Anyone interested should contact imar@dundee.ac.uk, 01382 496332, or write to: The Institute of Motion Analysis and Research (IMAR), TORT Centre, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee, DD1 9SY.

As part of the project, volunteers will be asked to visit the Institute of Motion Analysis and
 Research (IMAR) at the University where hi-techmotion analysis cameras will be used to capture their movements in 3D.

“Although football is a major global sport, there is a significant weakness in the scientific
literature as to whether targeted exercise training and many hours of practice are actually beneficial to growing individuals,” said Professor Rami Abboud, director of IMAR.

“The limited knowledge is extremely worrying with respect to the short and long-term welfare of young footballers, as well as society as
a whole due to the ever increasing focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle in order to tackle childhood obesity.”

The new research project is a joint one between IMAR and another of Dundee University’s internationally renowned centres, the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHid ), which recently featured in the major BBC2 series `History Cold Case’.

The combination of IMAR’s expertise in motion analysis and
biomechanical and musculoskeletal medicine, and CAHID’s excellence in osteological and anatomical research will generate an invaluable source of evidential research, helping to bridge the gap in scientific
knowledge.

“Understanding the long-term growth and development of individuals
could significantly influence school curricular activities and
professional training regime policies, therefore this research has the
potential to improve the overall health of our future society,” said
Professor Abboud.