Dr Max Andrews
Researcher Biography
Max is a sports scientist and strength and conditioning coach, currently undertaking doctoral research through The University of Queensland and Stanford University. His research explores the muscle adaptations from eccentric training that may reduce hamstring injury risk, bridging the gap between fundamental muscle physiology and practical injury prevention strategies to enhance human performance.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences (First Class Honours) from the University of Queensland in 2020, where his honours thesis examined shared athlete leadership in elite female cricket. Alongside his research, Max teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including sports science, developing the elite athlete, and sports technology and analytics.
Research Interests
- Sports Performance: Muscle adaptations, eccentric training, injury prevention
- Sports Coaching: Coach education, translating sports science into coaching
Publications
Andrews M H., Anoosha Pai S., Gurchiek R D., Pincheira P A., Chaudhari A S., Hodges P W., Lichtwark G A., Delp SL. Multiscale hamstring muscle adaptations following 9 weeks of eccentric training. Journal of Sport and Health Science. In Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2024.100996
Andrews, Max H., Adam D. Gorman, and Rian H. Crowther. 2023. Functional movement variability to maintain delivery speed in cricket fast bowling. European Journal of Sport Science. 24(4), 415-421. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsc.12045
Andrews, M. H., Rynne, S. B., & Mallett, C. J. (2022). Tensions in shared leadership in elite women’s cricket: Implications for coaching. International Sport Coaching Journal. 9(3), 352–362. https://doi.org/10.1123/iscj.2021-0040
Andrews, M. H. (2021). A review and critique of burnout in sport: A self-determination perspective. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, 29(2), 70-75.
Researcher biography
Research
Dr Max Andrews is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences at The University of Queensland. He is a sport scientist with expertise in muscle physiology, focusing on improving athletic performance and preventing musculoskeletal injuries. Dr Andrews completed a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Sciences (First Class Honours) and a PhD at The University of Queensland.
Dr Andrews' research has generated novel insights into the mechanisms underpinning hamstring adaptations to eccentric training. Using advanced imaging and neurophysiological techniques, his work examines in vivo muscle adaptations by exploring the relationships between muscle microstructure (sarcomeres), macrostructure (fascicles), and nervous system control (motor units). This multiscale research has involved international collaborations with Stanford University (USA) and the University of Birmingham (UK). He is also involved in applied research projects in sports science and coaching through industry partnerships with the Australian Institute of Sport, Cricket Australia, Stanford Athletics, and the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance.
Teaching
Dr Andrews teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in exercise and sport science, including sports medicine, biomechanics, sport technology and analytics, motor control, and strength and conditioning. His course leadership has been recognised with a School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences Award for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning, acknowledging his innovative integration of industry engagement, technology, and authentic assessment to enhance student learning and professional readiness in sports science.