Ricardo Martins

Dr. Ricardo Martins is a Research Fellow at Coventry University's Centre for Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Sciences. His research examines cognitive and affective responses to exercise in childhood, utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate neurocognitive mechanisms underlying physical activity benefits.

Current projects focus on:

• Neurocognitive effects of classroom exercise breaks
• Movement interventions for children with cerebral palsy
• Motor competence development in youth sports
• Gamified physical activity interventions
• Coach education practices

Dr. Martins employs multi-method approaches including Write, Draw, Show and Tell methodologies to understand youth perspectives on physical training. His research has contributed to international collaborations in 9 European countries examining fundamental movement skills in grassroots football.