Urho M. Kujala

Has been official supervisor in 33 doctoral dissertations. Has been leader in numerous research projects on musculo-skeletal injuries, population-, athlete- and twin studies, exercise intervention studies and studies on the mechanisms mediating the effects of physical activity on health. Has also been the leader/chief physician of the research and clinical medicine unit of the Finnish Foundation of Sports Medicine in Helsinki for 12+ years and lead research on Sports & Exercise Medicine at the University of Jyväskylä for 15+ years. Development and leading of a sports & exercise medicine master program as well as establishment and leading of physical activity and health-related research line in the University of Jyväskylä during 2005-2021. Editor (together with Ilkka Vuori and Simo Taimela): Finnish textbook on Sports and Exercise Medicine (Liikuntalääketiede, 3rd edition, Kustannus OY Duodecim, Helsinki 2005, 699 pages). 420+ published original articles in international peer review scientific journals (see: Kujala U*[Author] - Search Results - PubMed (nih.gov) ). Publications include papers on the effects of physical activity and sports beyond the level of the highest impact factors in sports medicine. Selected details of the activity: Physical activity, heritability and health in Finnish twins has been one of the main research projects. This long-term research project is based on the studies that have used the Finnish Twin Cohort as subjects (see JAMA 1998;279:440-44). Co-twin control studies of long-term physical activity discordant twin pairs has been a unique contribution (for a summary see Kujala UM et al. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2022;32:1316-1323). Studies on the health of male former elite athletes including differing health benefit and risk profiles of different types of sports participation has been one of the key focuses (see Metabolism 1994;10:1255-1260, Sports Medicine 2003;33:553-561, and JAMA 1996;276:216-220). Has been international level amateur orienteering runner merits including bronze medal in Word Championships in relay competition and bronze medal in individual and gold in relay academic world championships in 1978, as well as 5 gold medals in Finnish orienteering championships in individual and relay competitions in junior and adult classes. As a clinical medical specialist in Sports and Exercise Medicine has participated in the treatment of athletes through about 20 000 patient appointments with much research on the prevention treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries. This role was associated with the Turku Sports Medical Research Unit, University of Turku (later Paavo Nurmi Centre) during 1980 to 1990, and was very important during working as the chief physician at The Finnish Foundation of Sports Medicine from 1990 to 2003. Educational and clinical work in increasing the role of physical activity and exercise in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases: This has been a key work topic since specializing to sports and exercise medicine. Aside clinical and research work this has included regular lecture series on exercise or physical activity in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of chronic diseases at the University of Helsinki/Open University (1990-2003) and at the University of Jyväskylä (2003-2021). Scientific studies included many pioneering research findings on the role of physical activity in the prevention of diseases, but also in the treatment of diseases such as the use of strength training in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes (Int J Sports Med 1997;18:242-246). This work also included a key role in the establishment of Sports and Exercise Medicine clinic to Central Finland Central Hospital serving public health care. The main aims of this clinic are: • Tailoring exercise therapy to patients with challenges in exercising; first goal better function and avoiding the need of more expensive treatments • Coordination of exercise therapy in Central Finland hospital district (prevention and treatment) • Incorporating exercise for the treatment guidelines of different diseases in a personalized way • Follow-up of effectiveness (walking tests, body composition analyses etc.) For more details see: Postgrad Med 2023;135:283-289. The principles of Individualized sports and exercise medicine include: When tailoring exercise to formerly inactive individuals take into account previous exercise level, health and fitness status, motivational factors/exercise preferences, practical possibilities. The most important effects of exercise in patients with chronic disease include positive influences on fitness and functioning, mood, pain, quality of life and some indicators of disease progression (see medRxiv 2021.02.11.21251608). This means that both the society and the individual benefits when the patients will have more independent years outside hospitals and nursery homes.