Rate My Professor Nicholas O'Dwyer

Nicholas O'Dwyer is an Honorary Associate Professor in the Sydney School of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney, where he previously served as an Associate Professor in the Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science within the Faculty of Medicine and Health. He earned his BA from the University of Dublin, MA from University College Dublin, and PhD from the University of New South Wales. O'Dwyer's academic career spans decades, with contributions to teaching and research in exercise physiology, motor control, and related fields, including coordination in human movement and neuromuscular function.

His research focuses on the biomechanics of activities such as walking, dance, and sports, as well as post-stroke impairments including spasticity, weakness, contracture, and loss of dexterity. Key publications include 'Spasticity and muscle contracture following stroke' in Brain (1996), 'Slowness to develop force contributes to weakness after stroke' in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (1999), and 'Abnormal muscle activation characteristics associated with loss of dexterity after stroke' in Journal of the Neurological Sciences (2000). More recent work examines the links between physical activity, exercise, and cognitive function. Notable papers are 'Relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in apparently healthy young to middle-aged adults: A systematic review' in Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport (2015), 'The effect of acute and chronic exercise on cognitive function and academic performance in adolescents: A systematic review' in the same journal (2017), 'Learning "Math on the Move": Effectiveness of a Combined Numeracy and Physical Activity Program for Primary School Children' in Journal of Physical Activity and Health (2018), and 'Effectiveness of Active Learning that Combines Physical Activity and Math Lessons in Primary Schools' in Journal of School Health (2020). Additional studies address iron deficiency anemia and attention in young women (Nutrients, 2017), obesity and cognitive function (Journal of Obesity, 2017), and whole-body kinematics in complex dance sequences (Human Movement Science). O'Dwyer also explores drowning prevention and perceptual-motor learning in balance tasks.