Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research

Centre Overview

The aims of the Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHEARR) are to generate research and knowledge exchange activity that enhances:

The quality of life of people living with long-term health conditions and
The nutritional and physical well-being of the general public.

Our research, conducted with partners in the healthcare, community and commercial/industrial sectors, also aims to support the development of enhanced professional practice and policy.

Contact CHEARR (web enquiry form)

Professor Cathy Bulley / Professor Marietta van der Linden

Co-Centre Directors

Tel: 0131 474 0000

Meet our Health, Activities and Rehabilitation Experts

Enhancing well-being through innovation and research

The Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research carries out research and innovation relating to food, nutrition and rehabilitation sciences to support better, more sustainable health and wellbeing.

CHEARR Staff

CHEARR Honorary Staff

A graphic of tessellated diamond spaces interspersed with photographs of members of staff.

CHEARR Research Focus

In CHEARR we carry out research and innovation to enhance well-being of people living with long-term health conditions and nutritional and physical well-being of the general public.

We work with people in healthcare, the community and commercial/industrial sectors and aim to influence policy and practice.

The activity of the Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research (CHEARR) involves experts working in Rehabilitation Sciences, Clinical Nutrition and Functional Food.

We conduct applied and translational research that addresses real-life issues. We aim to improve people’s health and well-being, inform professional practice of people working in health and social care, and influence relevant policy.

Our research and innovation includes development of novel food ingredients that are more sustainable and better for people’s health. We develop and research interventions, devices and apps that help people to become more active, particularly when they are living with long-term health conditions that can make this harder.

We prioritise researcher development, including support for doctoral students and contract researchers. We are committed to upholding the principles within the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.

CHEARR Research Sub Themes

Sub Themes
The Centre currently focuses on three multi-disciplinary research themes:

Physical activity and exercise strategies to support health and wellbeing

In this theme we develop and evaluate ways of integrating exercise and physical activity in routine health care and daily life. One example is a web-based intervention to support people with end-stage renal disease to engage in physical activity (Kidney Beam for kids). We have been key in developing Frame Running as a Paralympic event and grassroots leisure activity.

Assistive technologies and e-health

This theme focuses on developing and using assistive technologies and e-health strategies as means of enhancing participation in life. One example is the development and evaluation of footwear that integrates support for people who have foot-drop, to reduce trips and falls and increase confidence to take part in daily roles and activities. A further example is the development and testing of website applications for prehabilitation – to prepare people for upcoming surgery so their recovery is better.

Clinical Nutrition and Functional Food

Within this theme one focus is developing new food ingredients that are healthier and more sustainable. Another area is the development of dietary interventions to improve health and support people with health conditions. Examples include development and testing of a new food product to replace palm oil, and work to make use of the anti-bacterial properties of honey.

Frame Running

Frame Running allows people with moderate to severe difficulties walking to engage in an physical activity where they propel themselves using a three wheeled frame with a saddle, handlebars and a chest support but no pedals.

Our research and knowledge exchange is conducted with partners from both academic e.g. (Edinburgh University, Free University Amsterdam) and non-academic partners, both globally (e.g. World Ability Sport, World Para Athletics) and locally (e.g. Frame Running Scotland, Team East Lothian) .

Our past and present research and KE focuses on:

the impact of participation in recreational Frame Running on health and wellbeing
the promotion and implementation of Frame Running groups in the community
the classification of Frame Running athletes for competition in National and International para-athletics events.

Derek Santos holding an innovative design for a shoe which helps those with footdrop

Innovative footwear for footdrop

We have developed novel footwear that helps people with foot-drop walk more safely and comfortably, improving their quality of life.

People living with foot-drop find it very difficult and tiring to walk. They struggle to keep their toes lifted, and can therefore drag or catch their foot on the ground. This can be due to conditions that affect the nervous system, causing a malfunction of the communication between the brain and the muscles that lift the foot at the ankle.

Wide angle view of a person's hands holding their mobile phone

Digital technology supported solutions for physical function and activity

We develop and test self-management and monitoring solutions to support people living with multiple complex conditions, such as chronic kidney disease, to stay functional and fit for as long as possible.

SALT-SUST

Novel salt-reducing agent using an underexploited soy industry co-product

Funded by Innovate UK (2023-25), this collaboration with an industry consortium developed a novel salt-reducing strategy, leading to a patent and successful reformulation of bakery, meat and meat-free products.

Prehabilitation

Helping people get ready for medical or surgical treatments

Our work includes collaboration with a company, asensei ltd, to develop and evaluate prehabilitation delivered via the asensei app which can coach and monitor prehabilitation in their own home.

CHEARR Research Impact

Impact generation is a core value of CHEARR, and central to the mission of the university. We start by ensuring that our work is meaningful to people who can use it to improve well-being, services and products. This means we work closely with people who have lived experiences of different long-term health conditions and people who work in health and care. We collaborate with commercial partners in the health technology, food and drink sectors to provide valuable expertise and to innovate from our research. Through this activity we are able to promote and support enterprise and entrepreneurship with our students and our partners.

Centre members are very involved with educating future professionals in our areas. We involve students in our work, inspiring the next generation to engage in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Start your doctoral studies in CHEARR

CHEARR offers postgraduate research supervision expertise across our three themes of:

Physical activity and exercise strategies to support health and wellbeing
Assistive technologies and e-health, and
Clinical Nutrition and Functional Food.

We welcome applications from individuals with interests in research in related areas. A key driver of our postgraduate research training is the use of collaborative partnerships to facilitate applied research programmes of high relevance to our communities (e.g. consumers, patients, industry, NHS).

We have extensive experience in supervising postgraduate research and offer research training via our Masters in Research, PhD and Professional Doctorate degree routes.

Initial enquiries can be made to Professor Cathy Bulley or Professor Marietta van der Linden (co-directors of CHEARR) or to individual members of the Centre who are engaged in the relevant area of research.

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CHEARR PhD students