Michael Porter

Michael Porter is a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology at the University of Northampton, School of Science, within the Department of Sports and Exercise Science. He teaches on the BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Science and Rehabilitation courses, with a focus on health and exercise physiology. He is currently accepting PhD students and is willing to speak to media, indicating active engagement in research and public dissemination.

Education:

• PhD in Sports Science, University of Essex (awarded September 2020). Thesis: "The Ergogenic Effects of Oxygen Supplementation on Cycling Performance".
• BSc (Hons) in Sports and Exercise Science, University of Essex (awarded July 2016).

Michael’s primary research interests center on the use of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to monitor muscle oxygenation kinetics, the effects of oxygen supplementation on muscular performance, and the application of the VLaₘₐₓ principle in exercise testing. He also explores broader topics in health physiology, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and aging. His work bridges applied performance science and clinical rehabilitation, particularly evident in his current pilot study on stroke patients.

His recent publications (2019–2025) consistently focus on sprint cycling performance, muscle oxygenation, blood lactate dynamics, and oxygen supplementation. These studies employ methodologies such as NIRS, lactate threshold testing, and ergometry, reflecting a cohesive research program aimed at optimizing athletic performance and understanding physiological limits.

Professional Affiliations:

• Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Active member of The Physiological Society

Michael is the Principal Investigator (PI) on a current internal-funded project titled “Viability of using asymmetry of peripheral muscle oxygenation status in Stroke patients using muscle NIRS (upper and lower limb): A Pilot Study,” running from October 2024 to July 2025. This project demonstrates his expanding research scope into clinical populations. He has no listed scientific awards but maintains an active publication and collaboration record, including co-authorship with researchers such as Katherine Reed, James Langley, and others.

He advises PhD students and is involved in research mentoring, though specific student names are not listed. His lab or research team appears to focus on exercise performance testing, using NIRS and metabolic assessment tools, and is likely part of the broader sport science research group at the University of Northampton.