Departmental Research Themes
Translational Research in Primary Healthcare and Lifestyle Medicine
Translational Research in Primary Healthcare and Lifestyle Medicine is dedicated to bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application in primary care settings. We aim to conduct innovative, interdisciplinary research that directly improves patient outcomes and the delivery of healthcare at the community level. By integrating lifestyle medicine principles—such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management, sleep health, and avoidance of risky behaviours—into primary care, we seek to empower individuals and communities to achieve sustainable health improvements.
The key focus area include:
- Evidence-based interventions: Developing and implementing clinical interventions and care models to enhance early detection, prevention, and management of chronic conditions in primary healthcare. Lifestyle medicine approaches are embedded to promote healthy behaviours, reduce modifiable risk factors, and support long-term disease prevention
- Community-engaged / health services research: Partnering with non-governmental organisations and community partners to identify healthcare needs and co-create tailored solutions and programmes. This includes culturally sensitive lifestyle medicine initiatives that encourage active participation in health promotion, such as community-based exercise programmes, nutrition education, and stress reduction workshops.
- Dissemination: Translating research findings into practical, scalable programmes that can be adopted by primary care providers. Lifestyle medicine strategies are disseminated alongside clinical innovations, ensuring that primary care teams can deliver holistic, patient-centred care that addresses both medical and behavioural determinants of health.
Our researchers have diverse backgrounds, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and basic scientists. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, we aim to generate high-impact, practice-changing knowledge that transforms the delivery of primary care and embeds lifestyle medicine as a cornerstone of sustainable healthcare.
Translational Research in Neuroscience
The research group bridges the gap between basic neuroscience discoveries and clinical application for treating disorders related to the nervous system. Applying insights gained from both fundamental and clinical studies, the aim of the research group is to invent impactful rehabilitation interventions to enhance the functions and health of individuals suffered from the disorders, ultimately helping them to regain a meaningful life.
Investigators in this group have diverse expertise. The transdisciplinary nature of the studies conducted necessitates the use of various research methods (e.g. neuroimaging, psychological tests and animal models). Leveraging the state-of-the-art research platforms at PolyU, the group occupies a unique position as the hub for translational neuroscience research in rehabilitation.
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Translational Research in Intelligent Rehabilitation
With the recent advance in digital technology, ‘intelligent rehabilitation’ is becoming a sustainable and promising area for rehabilitation research and its future development. Examples of intelligent rehabilitation may include, among others, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in systematic identification, validation, and integration of digital biomarkers and digital phenotypes into rehabilitation practice; analysis and digitalized solutions for big data in rehabilitation longitudinal studies; e-health or telehealth platforms for rehabilitation practice; mobile technology including use of Apps, smart devices and wearables; integration of ‘internet of things’ (IoT) and electronic engineering in rehabilitation interventions; and the application of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VAMR) in rehabilitation.
Translational Research in Musculoskeletal and Sports Science
Translational research in musculoskeletal and sports science bridges the gap between basic scientific discoveries and their practical applications. It focuses on transforming insights from fundamental studies into effective treatments, preventive measures, and performance-enhancing strategies. This type of research is crucial for improving patient outcomes by developing new therapies and rehabilitation methods, enhancing athletic performance through better training and injury prevention, and informing clinical practices with the latest evidence. By translating scientific findings into real-world interventions, this field supports evidence-based decision-making and promotes healthier, more active populations. It ensures that both clinical and sports practices benefit from cutting-edge research.
Translational Research in Better Ageing and Longevity
Hong Kong and worldwide are facing an ageing population. Advancing age is associated with an increased risk of developing debilitating health conditions such as stroke, dementia, arthritis, sarcopenia and osteoporosis. These health conditions significantly reduce the quality of life in older people and their caregivers while also posing an increasing healthcare burden. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists play prominent roles in health promotion, disease prevention and rehabilitation of the older population. This research theme encompasses basic science and applied research to study the age-related changes in physical, cognitive and psychosocial functions and aim to develop evidence-based rehabilitative strategies and services for promoting health and quality of life in older adults.
