MIRI: A prominent sports scientist from Curtin University in Perth, Australia is happy over the work by its campus here in sports science and research.
Prof Kevin Netto, who is the research director at Curtin University’s School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, acknowledged the contribution of his fellow researchers at Curtin University Sarawak Malaysia in improving the performance of Malaysian athletes.
“Sports science and research have been playing important roles in enhancing injury management and prevention, as well as optimising the performance and rehabilitation of athletes.
“I note that the Malaysian sports teams have achieved great success in badminton, squash, diving and gymnastics,” he said in his remarks made during his recent visit here, organised by Curtin Sarawak’s Faculty of Engineering and Science.
Netto also delivered a talk on his area of expertise to academic staff members here, touching on his work on physiotherapy and exercise science at the parent campus in Perth.
“This (visit) is part of a collaboration between the sports science and engineering researchers at the main (Australian) campus and their counterparts at Curtin Sarawak,” he said.
The research undertaken by Netto, who is a mechanical engineer and a sports scientist, focuses on increasing safety and decreasing injury risks, both at work and play.
On this, he benefits from his experience in working with elite cyclists, triathletes, footballers, aerial skiers, swimmers, track and field athletes, military personnel, fighter pilots, council workers and firefighters.
For his research, Netto utilises the latest techniques in lab-based and in-field assessments of human biomechanics, which include studying their effect on the musculoskeletal system.
The professor is supported by various industry partners including Hockey Australia, Safework Australia, Dulux and city councils around the Australian state of Victoria.
Curtin University’s School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science in Perth has a long history in sports-related research areas such as injury management, prevention, orthopaedic techniques, rehabilitation and performance optimisation.
It is equipped with facilities for research purposes including a strength-and-condition, exercise physiology and motion analysis laboratories.
Meanwhile, Dr Garenth Lim King Hann of Curtin Sarawak Electrical and Computer Engineering Department said the sports science and engineering research team at Curtin Sarawak was established last year, following the signing of a memorandum of agreement for collaborative research between the local campus and National Sports Institute of Malaysia (ISN).
According to him, the research team comprises himself, Dr Yam Ke San of the Mechanical Engineering Department, Dr Vincent Lee, Dr Law Ming Chiat, Dr Haidar Al-Qrimli and Wong Wei Kitt.
“The team aims to carry out research to improve athletes’ performance by utilising engineering technology and science.”
Curtin Sarawak’s Faculty of Engineering and Science acting deputy dean Dr Lenin Gopal was present to welcome Netto upon the latter’s arrival at the campus here.