Injury, recovery, end-of-careers and concussion. The reality of life in sport.

This is a Sport and exercise science Subject Spotlight with Abbie Taylor from University of Sunderland. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Sport and exercise science.

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In this gripping and informative Subject Spotlight, Abbie Taylor begins by exploring a common injury for sportspeople, an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear. Not only does she explain the extent of the injury, but she thinks about it in terms of diagnosis and the biopsychosocial approach to treatment. She goes on to think about multi-disciplinary approaches to treatment and prevention of an ACL injury, the roles of a coach, rehab therapist and sport & exercise scientist in a basic treatment plan, and provides an explanation of what Alter-G is and how it works. In episode 3, Abbie considers the wider impact of an injury such as an ACL, specifically detailing a sports person’s psychology, social aspects and impact on their career. Finally, she discusses interesting new awareness surrounding concussion, and sets an activity that aids your research into this topical and serious subject. She will also give feedback on these questions with her professional knowledge.

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About University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland is a top 50 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024) and a global institution which offers life-changing opportunities for over 20,000 students across its four campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong. With over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, placement opportunities and the option to study full or part-time, there’s something for everyone at Sunderland. The University of Sunderland has also received five stars for teaching, inclusiveness, employability and facilities in the QS World University Rankings 2023 and is in the top 10 UK universities for social inclusion (The Times Good University Guide 2024).

Meet the academics

Abbie Taylor

Abbie Taylor is a Lecturer at the University of Sunderland in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences. She teaches modules such as Nutrition and Foundations of Sport, and Exercise & Rehabilitation Therapies. She is currently completing her PhD. Abbie has also been involved in research surrounding both biomechanics and physiology – in particular, movement analysis of riders and horses using 3D motion capture, and the landing mechanics of the knee when landing on different surfaces. Abbie’s area of interest is female sports, in particular netball, and the link between sport, female health, and injury risk – and this is what her current PhD study focuses on.

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Interactive quizzes and activities

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Content to enhance students university applications

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

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Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

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Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!