Hannah Mortimer

Thesis Title: Psychobiological Determinants of Performance

My PhD research investigates the detrimental effects of mental fatigue on various performance outcomes, including endurance, skill-based tasks, and strength. By developing and testing innovative protocols using Brain Endurance Training (BET), I aim to identify methods for enhancing resilience to mental fatigue, utilising shorter and more cognitively demanding tasks than those traditionally employed in the field. Additionally, I am keen to further explore the psychological and physiological mechanisms behind mental fatigue and combined (physical and mental) fatigue to better understand its causes and the specific performance components most affected. I have also done some research on the role of cognitive priming and warm-ups to enhance subsequent performance.

Biography:

Final-year PhD candidate in Sport Science specialising in the psychobiological determinants of performance, with hands-on experience in elite sport environments in AFL, NRL, netball, tennis, and Olympic disciplines. Skilled in athlete testing with a background in applying evidence-based cognitive strategies to enhance physical performance. Long-term goal: to work in elite high-performance sport, integrating research expertise with practical S&C coaching to maximise athlete development.

Publications:

Peer-Reviewed Publications

1.Mortimer, H., Dallaway, N., & Ring, C. (2024). Effects of isolated and combined mental and physical fatigue on motor skill and endurance exercise performance. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 75, 102720. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102720

2.Dallaway, N., Mortimer, H., Gore, A., & Ring, C. (2024). Brain Endurance Training (BET) improves dynamic calisthenic exercise and benefits novel exercise and cognitive performance: Evidence of performance enhancement and near transfer of training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004857

3.Ring, C., Kavussanu, M., Gürpınar, B., Whitehead, J., & Mortimer, H. (2020). Basic values predict unethical behavior in sport: The case of athletes’ doping likelihood. Ethics & Behavior, 32(1), 90–98. https://doi.org/10.1080/10508422.2020.1837136

4.Mortimer, H., Whitehead, J., Kavussanu, M., Gürpınar, B., & Ring, C. (2020). Values and clean sport. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39(5), 533–541. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1835221

Papers in Preparation

1.Exploring the Effects of Brain Endurance Training (BET) on Sub-Maximal Upper Body Resistance Exercise: Analysing EMG and Movement Variables to Understand the Psychological and Physiological Factors Influencing Training to Failure

2.The Effects of Mental Fatigue on Intermittent Running Performance: Can Task Intensity Induce Fatigue More Efficiently?

3.Combined Cognitive and Physical Warm-ups - The Effects of Cognitive Priming on Running Time Trail Performance

Sport & Exercise Science

University of Birmingham

2021 Cohort

Email:

Supervisory Team:

Chris Ring

Maria Kavussanu