Dr Paul M Smith

Paul Smith

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E- mail: psmith@cardiffmet.ac.uk 

Qualifications

PhD (by published works) Methodological Developments in the Assessment of Physiological Responses to Arm Crank Ergometry

MSc (research) Exercise Physiology (Manchester Metropolitan University) 

BSc (Hons) Sport Science (Crewe and Alsager College of Higher Education)

Academic Responsibility

Programme Director of the postgraduate taught MSc in Sport and Exercise Science;

Module Leader for postgraduate modules:

SSP7138: Exercise Testing and Interpretation; and

SSP7112: Development of Professional Skills in Sport and Exercise Science.

Research

Research Interests

  • Physiology of Upper-Body Exercise (Arm Crank Ergometry)
  • Performance Determinants of Competitive Handcycling
  • Assessment of sprint performance during upper-body exercise
  • Multi-/interdisciplinary approaches to research (linking elements of exercise physiology with complementary topics in microbiology, health psychology, sports biomechanics and engineering) – a Global Academies Perspective
  • Overcoming barriers to physical activity to promote post-traumatic growth

    Membership of Professional Bodies

    Fellow of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences

Publications

Nevin, J., Kouwijzer, I., Stone , B., Quittmann, O., Hettinga, F., Abel, T., Smith, P.M. (under review). The Science of Handcycling: a Narrative Review. International Journal of Sport Physiology and Performance.

Nevin, J., Smith, P.M. (e-article, ahead of print). The Relationship between Absolute and Relative Upper-Body Strength and Handcycling Performance Capabilities. International Journal of Sport Physiology and Performance.

Nevin, J., Smith, P.M. (e-article, ahead of print). The Effectiveness of a 30-Week Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training Program in Preparation for an Ultra-Endurance Handcycling Challenge: A Case Study International Journal of Sport Physiology and Performance.

Walker, R., Limbert, C., Smith, P.M. (2021). Exploring the Perceived Barriers and Benefits of Physical Activity Among Wounded, Injured and/or Sick Military Veterans. Joiunal of Social, Behavioural and Health Sciences. 15: (1). E-print ahead of publication.

Walker, R. Limbert, C., Smith P.M. (2020). Perceived Barrier to, and Benefits of Physical Activity among Wounded, Injured, and/or Sick British Military Veterans: A Behaviour Change Wheel Perspective. Disability and Rehabilitation. E-print ahead of publication.

Nevin, J., Smith, P.M. (2020). The Anthropometric, Physiological, and Strength-Related Determinants of Handcycling 15-km Time-Trial Performance. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. 16: 259-266.

Walker, R., Limbert, C., Smith, P.M. (2020).  The Psychosocial Effects of Physical Activity on Wounded, Injured, and/or Sick Military Veterans: A Narrative Synthesis Systematic Review of Quantitative Evidence. Journal of Military Behaviour and Health. 8: 292-307.

Nevin, J., Smith, P., Waldron, M., Patterson, S., Price, M., Hunt, A., and Balgrove, R. (2018). Efficacy of an 8-Week Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training program on Hand Cycling Performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 32: 1861-1868.

Stephens, C., Neil, R. and Smith, P. (2012). The Perceived Benefits and Barriers of Sport in Spinal Cord Injured Individuals; A Qualitative Study. Disability and Rehabilitation. 34 :2061-70.

Allgrove, J.E., Chapman, M., Christides, T., Tanner, A., Smith, P.M.. (2012). Immunoendocrine responses of spinal cord injured athletes to 1-hr self-paced exercise: a pilot study. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development. 49: 925-33.

C.A. Leicht, P.M. Smith, G. Sharpe, C Perret, V.L. Goosey-Tolfrey. (2010). The effects of a respiratory warm-up on the physical capacity and ventilatory response in paraplegic individuals. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 110: 1291-1298.

M.J. Price, L. Bottoms, P.M. Smith, and A. Nicholettos. (2010). The effects of an increasing vs. constant crank rate on peak physiological responses during incremental arm crank ergometry. Journal of Sports Sciences. 29: 263-269.

C.A. Leicht, P.M. Smith, G. Sharpe, C Perret, V.L. Goosey-Tolfrey. (2010). The effects of a respiratory warm-up on the physical capacity and ventilatory response in paraplegic individuals. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 110: 1291-1298.

P.M. Smith, M.L. Chapman, K.E. Hazlehurst, M.A. Goss-Sampson. (2008). The influence of crank pattern on muscle activity and torque production during arm crank ergometry. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 18: 598-605.

M.J. Price, L. Collins, P.M. Smith and M. Goss-Sampson. (2007). The effects of cadence and power output upon physiological and biomechanical responses to incremental arm crank ergometry. Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism. 32: 686-692.

Textbooks

Davison, R.C.R., Bottoms, L., Hopker, J., Price, M., Tew, G., Smith, P.M. (in press). BASES Sport and Exercise Physiology Testing Guidelines; Sports Performance (Volume 1). London, Routledge.

Davison, R.C.R., Bottoms, L., Hopker, J., Price, M., Tew, G., Smith, P.M. (in press). BASES Sport and Exercise Physiology Testing Guidelines; Exercise and Clinical Testing (Volume 2). London, Routledge.

Textbook Chapters and other Professional Communications

BASES Exercise Testing Guidelines; Professional Competency and Working with Others. Michael J. Price, Andrew M. Miles, Paul M. Smith (Sport and Clinical volumes)

BASES Exercise Testing Guidelines; Physiological Testing of the Master Athlete. R.C. Richard Davison and Paul M. Smith. (Sport volume)

Davison, R.C.R. and Smith, P.M. (2019). Quantitative Data Analyses. In: Bird, S.(editor). Research Methods in Physical Activity and Health. Routledge; Abingdon, Oxon, UK.

Bottoms, L, Smith, P.M., Tew, G. and Price, M.J. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Expert Statement: Aerobic Training for Older and Clinical Groups using Arm Crank Ergometry (accessed on 1st May 2020)

Smith,P.M. and Abel, T. (2012). Handcycling: from racing, to recreation and clinical rehabilitation. In  Gilbert, K.,  Schantz, O.J., Legg, D. and Darcy, S (eds). The Paralympics: Current Perspectives and Issues, International Council for Sport Science and Physical Education Bulletin #61. ISSN: 1728-5909

Smith, P.M. and Fleming, S. (2011). Paralympic Legacy in Physical Activity and Health: A UK Perspective. In: Gilbert, K. & Legg, D. (eds), Paralympic Legacies, Commonground Publishing; Champaign, Il ISBN 978-1-86335-896-5

Personal Profile

Paul grew up in Pontllanfraith, a small Welsh valleys town and graduated from a BSc (Hons) degree in Sport Science in 1992. Following this, he completed a postgraduate degree (MSc by research) in Exercise Physiology, before he started work at the University of Luton in October 1994. Shortly after, Paul commenced a programme of research towards the completion of his PhD via published works, consisting of 11 publications. His work specifically focused upon the development and application of methodological procedures using arm crank ergometry (i.e., arm cycling).

Over the years, with his expertise as an exercise physiologist, Paul has been involved in numerous and a variety of projects linked to adapted physical activity. Such projects include two races across America (i.e., the RAAM) in 2012 and 2017. In 2018, Paul was involved in preparing a male handcyclist who broke the World's best time for human (arm) powered speed at Battle Mountain, Utah, and between January 2017 and May 2019. Paul also helped a male handcyclist physically prepare for a solo ride from John O'Groats to Land's End in July 2019 – the athlete smashed the long-standing record in an incredible time of 3 d 17 hr 55 min.

In addition to all of this pro bono work as an exercise physiologist, Paul and his colleagues have completed and published a great deal of research, much of which has been undertaken in conjunction with internal and external partners. A recent innovation project with colleagues at Swansea University is creating a novel piece of exercise to facilitate total body exercise for individuals with a spinal cord injury. In addition to academic and research pursuits, Paul has played an important role in the development of competitive and recreational opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities and has acted as a trustee, treasurer and national representative for the UK Handcycling Association and the European Handcycling Federation. Most recently, Paul has become the director of research for a social enterprise, company limited by guarantee, ADAPT Gateway UK Ltd. ADAPT Gateway want to avoid duplication of effort and, where possible, extend and enhance the capacity and quality of services provided by other organisations.

Paul's main research interests explore determinants of sport (i.e., handcycling) performance and most recently has developed multidimensional, holistic approaches to identifying (perceived) barriers to individuals becoming physically active, leading to reduced isolation, improved function, health and (physical and mental) wellbeing. He is a proponent of research and is convinced of the close link between increased physical activity, functionality, self-esteem, general mental health, independence and an extended and improved quality of life. Collaborative links between the local community and an academic institution represents a very exciting opportunity during unprecedented and challenging times.

Paul is a Football Association of Wales community coach, a keen Alpine skier, he is very good at DIY and is passionate about the wonders and therapeutic benefits of nature and the natural world

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