Understanding the relationship between movement variability and running-related injury

Joint award PhD via Sheffield Hallam University, and La Trobe University, Melbourne

Movement variability has traditionally been viewed by sports biomechanists as undesirable noise from the neuromuscular system or from the measurement process. However, it may actually provide functionality that enables environmental adaptations and reduces injury risk. The aim of Ben's PhD is to apply the concepts and methods of dynamical systems theory to increase understanding of the relationship between movement variability and running-related injury.    

Ben works as a consultant biomechanist to British Athletics and England Athletics. He is also a certified Data Scientist and Data Analyst. 

Prior to the PhD, he achieved a BSc Mathematics from University of Exeter, where he obtained the highest mark in a Mathematical Sciences degree and a Dean's Commendation. He later completed a MSc Sports Biomechanics at Loughborough University, where he obtained the Dean of School Prize for the best performance on a postgraduate taught programme in the School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences. His research project was titled "Energy dissipation through soft tissue motion during running. Effects on running economy", for which he was awarded the Project Prize for the highest mark on the MSc Sports Biomechanics programme. 

In his spare time, Ben is a keen runner/cyclist/triathlete and has previously competed in his age group at the European Triathlon Championships and the World Duathlon Championships.