Dr. Marcus Dunn BSc (hons), MSc, PhD
Senior Research Fellow
Summary
Dr Marcus Dunn is a Senior Research Fellow specialising in the development of applied measurement systems to advance human movement assessment in representative and real-world settings.
Marcus works with international sports governing bodies, international sports companies, and healthcare specialists, to create bespoke measurement and feedback solutions.
His research addresses human movement and impact dynamics, to advance understanding of injury, performance, and rehabilitation.
Finally, Marcus developed three applied measurement science modules for BSc Sport and Exercise Technology (level six lead), leads the MSc Sports Engineering module ‘Applied Measurement in Sports Engineering’, and supervises four PhD students.
About
Dr Marcus Dunn is a Senior Research Fellow in the Sports Engineering Research Group. His research focuses on the development of applied measurement systems to advance human movement assessment in representative and real-world settings.
Marcus’ PhD research was sponsored by the International Tennis Federation, and developed a markerless (non-invasive), single camera system to automatically measure player movement and step parameters during elite, match-play tennis.
Marcus’ current research addresses applied measurement solutions for international sports governing bodies, elite sports, sports infrastructure companies and test laboratories, sportswear companies and local NHS Health Trusts. The industry-focussed nature of his research has aided the development of research partnerships and informed real-world change in international football.
Recently, Marcus’ research has addressed biomechanical analysis for field- and clinic-based applications using consumer technologies. In 2018, he was identified as a future academic leader conducting commercialisable research and awarded a limited place – funded by Innovate UK – on the Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research programme.
Marcus leads the ‘applied measurement’ programme within the Academy of Sport and Physical Activity. He leads the MSc Sports Engineering module ‘Applied Measurement in Sports Engineering’ and developed three applied measurement science modules for BSc Sport and Exercise Technology (levels four, five and six).
Marcus has supervised two PhD students to completion, he currently supervises four PhD students (UK and Australian institutions) and has examined three PhD students (internally and externally). Externally, Marcus is an advisor to the University of Bath's CAMERA 2.0 project and to the British Association for Sustainable Sport, and is the Lead Guest Editor for the Topical Collection on Football Research, published in the Sports Engineering journal.
Teaching
College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences
- Relationship between football design and heading impacts in football (student project supported by FIFA)
- Application of field-based video analysis tool to monitor running (student project supported by GRACEfull Running)
- MSc Sports Engineering
- BSc Sport and Exercise Technology
- Applied Measurement in Sports Engineering (Level 7 - MSc Sports Engineering)
- Advanced and Field-based Measurement for Sport and Exercise (Level 6 - BSc Sport and Exercise Technology)
Research
- New Balance : New York 5th Avenue Mile analysis. Running performance analysis using broadcast footage.
- Digital Innovation for Growth (DFiG) : Digital Run Coach. Video-based software tool to analyse running style in the field.
- Fédération Internationale de Football VOL. Validation of high-speed camera technology to assess virtual offside line accuracy in football.
- Adidas : FIT. Football player performance and perception of custom-made (shape) football boots.
- Adidas : Boot traction. Football player performance and perception of custom boot stud configurations.
- Babolat : Tennis swing analysis. Three-dimensional tennis stroke analysis to inform racket development.
Digital Innovation for Growth (DFiG) : Digital Run Coach
1. Paper : https://shura.shu.ac.uk/26471/
2. TV programme : https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000r7bb
- Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
- Adidas
- Babolat
- New Balance
Publications
Journal articles
Mills, K.L., Billingham, J., Choppin, S., Dunn, M., Senior, T., & Goodwill, S. (2022). Repeatability of a piezoelectric force platform to measure impact metrics for a single model of football. Sports Engineering, 25 (1). http://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-022-00389-y
Chiu, C.-.Y., Dunn, M., Heller, B., Churchill, S., & Maden-Wilkinson, T. (2022). Modification and refinement of three-dimensional reconstruction to estimate body volume from a simulated single-camera image. Obesity Science and Practice. http://doi.org/10.1002/osp4.627
Rowley, L.J., Churchill, S.M., Dunn, M., & Wheat, J. (2021). Effect of hurdling step strategy on the kinematics of the hurdle clearance technique. Sports Biomech. http://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2021.1970214
Anderson, E., Stone, J., Dunn, M., & Heller, B. (2021). Coach Approaches to Practice Design in Performance Tennis. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching. http://doi.org/10.1177/17479541211027294
Rowley, L.J., Churchill, S.M., Dunn, M., & Wheat, J. (2021). Effect of hurdling step strategy on the kinematics of the block start. Sports Biomechanics. http://doi.org/10.1080/14763141.2021.1896028
Dunn, M., Chiu, C.-.Y., Kelley, J., & Haake, S. (2020). Technologies to Aid Public Understanding in Running Performance. Proceedings, 49 (1), e26. http://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2020049026
Dunn, M., Davies, D., & Hart, J. (2020). Effect of Football Size and Mass in Youth Football Head Impacts. Proceedings, 49 (1), e29. http://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2020049029
Chiu, C.-.Y., Pease, D.L., Fawkner, S., Dunn, M., & Sanders, R.H. (2018). Comparison of automated post-processing techniques for measurement of body surface area from 3D photonic scans. Computer methods in biomechanics and biomedical engineering, 7 (2), 227-234. http://doi.org/10.1080/21681163.2018.1492971
Dunn, M., Claxton, D., Fletcher, G., Wheat, J., & Binney, D. (2018). Effects of running retraining on biomechanical factors associated with lower limb injury. Human Movement Science, 58, 21-31. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2018.01.001
Driscoll, H., Hudson, C., Dunn, M., & Kelley, J. (2018). Image based stroke-rate detection system for swim race analysis. Proceedings, 2 (6), 286-292. http://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2060286
Dunn, M., Hart, J., & James, D. (2018). Wearing electronic performance and tracking system devices in Association Football: Potential injury scenarios and associated impact energies. Proceedings, 2 (6), 232-237. http://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2060232
Dunn, M., Pavan, D., Ramirez, P., Rava, S., & Atiqah, S. (2018). An automated method to extract three-dimensional position data using an infrared time-of-flight camera. Proceedings, 2 (6), 502-207. http://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2060502
Oudshoorn, B., Driscoll, H., Dunn, M., Senior, T., & James, D. (2017). Development of a test method for assessing laceration injury risk of individual cleats during game-relevant loading conditions. Footwear Science, 10 (1), 1-10. http://doi.org/10.1080/19424280.2017.1403969
Oudshoorn, B., Driscoll, H., Kilner, K., Dunn, M., & James, D. (2017). Prevalence of laceration injuries in professional and amateur rugby union: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 3 (1), e000239. http://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2017-000239
Oudshoorm, B.Y., Driscoll, H.F., Dunn, M., & James, D. (2017). Identifying representative test parameters to assess skin laceration injury risk for individual studs. Footwear Science, 9 (sup1), S29-S31. http://doi.org/10.1080/19424280.2017.1313904
Oudshoorn, B., Driscoll, H., Dunn, M., & James, D. (2017). Kinetic and kinematic analysis of stamping impacts during simulated rucking in rugby union. Journal of Sports Sciences, 36 (8), 914-919. http://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2017.1346273
Dunn, M., Goodwill, S., Wheat, J., & Haake, S. (2011). Assessing tennis player interactions with tennis courts. Portuguese Journal of Sport Sciences, 11 (Supp.2), 859-862.
Royle, A., Heller, B., & Dunn, M. (n.d.). Do children and adolescents with cerebral palsy walk with reduced dynamic stability compared to their typically developing peers? A systematic review. APCP Journal.
Conference papers
Dunn, M., Kennerley, A., Webster, K., Middleton, K., & Wheat, J. (2022). Application of Video Interpolation to Markerless Movement Analysis. In Allen, T., Espinosa, H., & Shade, S. (Eds.) Engineering of Sport 14, ISEA 2022, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 6 June 2022 - 10 June 2022. https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/resec-isea/2022/session07/3
Mills, K., Billingham, J., Choppin, S., Goodwill, S., & Dunn, M. (2022). Constant Parameter Visco-elastic Model of a Normal Incidence Football Impact. In Allen, T., Espinosa, H., & Shade, S. (Eds.) Engineering of Sport 14, ISEA 2022, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 6 June 2022 - 10 June 2022. https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/resec-isea/2022/session04/6
Busuttil, N., Dunn, M., Hale, J., Roberts, A., & Middleton, K. (2022). Effect of modular sports flooring on static and dynamic friction of common sport shoes. In Allen, T., Espinosa, H., & Shade, S. (Eds.) Engineering of Sport 14, ISEA, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 6 June 2022 - 10 June 2022. https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/resec-isea/2022/posters/20/
Busuttil, N., Roberts, A., Dunn, M., & Middleton, K. (2021). Perspectives and practices of accredited tennis coaches when developing stroke technique. In Biomechanics in Sports, (pp. 17-20). International Society of Biomechanics in Sport: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol39/iss1/6/
Chiu, C.Y., Thelwell, M., Goodwill, S., & Dunn, M. (2020). Accuracy of Anthropometric Measurements by a Video-Based 3D Modelling Technique. http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43195-2_29
d'Andrea, F., Heller, B., James, D., Koerger, H., & Dunn, M. (2019). Ground reaction force estimation in football using inertial measurement units during alternate lateral bounding. Footwear Science, 11 (sup1), S77-S78. http://doi.org/10.1080/19424280.2019.1606087
Foster, L., Heller, B., Williams, A., Dunn, M., Curtis, D., & Goodwill, S. (2016). Development of smart inner city recreational facilities to encourage active living. In Garcia, C.R., Caballero-Gil, P., Burmester, M., & Quesada-Arencibia, A. (Eds.) Ubiquitous computing and ambient intelligence : 10th International Conference, UCAmI 2016, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria, Spain, November 29 – December 2, 2016, (pp. 458-468). Springer: http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48799-1_50
Oudshoorn, B., Driscoll, H.F., Dunn, M., & James, D. (2016). Causation events of stud laceration injuries in rugby union. Procedia Engineering, 147, 496-500. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2016.06.227
Oudshoorn, B., Driscoll, H.F., Dunn, M., & James, D. (2016). Pressure sensor calibration for measuring stud-player impacts. Procedia Engineering, 147, 688-693. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2016.06.273
Dunn, M., & Kelley, J. (2015). Non-invasive, spatio-temporal gait analysis for sprint running using a single camera. Procedia Engineering, 112, 528-533. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2015.07.237
Dunn, M., Haake, S., Wheat, J., & Goodwill, S. (2014). Validation of a single camera, spatio-temporal gait analysis system. Procedia Engineering, 72, 243-248. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2014.06.043
Dunn, M., Wheat, J., Miller, S., Haake, S., & Goodwill, S. (2012). Reconstructing 2D planar coordinates using linear and nonlinear techniques. In 30th Annual Conference of Biomechanics in Sports, Melbourne Australia, 2 July 2012 - 6 July 2012. https://ojs.ub.uni-konstanz.de/cpa/article/view/5310
Book chapters
Allen, T., Dixon, S., Dunn, M., & Knudson, D. (2018). Tennis Equipment and Technique Interactions on Risk of Overuse Injuries. In Di Giacomo, G., Ellenbecker, T., & Kibler, W. (Eds.) Tennis Medicine: A Complete Guide to Evaluation, Treatment, and Rehabilitation. (pp. 61-79). Springer: https://www.springer.com/gb/book/9783319714974
Theses / Dissertations
d'Andrea, F. (2021). Ground reaction force estimation to assess football player movement on hybrid turfs. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Dunn, M., Heller, B., & James, D. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00372
Oudshoorn, B. (2018). Development of a test method to evaluate laceration risk of studded footwear. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by James, D., Driscoll, H., & Dunn, M. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00090
Dunn, M.D. (2014). Video-based step measurement in sport and daily living. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Goodwill, S., Wheat, J., & Haake, S.
Media
Baig, M. (2021). The Truth About... Getting Fit at Home. [TV Programme]. BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000r7bb
Roberts, A., & McLysaght, A. (2018). 2018 Royal Institution Christmas lectures: who am I? [TV Programme]. BBC
Dunn, M. (2015). Use of goal-line technology in 2014 FIFA World Cup. [Radio]. BBC Radio Sheffield
Dunn, M. (2015). Use of goal-line technology in 2014 FIFA World Cup. [Radio]. BBC Radio Sheffield
Dunn, M. (2014). Use of goal-line technology in 2014 FIFA World Cup. [Radio]. KPMG
Dunn, M. (2014). Use of goal-line technology in 2014 FIFA World Cup. [Radio]. KPMG
Presentations
Dunn, M., & Allen, T. (2021). Validation of a method to assess offside technologies in dynamic movement. Presented at: 2021 FIFA Research Synergy Workshop, 2021
Dunn, M., & Allen, T. (2020). Development of dynamic test methods to evaluate offside technology accuracy. Presented at: 2020 FIFA Research Symposium, 2021
Posters
Dimitriadis, P., Dunn, M., & Ray, J. (2017). The role of non-invasive camera technology for gait analysis in patients with vestibular disorders. Presented at: IFOS (International Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies) World Congress, Paris, France, 2017
Other publications
Hart, J., Dunn, M., & James, D. (2018). Handbook of test methods for wearable EPTS devices. FIFA: https://football-technology.fifa.com/media/171884/test-manual-epts-wearables-v1_6.pdf
Other activities
Lead Guest Editor for Topical Collection on Football Research, Sports Engineering journal.
Postgraduate supervision
Current PhD projects
- The effect of step strategy on the biomechanics of first hurdle clearance.
- The influence of grip position training aids on skill development of tennis strokes in junior tennis athletes.
- The dynamic interaction between a football and surface in match play.
- Nonlinear gait variability in young people following ACL reconstruction to inform return-to-sport.
Past supervised PhD students
- Effects of artificial grass construction on biomechanics and perception of the player-surface interaction.
- Development of a test method to evaluate laceration risk of studded footwear.
- Ground Reaction Force Estimation to Assess Football Player Movement on Hybrid Turfs.
Media
Dr Marcus Dunn is a research fellow at the Centre for Sports Engineering Research. His research focuses on the development of measurement systems (software and hardware) for biomechanical and performance analysis in representative settings. Marcus has worked with international sports governing bodies, commercial companies and healthcare specialists, to develop bespoke measurement solutions, for use in more representative settings. In addition to his research, Marcus leads the MSc Sports Engineering module ‘Measurement Techniques in Sports Engineering and Biomechanics’ and supervises several PhD students.
The Centre for Sports Engineering Research (CSER) is led by Dr David James. It is the world's largest academic group in sports engineering and an internationally renowned centre of excellence for research and knowledge transfer. The centre's work is based on four research disciplines; applied computing, biomechanics, design engineering, and skill acquisition. In each area, researchers develop fundamental knowledge and deliver applied solutions to enhance athletic performance, reduce injury and promote physical activity.
CSER works in partnership with many sport, health and commercial organisations. We are immensely proud of our work with Team GB Olympic, and Paralympic athletes, and we enjoy research partnerships with global organisations such as the International Tennis Federation, FIFA, and Adidas.
Areas of expertise:
- Sports engineering
- Goal-line technology
- Camera calibration
- Biomechanics
- Gait analysis
Notable media coverage:
- BBC Radio Sheffield, UK
- KPMG Early Edition, Newstalk ZB, Auckland NZ.