Richard Smith

Professor Richard Smith is Professor Emeritus in the Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, part of the Sydney School of Health Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney. His academic journey includes a BSc from the University of New South Wales, a Diploma of Education from the University of Sydney, an MSc and MA from Macquarie University, an MEd from the University of Manchester, and a PhD from the University of Wollongong earned between 1992 and 1996 with a focus on rowing biomechanics. Affiliated with the University of Sydney since 1986, Smith has held the position of Professor of Biomechanics and contributed significantly to the academic program by teaching and coordinating courses such as Fundamentals of Exercise Science, exercise physiology units, and related practical sessions in the Bachelor of Applied Science programs.

Smith's research specializations center on sports biomechanics, human physical performance optimization, recovery from injury or illness, and day-to-day functional improvements. Key areas include the effects of footwear on lower limb mechanics during physical activity, rowing performance enhancement while minimizing injury risk, kayak and dragon boat propulsion, knee osteoarthritis biomechanics, and functional electrical stimulation for spinal cord injury rehabilitation. His investigations cover topics like force-angle profiles in single sculling, gait parameters in plantar fasciitis patients, flip-flop impacts on children's midfoot power, and chronic ankle instability in netball players. Notable publications encompass 'Over 50 Years of Researching Force Profiles in Rowing: What Do We Know?' (2018), 'Effects of Strengthening and Stretching Exercises on the Temporospatial Gait Parameters in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial' (2019), 'Thai version of the foot function index: a cross-cultural adaptation with reliability and validity evaluation' (2020), 'Effect of rowing ergometer design on lumbar stress in elite rowers' (2020), 'Net power production and performance at different stroke rates and abilities during pair-oar rowing' (2020), and 'Train High Eat Low for Osteoarthritis (THE LO Study)' (2020). Proficient in tools like MATLAB, regression modeling, motion analysis, kinematics, gait analysis, and dynamics, Smith's work has advanced understanding in posture, hip mechanics, and joint stress reduction.

Professional Email: richard.smith@sydney.edu.au