
Richard Murray SmithThe University of Sydney · Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science
Richard Murray Smith
BSc (UNSW), DipEd (Sydney), MSc (Macq), MEd (Manc), MA (Macq), PhD (Woll)
About
183
Publications
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Introduction
I have a deep interest in human physical performance whether it is the process of recovering from injury or illness, maximising sport performance or just optimising day to day function. My main research interests are footwear and lower limb mechanics and rowing performance.
Additional affiliations
Education
March 1992 - December 1996
March 1981 - December 1983
August 1979 - June 1980
Publications
Publications (183)
Background:
The study aimed to translate the foot function index (FFI) questionnaire to Thai and to determine psychometric properties of the questionnaire among individuals with plantar foot complaints.
Methods:
The Thai version of the FFI (FFI-Th) was adapted according to a forward and backward translation protocol by two independent translator...
Computer modelling of human movement
Estimating the talocrural and subtalar joint axis orientations using a minimisation of variance technique
Net power production and performance at different stroke rates and abilities during pair-oar rowing
Application of genetic programming for the evolution of controllers for stepping in paraplegics
Forward dynamic modelling to predict electrical stimulation timing in cycling exercise for people with spinal cord injury
Bond graph modeling and model-based predictive control for fes-induced single joint movement
Objective:
To investigate the effects of physical therapy interventions using strengthening and stretching exercise programs on pain and temporospatial gait parameters in patients with plantar fasciitis (PF).
Methods:
Eighty-four patients with PF participated in the study and were randomly assigned to the strengthening or stretching exercise gro...
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays an important role in controlling knee joint stability. The literature provides conflicting information on whether patients with ACL deficiency exhibits gait adaptations. The aim of this study is to investigate if the use of neural networks with a new pattern recognition-based method can differentiate gait...
Purpose:
The objective of this study was to compare the ground reaction forces (GRFs) and the multi-segment foot motion between individuals with plantar fasciitis (PF) and healthy controls.
Methods:
Twenty-one individuals with PF and 21 matched-case healthy controls who passed the criteria participated in the study. Gait data were assessed durin...
Background::
There is evidence that frontal plane knee joint motion plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis, yet investigation of individuals with chronic anterior cruciate ligament-deficient (ACLD) knees remains sparse.
Purpose::
To investigate (1) if individuals with chronic ACLD knees demonstrate higher biomechanical m...
There has been substantial interest in the mechanisms underpinning the skilled movements of on-water rowing for more than 150 years. Contemporary attention from biomechanical research has focused on the important relationship between kinetics (such as force application at the oar) and performance. A range of instrumentation systems have been develo...
Thongs may be beneficial for children’s developing feet despite increased ankle dorsiflexion and midfoot plantarflexion seen during walking[1]. Enclosed footwear limits midfoot joint motion and power[2,3]. Ankle and midfoot joint plantarflexion is necessary for the generation of foot and ankle power during the propulsive phase of walking. The splin...
Objectives
To examine whether the Functional Data Analysis (FDA), Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) and Statistical non-Parametric Mapping (SnPM) hypothesis testing techniques differ in their ability to draw inferences in the context of a single, simple experimental design.
Design
The sample data used is cross-sectional (two-sample gender compa...
Asymmetries of the rowing stroke cycle have been assessed with reference to kinematics and foot-force measures in laboratory testing environments. It remains unclear how asymmetries in propulsive kinetic measures are related to on-water rowing performance. A new approach for the evaluation of both global and local asymmetries across the entire move...
The proliferation of new biomechanical technology in laboratory and field settings facilitates the capture of data-sets consisting of complex time-series. An understanding of the appropriate statistical approaches for analysing and interpreting these data-sets is required and the functional data analysis (FDA) family of statistical techniques has e...
Sporting performance is often investigated through graphical observation of key technical variables that are representative of whole movements. The presence of differences between athletes in such variables has led to terms such as movement signatures being used. These signatures can be multivariate (multiple time-series observed concurrently), and...
Objectives:
To examine whether gender or side of the boat influenced shape characteristics of the force-angle profile in on-water single sculling.
Design:
Cross-sectional study design.
Methods:
Bivariate functional principal components analysis (bfPCA) was applied to force-angle data to identify the main modes of variance in curves of forty hi...
Human locomotion is a complex process that shows some inherent synergies and coordination, also called inter-joint coordination, between the upper and lower limbs. In this paper, we investigate the use of Koopman operator to identify a dynamic mapping between an upper limb and its contra-lateral lower limb in the human locomotion. We perform a huma...
The purpose of this study was to identify the role of humeral elevation of the non-throwing
arm in relation to maximum ball velocity (MBV) in unconstrained overarm throws in
children aged 12-14. 3D motion analysis was used to investigate the throwing technique
of 144 students. The group was classified as ‘skilled’ or ‘less skilled’ based on MBV at...
The graphical presentation of the propulsive force applied at the pin plotted relative to the horizontal angle of the oar has been used practically in on-water rowing for the qualitative assessment of skill. How the pattern is related to performance variables has not been well identified, particularly for highly trained sculling athletes. Bivariate...
Objectives:
To quantify the impact attenuation properties of the jazz shoes, and to investigate the in-vivo effect of four jazz shoe designs on lower limb joint stiffness during a dance-specific jump.
Design:
Repeated measures.
Methods:
A custom-built mechanical shoe tester similar to that used by athletic shoe companies was used to vertically...
This pilot study reports the development of a novel closed-loop (CL) FES-gait control system, which employed a finite-state controller that processed kinematic feedback from four miniaturized motion sensors. This strategy automated the control of knee extension via quadriceps and gluteus stimulation during the stance phase of gait on the supporting...
Objectives:
Ankle sprains account for a large percentage of injuries sustained in netball. The identification of risk factors for ankle sprain is the preliminary action required to inform future prevention strategies.
Design:
Prospective study.
Participants:
Ninety-four netball players from club and inter-district teams.
Methods:
Preseason d...
This is a case series study with the objective of comparing two motion sensor automated strategies to avert knee buckle during functional electrical stimulation (FES)—standing against a conventional hand-controlled (HC) FES approach. The research was conducted in a clinical exercise laboratory gymnasium at the University of Sydney, Australia. The a...
Background Ankle sprains account for a large majority of injuries in netball. As a result of the rules of the sport balance is believed to be an essential component game-related athletic performance. Balance allows players in shooting positions to remain stable and aim for goal but also allows all players to obstruct a pass, or shot at goal, by hol...
Between limb movement asymmetries and foot force production asymmetries are thought to be detrimental for both rower's performance and risk of injury, particularly when rowing frequently on ergometers. Several ergometers with different designs can be used by rowers as part of their indoor training. Hence, this study aimed to compare asymmetries in...
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions among older adults, with the medial tibio-femoral joint being most frequently affected. The knee adduction moment is recognized as a surrogate measure of the medial tibio-femoral compartment joint load and therefore represents a valid intervention target. This article provides the...
Feedback is necessary for the improvement of motor performance. Elite level athletes in particular require accurate and detailed kinematic and kinetic information for improvement. The purpose of this study was to design, build, validate and apply an unobtrusive oar force-angle measurement system for the evaluation of on-water rowing performance. Pe...
The aim of this study was to quantify the effects of heel-forefoot height on ankle kinematics during locomotion in children. Measurements were taken by a motion capture system and a force plate on five children. They were asked to perform standing, walking, jogging and sidestepping in barefoot, low heel, standard heel and high heel shoe conditions....
Competitive rowing has been practiced for millennia as evidenced by Egyptian wall paintings from 2500 BC. Boats from the First Egyptian Dynasty were 25 m long and 2 m wide had 30 rowers. Rowing races were conducted in Ancient Greece as part of festivals and games (Virgil, 19 – 30 BC) and in Rome regattas were organized for entertainment. The comple...
Ankle sprains are common in netball and, if quantified mechanical ankle laxity can be linked with ankle kinematics during common netball landing tasks, then preventative measures can be implemented to reduce the occurrence of such injuries. Four netball players had their ankle laxity measured with an ankle arthrometer and performed two landing task...
The purpose of this study was to relate 1st metatarsophalangeal (1MTP) joint stiffness
caused by maximal passive hallux dorsiflexion with midfoot moment in the push off phase
during gait. Hallux dorsiflexion and 1MTP joint stiffness was measured using a hallux
dynamometer, while participants (n = 8) were relaxed in a purpose-built chair. Motion
cap...
Thongs and supportive shoes have been shown to alter children’s barefoot motion. However, the effect of thongs on other types of activities such as sidestepping are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect thong style flip-flops and supportive shoes have on childrens knee and foot motion during a jogging sidestep task when comp...
The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of using the fixed and swivel seat between the elite and sub elite kayakers, conducted on a 200 metre simulation race in the laboratory setting. One elite and one sub elite male sprint kayakers participated in this study, performing on both seat conditions. High correlations were observed...
The pattern of propulsive force (measured at the pin), represented by force-time and force-angle graphs, typically differs among rowers. How the pattern differs according to competition level and gender has not been identified. Functional data analysis (FDA) techniques were used on force-time and force-angle data to identify the main modes of varia...
The pattern of propulsive force (measured at the pin), represented by force-time and force-angle graphs, typically differs among rowers. How the pattern differs according to competition level and gender has not been identified. Functional data analysis (FDA) techniques were used on force-time and force-angle data to identify the main modes of varia...
Sometimes new knowledge, gleaned from our biomechanics experiments, is surprising, even counter-intuitive. Some examples from rowing and footwear biomechanics research illustrate this phenomenon. A study of ergometer rowing reveals a flexion moment at the knee joint while it is extending during the drive phase with implications for strength and con...
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is an inherited neuropathy causing progressive weakness, foot deformity and difficulty walking. Clinical anecdotes suggest orthoses designed on the 'sensorimotor' paradigm are beneficial for improving gait in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Investigate the effect of sensorimotor orthoses on in-shoe and lower limb biomechani...
Ankle injuries account for the highest percentage of injuries in netball, yet the chronic nature of ankle sprains is under reported within this population group. Chronic ankle instability is a term used to describe certain insufficiencies that persist after an acute ankle sprain. The aim of this study was to investigate recurrent sprain, perceived...
Certain styles of children’s shoes reduce 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) and midfoot motion during propulsion of walking. However, no studies have investigated if the splinting effect of shoes on children’s 1st MTPJ and midfoot motion occurs during running. This study investigated the effect of sports shoes on multi-segment foot kinematics of...
Excessive knee valgus moments are considered to be a risk factor for non-contact injuries in female athletes. Knee injuries are highly prevalent in netballers and are significant in terms of cost and disability. The aim of the study was to identify if changes in external ankle support mechanisms effect the range of motion and loading patterns at th...
This study investigated whether the relationship between muscle torque and m-waves remained constant after short recovery periods, between repeated intervals of isometric muscle contractions induced by functional electrical stimulation (FES). Eight subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) were recruited for the study. All subjects had their quadricep...
Dancers are exposed to many landings from jumps during class and performance, and repetitive loading has been linked with an increased risk of injury. Little is known about the effect of different dance shoe types on jump landings, and with so many dance shoe designs available to choose
from, a thorough exploration is warranted. Dance technique dic...
We investigated the acquisition of skill in balancing a stick (52 cm, 34 g) on the fingertip in nine participants using three-dimensional motion analysis. After 3.5 hours practice over 6 weeks, the participants could more consistently balance the stick for longer durations with greatly reduced magnitude and speed of stick and finger movements. Irre...
FES rowing is a complete whole body exercise that has potential to provide aerobic and muscle training benefits for individuals with SCI. Current FES rowing systems comprise `fixed' stretcher designs whereby the disabled rower moves their seated body mass over a sliding bar while the foot stretcher remains fixed. The present work describes the deve...
Background
Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a term used to identify certain insufficiencies of the ankle joint complex following an acute ankle injury. Acute ankle injuries are often associated with sporting mishaps; however, this review was the first to identify the aspects of CAI (perceived instability, mechanical instability and recurrent spr...
Background
Ankle plantarflexion contractures are common in adults with neurological disorders and known to cause secondary gait deviations. However, their impact on the knee joint is not fully understood. The aims of the study are to describe the effect of simulated plantarflexion contractures on knee biomechanics during the stance phase and on the...
A significant number of rowers do not receive technical coaching. However, proper technique is a key component both for achieving competitive success and in preventing injuries or long-term induced postural deformity. In cooperation with national rowing coaches we developed a sensor system to continuously monitor rowers’ seat positions, enabling us...
Abstract The knee is a common site of injury in netball players. In this study, 10 high-performance netball players underwent a biomechanical assessment of their single leg landing technique whilst receiving a pass. Three-dimensional video and ground reaction force data were recorded using a motion analysis system. Net internal knee joint moments w...
External ankle support has been successfully used to prevent ankle sprains. However, some recent studies have indicated that reducing ankle range of motion can place larger loads on the knee. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of external ankle support (braces and high-top shoes) on the ankle and knee joint loading during a netball...
Measuring the horizontal rowing oar angle in an unobtrusive way is an unsolved problem for the rowing community and an interesting field for ubiquitous computing. We present the design and implementation of a new rowing oar angle measurement system that is based on an inertial measurement unit mounted inside the rowing oar and a user interface runn...
Background
Thong style flip-flops are a popular form of footwear for children. Health professionals relate the wearing of thongs to foot pathology and deformity despite the lack of quantitative evidence to support or refute the benefits or disadvantages of children wearing thongs. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of thong footwea...
ABSTRACT Principal component analysis is a powerful and popular technique for capturing redundancy in muscle activity and kinematic patterns. A primary limitation of the correlations or covariances between signals on which this analysis is based is that they do not account for dynamic relations between signals, yet such relations-such as that betwe...
The objectives of this study were to profile the physiological and physical characteristics of elite dragon boat paddlers, to identify characteristics that predict race performance and to quantify the metabolic energy contributions to simulated 200-m and 500-m dragon boat racing. Eleven, national level, male, Japanese dragon boat paddlers completed...
Although it could be perceived that there is extensive research on the impact attenuation characteristics of shoes, the approach and findings of researchers in this area are varied. This review aimed to clarify the effect of shoes on impact attenuation to the foot and lower leg and was limited to those studies that compared the shoe condition(s) wi...
We studied 14 skilled subjects balancing a stick (a television antenna, 52 cm, 34 g) on their middle fingertip. Comprehensive three-dimensional analyses revealed that the movement of the finger was 1.75 times that of the stick tip, such that the balanced stick behaved more like a normal noninverted pendulum than the inverted pendulum common to engi...
There has been little scientific investigation of the impact of dance shoes on foot motion or dance injuries. The pointed (plantar-flexed) foot is a fundamental component of both the technical requirements and the traditional aesthetic of ballet and jazz dancing. The aims of this study were to quantify the externally observed angle of plantar flexi...
The cardiorespiratory responses and mechanical efficiencies of two modalities of functional electrical stimulation augmented leg exercises - isokinetic cycling and isokinetic elliptical stepping - were compared amongst individuals with spinal cord injury.
Five subjects performed seated isokinetic evoked cycling and elliptical stepping leg exercise...
Background Thong style flip-flop footwear (TH) and sandals are the preferred footwear of 22% of Australian children, however little is known about the effects of wearing TH on the growing child [1]. Previous research has shown TH reduces children’s hallux dorsiflexion prior to contact during walking and jogging and at toe-off whilst jogging [2]. Ad...
Males typically have greater upper body strength than do females, which is likely to impact on the rowing techniques adopted by each sex. The aim of this study was to quantify energy contributions and compare the joint power production of upper extremity joints between the sexes. Seven males and eight females performed 60 s trials at five different...
During kayak paddling, athletes attempt to maximize kayak velocity with the generation of optimal paddle forces. The aim of the current study was to examine ten elite kayakers and identify a number of key biomechanical performance variables during maximal paddling on a custom kayak simulator. These included analysing the effect of side (left and ri...
The effect of rowing ergometer design upon power delivery and coordination patterns of the rowing stroke was analyzed for 14 elite rowers. Rowers were tested in three ergometer conditions: the fixed stretcher Concept2c ergometer, the Concept2c ergometer mounted on sliding rails, and the sliding stretcher RowPerfect ergometer. Ergometers were instru...
This study investigated whether muscle fatigue during functional electrical stimulation (FES)-induced cycling was associated with changes occurring in evoked electromyographic signals (eEMG, M-waves) in individuals with spinal cord injury. We also explored the effects of recovery intervals between exercise sessions on the relationship between eEMG...