Golf
Interest lies in gaining a greater understanding of what leads to maximal golf performance. Areas of study include using high speed 3D motion analysis to analyse the kinematics and kinetics of the golf swing and their effects on ball flight. Further interests are in developing better performance analysis methods for golf and the optimisation of physical preparation for golf. Future work is planned to look at the application of skill learning theories to develop better golf tuition resulting in increased skill retention and transfer.
Current projects include:
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Full body kinematics and kinetics of the golf swing from Tour Professional to novice.
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The effects of physical limitations on golf swing kinematics.
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The impact of cognitive thought on golf swing performance.
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Variability in golf swing kinematics
Athlete development and talent identification
As sport becomes increasingly professionalised there is the need to develop a greater understanding of the developmental processes and pathways that lead to both elite performance and lifelong participation in sport and exercise. These are mulitfactorial and including physiology, psychology and perhaps most importantly sociological influences.
Current projects include:
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Nationwide analysis of sports persons' playing, practice and participation histories.
Knowledge exchange and impact
Matt has lectured to all the PGAs of Europe at their annual congress about coaching of elite players. Alongside his academic work Matt has consulted to the British Olympic Association and for individuals and teams in a variety of sports including golf, cycling and triathlon.
Selected Publications
Bridge, MW; Toms, MR. (2013) The specialising or sampling debate: a retrospective analysis of adolescent sports participation in the UK, Journal of Sports Sciences Vol 31 Issue: 1 pp 87-96
Bull, M; Bridge, MW. (2012) The Effect of an 8-Week Plyometric Exercise Program on Golf Swing Kinematics, International Journal of Golf Science Vol 1 Issue: 1 pp 42-53
Langdown, BL; Bridge, M; and Li, F-X. (2012) Movement variability in the golf swing, Sports Biomechanics Vol 11 Issue: 2 pp 273-287
Scarfe, AC; Li, FX; Reddin, DB; et al. (2011) A new progression scale for common lower-limb rehabilitation tasks, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Vol 25 Issue: 3 pp 612-619
Quarmby, T; Dagkas, S; Bridge, M. (2011) Associations between children's physical activities, sedentary behaviours and family structure: a sequential mixed methods approach, Health Education Research Vol 26 (1) pp 63-76
Chambers, ES; Bridge, MW; and Jones, DA. (2009) Carbohydrate sensing in the human mouth: effects on exercise performance and brain activity. Journal of Physiology 587 (8) pp 1779-1794
Bridge, MW; Perry, M; and F-X Li (2008) The warm-up behaviours of elite female golfers. In D. Crews & R. Lutz (eds.) Science and Golf V. Mesa, Az: Energy in Motion. pp.120-127, ISBN 978-0978873417
Ansley, L; Marvin, G; Sharma, A; Kendall, MJ; Jones, DA and Bridge, MW. (2008) The effects of head cooling on endurance and neuroendocrine responses to exercise in warm conditions. Physiological Research 57
Chambers, ES; Bridge, MW and Jones, DA. (2007) Reliability of 1-h Cycle Time Trial Performance in a Hyperthermic Environment. Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, 39 (5) pp.449
Romer, LM; Bridge, MW; McConnell, AK; and Jones, DA. (2004) Influence of exercise hyperthermia on inspiratory muscle fatigue. European Journal of Applied Physiology 91, pp.656-663.
Bridge, MW; Weller, AS; Rayson, M and Jones, DA. (2003) Responses to exercise in the heat related to measures of hypothalamic serotonergic and dopaminergic function. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 89 (5): pp.451-459
Publications 2001 - 2011 (PDF 124KB, opens new window)