Brett A. Baxter

Dr. Brett A. Baxter is a Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Science (Kinesiology) at the University of Northampton, affiliated with the Science Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences. He teaches on the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science programme, specializing in biomechanics and neuromuscular physiology. He is currently completing his PhD at the University of Northampton on the effects of eccentric exercise in older adults.

Education:

• PhD in Sport, Exercise, and Life Sciences, University of Northampton (awarded 1 August 2024)
• MSc in Sports Biomechanics, Loughborough University (awarded 1 December 2018)
• BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science, University of Essex (awarded 1 July 2017)

His research interests focus on ageing, sarcopenia, musculotendinous mechanics, eccentric training, and detraining. He is particularly interested in the application of eccentric exercise for stroke rehabilitation and improving physical function in older adults. His recent publications explore eccentric resistance training, isometric training, neuromuscular adaptations, and cardiovascular responses, with a strong emphasis on older populations and clinical applications.

His most recent research output includes studies on eccentric training frequency, detraining effects, cross-education, and joint range of motion, with articles published in high-impact journals such as Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, Scientific Reports, and Frontiers in Physiology. These works collectively reflect a cohesive research trajectory centered on optimizing resistance training protocols for functional improvements in ageing and clinical populations.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Scholarships for academic excellence throughout undergraduate and postgraduate studies
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Member of The Physiological Society

Dr. Baxter actively supervises PhD students and leads and collaborates on research projects, including those funded by internal early career schemes and health charities. He has contributed to technical reports on research evaluation partnerships and has organized academic workshops. His datasets are publicly archived, supporting open science in exercise physiology.

He is involved in multiple ongoing projects, including a pilot study on muscle oxygenation asymmetry in stroke patients and research on cardiovascular responses to eccentric contractions in stroke survivors, highlighting his commitment to translational research in rehabilitation.