Dr Thomas O'Brien
Sport and Exercise Sciences
Faculty of Science
Email: T.D.OBrien@ljmu.ac.uk
Telephone: 0151 904 6262
ORCID
Dr Thomas O'Brien is a Reader in Musculoskeletal Biomechanics within the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Thomas's research is aimed a understanding the function and adaption of the neural and musculoskeletal systems, and how they the influence movement. Thomas applies this approach in the fields of childhood disability (specifically those with cerebral palsy) in collaboration with the Alder Hey Orthopaedics Research Group, and fall prevention as part of the Research to Improve Stair Climbing Safety (RISCS) group.
Thomas teaches biomechanics and muscle performance on undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, and is the module leader of the Level 5 Biomechanical Principles module.
Dr O'Brien has existing research collaborations with multiple academic institutions around the UK, Europe and North America, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, and industrial partners Minerva Research Labs and Globus Academy.
Degrees
2010, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom, PhD in Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
2004, Loughborough University, United Kingdom, MSc in Biomechanics
2004, Brunel University London, United Kingdom, BSc (Hons.) in Sports Science
Academic appointments
International Scholar in Paediatric Muscle Physiology, Brock University, 2013 - 2014
Lecturer in Biomechanics and Neuromuscular Physiology, Bangor University, 2011 - 2016
Lecturer in Biomechanics, University of Hull, 2009 - 2011
Highlighted publications
Francksen NC, Ackermans TMA, Holzer D, Ebner SA, Maganaris CN, Hollands MA, Karamanidis K, Roys M, O'Brien TD. 2020. Negotiating stairs with an inconsistent riser: Implications for stepping safety Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society, 87 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Harkness-Armstrong C, Debelle H, Maganaris CN, Walton R, Wright DM, Bass A, Baltzopoulos V, O’Brien TD. 2020. Effective Mechanical Advantage About the Ankle Joint and the Effect of Achilles Tendon Curvature During Toe-Walking Frontiers in Physiology, 11 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Kalkman BM, Holmes G, Bar-On L, Maganaris CN, Barton GJ, Bass A, Wright DM, Walton R, O'Brien TD. 2019. Resistance Training Combined With Stretching Increases Tendon Stiffness and Is More Effective Than Stretching Alone in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial Frontiers in Paediatrics, 7 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Bar-On L, Kalkman BM, Cenni F, Schless S-H, Molenaers G, Maganaris CN, Bass A, Holmes G, Barton GJ, O'Brien TD, Desloovere K. 2018. The Relationship Between Medial Gastrocnemius Lengthening Properties and Stretch Reflexes in Cerebral Palsy Frontiers in Pediatrics, 6 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Journal article
Walker RL, O'Brien TD, Barton GJ, Carter B, Wright DM, Foster RJ. 2025. Are challenging walking environments linked to falls or risk of falling in children with cerebral palsy? A systematic review. Gait Posture, 117 :306-316 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Bailey HGB, O’Brien TD, Barton GJ, Bass A, Wright D, Pinzone O, Greaves H, Foster RJ. 2024. Exploratory Investigation of Head Stability in Children with Cerebral Palsy and Typically Developing Children during a Targeted Stepping Task Applied Sciences, 14 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Ram M, Baltzopoulos V, Shaw A, Maganaris CN, Cullen J, O'Brien TD. 2024. Stair-Fall Risk Parameters in a Controlled Gait Laboratory Environment and Real (Domestic) Houses: A Prospective Study in Faller and Non-Faller Groups Sensors, 24 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Ram M, Baltzopoulos V, Shaw A, Maganaris CN, Cullen J, O'Brien TD, Kot P. 2023. A Novel Smart Shoe Instrumented with Sensors for Quantifying Foot Placement and Clearance during Stair Negotiation Sensors, 23 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Skervin TK, Thomas NM, Schofield AJ, Hollands MA, Maganaris CN, O’Brien TD, Baltzopoulos V, Foster RJ. 2023. Accuracy and Precision of a Novel Photogate System to Measure Toe Clearance on Stairs Sensors, 23 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Veerkamp K, van der Krogt MM, Harlaar J, O'Brien TD, Kalkman B, Seth A, Bar-On L. 2022. Personalisation of Plantarflexor Musculotendon Model Parameters in Children with Cerebral Palsy. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Armstrong R, Baltzopoulos V, Langan-Evans C, Clark DR, Jarvis JC, Stewart CE, O'Brien TD. 2022. An investigation of movement dynamics and muscle activity during traditional and accentuated-eccentric squatting. PLoS One, 17 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Debelle H, Maganaris CN, O’Brien TD. 2022. Role of Knee and Ankle Extensors’ Muscle-Tendon Properties in Dynamic Balance Recovery from a Simulated Slip Sensors, 22 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Francksen N, Ackermans T, Holzer D, Maganaris C, Hollands M, Roys M, O'Brien T. 2022. Underlying mechanisms of fall risk on stairs with inconsistent going size Applied Ergonomics, 101 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Harkness-Armstrong C, Maganaris CN, Walton R, Wright DM, Bass A, Baltzopoulos V, O'Brien TD. 2022. Children who idiopathically toe-walk have greater plantarflexor effective mechanical advantage compared to typically developing children. European Journal of Applied Physiology, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Armstrong R, Baltzopoulos V, Langan-Evans C, Clark DR, Jarvis JC, Stewart CE, O'Brien TD. 2022. Determining concentric and eccentric force-velocity profiles during squatting European Journal of Applied Physiology, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Debelle H, Maganaris CN, O'Brien TD. 2021. Biomechanical Mechanisms of Improved Balance Recovery to Repeated Backward Slips Simulated by Treadmill Belt Accelerations in Young and Older Adults. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 3 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Skervin TK, Thomas NM, Schofield AJ, Hollands MA, Maganaris CN, O'Brien TD, Baltzopoulos V, Foster RJ. 2021. Using a stair horizontal-vertical illusion to increase foot clearance over an inconsistently taller stair-riser. PLoS One, 16 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Lees C, O'Brien T, Maganaris C. 2021. The use of control - the actions of informal carers on those at risk from falling at home. A qualitative study HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Harkness‐Armstrong C, Maganaris CN, Walton R, Wright DM, Bass A, Baltzopoulos V, O'Brien TD. 2021. In vivo operating lengths of the gastrocnemius muscle during gait in children who idiopathically toe‐walk Experimental Physiology, 106 :1806-1813 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Harkness-Armstrong C, Maganaris C, Walton R, Wright D, Bass A, Baltzopoulos V, O'Brien TD. 2021. Muscle architecture and passive lengthening properties of the gastrocnemius medialis and Achilles tendon in children who idiopathically toe-walk Journal of Anatomy, :1-8 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Thomas NM, Skervin TK, Foster RJ, Parr JVV, Carpenter MG, O'Brien TD, Maganaris CN, Baltzopoulos V, Lees C, Hollands MA. 2021. Influence of step-surface visual properties on confidence, anxiety, dynamic stability, and gaze behaviour in young and older adults. Human Movement Science, 77 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Lees C, O'Brien TD, Maganaris CN. 2021. A mirror image: experiences of informal carers caring for frail, older persons at risk from falling. British Journal of Community Nursing, 26 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Francksen NC, Ackermans TMA, Holzer D, Ebner SA, Maganaris CN, Hollands MA, Karamanidis K, Roys M, O'Brien TD. 2020. Negotiating stairs with an inconsistent riser: Implications for stepping safety Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society, 87 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Debelle H, Maganaris C, O’Brien T. 2020. Controlling the ground reaction force angle characterises better recovery following a single forward falling slip in young and older adults Gait & Posture, 81 :77-78 DOI Publisher Url
Gillett J, Greaves H, Bass A, Wright DM, Walton R, Maganaris CN, Barton GJ, Baltzopoulos V, O’Brien TD. 2020. Clinically applicable assessment of passive stiffness and stretch reflex responses using a portable device in children with cerebral palsy Gait & Posture, 81 :105-106 DOI Publisher Url
Debelle H, Harkness-Armstrong C, Hadwin K, Maganaris CN, O'Brien TD. 2020. Recovery From a Forward Falling Slip: Measurement of Dynamic Stability and Strength Requirements Using a Split-Belt Instrumented Treadmill Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 2 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Wiseman ALA, Stringer CB, Ashton N, Bennett MR, Hatala KG, Duffy S, O'Brien T, De Groote I. 2020. The morphological affinity of the Early Pleistocene footprints from Happisburgh, England, with other footprints of Pliocene, Pleistocene, and Holocene age JOURNAL OF HUMAN EVOLUTION, 144 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Ackermans TMA, Francksen NC, Lees C, Papatzika F, Arampatzis A, Baltzopoulos V, Lisboa P, Hollands MA, O'Brien TD, Maganaris CN. 2020. Prediction of balance perturbations and falls on stairs in older people using a biomechanical profiling approach: A 12-month longitudinal study. Journals of Gerontology Series A, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Harkness-Armstrong C, Debelle H, Maganaris CN, Walton R, Wright DM, Bass A, Baltzopoulos V, O’Brien TD. 2020. Effective Mechanical Advantage About the Ankle Joint and the Effect of Achilles Tendon Curvature During Toe-Walking Frontiers in Physiology, 11 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Kalkman BM, Bar-On L, O'Brien TD, Maganaris CN. 2020. Stretching Interventions in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Why Are They Ineffective in Improving Muscle Function and How Can We Better Their Outcome? Frontiers in Physiology, 11 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Thomas N, Skervin T, Foster RJ, O'Brien TD, Carpenter M, Maganaris CN, Baltzopoulos V, Lees C, Hollands MA. 2020. Optimal lighting levels for stair safety: influence of lightbulb type and brightness on confidence, dynamic balance and stepping characteristics Experimental Gerontology, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Apps C, Rodrigues P, Isherwood J, Lake M. 2020. Footwear insoles with higher frictional properties enhance performance by reducing in-shoe sliding during rapid changes of direction Journal of Sports Sciences, 38 :206-213 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Ackermans TMA, Francksen NC, Casaña-Eslava RV, Lees C, Baltzopoulos V, Lisboa PJG, Hollands MA, O'Brien TD, Maganaris CN. 2020. Stair negotiation behaviour of older individuals: Do step dimensions matter? Journal of Biomechanics, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Kalkman BM, Holmes G, Bar-On L, Maganaris CN, Barton GJ, Bass A, Wright DM, Walton R, O'Brien TD. 2019. Resistance Training Combined With Stretching Increases Tendon Stiffness and Is More Effective Than Stretching Alone in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial Frontiers in Paediatrics, 7 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Ackermans TMA, Francksen NC, Casaña-Eslava RV, Lees C, Baltzopoulos V, Lisboa PJG, Hollands MA, O'Brien TD, Maganaris CN. 2019. A novel multivariate approach for biomechanical profiling of stair negotiation. Experimental Gerontology, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Apps C, Lake M, O'Brien TD, Sterzing T. 2019. Unpredictable shoe midsole perturbations provide an instability stimulus to train ankle posture and motion during forward and lateral gym lunges JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES, DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Alcock L, O'Brien TD, Vanicek N. 2018. Association between somatosensory, visual and vestibular contributions to postural control, reactive balance capacity and healthy ageing in older women. Health Care for Women International, :1-15 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Seaborne RA, Strauss JA, Cocks MS, Shepherd SO, O'Brien TD, van Someren KA, Bell PG, Murgatroyd C, Morton JP, Stewart CE, Mein CA, Sharples AP. 2018. Methylome of human skeletal muscle after acute & chronic resistance exercise training, detraining & retraining Scientific Data, 5 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Schless SH, Cenni F, Bar-On L, Hanssen B, Kalkman B, O'brien T, Aertbeliën E, Van Campenhout A, Molenaers G, Desloovere K. 2018. Medial gastrocnemius volume and echo-intensity after botulinum neurotoxin A interventions in children with spastic cerebral palsy Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Bar-On L, Kalkman BM, Cenni F, Schless S-H, Molenaers G, Maganaris CN, Bass A, Holmes G, Barton GJ, O'Brien TD, Desloovere K. 2018. The Relationship Between Medial Gastrocnemius Lengthening Properties and Stretch Reflexes in Cerebral Palsy Frontiers in Pediatrics, 6 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Kalkman BM, Bar-On L, Cenni F, Maganaris CN, Bass A, Holmes G, Desloovere K, Barton GJ, O'Brien TD. 2018. Muscle and tendon lengthening behaviour of the medial gastrocnemius during ankle joint rotation in children with cerebral palsy Experimental Physiology, 103 :1367-1376 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Lemmey AB, Wilkinson TJ, Perkins CM, Nixon LA, Sheikh F, Jones JG, Ahmad YA, O'brien TD. 2018. Muscle loss following a single high-dose intramuscular injection of corticosteroids to treat disease flare in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. European Journal of Rheumatology, 5 :160-164 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Carruth H, Barton G, Trinca D, Holmes G, Bass A, Baltzopoulos V, Maganaris C, O'Brien TD. 2018. P 065 - Influence of equinus correction on mechanical advantage of the plantarflexors during gait in children with cerebral palsy Gait and Posture, 65 :340-341 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
King SL, Vanicek N, O'Brien TD. 2018. Joint moment strategies during stair descent in patients with peripheral arterial disease and intermittent claudication Gait and Posture, 62 :359-365 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Wilkinson TJ, Lemmey AB, Clayton RJ, Jones JG, O'Brien TD. 2018. The 8-foot up and go test is the best way to assess physical function in the rheumatoid arthritis clinic Rheumatology Advances in Practice, 2 :1-8 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Kalkman BM, Bar-On L, Cenni F, Maganaris CN, Bass A, Holmes G, Desloovere K, Barton GJ, O'Brien TD. 2018. Medial gastrocnemius muscle stiffness cannot explain the increased ankle joint range of motion following passive stretching in children with cerebral palsy. Experimental Physiology, 103 :350-357 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Seaborne RA, Strauss JA, Cocks MS, Shepherd SO, O'Brien TD, van Someren KA, Bell PG, Murgatroyd C, Morton JP, Stewart CE, Sharples AP. 2018. Human Skeletal Muscle Possesses an Epigenetic Memory of Hypertrophy Scientific Reports, 8 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Apps C, Sterzing T, O'Brien T, Ding R, Lake M. 2017. Biomechanical locomotion adaptations on uneven surfaces can be simulated with a randomly deforming shoe midsole Footwear Science, 9 :65-77 DOI Publisher Url
King SL, Vanicek N, O'Brien TD. 2017. Sagittal plane joint kinetics during stair ascent in patients with peripheral arterial disease and intermittent claudication Gait and Posture, 55 :81-86 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Kalkman B, Bar-On L, Cenni F, Maganaris CN, Bass A, Holmes G, Deslovere K, Barton GJ, O'Brien TD. 2017. Achilles tendon moment arm length is smaller in children with cerebral palsy than in typically developing children Journal of Biomechanics, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Noyes J, Spencer LH, Bray N, Kubis H-P, Hastings RP, Jackson M, O'Brien TD. 2016. Conceptualization of physical exercise and keeping fit by child wheelchair users and their parents Journal of Advanced Nursing, 73 :1111-1123 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Apps C, Sterzing T, O'Brien T, Lake M. 2016. Lower limb joint stiffness and muscle co-contraction adaptations to instability footwear during locomotion Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 31 :55-62 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
O'Brien TD, Noyes J, Spencer LH, Kubis H-P, Hastings RP, Whitaker R. 2016. Systematic review of physical activity and exercise interventions to improve health, fitness and well-being of children and young people who use wheelchairs. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 2 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Wilkinson T, Lemmey A, Sheikh F, Ahmad Y, Chitale S, Jones J, Maddison P, O'Brien TD. 2016. Effects of oral creatine supplementation on body composition and objective physical function in rheumatoid arthritis patients. A randomised controlled trial World Biomedical Frontiers, Publisher Url Public Url
Dotan R, Jenkins G, O'Brien TD, Hansen S, Falk B. 2016. Torque-onset determination: Unintended consequences of the threshold method. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 31 :7-13 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Long D, Dotan R, Pitt B, McKinlay B, O'Brien TD, Tokuno C, Falk B. 2016. The Electromyographic Threshold in Girls and Women. Pediatric Exercise Science, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Lemmey AB, Wilkinson T, Clayton B, Sheikh F, Whale J, Jones H, Ahmed Y, Chitale S, Jones J, Maddison PJ, O'Brien TD. 2016. Tight control of disease activity fails to improve body composition or physical function in rheumatoid arthritis patients Rheumatology, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Apps C, Sterzing T, O’Brien T, Ding R, Lake M. 2016. Ankle and knee joint stiffness in walking; Unpredictable and predictable shoe perturbations Foot and Ankle Surgery, 22 :17-18 DOI Publisher Url
Wilkinson TJ, Lemmey AB, Jones JG, Sheikh F, Ahmad YA, Chitale S, Maddison PJ, O'Brien TD. 2016. Can creatine supplementation improve body composition and objective physical function in rheumatoid arthritis patients? A randomised controlled trial. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken), DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Alcock L, Vanicek N, O'Brien TD. 2015. Biomechanical demands of the 2-step transitional gait cycles linking level gait and stair descent gait in older women Journal of Biomechanics, 48 :4191-4197 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
King SL, Vanicek N, O'Brien TD. 2015. Gastrocnemius muscle architecture and Achilles tendon properties influence walking distance in claudicants with peripheral arterial disease. Muscle Nerve, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Apps C, Sterzing T, O'Brien T, Cheung J, Lake M. 2015. Irregular shoe midsole deformations simulate the movement variability of running on uneven surfaces Footwear Science, 7 :S109-S110 DOI Publisher Url
Alcock L, O'Brien TD, Vanicek N. 2015. Age-related changes in physical functioning: correlates between objective and self-reported outcomes PHYSIOTHERAPY, 101 :204-213 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Pitt B, Dotan R, Millar J, Long D, Tokuno C, O'Brien T, Falk B. 2015. The electromyographic threshold in boys and men EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY, 115 :1273-1281 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
King SL, Vanicek N, O'Brien TD. 2015. Dynamic muscle quality of the plantar flexors is impaired in claudicant patients with peripheral arterial disease and associated with poorer walking endurance Journal of Vascular Surgery, 62 :689-697 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
O'Brien TD, Noyes J, Spencer LH, Kubis H-P, Edwards RT, Bray N, Whitaker R. 2015. Well-being, health and fitness of children who use wheelchairs: Feasibility study protocol to develop child-centred 'keep-fit' exercise interventions JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, 71 :430-440 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
O'Brien TD, Noyes J, Spencer LH, Kubis HP, Hastings RP, Edwards RT, Bray N, Whitaker R. 2014. 'Keep fit' exercise interventions to improve health, fitness and well-being of children and young people who use wheelchairs: Mixed-method systematic review protocol Journal of Advanced Nursing, 70 :2942-2951 DOI
Alcock L, O’Brien TD, Vanicek N. 2014. Knee and ankle mechanics differentiate between the transitional steps of stair descent in older women Gait & Posture, 39 :S12-S12 DOI Publisher Url
King S, O’Brien TD, Vanicek N. 2014. Isometric and isokinetic strength profiles of claudicants with peripheral arterial disease Gait & Posture, 39 :S29-S30 DOI Publisher Url
Chesters T, Alcock L, O’Brien TD, Vanicek N, Dobson CA. 2014. Frequency domain characteristics of kinetic data from force platforms mounted in instrumented stairways Gait & Posture, 39 :S118-S119 DOI Publisher Url
O'Brien TD, Noyes J, Spencer LH, KUBIS HP, HASTINGS RP, EDWARDS RT, BRAY N, WHITAKER R. 2014. ‘Keep fit’ exercise interventions to improve health, fitness and wellbeing of children and young people who use wheelchairs: Mixed- method systematic review protocol Journal of Advanced Nursing, DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Wilkinson TJ. 2014. Oral creatine supplementation: A potential adjunct therapy for rheumatoid arthritis patients World Journal of Rheumatology, 4 :22-22 DOI Publisher Url
Alcock L, Vanicek N, O'Brien TD. 2013. Alterations in gait speed and age do not fully explain the changes in gait mechanics associated with healthy older women. Gait Posture, 37 :586-592 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Alcock L, Vanicek N, O'Brien TD. 2013. Biomechanical demands differentiate transitioning vs. continuous stair ascent gait in older women Clinical Biomechanics, DOI Author Url Publisher Url
O'Brien TD, Reeves ND, Baltzopoulos V, Jones DA, Maganaris CN. 2011. Quantification of human muscle specific tension in vivo: A methodologically challenging and some times impossible exercise Journal of Applied Physiology, 110 :1752-1753 DOI Author Url
Herzog W, Sartorio A, Lafortuna CL, Kanehisa H, Fukunaga T, Dotan R, Falk B, Wood LE, Tonson A, Le Fur Y, Cozzone PJ, Bendahan D, Tolfrey K, Morse CI, O'Brien TD, Reeves ND, Baltzopoulos V, Jones DA, Maganaris CN, Lambertz D, Grosset J-F, Perot C. 2011. Commentaries on Viewpoint: can muscle size fully account for strength differences between children and adults? J Appl Physiol (1985), 110 :1750-1753 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
O'Brien TD, Reeves ND, Baltzopoulos V, Jones DA, Maganaris CN. 2010. Muscle-tendon structure and dimensions in adults and children. J Anat, 216 :631-642 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
O'Brien TD, Reeves ND, Baltzopoulos V, Jones DA, Maganaris CN. 2010. Mechanical properties of the patellar tendon in adults and children. J Biomech, 43 :1190-1195 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
O'Brien TD, Reeves ND, Baltzopoulos V, Jones DA, Maganaris CN. 2010. In vivo measurements of muscle specific tension in adults and children Experimental Physiology, 95 :202-210 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
O'Brien TD, Reeves ND, Baltzopoulos V, Jones DA, Maganaris CN. 2009. Moment arms of the knee extensor mechanism in children and adults. J Anat, 215 :198-205 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
O'Brien TD, Reeves ND, Baltzopoulos V, Jones DA, Maganaris CN. 2009. The effects of agonist and antagonist muscle activation on the knee extension moment-angle relationship in adults and children. Eur J Appl Physiol, 106 :849-856 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
O'Brien TD, Reeves ND, Baltzopoulos V, Jones DA, Maganaris CN. 2009. Strong relationships exist between muscle volume, joint power and whole-body external mechanical power in adults and children. Exp Physiol, 94 :731-738 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
O'Brien TD, Reeves ND, Baltzopoulos V, Jones DA, Maganaris CN. 2008. Assessment of voluntary muscle activation using magnetic stimulation. Eur J Appl Physiol, 104 :49-55 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Wilkinson TJ, Lemmey AB, O'Brien TD, Jones JG. Significant muscle loss following intramuscular corticosteroid injection used to treat active rheumatoid arthritis: a case report Journal of Rheumatology and Orthopedics, 2 :2-2 DOI Publisher Url
Conference publication
Wharton E, O'Brien T, Giebel C, Foster R, Maganaris C. 2024. “It was probably because of lockdown that I fell”: Older adults' experiences of independent living in relation to stair falls Gait & Posture, 113 :249-249 DOI Publisher Url
Kearney J, Greaves H, Robinson M, Barton G, Gibbon K, O'Brien T, Wright D, Pinzone O, Foster R. 2024. Changes in trunk and lower body gait kinematics in children following a Theia3D update Gait & Posture, 113 :113-114 DOI Publisher Url
Walker RL, O'Brien TD, Barton GJ, Carter B, Wright DM, Foster RJ. 2024. Children with cerebral palsy avoid stepping in potholes with mediolateral changes in foot placement that cause laterally instability Gait & Posture, 113 :242-243 DOI Publisher Url
Debelle H, Hollands M, Foster R, Wood G, Maganaris C, O'Brien T. 2024. Children with developmental coordination disorder walk cautiously and resist forward-falling perturbations better than typical, but do not improve with practice Gait & Posture, 113 :53-54 DOI Publisher Url
Walker RL, O'Brien TD, Barton GJ, Carter B, Wright DM, Foster RJ. 2023. “I’d go slow and hope I don’t fall” Exploring lived experiences of children with cerebral palsy walking in challenging environments Gait & Posture, 106 :S219-S220 DOI Publisher Url
Walker RL, O'Brien TD, Barton GJ, Carter B, Wright DM, Foster RJ. 2023. Designing a novel protocol to investigate mechanisms of falls in children with cerebral palsy, informed by lived experiences Gait & Posture, 106 :S218-S219 DOI Publisher Url
Bailey H, O'Brien TD, Barton GJ, Bass A, Wright DM, Pinzone O, Greaves H, Foster RJ. 2021. Walking towards a visually distracting environment does not affect gait kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters of children with cerebral palsy diplegia Gait & Posture, 90 :11-12 DOI Publisher Url
Harkness-Armstrong C, Maganaris C, Walton R, Wright D, Bass A, Baltzopoulos V, O'Brien T. 2021. Adaptations in muscle architecture complement the gastrocnemius operating ranges during gait in children who idiopathically toe-walk Gait & Posture, 90 :88-89 DOI Publisher Url
Harkness-Armstrong C, Debelle H, Maganaris CN, Walton R, Wright D, Bass A, Baltzopoulos V, O'Brien TD. 2019. Measuring the effective mechanical advantage of the plantarflexors during heel-toe walking and voluntary toe-walking: A comparison of two methods Gait and Posture, 73 :129-130 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Selvaraj M, Baltzopoulos V, Maganaris C, O'Brien T, Shaw A, Kot P, Cullen J. 2018. Stair fall risk detection using wearable sensors 11th International Conference on the Developments in eSystems Engineering (DESE) DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Kalkman B, Bar-On L, Cenni F, Holmes G, Bass A, Barton GJ, Maganaris C, Desloovere K, O'Brien T. 2016. The effect of cerebral palsy on Achilles tendon moment arm length Gait and Posture, 49(S2) :135-135
Wilkinson TJ, Lemmey AB, Sheikh F, Ahmad Y, Chitale S, Jones J, Maddison P, O'Brien TD. 2015. CAN CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION IMPROVE BODY COMPOSITION AND OBJECTIVE PHYSICAL FUNCTION IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS? A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL RHEUMATOLOGY, Annual Meeting of the British-Society-for-Rheumatology and British-Health-Professionals-in-Rheumatology 54 :82-82 Author Url
Cook RE, Mathew RG, O'Brien TD, Caine R, Jones JG, Ahmad Y, Lemmey AB. 2015. DEVELOPING AN INSTRUCTIONAL EXERCISE DVD FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS RHEUMATOLOGY, Annual Meeting of the British-Society-for-Rheumatology and British-Health-Professionals-in-Rheumatology 54 :144-144 Author Url
Alcock L, O'Brien TD, vanicek N. 2011. The effects of healthy ageing processes on the functional measures of level gait
Pain M, O'Brien TD. 2010. Active force enhancement as a source of stretch shorten cycle enhancement? American Society of Biomechanic
Alcock L, O'Brien TD, Vanicek N. Musculoskeletal changes in gait variables associated with stair ascent in healthy older women. In the proceedings of the XXIII Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics
O'Brien TD. Are adult muscles intrinsically stronger than those of children? International Society of Biomechanics
Pain M, O'Brien TD. Stretch-shorten cycle enhancement decays with increased coupling time during jumping and iso-velocity knee extensions World Congress of Biomechanics
O'Brien TD. In vivo mechanical properties of the patellar tendon in adults and pre-pubertal children European College of Sport Sciences
Alcock L, O'Brien TD, Vanicek N. KNEE AND ANKLE MECHANICS DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN THE TRANSITIONAL STEPS OF STAIR DESCENT IN OLDER WOMEN Abstract 015, European Society of Movement Analysis in Adults and Children :40-40
King S, O'Brien TD, Vanicek N. ISOMETRIC AND ISOKINETIC STRENGTH PROFILES OF CLAUDICANTS WITH PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE European Society of Movement Analysis in Adults and Children Abstract 037 :65-65
King SL, O'Brien TD, Vanicek N. Gastrocnemii structure and specific tension in claudicants with peripheral arterial disease 19th Annual Congress of the European College of Sports Science Public Url
Foster RJ, Kalkman BM, Ray E, Maganaris C, Barton G, Baltzopoulos V, Holmes G, Bass A, Trinca D, O'Brien T. Centre of mass control during stair descent in children with cerebral palsy European Academy of Childhood Disability
Harkness-Armstrong C, Maganaris C, Walton R, Wright D, Bass A, Baltzopoulos V, O'Brien T. Idiopathic toe-walking children utilise a similar portion of their moment-angle curve during gait as typically developing children Gait and Posture, European Society for Movement analysis in Adults and Children, Poster Presentation DOI Publisher Url
Harkness-Armstrong C, Maganaris C, Walton R, Wright D, Bass A, Baltzopoulos V, O'Brien T. Idiopathic toe-walking children have an increased plantarflexor effective mechanical advantage compared to typically developing children Gait and Posture, European Society for Movement analysis in Adults and Children, Oral Presentaiton DOI Publisher Url
Walker RL, O'Brien TD, Barton GJ, Carter B, Wright DM, Foster RJ. How children with cerebral palsy and their parents helped co-design ‘The Walk-Along Project’ protocol to investigate causes of daily falls Gait & Posture, 97 :S268-S269 DOI Publisher Url
Walker R, O'Brien TD, Barton GJ, Carter B, Wright DM, Foster RJ. Do challenging walking environments contribute to increased fall risk in children with cerebral palsy? A narrative review Gait & Posture, 90 :304-305 DOI Publisher Url
preprint
de Thysebaert I, Ackermans T, Francksen N, Thomas NM, Hollands M, O’Brien T, McCrum C, Meijer K, Maganaris C. 2023. Gaze Behaviour of Older Adults During Stair Negotiation: The Effect of Step Dimensions. Center for Open Science DOI Publisher Url
Editorial/letter to the editor
Harkness-Armstrong C, Maganaris CN, Walton R, Wright DM, Bass A, Baltzopoulos V, O'Brien TD. 2022. Reply to Veerkamp et al.: Comments on Harkness-Armstrong et al. (2021) Experimental Physiology, 107 :1525-1526 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Kalkman BM, Maganaris CN, Bar-On L, O'Brien TD. 2019. Letter to the editor regarding: Effects of cerebral palsy on Achilles tendon moment arm length - Do children with CP have larger or smaller moment arms than typically developing children? Commentary on: Alexander et al JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS, 92 :175-177 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
O'Brien TD. 2016. Musculoskeletal Proportionality, Biomechanical Considerations, and Their Contribution to Movement in Adults and Children PEDIATRIC EXERCISE SCIENCE, 28 :210-216 DOI Author Url
O'Brien TD. 2015. Biomechanics and Exercise PEDIATRIC EXERCISE SCIENCE, 27 :34-38 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
O'Brien TD. Commentary on: Child-Adult Differences in Muscle Activation Pediatr Exerc Sci,
Other
Harkness-Armstrong C, Maganaris C, Walton R, Wright DM, Bass A, Baltzopoulos V, O’Brien TD. 2022. Correction to: Children who idiopathically toe-walk have greater plantarflexor effective mechanical advantage compared to typically developing children (European Journal of Applied Physiology, (2022), 122, 6, (1409-1417), 10.1007/s00421-022-04913-7) European Journal of Applied Physiology, 122 :1419 DOI Author Url Publisher Url
Bailey H, O'Brien TD, Walker RL, Barton GJ, Bass A, Wright DM, Pinzone O, Greaves H, Foster RJ. 2021. Children with cerebral palsy exhibit a cautious approach to lateral stability throughout single limb support during a targeted stepping task Gait & Posture, 90 :13-14 DOI Publisher Url
Debelle H, Maganaris C, O'Brien T. 2021. Balance improvements following repeated forward falling slips in young and older adults mainly rely on controlling the step length Gait & Posture, 90 :42-43 DOI Publisher Url
Veerkamp K, van der Krogt M, Mackenbach C, Harlaar J, O'Brien T, Kalkman B, Seth A, Bar-On L. 2021. Calf muscle model parameters that fit measured torque and fascicle lengths in children with cerebral palsy Gait & Posture, 90 :293-294 DOI Publisher Url
Apps C, Sterzing T, O'Brien T, Lake M. 2017. A shoe with random midsole deformations increases ankle joint variability and muscle activations during the forward lunge Footwear Science, 9 :S62-S63 DOI Publisher Url
Bar-On L, Kalkman B, Cenni F, O'Brien T, Holmes G, Bass A, Barton GJ, Maganaris C, Schless S, Molenaers G, Desloovere K. 2016. Muscle and tendon properties during fast passive stretch are different in stiff and spastic muscles in children with spastic cerebral palsy Gait and Posture, 49(S2) :11-12 DOI Publisher Url
kalkman B, Bar-On L, Cenni F, Holmes G, Bass A, Maganaris C, Barton G, Desloovere K, O'Brien T. 2016. Passive muscle and tendon properties during ankle joint rotation in children with cerebral palsy Gait and Posture, 49(S2) :133-134 DOI Publisher Url