Dr. Gráinne Hayes is a leading figure in exercise physiology, currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences (PESS) at the University of Limerick (UL), Ireland. Her work focuses on the interplay between physical activity behaviors and cardiometabolic health, particularly among youth. As the Course Director of UL’s MSc in Sports Performance, Dr. Hayes combines academic rigor with applied science to prepare the next generation of sports performance professionals.
Academic Journey and Professional Background
Dr. Hayes began her academic career at UL, earning a BSc in Sport and Exercise Sciences in 2013. She continued at UL as a Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant, contributing to various projects within the PESS Department. In 2021, she completed her PhD, focusing on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and cardiometabolic health in children, adolescents, and young adults. Her doctoral research provided valuable insights into how different activity behaviors impact health outcomes in youth populations .
After completing her PhD, Dr. Hayes joined the Technological University of the Shannon as a lecturer, teaching modules related to sport, exercise, health, and wellbeing. She later returned to UL, where she now holds the position of Associate Professor in Exercise Physiology and serves as the Course Director for the MSc in Sports Performance .
Research Focus and Contributions
Dr. Hayes’ research centers on the measurement and analysis of habitual activity behaviors—such as sleep, sedentary time, standing, light, moderate, and vigorous physical activity—in free-living environments. She investigates the accuracy of measurement methods in physical activity research and examines the individual and combined effects of various components of the physical activity continuum on cardiometabolic health. Her work also explores the determinants of health behaviors across the lifespan and the implementation of interventions to modify these behaviors .
One notable study led by Dr. Hayes examined the relationship between adolescent activity behaviors and indicators of cardiometabolic health using compositional data analysis. The study found that reallocating time from sedentary behaviors to light-intensity physical activity (LIPA) or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was associated with significant improvements in health markers such as skinfold thickness, cardiorespiratory fitness, and blood pressure .
MSc in Sports Performance at the University of Limerick
As Course Director for the MSc in Sports Performance, Dr. Hayes oversees a program that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application. The program, the first of its kind in Ireland, offers a full-time one-year or part-time two-year postgraduate pathway. It prepares graduates for careers in sports performance analysis, specializing in strength and conditioning, video analysis, and nutrition .
Program Highlights:
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Accredited certification from Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists® (CSCS®)
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Video Analysis through the International Society of Performance Analysis in Sport (ISPAS)
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International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) certification
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‘Cardiac First Response’ (AED) Program
The curriculum fosters both broad and specialized knowledge in sports performance, integrating theoretical, laboratory, and applied learning. Students engage in modules that enhance their understanding of sports performance theories, research methodologies, reflective practice, and critical analysis skills .
Impact and Recognition
Dr. Hayes’ contributions to exercise physiology have been recognized both nationally and internationally. Her research supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, emphasizing the importance of physical activity in promoting health across the lifespan .
Through her leadership in academia and research, Dr. Hayes continues to influence the field of exercise physiology, shaping policies and practices that promote physical activity and health.
FAQ
Q1: What is Dr. Gráinne Hayes’ current role at the University of Limerick?
A1: Dr. Hayes is an Associate Professor in Exercise Physiology in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences (PESS) at UL. She also serves as the Course Director for the MSc in Sports Performance.
Q2: What are the main areas of Dr. Hayes’ research?
A2: Dr. Hayes focuses on the measurement and analysis of habitual activity behaviors and their impact on cardiometabolic health. Her research includes examining the accuracy of physical activity measurement methods and implementing interventions to modify health behaviors.
Q3: What is the MSc in Sports Performance program?
A3: The MSc in Sports Performance is a postgraduate program at UL that prepares graduates for careers in sports performance analysis. The program offers certifications in strength and conditioning, video analysis, kinanthropometry, and cardiac first response.
Q4: How can I apply for the MSc in Sports Performance program?
A4: Applications for the program can be submitted online through the University of Limerick’s Graduate and Professional Studies portal. For more information, you can contact Dr. Hayes at grainne.hayes@ul.ie.PESS News & Information+1PESS News & Information+1
Q5: Where can I find Dr. Hayes’ research publications?
A5: Dr. Hayes’ research publications are available on her Google Scholar profile and the University of Limerick’s research repository.
