Introduction
Our work at the Wales Academy for Health and Physical Literacy (WAHPL) is grounded in a Saluto-ecological approach, combining McElroy’s adaptation of Bronfenbrenner’s Social Ecological Model with Antonovsky’s Salutogenesis. We view physical literacy as both a personal resource for lifelong physical activity and a foundation for broader wellbeing (Piper et al., 2022).
Our research spans the life course - from early childhood and parenting to ageing populations - and is embedded in practice. We also support Post-graduate Research studies at both Master’s and PhD levels linked to Health and Physical Literacy.
Post-Graduate Taught Programmes
We have a range of completed and on-going post graduate research studies linked to Health and Physical Literacy.
Student research projects from these PG programmes have investigated a range of topics. Some examples include:
Outdoor Education, MA -Dissertation Research
-
An exploration of how women perceive the presence of others to affect their freedom in outdoor activities.
-
The landscape of outdoor learning in Zimbabwe and the impact of indigenous culture on engagement with the outdoors.
-
‘Sense of Place’ in Further Education Outdoor Adventure.
-
How does disconnection from social media on a three-day, UK-based, outdoor residential contribute to the learning experience and change in attitudes or behaviour toward future use?
-
Sharing the experience: parent perspectives of an outdoor education programme for families with children and young persons at an SEN school.
-
Paddlesport motivation within Wales: an exploration of motivational differences for recreational Paddlesport participation within Wales.
Physical Literacy and Physical Education, MA - Dissertation Research
-
Parental perspectives in relation to pre-schoolers physical activity
-
Opportunities for female-identifying-players in Ultimate
-
Parents’ perception of early specialisation
-
The impact of SKIP-Cymru on pupils’ motor skills
-
The role of street dance in interest development and subjective task value of male secondary students
-
Psychosocial and environmental factors that influence university students’ physical activity.
PhD and Postgraduate Research
Current PhD Projects:
-
Alan Samual (ongoing) - The evaluation of a mobile application aimed at improving
how parents support fundamental movement skills in their children. -
Tara Crank (ongoing) - Exploring the potential of digital technologies for supporting
Nature Connection in Wellbeing Courses at a Community Green Health Hub. -
Wendy Scott (ongoing) - Exploring whether synchronising exercise type and intensity
to menstrual cycle phases can be effective in improving perimenopause related
symptoms, mood state and physiological health.
Completed PhD Projects:
-
Dr Amanda John: The impact of SKIP Cymru professional development on pupils’
motor competence, perceived competence and physical activity. -
Dr. Kate Piper: A social ecological study of mass participation sports events in
Pembrokeshire. -
Dr Anna Stevenson: The evaluation and development of Footie Families, a family
engagement motor skill programme. -
Dr David Gardner: High Intensity Training for post-menopausal women
-
Dr Graham French: A new model for Outdoor Adventure Education for Key Stage 3
-
Dr Martin Norman: Therapeutic landscapes
Early Childhood Research
We have a range of published research in the field of early childhood physical development.
SKIP Cymru
A three-year EU-funded PhD research project led to the development of more in-depth accredited professional development across this programme.
Footie Families
Recent research examined the perceptions and needs of parents in relation to their pre-school children’s physical activity. The result of this was the development of the Footie Families early years engagement programme in collaboration with the Football Association of Wales (FAW).
MiniMovers
Working in collaboration with ATiC we have researched the impact of the MiniMovers APP activities on pre-schoolers’ physical development and the experiences of parents.
Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research at WAHPL
At the Wales Academy of Health and Physical Literacy (WAHPL), our outdoor research is shaping new understanding in the fields of education, physical literacy, and health. We explore how outdoor and nature-based activities can significantly enhance physical and mental wellbeing across all stages of life.
From early years to later life, outdoor experiences are a vital part of developing physical literacy. Young children may explore nature through Forest School settings or family adventures. As they grow, they might join Scouts or Guides, or take part in outdoor education residentials during school years. Young adults often engage in activities like mountain biking, surfing, climbing, or coasteering, while older adults may find health benefits in walking, gardening, or wild swimming. At every age, connecting with nature through physical activity contributes to a healthier, more balanced life.
The Cynefin Green Health Hub
Located just a mile from UWTSD’s Carmarthen campus, alongside the River Towy and the All Wales Coast Path, the Cynefin Green Health Hub is a unique collaboration between WAHPL, the Centre for Health & Ageing (CHA), and NHS professionals. Together, we are developing a bespoke outdoor movement track designed to support pre-surgery fitness, post-surgery recovery and improved mental and physical health.
The track incorporates green exercise features such as benches, steps, uneven terrain, and low-impact exercise stations. These enable individuals to walk, stretch, and balance according to their ability, guided by WAHPL exercise specialists. Social spaces along the route foster connection, peer support, and engagement with nature -addressing both physical and mental wellbeing.
Nature-Based Wellbeing & Green Social Prescribing
WAHPL also leads research and evaluation of innovative pilot programmes focused on Wellbeing through Nature and Ecotherapy. Delivered in partnership with organisations like Coed Lleol and Hywel Dda University Health Board, these programmes are designed to support health professionals experiencing burnout. Through activities such as environmental conservation, bushcraft, and foraging, participants are encouraged to reconnect with nature, reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and adopt more sustainable, pro-environmental behaviours.
Supporting Physical Activity in Old Age
The Centre for Health and Aging (CHA) was established due to the original research of Dr Peter Herbert who investigated the use of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for older men.
This globally-recognised research gave insight into the need to consider more bespoke training regimes for the older population and the application of this research in practice led to the establishment of the CHA. Further research by Dr Herbert and the team have tracked participants over several years and identified aspects and impacts of long-term adherence.
Ongoing PhD research has looked at the impact of strength training for post-menopausal women.
Current research in collaboration with Hywel Dda Health Board is looking at the impact of training programmes as pre-habilitation prior to oncology surgery.
Research Excellence Framework (REF)
Our research spans the life course - from early childhood and parenting to ageing populations - and is embedded in practice. We also support Post-graduate Research studies at both Master’s and PhD levels linked to Health and Physical Literacy.