Names
Lars Hermann Tang appointed professor of physical activity and implementation
How can we make physical activity a natural part of treatment for chronic illness – and ensure that more patients benefit from it? This is a central question in Lars Hermann Tang’s research. He has now been appointed professor at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and Midt- og Vestsjællands Hospital.
Lars Hermann Tang trained as a physiotherapist and holds a PhD in exercise and rehabilitation. He takes up the professorship in physical activity and implementation at SDU’s Department of Regional Health Research alongside a position at the PROgrez Research and Implementation Unit at Midt- og Vestsjællands Hospital in Region Zealand.
His research explores how physical activity can prevent and treat disease and improve quality of life for people living with chronic conditions. A particular focus is translating research findings into practical solutions that work in patients’ everyday lives, both within and across healthcare services and community organisations.
From research to everyday care
Through his professorship, Lars Hermann Tang will work to give more patients access to effective exercise, treatment and rehabilitation – including after their hospital care or municipal rehabilitation programme has ended.
One example is the ACTI-WAYS research project, which aims to help people with chronic conditions stay physically active after completing municipal rehabilitation. The project involves collaboration with municipalities, the Danish sports association DGI and patient organisations, with a view to rolling out the initiative more widely.
Lars Hermann Tang also leads a major research and implementation initiative that has introduced exercise as a treatment for patients with reduced blood flow to the legs across municipalities in the future Region of Eastern Denmark.
The researchers are examining both the effectiveness of the treatment and the impact of how services are organised.
The projects share an ambition to develop treatments that are effective in research settings and can also be delivered on a large scale as part of everyday care.
Strengthening collaboration across healthcare services
Lars Hermann Tang has played a key role in developing the PROgrez Research and Implementation Unit, where he leads a physical activity research group and an implementation and evaluation group.
He also has an extensive national and international research network and is affiliated with the University of York as a Senior Research Fellow.
As a professor, he will help strengthen collaboration between SDU, Midt- og Vestsjællands Hospital, municipalities and other healthcare partners.
Another important part of his role will be to teach and supervise the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals, helping to translate more research into better treatment and rehabilitation delivered close to where patients live.
Personal life
Lars Hermann Tang is 41 and originally from Esbjerg. He now lives in Sorø with his wife, their two children and the family dog, Bertil.
Contact
Mobile: +45 25 34 13 41
Email: Larta@regionsjaelland.dk
Meet the researcher
Lars Hermann Tang is a Professor of Physical Activity and Implementation at the Department of Regional Health Research at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and Midt- og Vestsjællands Hospital.