship in Elite Sports and Education at AUAS. As part of this partnership, the Professor of Power of Sports supplies research findings, while the Professor of Elite Sports and Education focuses primarily on forging links between education, research and professional practice.