Cropped Jessica Mee

The Human Performance Research Group (HPRG) is a multi- and interdisciplinary research group focussed on exploring human performance in sport, health, and exercise contexts, in both occupational and leisure time settings.  It incorporates the undertaking of impactful basic through to whole systems applied behavioural research and knowledge exchange.

With expertise in diverse approaches to research, we are able to explore the full array of human performance through many professional lenses, in a multitude of sport, health and exercise relevant disciplines, and across the life course.

As a result of this breadth of expertise and our inclusive research environment, our research interrogates human performance using interpretivist and constructivist approaches, employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and using methods appropriate to basic, clinical, and applied research settings.  As such, we will attempt to further explore the interplay between, and not intended as an exhaustive list, biological, psychological, behavioural, and environmental factors that relate to human performance.

Existing areas of strength in the HPRG include physiological and nutritional determinants of performance, psychological underpinnings of performance, environmental factors impacting upon performance and exploration of multifaceted dimensions of performance in teams in a variety of sport, health & exercise contexts.   

Current Projects

2023-2027 Heat Mitigation in Females Athletes. Dr Jessica Mee. Funding: UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships

Climate change will continue to increase the heat-related hazards and associated morbidity and mortality, with extreme heat events becoming a more regular feature in summer months worldwide. Whilst mitigating climate change is an essential step, heat related illnesses are largely avoidable with the implementation of appropriate, effective, accessible, and sustainable heat mitigation strategies combined with appropriate education.

Existing heat mitigation guidelines are underpinned by research conducted almost exclusively in men, without consideration of issues associated with the biological and phenotypical sex differences such as the menstrual cycle, and menopause. Making steps to reduce this social exclusion of females is an essential priority for sex equality and this proposed programme of research.

Selected Outputs

2024

Cook, Matthew, Shan, Yusen and Willems, M. (2024) Effects of New Zealand blackcurrant extract on exercising substrate utilisation and post exercise blood pressure in males and females. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. pp. 1-31. ISSN Print: 1526-484X Online: 1543-2742 (In Press)

Cook, Matthew and Willems, M. (2024) Effects of New Zealand Blackcurrant, Body Composition, and Sex on Fat Oxidation During Exercise. In: American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) 2024 Annual Meeting, May 30, 2024, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. (Unpublished)

Holland, Christopher, Cole, M. and Owens, J. (2024) Exercise and mental health: a vital connection. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 58 (13). pp. 691-692. ISSN 0306-3674 (print); 1473-0480 (web)

Cole, M., Owens, J. and Holland, Christopher (2024) Sports and exercise therapy for marginalised communities: graduate sports therapists in East London Foundation Trust Mental Health and the British Transplant Games. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 58 (13). pp. 745-746. ISSN 0306-3674 (print); 1473-0480 (web)

Holland, Christopher and Cole, M. (2024) Bridging the research-to-practice time gap: disseminating research knowledge to sport and exercise medicine practitioners. British Journal of Sports Medicine, Online (First). pp. 1-2. ISSN 0306-3674 (print); 1473-0480 (web)

Holland, Christopher, Hughes, J. and De Ste Croix, M. (2024) The Dissemination of Intervention Based Research for Practitioner Development. In: XXXI Isokinetic Medical Group International Conference: Football Medicine: Bridging Science and Practice, 25th-27th May 2024, Civitas Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Spain. (In Press)

Casado, A., Hornillos, A., Foster, C., Ranieri, L., Renfree, Andrew and Dominguez, R. (2024) Performance and psychophysiological effects of light-guided pacing during a 5000-m run. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. pp. 1-27. ISSN 1555-0265 (In Press)

Renfree, Gillian and West, Julia (2024) Motivation and commitment of volunteers at parkrun events. Managing Sport and Leisure, 29 (1). pp. 56-69. ISSN Print: 2375-0472 Online: 2375-0480

2023

Shan, Yusen and Cook, Matthew (2023) New Zealand Blackcurrant Increases Post-Exercise Hypotension Following Sustained Moderate Intensity Exercise. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 33 (5). pp. 282-290. ISSN Print: 1526-484X Online: 1543-2742

Bryant, Joseph, Cooper, Darren, Peters, D.M. and Cook, Matthew (2023) The Effects of Static Stretching Intensity on Range of Motion and Strength: A Systematic Review. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 8 (37). ISSN 2411-5142

Weaver, K., Northeast, L., Cole, M., Holland, Christopher and Cassius, T. (2023) Sports and Exercise Therapists – working across the physical activity spectrum (Editorial). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57 (13). ISSN Print: 0306-3674 Online: 1473-0480

Cole, M., Holland, Christopher and Cassius, T. (2023) Inequalities across the physical activity landscape: the need for ‘structural humility’ to optimise sports and exercise medicine (Editorial). British Journal of Sports Medicine. ISSN 0306-3674

Rhoden, Clare and Joyce, Jennifer (2023) Positive Affectivity Influences Subjective Age and Daily Moving in Older Adults. Physical Activity and Health, 7 (1). pp. 255-269. ISSN 2515-2270

Pepperell, Richard (2023) ‘I didn’t want to sound stupid’ Are new PE teachers sufficiently prepared to deliver accredited PE and Sport courses? Physical Education Matters, 18 (1). pp. 69-74. ISSN 1751-0988

Pepperell, Richard, White, Georgia and Edwards, Christian (2023) Preparing undergraduates for the future: Problem-based learning and the development of research skills. In: Higher Education Sport (HESP) Conference, 8th September 2023, Northumbria University. (Unpublished) / University of Worcester Learning and Teaching Conference 2023, 12-13th June 2023, University of Worcester. (Unpublished)

Foster, C., Hanley, B., Barroso, R., Boullosa, D., Casado, A., Haugen, T., Hettinga, F., Jones, A., Renfree, Andrew, Skiba, P., St Clair Gibson, A., Thiel, C. and de Koning, J. (2023) Evolution of 1500m Olympic Running Performance. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. ISSN 1555-0265

Desgorces, F, Sedeaud, A, Toussaint, J-F, Renfree, Andrew, Launay, T and Noirez, P (2023) Charge d’entraînement : de la définition duconcept aux méthodes de quantification Training load: From concept definition to quantification methods. Science and Sports. ISSN Print: 0765-1597 Online: 1778-4131

Boullosa, D, Patrocinio, E, Renfree, Andrew, Casado, A, Hanley, B and Foster, C (2023) Short-Term Speed Variability as an Index of Pacing Stochasticity in Athletic Running Events. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 8 (2). p. 86. ISSN 2411-5142

Foster, C., De Koning, J., Casado, A. and Renfree, Andrew (2023) Pacing: Combining Pre-Competition Pacing Strategy and Competitive Tactics to Derive Within-Competition Decision Making. In: Endurance Training - Science and Practice (2nd edition). Inigo Mujika, pp. 111-123. ISBN 9788493997045

2022

Cook, Matthew, Dunne, A., Bosworth, M. and Willems, M. (2022) Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Force Steadiness of the Quadriceps Femoris Muscle during Sustained Submaximal Isometric Contraction. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 7 (2). p. 44. ISSN 2411-5142

Galis, J. and Cooper, Darren (2022) Application of a Floss Band at Differing Pressure Levels: Effects at the Ankle Joint. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 36 (9). pp. 2454-2460. ISSN 1064-8011

McIntyre, R., Zurawlew, M., Mee, Jessica, Walsh, N. and Oliver, S. (2022) A comparison of medium-term heat acclimation by post-exercise hot water immersion or exercise in the heat: Adaptations, overreaching, and thyroid hormones. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 323 (5). R601-R615. ISSN 0363-6119 (print); 1522-1490 (online)

Willmott, A., Mee, Jessica, Roberts, J., Maxwell, N. and Barnes, E. (2022) Heat Acclimation for Women. Ultra Coach.

McIntyre, R.D., Zurawlew, M.J., Oliver, S.J., Cox, A.T., Mee, Jessica A. and Walsh, N.P. (2021) A comparison of heat acclimation by post-exercise hot water immersion and exercise in the heat. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 24 (8). pp. 729-734. ISSN Print: 1440-2440

Mee, Jessica (2022) Practical Guidance for Training and Racing in the Heat. In: Endurance - Practical Guidance for Training and Racing in the Heat, 26th February 2022, England Athletics.

Mee, Jessica (2022) Physiological training implications for the female athlete and the Menopause. In: Physiological training implications for the female athlete and the Menopause, 29th January 2022, England Athletics. (Unpublished)

Chadwick, Grace and Pepperell, Richard (2022) It Was Genuinely Quite Unpleasant: Male Transgender Experiences in Physical Education. In: 5th International Conference on Gender and Sexuality, 13th-14th October, Online.

Pepperell, Richard and Edwards, Christian (2022) Preparing students for their independent research project through a blended project-based learning approach. In: University of Worcester Learning and Teaching Conference 2022, 8-9th June 2022, University of Worcester. (Unpublished)

Normand-Gravier, T., Britto, F., Launay, T., Renfree, Andrew, Toussaint, J. F. and Desgorces, F. D. (2022) Exercise Dose Equalization in High-Intensity Interval Training: A Scoping Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (9). p. 4980. ISSN 1660-4601

Boullosa, D., Patrocinio, E., Renfree, Andrew, Casado, A., Foster, C. and Hanley, B. (2022) Analyzing Pacing Micro-variations During 5,000 m Running With Short-term Variability: Beijing 2008 Vs. London 2017. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 54 (9s). p. 610. ISSN 0195-9131

Crivoi do Camo, E., Renfree, Andrew and Barroso, R. (2022) Effects of different goal orientations and virtual opponents performance level on pacing strategy and performance in cycling time trials. European Journal of Sport Science, 22 (4). pp. 491-498. ISSN Print: 1746-1391 Online: 1536-7290

Renfree, Andrew (2022) Regulation of performance during endurance competition lecture. In: 2021 European Endurance Conference, 12 Nov 2021 - 14 Nov 2021, Leeds Beckett University.

West, Julia (2022) Women’s football: What has sparked the game’s recent rise in popularity? Her Football Hub.

Otte, F., Dittmer, T. and West, Julia (2022) Goalkeeping in Modern Football: Current Positional Demands and Research Insights. International Sport Coaching Journal. pp. 1-9. ISSN Print 2328-918X Online 2328-9198

West, Julia (2022) Neuro-walking football: A conversation with a young female coach. Her Football Hub.

West, Julia (2022) Grassroots football: Are the rules really fit for purpose? Her Football Hub.

2021

Cook, Matthew, Dunne, A., Bosworth, M. and Willems, M.E.T. (2021) Effect of Intake Duration of Anthocyanin-Rich New Zealand Blackcurrant Extract on Cardiovascular Responses and Femoral Artery Diameter during Sustained Submaximal Isometric Contraction. Journal of Dietary Supplements. ISSN Print: 1939-0211 Online: 1939-022X

Willems, M.E.T., Todaka, M., Banic, M., Cook, Matthew and Sekine, Y. (2021) Intake of New Zealand Blackcurrant Powder Affects Skin-Borne Volatile Organic Compounds in Middle-Aged and Older Adults. Journal Of Dietary Supplements. ISSN Print: 1939-0211 Online: 1939-022X

Pepperell, Richard and Edwards, Christian (2021) Physical Education and Sports Coaching Science Students’ Application of Research Informed Practice. In: University of Worcester Learning and Teaching Conference 2021, 9th and 10th June 2021, University of Worcester. (Unpublished)

Gonzalez-Mohino, F., Casado, A., Renfree, Andrew, Gonzales-Rave, J.M. and Hanley, B. (2021) The influence of running wide on the bend on finishing times and positions in men’s and women’s 800 m finals at major global championships. Kinesiology: International Journal of Fundamental and Applied Kinesiology, 53 (2). pp. 280-287. ISSN ISSN 1331-1441 ; ISSN 1848-638X (Online)

Renfree, Gillian and Renfree, Andrew (2021) Running, Identity and Meaning: The Pursuit of Distinction through Sport (Book Review). Sport in Society. ISSN Print:1743-0437 Electronic:1743-0445

Casado, A., Hanley, B., Jiménez-Reyes, P. and Renfree, Andrew (2021) Pacing profiles and tactical behaviors of elite runners. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 10 (5). pp. 537-549. ISSN 20952546

Renfree, Andrew, Casado, A. and Mclaren, S. (2021) Re-thinking athlete training loads: Would you rather have one big rock or lots of little rocks dropped on your foot? Research in Sports Medicine. ISSN Print: 1543-8627 Electronic: 1543-8635

Casado, A., Renfree, Andrew, Jaenes-Sánchez, J. C., Cuadrado-Peñafiel, V. and Jiménez-Reyes, P. (2021) Differentiating Endurance- and Speed-Adapted Types of Elite and World Class Milers According to Biomechanical, Pacing and Perceptual Responses during a Sprint Interval Session. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (5). p. 2448. ISSN 1660-4601

Renfree, Andrew and Hanley, B. (2021) Strategic and Tactical Decision-Making in Middle- and Long-Distance Running Races. In: The Science and Practice of Middle and Long Distance Running. Taylor & Francis, London, pp. 176-184. ISBN 9780367423186

Renfree, Andrew (2021) Regulation of performance during endurance competition. In: European Athletics Endurance Conference, 12-14/11/21, Leeds, Beckett University.

Renfree, Andrew (2021) Optimising regulation of exercise intensity. In: European Athletics High Performance Webinar, 16th July 2021.

Renfree, Andrew (2021) Interval training for middle-distance performance. In: England Athletics Academic Research Webinar (8th May 2021), 8th May 2021, Online. (Unpublished)

West, Julia (2021) COVID-19 and the impact it has on grassroots football. Her Football Hub.

West, Julia (2021) Z:RO to hero: Do minimalist goalkeeper gloves really work? Her Football Hub.

West, Julia (2021) Why do goalkeepers wear gloves? Her Football Hub.

West, Julia (2021) Lessons in Learning. Women's Soccer Coaching, 009. p. 15.

West, Julia (2021) The accidental goalkeeper. In: Football, She Wrote: An Anthology of Women’s Writing on the Game. Floodlit Dreams Ltd, Herts, UK, pp. 139-145. ISBN 9781838030025

2020

Thomas, Gavin, Cook, Matthew, Duncan, Benedict, Bevins, Joe, Corbett, Mark and Warren, M. (2020) Land's End to John o' Groats Cycle Challenge: An overview of the support provided and a qualitative appraisal of its impact. The Sport and Exercise Scientist (63). pp. 20-21. ISSN 1754-3444

Cook, Matthew, Sandhu, A. and Joyce, Jennifer (2020) Effect of New Zealand Blackcurrant on Blood Pressure, Cognitive Function and Functional Performance in Older Adults. Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics, 39 (2). pp. 99-113. ISSN Print: 2155-1197 Online: 2155-1200

Wei, C., Yu, L., Duncan, Benedict and Renfree, Andrew (2020) A Plyometric Warm-Up Protocol Improves Running Economy in Recreational Endurance Athletes. Frontiers in Physiology, 11. Article no. 197. ISSN 1664-042X

Holland, Christopher, Hughes, J. and De Ste Croix, M.B.A (2020) Acute Effects of Increased Joint Mobilization Treatment Duration on Ankle Function and Dynamic Postural Control in Female Athletes With Chronic Ankle Instability. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 8 (6). Article no. 2325967120927371. ISSN 2325-9671

Holland, Christopher and Godwin, M.S. (2020) The metabolic demand of external load carriage in golfers: a comparison of a single versus double-strap golf bag. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 59 (12). pp. 1963-1967. ISSN Print: 0022-4707 Online: 1827-1928

Renfree, Andrew, Casado, A., Pellejero, G. and Hanley, B. (2020) More Pace Variation and Pack Formation in Successful World-Class 10,000-m Runners Than in Less Successful Competitors. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15 (10). pp. 1369-1376. ISSN 1555-0265

Renfree, Andrew (2020) Performance data: less is more? The Sport and Exercise Scientist (66). pp. 20-21. ISSN 1754-3444

Casado, A., Renfree, Andrew, Maroto-Sánchez, B. and Hanley, B. (2020) Individual performances relative to season bests in major track running championship races are distance-, position- and sex-dependent. European Journal of Human Movement, 44. pp. 146-161. ISSN 2386-4095 (eISSN)

do Carmo, Everton, Renfree, Andrew, Silva, Natalia, Gil, Saulo and Tricoli, Valmor (2020) Affective feelings and perceived exertion during a 10-km time trial and head-to-head running race. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15 (6). pp. 903-906. ISSN 1555-0265

Veen, Jort, Corbett, Mark and Renfree, Andrew (2020) Maximal Sprints Within the Warm-up Does Not Affect Pacing or Performance in a 10 km Cycle Time Trial. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 15 (2). pp. 319-329. ISSN Online: 1988-5202

Wei, C., Yu, L., Duncan, Benedict and Renfree, Andrew (2020) A Plyometric Warm-Up Protocol Improves Running Economy in Recreational Endurance Athletes. Frontiers in Physiology, 11. Article no. 197. ISSN 1664-042X

Gonzales-Mohino, F., Santos del Cerro, J., Renfree, Andrew, Yustres, I. and González-Ravé, J.M. (2020) The Relationship Between Tactical Positioning and the Race Outcome in 800-m Running at the 2016 Olympic Games and 2017 IAAF World Championship. Journal of Human Kinetics, 71 (1). pp. 299-305. ISSN Print: 1640-5544 Online: 1899-7562

Renfree, Andrew (2020) Ideas for Implementing Previous Theory into Design of Training Sessions. In: England Athletics Academic Research Webinar, 23 November 2020, Online. (Unpublished)

Renfree, Andrew (2020) Pacing Strategy & Tactics in Endurance Performance. In: England Athletics Academic Research Webinar, 16 November 2020, Online. (Unpublished)

Renfree, Andrew (2020) The Role of Decision-making in Endurance Performance. In: England Athletics Academic Research Webinar, 9th November 2020, Online. (Unpublished)

2019

Gibson, O.R., James, C.A., Mee, Jessica A., Willmott, A.G.B., Turner, G., Hayes, M. and Maxwell, N.S. (2019) Heat alleviation strategies for athletic performance: A review and practitioner guidelines. Temperature, 7 (1). pp. 3-36. ISSN Print: 2332-8940, Online: 2332-8959

Zurawlew, M.J., Mee, Jessica A. and Walsh, N.P. (2019) Post Exercise Hot Water Immersion Elicits Heat Acclimation Adaptations in Endurance Trained and Recreationally Active Individuals. Frontiers in Physiology, 10 (1080). ISSN Online: 1664-042X

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Opportunities

PhD Research

Self-funded PhD projects within HPRG will be advertised here, but also on FindAPhD.

Approaches from self-supporting PhD students are accepted all year round. 

Please contact:  a.renfree@worc.ac.uk and matthew.cook@worc.ac.uk to express an interest along with an outline of your research ideas.

 

Get in touch

For more information on our research or opportunities please get in touch with Dr Any Renfree at:
a.renfree@worc.ac.uk