Physical Activity and Functional Capacity Research Group

The Physical Activity and Functional Capacity Research Group assesses and studies human physical activity and capacity in different environments. The research is guided by ethical principles and research integrity in human sciences. The research group develops and produces solutions that promote the well-being and mobility of individuals and groups in different environments such as companies, organizations, or communities.

The group members work as experts in education, publicly funded projects, and case-specific research and development assignments. The expertise of the research group can also be utilized in commissioned research such as external surveys, research reports, or other data-driven analyses.

Laboratory facilities

The laboratory of Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology enables various physical performance measurements for private customers, sports clubs, various groups of communities, businesses, campus staff, and students.

With the laboratory's research equipment, various aspects of physical performance, such as endurance, speed, muscle strength, balance, and coordination, can be measured reliably and accurately. Most of the equipment is portable, which enables measurements in field conditions outside the laboratory and in actual performance locations.

The Laboratory of Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology (video in Finnish)

Learn more about our testing services

Research group

Ilkka Väänänen, LAB-ammattikorkeakouluIlkka Väänänen 

Senior Researcher, Adjunct Professor (PhD, Specialist Vocational Qualification in Management and Leadership, and Product Development), research group leader, co-chair of the Workplace Physical Activity Working Group of the European network for the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity of the WHO. Areas of expertise include exercise physiology, sports medicine, health-enhancing physical activity, innovation, regional development, field research, and (international) strategy and networking.
» ResearchGate | » ORCID
 

Aki Rintala, LAB-ammattikorkeakouluAki Rintala  

Senior Researcher (PhD in Biomedical Sciences), principal lecturer in Physiotherapy, physiotherapist. Areas of expertise include research and development in neurological physiotherapy (especially MS rehabilitation), daily life functional capacity and its longitudinal research, as well as national and international project cooperation related to physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

» ResearchGate | » ORCID

 

Sara Suikkanen, LAB-ammattikorkeakouluSara Suikkanen 

Chief Specialist, Doctor of Health Sciences (PhD), Physiotherapist. Special expertise in the functional capacity of older people, physical activity, use of social and health care services and cooperation with welfare regions. Member of the National Cost-effectiveness Information for Decision-makers on Rehabilitation of Older People Expert Network and the International Global Frailty Network. 

» ResearchGate | » ORCID

 

Kari Kauranen, LAB, ammattikorkeakouluKari Kauranen 

Principal Lecturer in Physiotherapy, docent (specializing in motor control research in physiotherapy). His areas of expertise are biomechanics, exercise physiology, and physiotherapy research. Kari works in the laboratory of Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology and is responsible for its laboratory functions.

» ORCID 

 

 Heli Lahtio, LAB-ammattikorkeakouluHeli Lahtio 

Lecturer in Physiotherapy, doctoral candidate, physiotherapist. Her expertise is in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, neurological physiotherapy, and maternal physiotherapy.

» ORCID

 

 

Sari Soutukorva

Sari Soutukorva

Senior lecturer, MSc (health education), (occupational) physiotherapist, doctoral researcher. Her expertise is in well-being at work and brain health promotion. Her doctoral research focuses on recovery from work through physical activity.

» ORCID

 

 

 

Minna Mukka

Minna Mukka

Lecturer (Master of Health Sciences, PhD student), physiotherapist, and coordinator of Rehabilitation and Physical Activity Integration Master Education. Her areas of expertise include sports medicine, physical activity, rehabilitation, e-learning pedagogy and educational guidance.

 

Projects and networks

GO GREEN

Resilient Optimal Urban natural, Technological and Environmental Solutions

: Resilient Optimal Urban natural, Technological and Environmental Solutions

Geoparks

Geoparks as attraction factors for sustainable tourism (in Finnish)

Geopuistot kestävän matkailun vetovoimatekijöiksi

SUTKI

RDI Network for Finnish sports 

https://www.tkiverkosto.fi/

EURIMS

Rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis

EURIMS – Rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis

EPSI

Europe Accelerates Innovation in Sport

EPSI – Europe Accelerates Innovation in Sport

HEPA Europe

European network for the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity

European network for the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity – HEPA…

INSHAPE

Innovation ecoSystem for Healthy Active People in Europe

Innovation ecoSystem for Healthy Active People in Europe

ACTIVE-ID

Activating Citizens Towards healthy lifestyles In Vital EU-regions with Innovative Data-driven solutions

Active-Id

Scientific publications and public dissemination

Laptop keyboard, notes and glasses

Learn more about our scientific publications, articles, and blogs 

Publications

Contact us

   

HELMI-tutkimustiimiEPSI EU The European platform for Sport InnovationHEPA Europe

 

Physiotherapy
Well-being Technology
Health Promotion
Sports