Sport and Exercise Science

Profile

Background

Dr Joanna Scurr is a Reader in Biomechanics and the biomechanics field leader. Joanna completed her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the University of Chichester (1999).  She is a BASES accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist and a fellow of BASES. 

As a Reader Joanna’s role focuses mainly on research having taught on many undergraduate and Master's level Biomechanics modules in the past.  Joanna is unit coordinator for the MSc Applied Biomechanics module and Joanna supervises many undergraduate, MRes and Postgraduate research students. 

Joanna's research interests are in the area of breast health. Joanna heads the Research Group in Breast Health internationally renowned for research on the biomechanics of the breast.  This group has developed a unique database on the breast comfort and support requirements of hundreds of women since their research began in 2005.  The Research Group in Breast Health is responsible for more than half of the scientific publications in the area and regularly presents work internationally.  Joanna and her team are also well known within the commercial sector, with research projects funded by many of the major lingerie, sports bra, and sporting apparel manufacturers around the world. The group’s Breast Health initiatives include collaborative programmes with schools, military servicewomen, athletes and clinical populations. As head of the research group Joanna not only aims to increase knowledge in the area, but also to raise awareness of this importance aspect of women’s health.  The Research Group in Breast Health has achieved over £600,000 worth of collaborative funding, journal publications, national and international research presentations and international media coverage, including television and radio.

Recent Publications

Publications before 2008

Duncan, M., Al-Nakeeb, Y. and Scurr, J. (2006). Perceived exertion is related to muscle activity during leg extension exercise. Research in Sports Medicine. 14(3), 179-189.

Vanicek, N., Kingman, J. and Hencken, C. (2004). The effect of foot orthotics on myoelectric fatigue in the vastus lateralis during a simulated skier’s squat. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 14, 693-698.

Kingman, J. and Dyson, R. (2001). The scientific literature available on roller hockey. Journal of Human Movement Studies . 41, 415-433.

Boyden, G., Kingman, J. and Dyson, R. (2000). A comparison of quadriceps electromyographic activity with the position of the foot during the parallel squat. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 14, 379-382.

Kingman, J. C. and Dyson, R. (1997a). Analysis of roller hockey match play. Journal of Human Movement Studies. 32, 235-251.

Kingman, J. C. and Dyson, R. J. (1997b). Player position, match half and score effects on the time and motion characteristics of roller hockey match play. Journal of Human Movement Studies. 33, 15–29.

Funding

£350,000 Research and Knowledge Transfer projects on Breast Health with commercial collaborators (2005 onwards).

£29,000 Strategic planning group equipment funding (Jan 09).

£18,000 PhD student bursary on breast biomechanics (Jan 08).

£30,000 HEIF capacity building funding (Sept 2007).

£5,000 promising researcher grant (2007).

£25,000 Commericalise project with a local SME for product development (2006).

£4,000 product testing with Superfeet Int. (2005).

£5,000 HEIF funding for knowledge transfer activities in the area of breast biomechanics (2005).

£13,000 equipment funding from the Science Faculty research budget (2008).

£6,200 Equipment funding from internal research pot (2004).