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Professor Sophia Nimphius

Pro-Vice-Chancellor

Staff Member Details
Telephone: +61 8 6304 5848
Facsimile: +61 8 6304 5036
Email: s.nimphius@ecu.edu.au
Campus: Joondalup  
Room: JO19.3100  
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3524-0245

Sophia Nimphius, PhD, GAICD, is the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sport) and Professor of Human Performance at Edith Cowan University. Her past industry roles include Sports Science Manager for then named Hurley Surfing Australia High Performance Centre, High Performance Women’s Sport Science Coordinator for Softball Australia, and High Performance Manager for Softball Western Australia. She brings to the table over two decades of experience working, influencing, and leading in sport. Sophia is an accredited High Performance Manager & Sports Scientist (Exercise and Sports Science Australia) and Strength and Conditioning Coach (Australian Strength and Conditioning Association and National Strength and Conditioning Association).

Sophia is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). In 2016, she became the first woman to be elected to the Board of Directors of the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association. Her leadership, governance, and advocacy experience also include contributions to various committees with sport and non-sport bodies. This ranges from the Australian Institute of Sport (National Quality Assurance Technical Committee) to Science in Australia Gender Equity (Chair and Panel Member for Athena SWAN Award). Within the university sector, Sophia's experience is highlighted by prior service as Deputy Chair of the Human Research Ethics Committee and ECU Pride Committee and continued service to the ECU Athena SWAN Charter Committee.

An active researcher and significant contributor to both academic and practitioner resources, Sophia focuses on athlete performance, athlete health, and the role of sport as a vehicle for change. Her research encompasses several facets of human performance, with interests in strength and conditioning, biomechanics, and motor behaviour. In addition, she explores broader socioecological approaches to understanding factors enhancing athlete performance, health, sport performance, and ethical sport governance. Leveraging her diverse educational background, leadership experience, and decision-making insight, she takes a multidisciplinary approach to her work. Her problem-solving approach has enabled numerous industry-funded projects and consultancies with partners from international bodies such as The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to local sporting organisations such as Football West.

Professional Associations

  • Australian Institute of Company Directors
  • Australian Strength and Conditioning Association
  • Exercise and Sports Science Australia
  • National Strength and Conditioning Association
  • International Association for Impact Assessment
  • International Society of Biomechanics in Sport

Awards and Recognition

University and National Teaching Awards

  • 2012   ECU Faculty of CHS Executive Dean’s Award
  • 2009   UniJobs.com Lecturer of the Year National Finalist

Other

  • 2020   Life Member Award – Australian Strength and Conditioning Association
  • 2018   Achievement Award – ECU Athena SWAN Advancement Scheme
  • 2017   ESSA Female Leader in Exercise and Sports Science
  • 2016   ECU Vice-Chancellor’s Staff Award – Inspirational Individual – Personal Excellence
  • 2014   ECU Vice Chancellor’s Staff Award – Excellence in Research
  • 2014   NSCA Terry J Housh Young Investigator of the Year Award

Research Areas and Interests

  • Human Movement and Performance
  • Women in Sport
  • Motor Behaviour
  • Elite Sport Systems, Policy and Governance
  • Strength and Conditioning

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Edith Cowan University, 2009.
  • Master of Science (Exercise Science), United States of America, 2004.
  • Bachelor of Science Sport Management, United States of America, 2002.

Research Outputs

Journal Articles

  • Raynor, A., Nimphius, S., Kadlec, D., Casson, S., Fox-Harding, C., Fortington, L. (2024). Evaluation of the HEAL™ing Mental Health program: A prospective cohort study of short-term changes from a physical activity and lifestyle education program for people with mental health disorders living in rural Australia. PLoS One, 19(3), Article number e0299859. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299859.

Journal Articles

  • Moore, I., Crossley, K., Bo, K., Mountjoy, M., Ackerman, K., Antero, J., Sundgot Borgen, J., Brown, W., Bolling, C., Clarsen, B., Derman, W., Dijkstra, P., Donaldson, A., Elliott-Sale, K., Emery, C., Haakstad, L., Junge, A., Mkumbuzi, N., Nimphius, S., Palmer, D., Van Poppel, M., Thornton, J., Tomás, R., Zondi, P., Verhagen, E. (2023). Female athlete health domains: A supplement to the International Olympic Committee consensus statement on methods for recording and reporting epidemiological data on injury and illness in sport. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2023(Article in press), 1164-1174. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2022-106620.
  • Thome, M., Thorpe, RT., Jordan, M., Nimphius, S. (2023). Validity of Global Positioning System Technology to Measure Maximum Velocity Sprinting in Elite Sprinters. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37(12), 2438-2442. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004567.
  • Thorpe, H., Bekker, S., Fullagar, S., Mkumbuzi, N., Nimphius, S., Pape, M., Sims, ST., Travers, A. (2023). Advancing Feminist Innovation In Sport Studies: A Transdisciplinary Dialogue On Gender, Health And Wellbeing. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4(article in press), article number 1060851. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.1060851.
  • Kadlec, D., Miller-Dicks, M., Nimphius, S. (2023). Training for “Worst-Case” Scenarios in Sidestepping: Unifying Strength and Conditioning and Perception–Action Approaches. Sports Medicine - Open, 9(1), Article number 22. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-023-00566-8.

Reports

  • Morgan, A., Nimphius, S., Stewart, G., Rayner, J., Croucher, A., Bradshaw, S. (2023). Fossil Fuel Free Sponsorship Code. NSW. Climate Council of Australia Limited.

Journal Articles

  • Rice, P., Nimphius, S., Abbiss, C., Zwetsloot, K., Nishikawa, K. (2022). Micro-biopsies: a less invasive technique for investigating human muscle fiber mechanics. The Journal of Experimental Biology, 225(6), article number jeb243643. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.243643.
  • Roberts, AH., Clarke, A., Fox-Harding, C., Askew, G., Macmahon, C., Nimphius, S. (2022). She’ll Be ‘right… But Are They? An Australian Perspective on Women in High-Performance Sport Coaching. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4(17 June 2022), Article Number 848735. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.848735.
  • Kadlec, D., Sainani, K., Nimphius, S. (2022). With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility: Common Errors in Meta‑Analyses and Meta‑Regressions in Strength & Conditioning Research. Sports Medicine, 2022(article in press), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01766-0.
  • Hughes, S., Warmenhoven, J., Haff, G., Chapman, D., Nimphius, S. (2022). Countermovement jump and squat jump force-time curve analysis in control and fatigue conditions. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 36(10), 2752-2761. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003955.
  • Nimphius, S. (2022). What do our words say? An analysis of IJSPP titles. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 17(6), 817-819. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2022-0132.
  • McBride, J., Hackmann, M., Nimphius, S., Cense, B. (2022). In vivo PS-OCT needle probe scan of human skeletal muscle. Biomedical Optics Express, 13(3), 1386-1397. https://doi.org/10.1364/BOE.446169.
  • Jordan, M., Morris, N., Nimphius, S., Aagaard, P., Herzog, W. (2022). Attenuated Lower Limb Stretch-Shorten-Cycle Capacity in ACL Injured vs. Non-Injured Female Alpine Ski Racers: Not Just a Matter of Between-Limb Asymmetry. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4(31 March 2022), Article number 853701. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.853701.
  • Cowin, J., Nimphius, S., Fell, J., Culhane, P., Schmidt, M. (2022). A Proposed Framework to Describe Movement Variability within Sporting Tasks: A Scoping Review. Sports Medicine - Open, 8(1), Article number 85. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-022-00473-4.
  • Loturco, I., Pereira, L., Reis, V., Abad, C., Freitas, T., Azevedo, P., Nimphius, S. (2022). Change of Direction Performance in Elite Players From Different Team Sports. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 36(3), 862-866. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000003502.

Journal Articles

  • Kadlec, D., Jordan, M., Snyder, L., Alderson, J., Nimphius, S. (2021). Test re-test reliability of single and multijoint strength properties in female Australian footballers. Sports Medicine - Open, 7(1), Article number 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-020-00292-5.
  • Secomb, J., Dascombe, B., Nimphius, S. (2021). Importance of joint angle-specific hip strength for skating performance in semiprofessional ice hockey athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(9), 2599-2603. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004087.
  • Dowse, R., Secomb, J., Bruton, M., Parsonage, J., Ferrier, B., Waddington, G., Nimphius, S. (2021). Ankle proprioception in male and female surfers and the implications of motor experience and lower-body strength. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2021(article in press), 8p.. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004126.
  • Dowse, R., Secomb, J., Bruton, M., Nimphius, S. (2021). Ankle proprioception, range of motion and drop landing ability differentiates competitive and non-competitive surfers. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 24(6), 609-613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2020.12.011.
  • Rice, P., Nishikawa, K., Nimphius, S. (2021). Strength and power capabilities predict weighted parameter ranking of saut de chat leaping performance in dancers. Sports Biomechanics, 2021(Article in Press), 17p.. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2021.1933580.
  • Suchomel, T., Nimphius, S., Bellon, C., Hornsby, WG., Stone, M. (2021). Training for muscular strength: Methods for monitoring and adjusting training intensity. Sports Medicine, 51(10), 2051 - 2066. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01488-9.
  • Blanco Ochoa, P., Nimphius, S., Seitz, L., Spiteri, T., Haff, G. (2021). Countermovement Jump and Drop Jump Performances Are Related to Grand Jete´ Leap Performance in Dancers With Different Skill Levels. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(12), 3386-3393. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003315.
  • De Hoyo, M., Nunez, F., Sanudo, B., Gonzalo-Skok, O., Munoz-Lopez, A., Romero-Boza, S., Otera-Esquina, C., Sanchez, H., Nimphius, S. (2021). Predicting Loading Intensity Measuring Velocity in Barbell Hip Thrust Exercise. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(8), 2075-2081. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003159.
  • Rice, P., Nishikawa, K., Zwetsloot, K., Bruce, A., Guthrie, C., Nimphius, S. (2021). Stretch-shortening cycle performance and muscle-tendon properties in dancers and runners. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 37(6), 547-555. https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.2021-0094.
  • Callaghan, S., Govus, A., Lockie, R., Middleton, K., Nimphius, S. (2021). Not as simple as it seems: Front foot contact kinetics, muscle function and ball release speed in cricket pace bowlers. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(16), 1807-1815. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2021.1898192.
  • Rice, P., Nishikawa, K., Nimphius, S. (2021). Isolated Joint Block Progression Training Improves Leaping Performance in Dancers. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 3(14-Dec-21), article number 779824. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2021.779824.
  • Callaghan, S., Lockie, R., Tallent, J., Chipchase, R., Andrew, W., Nimphius, S. (2021). The effects of strength training upon front foot contact ground reaction forces and ball release-speed among high-level cricket pace bowlers. Sports Biomechanics, 2021(Article in Press), 17p.. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2021.1942540.

Journal Articles

  • Suchomel, T., Nimphius, S., Stone, M. (2020). Scaling isometric mid-thigh pull maximum strength in division I Athletes: are we meeting the assumptions?. Sports Biomechanics, 19(4), 532-546. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2018.1498910.
  • Hart, N., Newton, R., Weber, J., Spiteri, T., Rantalainen, T., Dobbin, M., Chivers, P., Nimphius, S. (2020). Functional basis of asymmetrical lower-body skeletal morphology in professional Australian Rules Footballers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(3), 791-799. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002841.
  • Parsonage, J., Secomb, J., Sheppard, J., Ferrier, B., Dowse, R., Nimphius, S. (2020). Upper-body strength measures and pop-up performance of stronger and weaker surfers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(10), 2982-2989. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002377.
  • Callaghan, S., Lockie, R., Andrews, W., Chipchase, R., Nimphius, S. (2020). The relationship between inertial measurement unit-derived ‘force signatures’ and ground reaction forces during cricket pace bowling. Sports Biomechanics, 19(3), 307-321. https://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2018.1465581.
  • Hart, N., Newton, R., Tan, J., Rantalainen, T., Chivers, P., Siafarikas, A., Nimphius, S. (2020). Biological Basis of Bone Strength: Anatomy, Physiology and Measurement. The Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions, 20(3), 347-371.
  • Loturco, I., Jeffreys, I., Abad, C., Kobal, R., Zanetti, V., Pereira, L., Nimphius, S. (2020). Change-of-direction, speed and jump performance in soccer players: a comparison across different age-categories. Journal of Sports Sciences, 38(11-12), 1279-1285. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2019.1574276.
  • Jenkins, M., Hart, N., Nimphius, S., Chivers, P., Rantalainen, T., Rothacker, K., Beck, B., Weeks, B., McIntyre, F., Hands, B., Beeson, B., Siafarikas, A. (2020). Characterisation of peripheral bone mineral density in youth at risk of secondary osteoporosis - a preliminary insight. The Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions, 20(1), 27-52.
  • McBride, J., Nimphius, S. (2020). Biological system energy algorithm reflected in sub-system joint work distribution movement strategies: influence of strength and eccentric loading. Scientific Reports, 10(1), Article number 12052. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-68714-8.
  • Fox, A., Bonacci, J., Hoffman, S., Nimphius, S., Saunders, N. (2020). Anterior cruciate ligament injuries in Australian football: Should women and girls be playing? You're asking the wrong question. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 6(1), article number e000778. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2020-000778.
  • Rice, P., Nimphius, S. (2020). When Task Constraints Delimit Movement Strategy: Implications for Isolated Joint Training in Dancers. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 2(May), Article 49. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2020.00049.
  • Callaghan, S., Lockie, R., Walter, Y., Andrews, W., Chipchase, R., Nimphius, S. (2020). Does delivery length impact measures of whole-body biomechanical load during pace bowling?. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15(10), 1485-1489. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2019-0622.

Journal Articles

  • Hughes, S., Chapman, D., Haff, G., Nimphius, S. (2019). The use of a functional test battery as a noninvasive method of fatigue assessment. PLoS One, 14(2), Article e0212870. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0212870.
  • Callaghan, S., Lockie, R., Andrews, W., Walter, Y., Chipchase, R., Nimphius, S. (2019). The effects of an eight over Cricket bowling spell upon pace bowling biomechanics and performance within different delivery lengths. Sports, 7(9), Article Number 200. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports7090200.
  • Coyne, J., Nimphius, S., Newton, R., Haff, G. (2019). Does mathematical coupling matter to the acute to chronic workload ratio? A case study from elite sport. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 14(10), 1447-1454. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2018-0874.
  • Tufano, J., Conlon, J., Nimphius, S., Oliver, J., Kreutzer, A., Haff, G. (2019). Different cluster sets result in similar metabolic, endocrine, and perceptual responses in trained men. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(2), 346-354. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001898.
  • Nimphius, S., McBride, J., Rice, P., Goodman-Capps, C., Capps, C. (2019). Comparison of Quadriceps and Hamstring Muscle Activity during an Isometric Squat between Strength-Matched Men and Women. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 18(1), 101-108.
  • Chivers, P., Rantalainen, T., McIntyre, F., Hands, B., Weeks, B., Beck, B., Nimphius, S., Hart, N., Siafarikas, A. (2019). Suboptimal bone status for adolescents with low motor competence and developmental coordination disorder - it's sex specific. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 84(January 2019), 57-65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2018.07.010.

Journal Articles

  • Parsonage, J., Secomb, J., Dowse, R., Ferrier, B., Sheppard, J., Nimphius, S. (2018). The Assessment of Isometric, Dynamic, and Sports-Specific Upper-Body Strength in Male and Female Competitive Surfers. Sports, 6(2), Article no.53. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports6020053.
  • Rantalainen, T., Chivers, P., Beck, B., Robertson, S., Hart, N., Nimphius, S., Weeks, B., McIntyre, F., Hands, B., Siafarikas, A. (2018). Please don’t move - evaluating motion artifact from peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography scans using textural features. Journal of Clinical Densitometry, 21(2), 260-268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocd.2017.07.002.
  • Jenkins, M., Nimphius, S., Hart, N., Chivers, P., Rantalainen, T., Rueter, K., Borland, M., McIntyre, F., Stannage, K., Siafarikas, A. (2018). Appendicular fracture epidemiology of children and adolescents: A 10-year case review in Western Australia (2005 to 2015). Archives of Osteoporosis, 13(1), article no.63. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11657-018-0478-9.
  • Nimphius, S., Callaghan, S., Bezodis, N., Lockie, R. (2018). Change of direction and agility tests: Challenging our current measures of performance. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 40(1), 26-38. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000309.
  • Jenkins, M., Hart, N., Rantalainen, T., Chivers, P., Newton, R., Nimphius, S. (2018). Reliability of upper-limb diaphyseal mineral and soft-tissue measurements using peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT). The Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions, 18(4), 438-445.
  • Loturco, I., Nimphius, S., Kobal, R., Bottino, A., Zanetti, V., Pereira, L., Jeffreys, I. (2018). Change-of direction deficit in elite young soccer players: The limited relationship between conventional speed and power measures and change-of-direction performance. German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research, 48(2), 228-234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-018-0502-7.
  • Ferrier, B., Sheppard, J., Farley, O., Secomb, J., Parsonage, J., Newton, R., Nimphius, S. (2018). Scoring analysis of the men’s 2014, 2015 and 2016 world championship tour of surfing: the importance of aerial manoeuvres in competitive surfing. Journal of Sports Sciences, 36(19), 2189-2195. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2018.1443747.
  • Suchomel, T., Nimphius, S., Bellon, C., Stone, M. (2018). The importance of muscular strength: Training considerations. Sports Medicine, 48(4), 765-785. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-018-0862-z.
  • Pereira, L., Nimphius, S., Kobal, R., Kitamura, K., Turisco, L., Orsi, R., Abad, C., Loturco, I. (2018). Relationship between change of direction, speed, and power in male and female national olympic team handball athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(10), 2987-2994. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002494.
  • Coyne, J., Haff, G., Coutts, A., Newton, R., Nimphius, S. (2018). The Current State of Subjective Training Load Monitoring—a Practical Perspective and Call to Action. Sports Medicine - Open, 4(1), Article number 58. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-018-0172-x.

Journal Articles

  • Lockie, R., Jalilvand, F., Moreno, M., Orjalo, A., Risso, F., Nimphius, S. (2017). Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 and Its Relationship With Other Typical Soccer Field Tests in Female Collegiate Soccer Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(10), 2667–2677. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001734.
  • Tufano, J., Conlon, J., Nimphius, S., Brown, L., Banyard, H., Williamson, B., Bishop, L., Hopper, A., Haff, G. (2017). Cluster sets: Permitting greater mechanical stress without decreasing relative velocity. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(4), 463-469. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2015-0738.
  • Parsonage, J., Secomb, J., Tran, T., Farley, O., Nimphius, S., Lundgren, L., Sheppard, J. (2017). Gender Differences in Physical Performance Characteristics of Elite Surfers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(9), 2417-2422. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001428.
  • Hart, N., Nimphius, S., Rantalainen, T., Ireland, A., Siafarikas, A., Newton, R. (2017). Mechanical basis of bone strength: influence of bone material, bone structure and muscle action. The Journal of Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions, 17(3), 114-139.
  • Tran, T., Lundgren, L., Secomb, J., Farley, O., Haff, G., Nimphius, S., Newton, R., Brown, L., Sheppard, J. (2017). Effect of Four Weeks Detraining on Strength, Power, and Sensorimotor Ability of Adolescent Surfers. The Open Sports Sciences Journal, 10(Suppl 1: M6), 71-80. https://doi.org/10.2174/1875399X01710010071.
  • Tufano, J., Conlon, J., Nimphius, S., Brown, L., Petkovic, A., Frick, J., Haff, G. (2017). Effects of Cluster Sets and Rest-Redistribution on Mechanical Responses to Back Squats in Trained Men. Journal of Human Kinetics, 58(1), 35-43. https://doi.org/10.1515/hukin-2017-0069.
  • Secomb, J., Farley, O., Nimphius, S., Lundgren, L., Tran, T., Sheppard, J. (2017). The training-specific adaptations resulting from resistance training, gymnastics and plyometric training, and non-training in adolescent athletes. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 12(6), 762-773. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954117727810.

Journal Articles

  • Secomb, J., Nimphius, S., Farley, O., Lundgren, L., Tran, T., Sheppard, J. (2016). Lower-Body Muscle Structure and Jump Performance of Stronger and Weaker Surfing Athletes. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 11(5), 652-657. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2015-0481.
  • Suchomel, T., Nimphius, S., Stone, M. (2016). The Importance of Muscular Strength in Athletic Performance. Sports Medicine, 46(10), 1419-1449. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-016-0486-0.
  • Nimphius, S., Callaghan, S., Spiteri, T., Lockie, R. (2016). Change of Direction Deficit: A More Isolated Measure of Change of Direction Performance Than Total 505 Time. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(11), 3024-3032. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001421.
  • Tufano, J., Conlon, J., Nimphius, S., Brown, L., Seitz, L., Williamson, B., Haff, G. (2016). Maintenance of Velocity and Power With Cluster Sets During High-Volume Back Squats. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 11(7), 885-892. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2015-0602.
  • Benz, A., Winkelman, N., Porter, J., Nimphius, S. (2016). Coaching instructions and cues for enhancing sprint performance. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 38(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000185.
  • Rantalainen, T., Hart, N., Nimphius, S., Wundersitz, D. (2016). Associations between step duration variability and inertial measurement unit derived gait characteristics. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 32(4), 401-406. https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.2015-0266.
  • Lundgren, L., Tran, T., Nimphius, S., Raymond, E., Secomb, J., Farley, O., Newton, R., Sheppard, J. (2016). Comparison of impact forces, accelerations and ankle range of motion in surfing-related landing tasks. Journal of Sports Sciences, 34(11), 1051-1057. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2015.1088164.
  • Hart, N., Nimphius, S., Weber, J., Spiteri, T., Rantalainen, T., Dobbin, M., Newton, R. (2016). Musculoskeletal asymmetry in football athletes: A product of limb function over time. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 48(7), 1379-1387. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000000897.
  • Nimphius, S., McGuigan, M., Suchomel, T., Newton, R. (2016). Variability of a ‘‘force signature” during windmill softball pitching and relationship between discrete force variables and pitch velocity. Human Movement Science, 47(2016), 151-158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2016.03.005.
  • Hart, N., Cochrane Wilkie, J., Spiteri, T., Nimphius, S., Newton, R. (2016). Relationship between leg mass, leg composition and foot velocity on kicking accuracy in Australian Football. Journal of Sport Science and Medicine, 15(2), 344-351.

Journal Articles

  • Spiteri, T., Newton, R., Nimphius, S. (2015). Neuromuscular strategies contributing to faster multidirectional agility performance. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 25(4), 629-636. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2015.04.009.
  • Callaghan, S., Lockie, RG., Jeffriess, MD., Nimphius, S. (2015). Kinematics of faster acceleration performance of the quick single in experienced cricketers. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(9), 2623-2634. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000893.
  • Secomb, J., Farley, O., Lundgren, L., Tran, T., King, A., Nimphius, S., Sheppard, J. (2015). Associations Between the Performance of Scoring Manoeuvres and Lower-Body Strength and Power in Elite Surfers. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 10(5), 911-918.
  • De Hoyo, M., Sañudo, B., Carrasco, L., Domínguez-Cobo, S., Mateo-Cortes, J., Cadenas-Sánchez, MM., Nimphius, S. (2015). Effects of Traditional Versus Horizontal Inertial Flywheel Power Training on Common Sport-Related Tasks. Journal of Human Kinetics, 47(1), 155-167. https://doi.org/10.1515/hukin-2015-0071.
  • Tran, T., Nimphius, S., Lundgren, L., Secomb, J., Farley, O., Haff, G., Newton, R., Brown, L., Sheppard, J. (2015). Effects of unstable and stable resistance training on strength, power, and sensorimotor abilities in adolescent surfers. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 10(5), 899-910.
  • Hart, N., Nimphius, S., Spiteri, T., Cochrane Wilkie, J., Newton, R. (2015). Segmental musculoskeletal examinations using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA): Positioning and analysis considerations. Journal of Sport Science and Medicine, 14(3), 620-626.
  • Tran, T., Lundgren, L., Secomb, J., Farley, O., Haff, G., Seitz, L., Newton, R., Nimphius, S., Sheppard, J. (2015). Comparison of Physical Capacities Between Nonselected and Selected Elite Male Competitive Surfers for the National Junior Team. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 10(2), 178-182. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2014-0222.
  • Lundgren, L., Tran, T., Nimphius, S., Raymond, E., Secomb, J., Farley, O., Newton, R., Steele, JR., Sheppard, J. (2015). Development and Evaluation of a Simple, Multifactorial Model Based on Landing Performance to Indicate Injury Risk in Surfing Athletes. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 10(8), 1029-1035. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2014-0591.
  • Secomb, J., Nimphius, S., Farley, O., Lundgren, L., Tran, T., Sheppard, J. (2015). Relationships between Lower-Body Muscle Structure and, Lower-Body Strength, Explosiveness and Eccentric Leg Stiffness in Adolescent Athletes. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 14(4), 691-697.
  • Spiteri, T., Newton, R., Binetti, M., Hart, N., Sheppard, J., Nimphius, S. (2015). Mechanical determinants of faster change of direction and agility performance in female basketball athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(8), 2205-2214. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000876.
  • Secomb, J., Lundgren, L., Farley, O., Tran, T., Nimphius, S., Sheppard, J. (2015). Relationships between Lower-Body Muscle Structure and Lower-Body Strength, Power, and Muscle-Tendon Complex Stiffness. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(8), 2221-2228. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000858.
  • Tran, T., Lundgren, L., Secomb, J., Farley, O., Haff, G., Newton, R., Nimphius, S., Sheppard, J. (2015). Development and Evaluation of a Drop-and-Stick Method to Assess Landing Skills in Various Levels of Competitive Surfers. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 10(3), 396-400. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2014-0375.

Book Chapters

  • Nimphius, S. (2014). Increasing Agility. High-Performance Training for Sports (185-198). Human Kinetics Publishers.

Journal Articles

  • Hart, N., Spiteri, T., Lockie, RG., Nimphius, S., Newton, R. (2014). Detecting deficits in change of direction performance using the preplanned multidirectional Australian Football League Agility Test. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28(12), 3552-3556.
  • Sheppard, J., Dawes, JJ., Jeffreys, I., Spiteri, T., Nimphius, S. (2014). Broadening the view of agility: A scientific review of the literature. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, 22(3), 6-25.
  • Lundgren, L., Butel, M., Brown, T., Nimphius, S., Sheppard, J. (2014). High ankle sprain: The new elite surfing injury?. International SportMed Journal, 15(4), 321-327.
  • Lundgren, L., Newton, R., Tran, T., Dunn, M., Nimphius, S., Sheppard, J. (2014). Anaylsis of Manoeuvres and Scoring in Competitive Surfing. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 9(4), 663-669. https://doi.org/10.1260/1747-9541.9.4.663.
  • Spiteri, T., Nimphius, S., Hart, N., Specos, C., Sheppard, J., Newton, R. (2014). Contribution of strength characteristics to change of direction and agility performance in female basketball athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28(9), 2415-2423.
  • Spiteri, T., Hart, N., Nimphius, S. (2014). Offensive and defensive agility: a sex comparison of lower body kinematics and ground reaction forces. Journal of Applied Biomechanics, 30(4), 514-520. https://doi.org/10.1123/jab.2013-0259.
  • Hart, N., Nimphius, S., Spiteri, T., Newton, R. (2014). Leg strength and lean mass symmetry influences kicking performance in Australian Football. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 13(1), 157-165.

Conference Publications

  • Blanco Ochoa, P., Haff, G., Hart, N., Seitz, L., Spiteri, T., Tufano, J., Nimphius, S. (2014). Bone; Body composition and isometric rate of force development are associated in female ballet students and university ballet students. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (106-110). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
  • Secomb, J., Farley, O., Lundgren, L., Tran, T., Nimphius, S., Sheppard, J. (2014). The effect of initial lower-body strength on the training-specific adaptations resulting from combined plyometric and gymnastics training. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (61-64). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
  • Hart, N., Nimphius, S., Weber, J., Dobbin, M., Joyce, D., Higgins, C., Haff, G., Newton, R. (2014). Muscle-bone differences between elite Australian football and rugby union players. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (99-101). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
  • Ferrier, B., Sheppard, J., Newton, R., Nimphius, S. (2014). The importance of aerial manoeuvre variations on competitive surfing performance. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (135-138). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
  • Lundgren, L., Tran, T., Farley, O., Secomb, J., Nimphius, S., Newton, R., Sheppard, J. (2014). Athletic movement competency is related to general athletic performance variables and surfing performance. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (80-83). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.

Journal Articles

  • Hart, N., Nimphius, S., Cochrane Wilkie, J., Newton, R. (2013). Leg mass characteristics of accurate and inaccurate kickers - an Australian football perspective. Journal of Sports Sciences, 31(15), 1647-1655. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2013.793377.
  • Sheppard, J., Nimphius, S., Haff, G., Tran, T., Spiteri, T., Brooks, H., Slater, G., Newton, R. (2013). Development of a Comprehensive Performance-Testing Protocol for Competitive Surfers. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 8(5), 490-495.
  • Tran, T., Lundgren, L., Secomb, J., Farley, O., Raymond, E., Nimphius, S., Newton, R., Sheppard, J. (2013). Reliability of an alternative method to assess landing skills in adolescent surfers. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, 21(S2), 85-87.
  • Lloyd, RS., Read, P., Oliver, JL., Meyers, RW., Nimphius, S., Jeffreys, I. (2013). Considerations for the development of agility during childhood and adolescence. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 35(3), 2-11.
  • Lundgren, L., Tran, T., Farley, O., Secomb, J., Nimphius, S., Newton, R., Sheppard, J. (2013). Ankle range of motion among surfing athletes. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, 21(S2), 121-124.
  • Spiteri, T., Cochrane Wilkie, J., Hart, N., Haff, G., Nimphius, S. (2013). Effect of strength on plant foot kinetics and kinematics during a change of direction task. European Journal of Sport Science, 13(6), 646-652. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2013.774053.
  • Lundgren, L., Dunn, M., Nimphius, S., Sheppard, J. (2013). The importance of aerial manoeuvers in elite competitive surfing perfomance. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, 21(1), 70-72.
  • Spiteri, T., Cochrane Wilkie, J., Nimphius, S. (2013). The evaluation of a new lower-body reaction time test. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 27(1), 174-180. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318250381f.

Conference Publications

  • Nimphius, S., Geib, G., Spiteri, T., Carlisle, D. (2013). "Change of direction deficit" measurement in Division I American football players. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (115-117). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
  • Spiteri, T., Nimphius, S. (2013). Relationship between timing variables and plant foot kinetics during change of direction movements. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (73-77). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
  • Hart, N., Nimphius, S., Dorman, C., Newton, R. (2013). Influence of leg strength and lean mass on kicking accuracy in Australian Football. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (99-101). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
  • Conlon, J., Haff, G., Nimphius, S., Tran, T., Newton, R. (2013). Vertical jump velocity as a determinant of speed and agility performance. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (88-90). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
  • Lundgren, L., Dunn, M., Nimphius, S., Sheppard, J. (2013). The importance of aerial manoeuvers in elite competitive surfing performance. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (online). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
  • Secomb, J., Farley, O., Lundgren, L., Tran, T., Nimphius, S., Sheppard, J. (2013). Comparison of the sprint paddling performance between competitive male and female surfers. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (118-120). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
  • Spiteri, T., Nimphius, S., Wolski, A., Bird, S. (2013). Monitoring neuromuscular fatigue in female basketball players across training and game performance. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (73-74). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
  • Hart, N., Dobbin, M., Weber, J., Nimphius, S., Newton, R. (2013). Physical load tolerance differs between kicking and support limbs in Australian Footballers. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (102-104). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
  • Tran, T., Lundgren, L., Nimphius, S., Haff, G., Newton, R., Sheppard, J. (2013). Physical profiles of an elite stand-up paddleboard surfer: A case study. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (88-90). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
  • Hart, N., Nimphius, S., Weber, J., Dobbin, M., Newton, R. (2013). Lower body bone mass characteristics of elite, sub-elite and amateur Australian footballers. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning (50-53). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.

Journal Articles

  • Spiteri, T., Cochrane Wilkie, J., Nimphius, S. (2012). Human stimulus reliability during an offensive and defensive agility protocol. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, 20(4), 14-21.
  • Haff, G., Nimphius, S. (2012). Training Principles for Power. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 34(6), 2-12. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0b013e31826db467.
  • Nimphius, S., McGuigan, M., Newton, R. (2012). Changes in muscle architecture and performance during a competitive season in female softball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(10), 2655-2666. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318269f81e.

Conference Publications

  • Hart, N., Nimphius, S., Cochrane Wilkie, J., Newton, R. (2012). Reliability And Validity Of Unilateral And Bilateral Isometric Strength Measures Using A Customised, Portable Apparatus. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning 2012 Supplement 1 (61-67). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
  • Spiteri, T., Nimphius, S., Cochrane Wilkie, J. (2012). Comparison Of Running Times During Reactive Offensive And Defensive Agility Protocols. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning 2012 Supplement 1 (73-78). Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.

Journal Articles

  • Nimphius, S. (2011). Monitoring neuromuscular fatigue in amateur baseball players during a national tournament. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, 19(Supplement 1), 110-114.

Journal Articles

  • Nimphius, S., McGuigan, M., Newton, R. (2010). Relationship between strength, power, speed and change of direction performance of female softball players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(4), 885-895. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181d4d41d.

Journal Articles

  • McBride, J., Deane, R., Nimphius, S. (2007). Effect of stretching on agonist-antagonist muscle activity and muscle force output during single and multiple joint isometric contractions. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 17(1), 54-60.

Journal Articles

  • McGuigan, M., Doyle, T., Newton, M., Edwards, D., Nimphius, S., Newton, R. (2006). Eccentric utilization ratio: Effect of sport and phase of training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 20(4), 992-995.
  • Newton, R., Gerber, A., Nimphius, S., Shim, J., Doan, BK., Robertson, M., Pearson, D., Craig, B., Hakkinen, K., Kraemer, W. (2006). Determination of functional strength imbalance of the lower extremities. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 20(4), 971-977.
  • McBride, J., Nimphius, S., Erickson, T. (2006). The acute effects of heavy-load squats and loaded countermovement jumps on sprint performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 19(4), 893-897.

Research Projects

  • Preventing injury and improving performance in National Basketball League (NBL) players, Perth Wildcats, Scholarships to support Industry Engagement PhD Projects, 2023 ‑ 2028, $77,000.
  • Understanding bone health in AFL and AFLW athletes, West Coast Eagles Football Club, PhD Scholarship, 2023 ‑ 2027, $115,500.
  • Measuring and monitoring movement variability for the return to play of elite athletes, Australian Sports Commission, Research Grant Program, 2024 ‑ 2026, $127,294.
  • More sport, Their way! Promoting women's informal sport participation in WA, Healthway (WA Health Promotion Foundation), Health Promotion Research - Exploratory Research Grants, 2024 ‑ 2025, $88,154.
  • HEALing Mental Health Research - ESSA , Exercise & Sports Science Australia, Healing Mental Health Research Tender, 2022 ‑ 2025, $29,885.
  • ALTIS Living Lab Project: Evaluation and quantification of the elite track athlete, ALTIS, Scholarships to support Industry Engagement PhD Projects, 2019 ‑ 2024, $84,643.
  • Multiple Careers, Competing Demands: Multiple Jobholding (MJH) and elite semi-professional women athletes, Federation Internationale de Football Association, Grant, 2023 ‑ 2024, $67,417.
  • ACL Return to play or return to performance: Development and validation of an across the client and athlete spectrum return to sport from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury assessment, ALTIS, Scholarships to support Industry Engagement PhD Projects, 2019 ‑ 2024, $38,800.
  • Australian Centre for Research into Injury in Sport and its Prevention (ACRISP), International Olympic Committee, Research Centres for Prevention of Injury and Protection of Athlete Health, 2019 ‑ 2024, $409,674.
  • Climate Responsible Sponsorship Code, Climate Council, Grant, 2022 ‑ 2023, $29,000.
  • Characterising and monitoring changes in hip abduction and adduction strength in female athletes, Vald Performance Pty Ltd, Scholarships to Support Industry Engagement PhD Projects, 2017 ‑ 2022, $36,000.
  • Effect of joint-specific strength and power training on stretch-shortening cycle performance and myofibrillar kinetics, National Strength and Conditioning Association, NSCA - Doctoral Research Grant, 2018 ‑ 2020, $12,289.
  • Improving throwing and pitching velocity in female softball athletes, National Strength and Conditioning Association, NSCA - Senior Investigator Grant, 2017 ‑ 2019, $44,882.
  • Non Invasive Neuromuscular Fatigue Test Battery , National Strength and Conditioning Association, NSCA - Doctoral Research Grant, 2016 ‑ 2018, $11,545.
  • Surfing Collaborative Research Program: A partnership between Surfing Australia and Edith Cowan University, Surfing Australia, Surfing Australia - Grant, 2014 ‑ 2017, $233,505.
  • Assessment of changes in adolescent neuromotor fitness and bone strength , Edith Cowan University, ECU Early Career Researcher Grant - 2015, 2015 ‑ 2016, $25,000.
  • Effect of attentional focus and augmented feedback on height attained during aerial skateboarding manoeuvres, Edith Cowan University, School of Medical and Health Sciences Research Grant Scheme 2016, 2016, $10,000.

Research Student Supervision

Principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Monitoring training load and response in elite track and field sprinters

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Injury surveillance in Australian professional rugby union players

Principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Coaching instructions, attentional focus and sprint performance
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Bone fracture incidence, measurement and adaptation: An exploration through the continuum from incidence to measurement and adaptation
  • Master of Science (Sports Science), Anterior cruciate ligament injury in women's team invasion sports: Learning from established sports to understand emerging sports
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Characteristics and Determinants of Aerial Surfing with Implications for Representative Task Design
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The Use of Performance Tasks and Force-Time Curve Analysis To Measure Mental and Physical Fatigue
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Neuromuscular and biomechanical characteristics of change of direction and agility performance
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Neuromuscular and biomechanical characteristics of change of direction and agility performance
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The mechanics of front leg loading during cricket fast bowling: Delivery variations, spell demands, and the effect of strength training
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Gender differences in physical performance characteristics of competitive surfers
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Proprioception and performance in surfing
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Determining muscle-tendon characteristics and function of stretch-shortening cycle performance in dancers
  • Master of Medical and Health Science by Research, Understanding the decision-making process of coaches and high-performance staff on player training and game availability in the National Rugby League (NRL) men
  • Master of Science (Sports Science), The creation and validation of a youth fundamental hitting scale: The assessment of youth baseball and softball hitting fundamentals and the perceived psychological barriers to hitting a pitched ball.
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Motor capacity and sidestepping execution strategies in female athletes

Co-principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Bone strength, load tolerance and injury risk in elite Australian football
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Bone strength, load tolerance and injury risk in elite Australian football
  • Master of Science (Sports Science), Braking ground reaction force during 90 degree sidestep cut and its relationship to leg muscle strength
  • Master of Science (Sports Science), Comparison of body composition, neuromuscular characteristics and anaerobic endurance between novice, semi-professional and professional ballet dancers.
  • Master of Science (Sports Science), A biomedical and kinathropometric analsis of the drop punt: Determinants of kicking accuracy in Australian football
  • Master of Science (Sports Science), A biomedical and kinathropometric analsis of the drop punt: Determinants of kicking accuracy in Australian football
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The Assessment of Movement Demands and Neuromuscular Fatigue in Female Softball Players

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Evaluation and training of sensorimotor abilities in competitive surfers
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Acute effects of cluster sets on mechanical, perceptual, and hormonal responses
  • Master of Science (Sports Science), Measurement of performance and kinetics during a change of direction, offensive and defensive agility task: A comparison of male and female athletes"
  • Master of Science (Sports Science), Measurement of performance and kinetics during a change of direction, offensive and defensive agility task: A comparison of male and female athletes"
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Training adaptations in lower-body muscle structure and physical performance capacities of competitive surfing athletes
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Landing performance and lower extremity injuries in competitive surfing
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