Biography

Dr. Arto Gråstén, PhD in Sport Sciences, Master in Education, works as an Associate Professor at the College of Education, United Arab Emirates University and an Adjunct Researcher at the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland. 

Previously, he worked as an elementary school teacher, a middle school health and physical education teacher, and a university lecturer in health and physical education. Some years ago, he coached minor hockey.

His research covers physical activity enhancement, physical education, motor competence, and self-determined motivation. His interests include applying and developing quantitative research methods in the field. 

Dr. Gråstén leads the Physical Education laboratories at United Arab Emirates University, including the Exercise Physiology and Motor Behavior Labs. His research team published the first-ever academic paper based on data collected in the UAEU Exercise Physiology Laboratory.

In 2025, his research team received the Commandant Raoul Mollet CISM Academy Sports Science Award from the International Military Sports Council, recognizing academic excellence aligned with CISM's mission to promote military sport, science, and solidarity.