Risk factors of training related injuries in basic military training recruits (PI: Dr Lim Boon Whatt)

Project was initiated by SHL in 2008 when SAF was invited to consider tapping on RP’s expertise in research. Lab visits were arranged for top SAF medical officers from HQ Army Medical Services to showcase our capabilities. Dr Lim Boon Whatt presented the research proposal to various SAF top brasses at MINDEFIRB. IRB approval was obtained and project approval from the SAF was given in August 2010. The project team is currently working closely with staff from the Soldier Performance Centre to identify the risk factors for training-related injuries among Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers in Basic Military Training (BMT) by examining physiological, psychological and biomechanical parameters exhibited by BMT recruits. Once identified, the team will follow up to recommend preventive intervention programs that can reduce the risk of lower limb injuries in BMT recruits.

Prediction of hydro-dynamic force acting on the hand in swimming (PI: Dr Shigetada Kuda)

Working closely with the Singapore Sports Council as well as the Singapore Swimming Association, this project aims to validate a method to predict propulsive hand forces generated during swimming. When swimming, a swimmer should exert a huge propulsive force by the hand to swim fast. The method proposed serves to provide feedback of this propulsive force so that the swimmer could improve his/her performance. Through the use of pressure sensors and underwater motion capture system, the propulsive force exerted by the hand in swimming could be predicted which will provide empirical feedback to the swimmer, as well as the coach to make the swimmer improve his/her stroke technique in terms of propulsive force exerted by the hand.

The acute effects of trans-dermal ergogenic cream on muscular strength, power, endurance and anaerobic capabilities (PI: Mohammad Haiyum)

A number of physiological, biochemical, psychological and nutritional factors that may limit exercise performance has been identified. In the pursuit of success, athletes and their scientific and medical advisers, seek to identify these factors and ways to minimise their potential impact. This has led to the widespread use of nutritional strategies of varying degrees of efficacy. With the current list of nutritional supplements often consumed in large amounts, there is concern primarily on its effectiveness, the amount and timing to consume as well as its effects under specific exercise conditions. Therefore, drug developers are turning to trans-dermal drug delivery technology, as a way to combine the advantages of IV infusion with the convenience of oral administration. One such technology is JUMPSTART, a product developed in Singapore by LynkBiotech. The project aims to validate the effectiveness of the JUMPSTART, which is a commercially marketed trans-dermal delivery ergogenic, on sports performance.