Mr Ross Clark BHMSc (Hons), CSCC

Ross is currently employed as the ASICS Sports Medicine Research Fellow in the Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine. He has completed an undergraduate degree in Human Movement Science with First Class Honours, and has recently submitted a PhD in Biomechanics in the area of neural and musculoskeletal adaptations to resistance training. He has extensive experience in the field of performance training in athletes ranging from junior to the professional level.

His current research areas include:

• Assessing the effect of footwear interventions on human locomotion
• The influence of the menstrual cycle on the viscoelastic properties and function of the lower limb.
• The effects of Achilles tendinopathy on stiffness properties of the lower limb
• In vivo fascial strain of the lower body
• Time frequency analysis of electromyography in athletes of varying performance levels
• Optimising the efficiency of athletic training 

Current Projects

Stiffness Properties of the Iliotibial Band

This project aims to determine the viscoelastic and strain properties of the ITB using a combination of cadaveric and athlete testing. The methodology employed in this study will allow for an assessment of the efficacy of stretching on the ITB and the related musculature, along with potential rehabilitation strategies. 

Footwear Interventions for Altering Gait

In conjunction with the ASICS research centre, this study will use a variety of kinematic and kinetic methods to assess the effects of footwear interventions on gait and proprioception. The protocol includes modalities ranging from time frequency assessment of electromyography to imaging of the internal structures of the lower limb.   

Contact details:

• Telephone: +613 8344 4171
• Facsimile: +613 8344 4188
• Email form: click to contact

Selected Publications

Book chapters
“A Strategised Approach to the Prevention of Hamstring Injuries” in:
Marshall-Gradisnik, S., Hohmann, E. & Bryant, A.L. (2006). Sport Science & Sport Medicine Reviews: Selected Topics (2nd ed.). Rockhampton, Australia: CQU Press.

Journal Articles
Clark R. The effect of training status on inter-limb musculotendinous stiffness regulation during repeated maximal sprints: Implications for injury. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. In press.

Clark R., Bryant A. & Humphries, B. An Examination of Isoinertial Strength and Concentric Work Ratios During Variable ROM Training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. In press.

Clark R., Bryant A. & Humphries, B. A Comparison of Force Curve Profiles Between Bench Press and Ballistic Bench Throws. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. In press.

Clark, R.A., Bryant A.L. & Reaburn, P. (2006). The acute effects of a single set of contrast preloading on a loaded counter-movement jump training session. International Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 20(1), 162-166.

Clark, R.A., Bryant A.L., Culgan, J. & Hartley, B. (2005). The effects of eccentric hamstring strength training on dynamic jumping performance and isokinetic strength parameters: a pilot study on the implications for the prevention of hamstring injuries. Physical Therapy in Sport, 6, 67-73.

Conference Presentations

Bryant, A., Clark, R., Bartold, S., Murphy, A., Bennell, K.,   Hohmann, E., Marshall, S., Payne, C. & Crossley, K. (2007). Effects of estrogen on the mechanical behaviour of the human Achilles tendon in vivo. Podium presentation at the 2007 Sports Medicine Australia Conference, Adelaide.

Clark, R., Child, S., Crossley, K. & Bryant, A. (2007). Reliability of an in vivo measure of Achilles tendon strain. Poster presentation at the 2007 Sports Medicine Australia Conference, Adelaide.

Clark, R., Bryant, A. & Humphries, B. (2006). Overcoming the limitations of full ROM resistance training – The effects of variable ROM training on upper body performance and muscle architecture. Podium presentation at the 2006 Sports Medicine Australia Conference, Fiji.

Clark, R., Bryant, A. & Humphries, B. (2006). The relationship between upper body performance and muscle architecture. Podium presentation at the 2006 Sports Medicine Australia Conference, Fiji.

Clark, R., Clarke, W, Millard, E., Randall, J. & Hall, S. (2006). The effect of anaerobic fatigue on musculotendinous stiffness. Podium presentation at the 2006 Sports Medicine Australia Conference, Fiji.

Clark, R., Bryant, A., Culgan, J. & Hartley, B. (2006). The Effects of Eccentric Hamstring Training on Dynamic Jumping Performance and Isokinetic Strength Parameters: Implications for the Prevention of Hamstring Injuries. Podium presentation at the 2006 Commonwealth International Sports Conference, Melbourne, Australia.

Clark, R., Nielsen, S. & Flemming, C. (2006). A comparison of force curve profiles between bench press and bench throws. Podium presentation at the 2006 Commonwealth International Sports Conference, Melbourne, Australia.

Clark, R., Bryant, A., Culgan, J., Hartley, B. & Hohmann, E. (2005). Reducing the risk of hamstring injury while enhancing athletic performance: Is eccentric training the key? 20th German-Austrian-Swiss Congress for Orthopaedic Sports Surgery and Sports Traumatology/Annual Meeting of the German Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeons, Munich, Germany.

Clark, R., Bryant, A., Culgan, J., Hartley, B. & Hohmann, E. (2005). Reducing the risk of hamstring injury while enhancing athletic performance: Is eccentric training the key? Australian Orthopaedic Association: Annual Scientific Meeting, Perth, Australia.
Clark R., Bryant A. L. & Reaburn, P. (2004). Complex Training: Optimising the Benefits. Podium Presentation at the 2004 AAESS Conference, Brisbane, Australia.
Clark R. (2004). When Time is Critical: Can a Single Test Predict Lower Body Speed, Acceleration and Power? Poster Presented at the 2004 Sports Medicine Australia Conference, Alice Springs, Australia.

Further Publications: PubMed Search