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Stuart McErlain-Naylor

Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics

Loughborough University

Biography

Dr Stuart McErlain-Naylor is a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics at Loughborough University, UK. He is currently Vice President (Publications) of the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports.

Alongside a passion for engaging the wider audience in all things sports biomechanics, Stuart’s research interests include the application of wearable technology and computer simulation methods to investigate the human body’s response to sporting impacts.

Stuart organised and hosted the Sports Biomechanics Lecture Series , and is Social Media Editor for the journal Sports Biomechanics.

To discuss collaboration or consultancy, just send a mesage. For the best things I read each month, as well as publication, presentation, and project updates, please subscribe to my monthly newsletter.

Interests

  • musculoskeletal modelling
  • wearable technology
  • sporting technique
  • flywheel exercise

Education

  • PhD in Sports Biomechanics, 2018

    Loughborough University

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (Fellow of the Higher Education Academy), 2020

    University of Suffolk

  • BSc in Sport and Exercise Sciences, 2013

    Loughborough University

Content and Resources

  • Publications: View and search open access versions of my publications and related resources

  • Lectures: 28 free expert lectures on sports biomechanics, as well as tutorials and research presentations

  • Resources: Recommended free resources for every stage of the research process

  • Newsletter: A monthly update of the best things I’ve read recently, as well as publications and resources

Research Projects

Impact Modelling and Monitoring

Applying wearable technology and computer simulation to investigate the body’s response to sporting impacts

Cricket Biomechanics

The biomechanical determinants of cricket batting/bowling performance

Badminton

The biomechanical determinants of badminton jump smash performance

Flywheel Exercise

Flywheel (isoinertial) eccentric overload exercise induced post-activation performance enhancement

Most Recent Publications

Consensus on a netball video analysis framework of descriptors and definitions by the netball video analysis consensus group

Using an expert consensus-based approach, a netball video analysis consensus (NVAC) group of researchers and practitioners was formed to develop a video analysis framework of descriptors and definitions of physical, technical and contextual aspects for netball research. The framework aims to improve the consistency of language used within netball investigations. It also aims to guide injury mechanism reporting and identification of injury risk factors. The development of the framework involved a systematic review of the literature and a Delphi process. In conjunction with commercially used descriptors and definitions, 19 studies were used to create the initial framework of key descriptors and definitions in netball. In a two round Delphi method consensus, each expert rated their level of agreement with each of the descriptors and associated definition on a 5-point Likert scale (1—strongly disagree; 2—somewhat disagree; 3—neither agree nor disagree; 4—somewhat agree; 5—strongly agree). The median (IQR) rating of agreement was 5.0 (0.0), 5.0 (0.0) and 5.0 (0.0) for physical, technical and contextual aspects, respectively. The NVAC group recommends usage of the framework when conducting video analysis research in netball. The use of descriptors and definitions will be determined by the nature of the work and can be combined to incorporate further movements and actions used in netball. The framework can be linked with additional data, such as injury surveillance and microtechnology data.

Strength and conditioning for cricket fielding: a narrative review

The main aim of cricket fielding is to minimize runs scored by the opposing batting team. This is achieved through (a) collecting a batted ball and returning it to the wicket-keeper to prevent runs from being scored, (b) dismissing a batter by catching a batted ball, (c) running a batter out by throwing the ball to strike the stumps, or 4) preventing a batted ball from hitting the boundary. These tasks require various physical fitness attributes, which can be developed through progressive strength and conditioning programming. To support strength and conditioning coaches in developing tailored programs for fielding, this narrative review provides comprehensive information, including a needs analysis, match demands, and injury epidemiology. Furthermore, programming considerations are given for physical testing, program design, and youth fielders. It is recommended to design and implement a well-rounded training program for fielding, focusing on developing a broad range of physical fitness attributes (e.g., aerobic fitness, speed, acceleration, change of direction speed, agility, and upper-body and lower-body strength and power). A combination of traditional weight training exercises and cricket-specific drills can be implemented to achieve this target. This approach allows the training program to meet the specific needs for high- performance fielding.

On-field rehabilitation in football: Current knowledge, applications and future directions


The effects of bowling lines and lengths on the spatial distribution of successful power-hitting strokes in international men’s one-day and T20 cricket

This study examined 503 power-hitting strokes that resulted in the maximum of 6-runs being scored in international men’s one-day and T20 cricket. Chi-Squared analyses were conducted to determine if performance and situational variables were associated with the distribution (direction) of aerial power-hitting strokes. Results revealed that bowling length, bowling line, bowler type and powerplays were all significantly (p < 0.001) associated with ball-hitting distribution. Post-hoc analysis of the standardised residuals revealed that greater than expected 6ʹs were scored behind square and were associated with short-pitched bowling, fast bowling and the power-play. Similarly, bowling the half-volley length and the outside off line resulted in greater than expected 6ʹs on the off-side. The results suggest that bowlers should try to avoid offering width outside the off stump as well as bowling the half-volley and short-pitched lengths as these bowling lines and lengths present batters with greater opportunities to score maximum runs. Fast bowling is revealed to be more susceptible to power-hitting strokes than spin bowling. Conversely, batters may wish to target the areas behind square or on the off-side for opportunities to score maximum runs, and they should look to take full advantage of the powerplay field restrictions.

Comparing biomechanical time series data across countermovement shrug loads

The effect of load on time-series data has yet to be investigated during weightlifting derivatives. This study compared the effect of load on the force–time and velocity–time curves during the countermovement shrug (CMS). Twenty-nine males performed the CMS at relative loads of 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%, 120%, and 140% one repetition maximum (1RM) power clean (PC). A force plate measured the vertical ground reaction force (VGRF), which was used to calculate the barbell-lifter system velocity. Time-series data were normalized to 100% of the movement duration and assessed via statistical parametric mapping (SPM). SPM analysis showed greater negative velocity at heavier loads early in the unweighting phase (12–38% of the movement), and greater positive velocity at lower loads during the last 16% of the movement. Relative loads of 40% 1RM PC maximised propulsion velocity, whilst 140% 1RM maximized force. At higher loads, the braking and propulsive phases commence at an earlier percentage of the time-normalized movement, and the total absolute durations increase with load. It may be more appropriate to prescribe the CMS during a maximal strength mesocycle given the ability to use supramaximal loads. Future research should assess training at different loads on the effects of performance.