Physical Activity and Functional Capacity Research Group
The Physical Activity and Functional Capacity Research Group focuses on reducing inactivity and promoting work ability and the well-being effects of nature. Our goal is to improve the health and well-being of the population through a multidisciplinary approach that combines the benefits of physical activity, work life, and nature.
We are committed to developing and producing solutions that advance health, well-being, and physical activity across all age groups, living contexts and environments.
Our research is organized into three key streams:
1. Promoting Functional Capacity and Occupational Health
2. Enhancing Physical Activity
3. Boosting Sport- and Nature-based Business and Services
Our vision by 2030 is to be a nationally and internationally recognized and respected research group which offers research-based knowledge that increases the understanding and contributes to solutions to societal and public health challenges related to planetary health.
We are committed to developing and producing solutions that advance health, well-being, and physical activity across all age groups, living contexts and environments.
Our research is organized into three key streams:
1. Promoting Functional Capacity and Occupational Health
2. Enhancing Physical Activity
3. Boosting Sport- and Nature-based Business and Services
Our vision by 2030 is to be a nationally and internationally recognized and respected research group which offers research-based knowledge that increases the understanding and contributes to solutions to societal and public health challenges related to planetary health.
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)
Research group
Ilkka 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
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.
Sara 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.
Kari 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.
Riikka Puhakka
RDI Specialist, Adjunct Professor (environmental sciences), PhD (geography). Areas of expertise include well-being and health effects of nature, nature-based recreation and tourism, and the development of nature connection.
Heli Lahtio
Lecturer in Physiotherapy, doctoral candidate, physiotherapist. Her expertise is in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, neurological physiotherapy, and maternal physiotherapy.
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.
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.
Iira Tiitta
Senior Specialist, Master of Health Mciences (Nursing science), Registered nurse (Bachelor of healthcare) Special expertise in the climate changes health effects, climate health, planetary health, nursing education development and climate-smart solutions in healthcare.
Taija Nöjd
Senior lecturer, M. Sc. (social work & political science), doctoral student. Her specialties include social services and development work in the social and health sector. Her dissertation explores the ecosocial approach in social work.
Projects and networks
GO GREEN
Resilient Optimal Urban natural, Technological and Environmental Solutions
Geoparks
Geoparks as attraction factors for sustainable tourism (in Finnish)
HEPA Europe
European network for the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity
INSHAPE
Innovation ecoSystem for Healthy Active People in Europe
ACTIVE-ID
Activating Citizens Towards healthy lifestyles In Vital EU-regions with Innovative Data-driven solutions
Scientific publications and public dissemination
Contact us
Aki Rintala
Principal lecturer
aki [dot] rintala
lab [dot] fi
lab [dot] fi Ilkka Väänänen
Senior researcher
ilkka [dot] vaananenlab [dot] fi
lab [dot] fi
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