Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research (PIHR) undertake extensive research on health risk factors, including alcohol misuse, smoking, lack of exercise, poor dietary habits and poor mental health. We have developed and evaluated physical activity interventions with randomised control trials for a range of conditions including obesity, hypertension, type two diabetes, falls prevention, COPD, alcohol misuse, depression and nicotine addiction.
We work with very vulnerable populations, including offenders under community supervision, people with bi-polar disorder, people experiencing homelessness and disadvantaged people experiencing issues such as poor dental health; and excel in the evaluation of community-based interventions.
With respect to the management of adult chronic disease, highlights of our research include diabetic foot protection, the detection, assessment and management of Parkinson’s disease, stroke rehabilitation and avoiding avoidable hospital admissions. We have been at the forefront of efforts to improve the recognition of obesity as an important and treatable clinical problem.