Biomechanical performance and injury risk in cricket

Biomechanical research is increasingly contributing to enhancing performance and/or reducing injury risk in elite athletes. In cricket there has been a plethora of experimental research on the biomechanics of fast bowling and causative mechanisms underpinning common injuries associated with this activity (notably spinal injuries). However, many other aspects of biomechanical performance and injury risk in this sport remain understudied (both experimentally and using modern computer simulation approaches), providing considerable opportunity for research in this area.

In this project the student will assess the relationship between anatomy, bowling kinematics and performance and/or injury risk in cricket bowlers. The project will make use of the state-of-the-art biomechanics facilities within the Institute of Ageing & Chronic Disease at the University of Liverpool. These include a large purpose built gait lab containing two 3D motion capture systems, force and pressure plates, isokinetic tester, EMG & accelerometer equipment, pressure insole system and material testing facilities. In addition to these experimental facilities we also have direct access to medical imaging (MRI, CT) and high performance computing facilities to support computer simulation approaches (MDA, FEA).

You will have a keen interest or background in anatomy, biomechanics and sports performance and skills in quantitative, mechanical and/or 3D digital techniques, but we’ll provide training in all techniques to be used. The team that you will join includes experts in vertebrate anatomy, biomechanics, imaging and computer simulation. You’ll be based primarily with Dr Karl Bates in the Evolutionary Morphology & Biomechanics Group at Liverpool (http://www.liv.ac.uk/ageing-and-chronic-disease/research/evolutionary-morphology-and-biomechanics).

The Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease is fully committed to promoting gender equality in all activities. In recruitment we emphasize the supportive nature of the working environment and the flexible family support that the University provides. The Institute holds a silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of on-going commitment to ensuring that the Athena SWAN principles are embedded in its activities and strategic initiatives.