News

Dr Jason Cheung on super shoes

Dr Jason Cheung, Principal Research Fellow of PolyU Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology, was featured on RTHK’s radio programme “World in a Nutshell”, sharing his professional perspectives on the technology of the so-called “super shoes” which helped runners to run a competitive marathon in under two hours. He also introduced the running shoes designed by his team for Chinese marathoners, and shared insights into the balance between innovation and fair play.   Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/4ubRoIs (24:18 - 40:07)

Delegation from Taishan Sports Industry Group visited RISports

A delegation led by Mr. Xu Peiming (2nd left), Vice President of Taishan Sports Industry Group, accompanied by Mr. Zhu Enyuan (4th left), Deputy Director of the Shandong Provincial Department of Science and Technology, along with Mr. Gao Guangyu (5th left), Mr. Yang Yanming (3rd right), and Mr. Liu Song (1st right), visited RISports on 19 May 2026. The delegation toured the Institute’s laboratories to gain insights into the latest research and talent development in the field of sports science and technology. Both sides also discussed potential collaboration on the development of smart sports and health exercise equipment, aiming to foster industry-academia-research cooperation between Shandong and Hong Kong in the sports technology sector.

Delegation from Tongji University International College of Football visited RISports

Delegation from the International College of Football, Tongji University visited RISports on 18 May. Prof. Ming Zhang, Director of RISports discussed the education in sports science and brought them to visit the related laboratories.

Distinguished Sports Research Seminar "The Evolution of Muscle Mechanics Over the Past 50 Years"

The Distinguished Sports Research Seminar "The Evolution of Muscle Mechanics Over the Past 50 Years" delivered by Prof. Walter Herzog, the Professor of the University of Calgary and co-director of the Human Performance Lab, organised by RISports and jointly co-organised by the Department of Biomedical Engineering, the PolyU - Samaranch Sports Development Centre and the PolyU - HKSI Research Centre was successfully held on 14 May 2026.  

RISports Welcomes Olympic Medalist Wang Junxia

Olympic gold medalist and IAAF Hall of Famer, Ms Wang Junxia, visited the Sports Engineering Laboratory at the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) last week. As a Senior Scientific Officer at RISports, Ms Wang offered professional advice on ongoing research projects and shared invaluable insights from her own Olympic journey. During the visit, she tested the Institute's gait analysis machine and provided constructive feedback based on her elite athletic experience. Her continued engagement bridges elite athletic experience with cutting-edge sports science, directly supporting RISports' mission to enhance athletic performance and advance sports technology for the community.

RISports Welcomes Delegation from Aquabloom Sports Group and Brazil sports technology companies

A delegation from AquaBloom Sports Group (ABSG) and Brazilian sports technology companies visited RISports on 10 Mar 2026. During the visit, both parties explored potential collaboration opportunities in sports technology innovation and business development. The delegation was welcomed and had discussions focused on fostering international partnerships and knowledge exchange between Brazil and Hong Kong in the field of sports science and technology. The guests were also invited to tour the related laboratories and facilities at PolyU RISports.

RISports Welcomes Delegation from Anhui Normal University

Delagates from the School of Physical Education, Anhui Normal University, including former Hong Kong table tennis elite athletes Song Ahsim (back row, 5th from left) and Wong Ching (back row, 2nd from right), visited RISports on 10 Mar 2026. Prof. Ming Zhang, Director of RISports, along with other institutional representatives, engaged in discussions with the delegation on sports science education and potential research collaboration. The visitors were also invited to tour the RISports Laboratory to gain insights into the Institute's research facilities and ongoing projects.  

RISports Provides Cutting-Edge Pre-Marathon Health and Performance Assessments

In preparation for the 2026 Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, the Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) offered a series of advanced health and performance assessments to empower runners in the PolyU community. These assessments were designed to help participants understand their bodies better, optimize training, and minimize injury risks before race day. Through three key assessment tools, RISports provided a holistic view of each runner’s physical condition and running biomechanics: 3D Foot Scanning Using high-precision scanning technology, RISports captured detailed 3D models of participants' feet to analyze foot shape, arch type, and segment alignment. These data provided valuable insights into morphology-related injury potential and subject-specific footwear/insole selection. Body Composition Analysis Participants underwent a comprehensive body composition assessment to evaluate muscle mass, body fat percentage, and overall physical balance. These metrics helped runners tailor their nutrition and training programs to enhance endurance and performance. Running Gait Analysis RISports analyzed participants' running gait patterns—from kinematics-kinetics coupling to stride symmetry—using state-of-the-art pressure sensing and markerless mocap techniques. This assessment helped identify biomechanical inefficiencies and areas for improvement in running form to redistribute loads. Based on the combined data from these assessments, RISports provided personalized feedback to each participant, highlighting potential injury risks and offering practical recommendations to improve running mechanics. In addition to tailored advice, runners also received custom-prescribed LiftnGo insoles—designed to match their specific foot shape and gait patterns. These insoles were developed to enhance comfort, improve foot support, and help prevent common running-related injuries. By bridging advanced research with real-world needs, RISports continues to empower athletes with science-based tools that support both their goals and long-term health.

RISports Members Share Sports Science Insights at Hong Kong Science Museum Lecture

In conjunction with the exhibition “Bank of China (Hong Kong) Presents: National Development and Achievements Series – Approaching Perfection: The Intersection of Sports and Science,” the Hong Kong Science Museum recently hosted a special science lecture featuring two experts from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports). Titled “How Sports Science Helps You Run and Swim with Ease,” the lecture attracted participants keen to learn how scientific principles can enhance athletic performance and reduce injury risks. The event, held on January 10, 2026, comprised two insightful sessions: Session 1: Running Shoe Functions and Healthy Running Delivered by Dr. Jason CHEUNG Tak-man, Principal Research Fellow at RISports, this session explored how functional running shoes influence running biomechanics and their impact on performance and injury prevention. Dr. Cheung explained the design principles behind different types of running footwear and shared practical guidelines on selecting shoes based on individual biomechanical profiles. He also discussed how variations in running style and technique can affect both performance and the risk of injuries. Session 2: Understanding Swimming Biomechanics Dr. Billy SO Chun-lung, a member of RISports, led the second session, diving into the science of efficient movement in water. Participants gained insights into key biomechanical concepts such as propulsion, drag, and the role of technique, strength, and flexibility in swimming. Dr. So broke down the mechanics of various swimming strokes, analyzed common movement patterns, and highlighted how biomechanical knowledge can be applied to improve training outcomes, prevent injuries, and elevate competitive performance. The lecture provided an engaging platform for the public to interact directly with sports science researchers and learn how cutting-edge studies at RISports are translated into practical, health-enhancing applications. Through initiatives like this, RISports continues to extend the reach of sports science beyond the laboratory, contributing to a healthier and more physically literate community.  

RISports Offers All‑Round Support for PolyU Marathon Runners

In preparation for the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports) provided comprehensive professional support to the University’s running community. Leveraging its interdisciplinary research strengths, RISports offered PolyU runners a full suite of scientific services, including 3D foot scanning, body composition analysis, and gait assessment. Based on individual foot shape and running biomechanics data, the Institute prescribed customised functional insoles—developed in‑house by PolyU—to optimise foot support and reduce injury risks. For marathon participants, RISports also deployed its self‑developed Smart Cadence Sensor, which delivers real‑time vibration alerts when a low cadence is detected, helping runners adjust their pace to lower joint load and improve running efficiency. Data collected through these technologies will further fuel ongoing sports science research at RISports, driving innovation in wearable systems and performance analytics. This year, PolyU—a ten‑time winner of the “Most Supportive Group Award”—again demonstrated its vibrant community spirit, with around 3,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their families taking part in the event.