João Viana, PhD

João Viana is currently vice-director of the Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development and the Director of CIDESD at the University Institute of Maia – ISMAI, where he was responsible for setting up the recently launched PhD course in Sports Sciences.

João completed his first degree in Sport Sciences and Physical Education at the University of Porto in 2004 and an MSc in Exercise Physiology (with distinction) at Loughborough University in 2006. Following this, he has obtained is PhD at Loughborough University in 2011, where he has investigated the effects of exercise on immune function and inflammation in chronic kidney disease patients in collaboration with the University Hospitals of Leicester and the University of Leicester. His work has received international recognition, produced high impact scientific publications and received awards from both sport and medical sciences communities. João has also worked as a post-doctoral Research Associate at the Leicester-Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit.

His current research explores the role of exercise in chronic diseases (such as CKD, CVD and diabetes), particularly investigating the effects on immune function, inflammation, bone metabolism and skeletal muscle metabolism. Additionally, he is also interested in digital health and precision medicine applications to exercise physiology, aiming to develop new technologies for personalized exercise prescription and exercise training monitoring.

João also serves as board member of the Portuguese Association of Exercise Physiologists, the Portuguese Association of Kidney Disease Rehabilitation, and the International Science and Football Association, as well as member of the scientific committee of the National Program for the Promotion of Physical Activity and the Portuguese Gymnastics Federation.