Mr Blake Rivers
Contact
- Email: k2413250@kingston.ac.uk
- Location: Penrhyn Road
- Faculty: Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education
- School: School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry
- Department: Department of Applied and Human Sciences
Research project: Understanding the role of the menstrual cycle on neuromuscular and biomechanical indicators of ACL injury risk in women's team sports
Abstract
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injuries persist in being one of the most devastating and complex non-contact injuries in the sporting world. Occurring at all levels of competition, ACL injuries not only cause substantial emotional and physical impacts, but a considerable economic burden too. Epidemiologic data continues to suggest that female athletes are at least 2-4 times more likely to sustain an ACL injury compared to male athletes, with higher prevalence in team-sports. Due to the recent rise in female sport participation, it is plausible to suggest that an ‘at risk' group of individuals has been identified. It would be prudent to anticipate that if these factors continue to steadily rise, so will the likelihood of female ACL complications. Although a relationship between female specific factors, namely - the menstrual cycle, and ligament properties has been in the literature since pre 2000, little of this surrounds biomechanical and neuromuscular factors.
- Research degree: PhD
- Title of project: Understanding the role of the menstrual cycle on neuromuscular and biomechanical indicators of ACL injury risk in women's team sports
- Research supervisor: Dr Simon Augustus
- Other research supervisors:
Biography
Following a BSc in Strength & Conditioning and two years of working in championship Rugby, I completed an MSc in Sport & Exercise Biomechanics at the University of Chichester. Since then, I have completed positions as a Biomechanics Research Assistant, looking closely at filtering systems and ACL injury risk, as well as continuing to provide S&C services to multiple athletes competing professionally in Olympic sports.
Whilst completing my PhD, I continue to provide S&C services, as well as a coaching/rehabilitation position at PerformanceRx, an acclaimed private facility in North London specialising in low back/spine rehabilitation. These experiences continue to fuel my fascination with Biomechanics, with particular interests around connective tissue injuries, connective tissue adaptations, the female athlete, and the development of improved filtering systems for Biomechanical data.
Areas of research interest
- Tissue Biomechanics
- Connective Tissue Adaptation
- Menstrual Cycle Biomechanics
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk
- Strength & Conditioning
Qualifications
- MSc Sport & Exercise Biomechanics, University of Chichester
- BSc Strength & Conditoining (Hons), University of Bedfordshire
- Foundation Speed/Strength Course, ALTIS