Sport and Exercise MRes

Investigate the influence of test duration and ability level on the VLAmax principle.

The prospective student will work in collaboration with Dr Michael Porter and Jamie Langley (Loughborough College) to undertake a quantitative research approach. VLAmax principle has recently gained significant traction in both research and applied settings. VLAmax is an indirect assessment of the rate of anaerobic glycolysis measured via post exercise blood lactate sampling.
The prospective student will conduct a research study to Investigate the influence of test duration and ability level on the VLAmax principle in cyclists. They will conduct this by assess the influence of test durations (6, 9, 12, 15s) and fitness levels (recreational, amateur, and sub elite) on VLAmax in cyclists. This project would advance the wider application of the VLAmax principle in applied exercise physiology testing.

Applicants need to be UK-home students, have experience in quantitative research, and need to submit a proposal outlining their study design to meet the above requirements of the project (a proposal template is provided in the application process).

Investigating the use of ‘Near Infrared Spectroscopy’ (mNIRS) to monitor peripheral haemodynamic status in stroke or diabetic populations.

The prospective student will work in collaboration with Dr Michael Porter to undertake a quantitative research project. mNIRS is the use of near infrared light to assess the haemodynamic status (muscle oxygenation) of peripheral muscles. mNIRS research is becoming increasing popular in exercise physiology with the invention of small portable devices that can be placed on a wide variety of muscle belly’s.
The prospective student will complete a quantitative research study to investigate the use of ‘Near Infrared Spectroscopy’ (mNIRS) to monitor peripheral haemodynamic status in stroke or diabetic populations. This project would advance the current knowledge base of mNIRS and improve its applications to monitor non communicable diseases going forward.

Applicants need to be UK-home students, have experience in quantitative research, and need to submit a proposal outlining their study design to meet the above requirements of the project (a proposal template is provided in the application process).

An investigation into the short-term training effects of eccentric exercise on stroke survivors’ muscle-tendon mechanics.

The prospective student will work under the supervision of Professor Tony Kay and Dr Brett Baxter examining the efficacy of eccentric exercise as a rehabilitation modality to improve neuromuscular function in stroke survivors.

The successful applicant will examine metrics of muscle and tendon structure and function prior to training and re-examine these metrics at mid-training and post-training using ultrasonography and dynamometry. Therefore, the applicant should ideally be from a sport and exercise science background with experience using at least one of these assessment methods, with knowledge in biomechanics and/or muscle physiology. Applicants from physiotherapy or occupational therapy backgrounds will also be considered.

Applicants should submit a project proposal no longer than one side of A4, which includes a research-informed background to this topic area. The applicant should also include a proposed study design using the information provided above. If shortlisted, the applicant will be interviewed to further assess their suitability for the project.

For further information, please contact Dr Brett Baxter.

Northamptonshire Sport

Northamptonshire Sport are proud to provide an MRes tuition fee bursary for the 2025/26 academic year. The prospective student will work in collaboration with Northamptonshire Sport, Associate Professor Declan Ryan to undertake a qualitative project. The project forms part of the evaluation for Move Northamptonshire, which is a countywide framework to tackle physical inactivity. The prospective student will undertake interviews to explore their views about Move Northamptonshire and the mechanisms required to implement the framework across the system. In addition, the prospective student will survey partners involved in the delivery of physical activity across the county to identify what support structures can be put in place to support their buy-in and use of Move Northamptonshire. Furthermore, a literature review may be conducted to help Northamptonshire Sport understand approaches to tackling physical inactivity.

Applicants need to be UK-home students, have experience in qualitative research, and need to submit a proposal outlining their study design to meet the above requirements of the project (a proposal template is provided in the application process).

The deadline for applications is 4 July 2025, with shortlisting interviews week beginning 4 August 2025 for a September 2025 start date.

For any queries, please contact Assoc. Prof. Declan Ryan.

Dr. Brett Baxter

Brett’s area of expertise is exercise medicine, specifically the use of eccentric resistance training to improve neuromuscular function in clinical populations. Brett’s previous work has examined the acute, training, and detraining effects of eccentric resistance training in older adults in attempt to develop a minimal-dose strategy to combat age-related neuromuscular decline. Furthermore, Brett is interested in the use of eccentric resistance training to enhance neuromuscular function in those who have had a stroke, particularly by using the cross-education effect from training the unaffected limb.

Dr. Michael Porter

Michael currently lectures at the University of Northampton on the BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Science, and Rehabilitation courses, specialising in health and exercise physiology.

Michael first studied at the university of Essex where he graduated with a BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Science. After graduating in 2016, he went onto pursue a Doctorate in Sports Science also at University of Essex. The title of Michael’s PhD, which was awarded in 2020 was “The Ergogenic Effects of Oxygen Supplementation on Cycling Performance”.

Michael’s current research areas are the 1) use of ‘Near Infrared Spectroscopy’ (mNIRS) to monitor muscle oxygen levels, and 2) exploring the effects that oxygen supplementation has on muscular performance.

Michael’s other research interests lie in physiological testing, the use and application of the VLAmax principle in exercise physiology, and wider interests in health physiology.

Dr. Nathan Thompson

Nathan is a researcher in sport and exercise science/rehabilitation whose work focuses on training load and maturation monitoring, coaching practice, and athlete development in youth sport. He completed his PhD at the University of Gloucestershire, examining the implementation of training load and maturation monitoring in UK professional academy football, with particular attention to coaches’ knowledge, confidence, and engagement with monitoring data. His research adopts an applied, practice‑based approach aimed at improving evidence‑informed decision‑making in high‑performance youth sport environments.

Dr. Dominic Langdon

Dominic is the academic lead for the sports injury and rehabilitation clinic at the University of Northampton and contributes to teaching on the BSc (Hons) sport rehabilitation and conditioning and sport and exercise science degree programmes. Since the completion of his PhD, which examined the use of blood flow restriction exercises on fall risk factors in older adults. Dominic has continued to apply the knowledge gained from his research to inform his practice. He also explores various modalities that challenge postural control across a range of populations.

Mrs Michelle Daly

Michelle is a lecturer in Sports Rehabilitation and Conditioning, specialising in female athlete health and inclusive practice. After completing a Masters in Strength and Conditioning at St Marys University exploring women’s perceptions of strength-based training in rugby union, they began a Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care focused on female health education and girls’ and women’s participation in rugby. Their work aims to shape more supportive, evidence-based environments for female athletes.