Dr Emma Beckman
Senior Lecturer
School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
+61 7 334 67904
Researcher biography
Dr Emma Beckman is a Teaching and Research academic at the University of Queensland. Emma is passionate about engaging in research to improve the lives of people with disabilities through sport. Following a master's degree in Adapted physical activity, Emma completed her PhD in strength assessment for classification in Para Sport. She is currently a co-investigator in the UQ IPC Classification Research Partnership, and an internationally accredited classifier in Para Athletics. Dr Beckman is passionate about teaching and has a keen interest in Inter-professional education and practice.
Publications
Book Chapters
Connick, Mark J., Beckman, Emma and Tweedy, Sean M. (2018). Evolution and development of best practice in paralympic classification. The Palgrave handbook of paralympic studies. (pp. 389-416) edited by Ian Brittain and Aaron Beacom. London, United Kingdom: Palgrave Macmillan. doi: 10.1057/978-1-137-47901-3_18
Macdonald, Doune, Beckman, Emma, Bailey, Don, Mallett, Cliff and Trost, Stewart (2014). JOSHUA Optimising assets: (dis)ability and the path to active participation. Pedagogical cases in physical education and youth sport. (pp. 211-221) edited by Kathleen Armour. Abingdon, Oxford, United Kingdom: Routledge.
Journal Articles
Wilson, Paula J, Connick, Mark J, Dutia, Iain M, Beckman, Emma M, Macaro, Angelo and Tweedy, Sean M (2021). Does sports-specific training improve measures of impairment developed for para sport classification? A multiple-baseline, single-case experiment. Journal of Sports Sciences. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1883309
Forbes, Roma, Beckman, Emma, Tower, Marion, Mandrusiak, Allison, Mitchell, Leander K., Sexton, Christopher T., Cunningham, Brent and Lewis, Peter A. (2020). Interprofessional, student-led community health clinic: expanding service provision and clinical education capacity. Australian Health Review, 45 (2), 255-260. doi: 10.1071/ah20021
Paix, Emily L., Tweedy, Sean M., Connick, Mark J. and Beckman, Emma M. (2020). Differentiating maximal and submaximal voluntary strength measures for the purposes of medico-legal assessments and para sport classification: a systematic review. European Journal of Sport Science, 1-33. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1834623
Enright, Eimear, Beckman, Emma M., Connick, Mark J., Dutia, Iain Mayank, Macaro, Angelo, Wilson, Paula J., O'Sullivan, Jennifer, Lavalliere, Jean-Michel, Block, Turner, Johnston, Leanne M., Panagoda, Gaj and Tweedy, Sean M. (2020). Competitive sport, therapy, and physical education: voices of young people with cerebral palsy who have high support needs. British Journal of Sports Medicine, bjsports-2020. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-102276
Forner, Lori B., Beckman, Emma M. and Smith, Michelle D. (2020). Do women runners report more pelvic floor symptoms than women in CrossFit®? A cross-sectional survey. International Urogynecology Journal, 32 (2), 295-302. doi: 10.1007/s00192-020-04531-x
Hutchinson, Michael J., Phillips, Jamie-Lee K., Mason, Barry S., Goosey-Tolfrey, Victoria L. and Beckman, Emma M. (2020). Measures of impairment applicable to the classification of Paralympic athletes competing in wheelchair sports: a systematic review of validity, reliability and associations with performance. Journal of Sports Sciences, 1-22. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1815957
Fiorese, Brittany A., Beckman, Emma M., Connick, Mark J., Hunter, Adam B. and Tweedy, Sean M. (2020). Biomechanics of starting, sprinting and submaximal running in athletes with brain impairment: a systematic review. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 23 (12), 1118-1127. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2020.05.006
James, Lachlan P., Connick, Mark, Haff, G. Gregory, Kelly, Vincent G. and Beckman, Emma M. (2020). The countermovement jump mechanics of mixed martial arts competitors. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34 (4), 982-987. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003508
Forner, Lori B., Beckman, Emma M. and Smith, Michelle D. (2019). Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse in women who lift heavy weights for exercise: a cross-sectional survey. International Urogynecology Journal, 31 (8), 1551-1558. doi: 10.1007/s00192-019-04163-w
Dutia, I. M., Connick, M. J., Beckman, E. M., Johnston, L. M., Wilson, P. J., Macaro, A. and Tweedy, S. M. (2019). Evaluating the effects of performance-focused swimming training on people with cerebral palsy who have high support needs - a study protocol using single-case experimental design. Brain Impairment, 21 (2), 1-18. doi: 10.1017/BrImp.2019.15
Wilson, Paula J., Steadman, Peter, Beckman, Emma M., Connick, Mark J., Carty, Christopher P. and Tweedy, Sean M. (2019). Fitness, function, and exercise training responses after limb salvage with a lower limb megaprosthesis: a systematic review. PM and R, 11 (5), 533-547. doi: 10.1002/pmrj.12045
Hogarth, Luke, Payton, Carl, Nicholson, Vaughan, Spathis, Jemima, Tweedy, Sean, Connick, Mark, Beckman, Emma, Van de Vliet, Peter and Burkett, Brendan (2019). Classifying motor coordination impairment in Para swimmers with brain injury. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 22 (5), 526-531. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.11.015
James, Lachlan P., Haff, G. Gregory, Kelly, Vincent G. and Beckman, Emma M. (2018). Physiological determinants of mixed martial arts performance and method of competition outcome. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 13 (6), 978-984. doi: 10.1177/1747954118780303
Hogarth, Luke, Nicholson, Vaughan, Spathis, Jemima, Tweedy, Sean, Beckman, Emma, Connick, Mark, van de Vliet, Peter, Payton, Carl and Burkett, Brendan (2018). A battery of strength tests for evidence-based classification in Para swimming. Journal of Sports Sciences, 37 (4), 1-10. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1504606
Nicholson, Vaughan P., Spathis, Jemima G., Hogarth, Luke W., Connick, Mark J., Beckman, Emma M., Tweedy, Sean M., Payton, Carl J. and Burkett, Brendan J. (2018). Establishing the reliability of a novel battery of range of motion tests to enable evidence-based classification in Para Swimming. Physical Therapy in Sport, 32, 34-41. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2018.04.021
Tweedy, Sean M., Connick, Mark J. and Beckman, Emma M. (2018). Applying scientific principles to enhance paralympic classification now and in the future: a research primer for rehabilitation specialists. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, 29 (2), 313-332. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2018.01.010
James, Lachlan P., Comfort, Paul, Suchomel, Timothy J., Kelly, Vincent G., Beckman, Emma M. and Haff, G. Gregory (2018). The impact of power clean ability and training age on adaptations to weightlifting-style training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33 (11), 1-2944. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000002534
Tweedy, Sean M., Beckman, Emma M., Connick, Mark J., Geraghty, Timothy J., Theisen, Daniel, Perret, Claudio, Thompson, Walter R. and Vanlandewijck, Yves C. (2018). Correspondence re "evidence-based scientific exercise guidelines for adults with spinal cord injury: An update and new guideline". Spinal Cord, 56 (4), 406-408. doi: 10.1038/s41393-017-0052-0
James, Lachlan P., Haff, G. Gregory , Kelly, Vincent G. , Connick, Mark , Hoffman, Ben and Beckman, Emma M. (2017). The impact of strength level on adaptations to combined weightlifting, plyometric and ballistic training. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 28 (5), 1494-1505. doi: 10.1111/sms.13045
Connick, Mark J, Beckman, Emma, Vanlandewijck, Yves, Malone, Laurie A, Blomqvist, Sven and Tweedy, Sean M (2017). Cluster analysis of novel isometric strength measures produces a valid and evidence-based classification structure for wheelchair track racing. British journal of sports medicine, 52 (17), bjsports-2017. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2017-097558
Beckman, Emma, Rossi, Tony, Hanrahan, Stephanie, Rynne, Steven and Dorovolomo, Jeremy (2017). The effectiveness of a cricket program for engaging people with a disability in physical activity in Fiji. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 65 (2), 1-15. doi: 10.1080/1034912X.2017.1363380
James, Lachlan P., Roberts, Llion A., Haff, G. Gregory, Kelly, Vincent G. and Beckman, Emma M. (2017). The validity and reliability of a portable isometric mid-thigh clean pull. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31 (5), 1378-1386. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001201
Hanrahan, Stephanie, Rynne, Steven, Beckman, Emma and Rossi, Tony (2017). Participants’ physical activity levels and evaluations of a school sport programme in Papua New Guinea. European Physical Education Review, 25 (1), 1356336X1770016-20. doi: 10.1177/1356336X17700164
Hyde, Alysha, Hogarth, Luke, Sayers, Mark, Beckman, Emma, Connick, Mark J., Tweedy, Sean and Burkett, Brendan (2016). The impact of an assistive pole, seat configuration and strength in Paralympic seated throwing. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12 (7), 977-983. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2016-0340
Beckman, E. M., Connick, M. J. and Tweedy, S. M. (2016). The 2016 Paralympic Games: a classification primer. Palaestra, 30 (3), 16-20.
Connick, Mark, Beckman, Emma and Tweedy, Sean (2016). Advancing paralympic classification through science. Coaching Life
Beckman, Emma, Connick, Mark and Tweedy, Sean (2016). Assessing muscle strength for the purpose of classification in paralympic athletics: a review and recommendations. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 20 (4), 391-396. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2016.08.010
James, Lachlan P., Robertson, Sam, Haff, G. Gregory, Beckman, Emma M. and Kelly, Vincent G. (2016). Identifying the performance characteristics of a winning outcome in elite mixed martial arts competition. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 20 (3), 296-301. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2016.08.001
Emma M Beckman, Mark J Connick, Mike J McNamee, Richard Parnell and Sean M Tweedy (2016). Should Markus Rehm be permitted to compete in the long jump at the Olympic Games?. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51 (14), 1048-1049. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096621
James, Lachlan P., Haff, G. Gregory, Kelly, Vincent G. and Beckman, Emma M. (2016). Using the evidence available to inform practice and direct future research. Sports Medicine, 46 (12), 1-3. doi: 10.1007/s40279-016-0599-5
James, Lachlan P., Haff, G.Gregory, Kelly, Vincent G. and Beckman, Emma M. (2016). Towards a determination of the physiological characteristics distinguishing successful mixed martial arts athletes: a systematic review of combat sport literature. Sports Medicine, 46 (10), 1525-1551. doi: 10.1007/s40279-016-0493-1
Tweedy, Sean M., Beckman, Emma M., Johnston, Leanne M. and Connick, Mark J. (2016). Performance-focussed sport - An avenue to gold-medal clinical outcomes for people with neurological impairments?. Brain Impairment, 17 (1), 99-110. doi: 10.1017/BrImp.2016.5
Beckman, E. M., Connick, M. J. and Tweedy, S. M. (2016). How much does lower body strength impact Paralympic running performance?. European Journal of Sport Science, 16 (6), 669-676. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2015.1132775
Tweedy, Sean, Beckman, Emma, Geraghty, Tim J., Theisen, Daniel, Perret, Claudio, Harvey, Lisa A. and Vanlandewijck, Yves C. (2016). Response to letter to the editor re: Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Position Statement on Exercise and Spinal Cord Injury. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 20 (5), 422-423. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2016.10.004
James, Lachlan P., Beckman, Emma M., Kelly, Vincent G. and Haff, G. Gregory (2016). The neuromuscular qualities of higher and lower-level mixed martial arts competitors. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12 (5), 612-620. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2016-0373
Tweedy, Sean M., Emma Beckman, Tim Geraghty, Daniel Theisen, Claudio Perret, Lisa A Harvey and Yves C Vanlandewijck (2016). Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) position statement on exercise and spinal cord injury. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 20 (2), 108-115. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2016.02.001
Connick, Mark, Beckman, Emma, Deuble, Rebecca and Tweedy, Sean M. (2016). Developing tests of impaired coordination for Paralympic classification: normative values and test–retest reliability. Sports Engineering, 19 (3), 147-154. doi: 10.1007/s12283-016-0199-5
Connick, M. J., Beckman, E., Ibusuki, T., Malone, L. and Tweedy, S. M. (2015). Evaluation of methods for calculating maximum allowable standing height in amputees competing in Paralympic athletics. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 26 (11), 1353-1359. doi: 10.1111/sms.12586
Connick, Mark J., Beckman, Emma M. and Tweedy, Sean M. (2015). Relative age affects marathon performance in male and female athletes. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 14 (3), 669-674.
Deuble, Rebecca L., Connick, Mark J., Beckman, Emma M., Abernethy, Bruce and Tweedy, Sean M. (2015). Using Fitts Law’ to detect intentional misrepresentation. Journal of Motor Behavior, 48 (2), 164-171. doi: 10.1080/00222895.2015.1058744
Connick, Mark. J., Beckman, Emma, Spathis, Jemima, Deuble, Rebecca and Tweedy, Sean M. (2015). How much do range of movement and coordination affect Paralympic sprint performance?. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 47 (10), 2216-2223. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000643
James, Lachlan P., Kelly, Vincent G. and Beckman, Emma M. (2014). Review of the literature: high performance testing for the elite mixed martial artist. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, 22 (6), 55-66.
Spathis, Jemima Grace, Connick, Mark James, Beckman, Emma Maree, Newcombe, Peter Anthony and Tweedy, Sean Michael (2014). Reliability and validity of a talent identification test battery for seated and standing Paralympic throws. Journal of Sports Sciences, 33 (8), 863-871. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2014.969294
James, Lachlan P., Kelly, Vincent G. and Beckman, Emma M. (2014). Injury risk management plan for volleyball. Sports Medicine, 44 (9), 1185-1195. doi: 10.1007/s40279-014-0203-9
Tweedy, Sean M., Beckman, Emma M. and Connick, Mark J. (2014). Paralympic classification: conceptual basis, current methods, and research update. PM and R: Paralympic Sports Medicine and Science, 6 (8 (Supplement)), S11-S17. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2014.04.013
James, Lachlan P., Beckman, Emma and Kelly, Vincent G. (2014). The impact of prehabilitation on the development of strength and power in a block periodised training plan. Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning, 22 (1), 5-16.
Beckman, Emma M., Newcombe, Peter, Vanlandewijck, Yves, Connick, Mark J. and Tweedy, Sean M. (2014). Novel strength test battery to permit evidence-based paralympic classification. Medicine, 93 (4) e31, e31.1-e31.8. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000000031
James, Lachlan P., Kelly, Vincent G. and Beckman, Emma M. (2013). Periodization for mixed martial arts. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 35 (6), 34-45. doi: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000017
Vanlandewijck, Yves, C., Verellen, Joeri, Beckman, Emma, Connick, Mark and Tweedy, Sean M. (2011). Trunk strength impact of track wheelchair start: Implications for classification. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 43 (12), 2344-2351. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e318223af14
Beckman, Emma M. and Tweedy, Sean M. (2009). Towards evidenced based classification in Paralympic athletics: Evaluating the valdity of activity limitation tests for use in classification of Paralympic running events. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 43 (13), 1067-1072. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2009.061804
Conference Papers
Macaro, Angelo, Connick, Mark J., Beckman, Emma M. and Tweedy, Sean M. (2018). Using machine learning techniques and wearable inertial measurement units to predict front crawl elbow joint angle: a pilot study. 36th Conference of the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, 10-14 September 2018. International Society of Biomechanics in Sports.
James, Lachlan, Haff, G. Greg, Kelly, Vincent and Beckman, Emma (2017). A comparison of the anaerobic and endurance characteristics of higher- and lower-level MMA competitors. The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) National Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, 12-15 July 2017.
James, Lachlan, Robertson, Sam , Haff, G. Gregory , Kelly, Vincent and Beckman, Emma (2016). A technical analysis of elite mixed martial arts bouts. ESSA Research to practice 2016, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 14-16 April 2016.
James, Lachlan , Haff, G. Gregory , Kelly, Vincent and Beckman, Emma (2016). Towards a determination of the physiological characteristics distinguishing successful mixed martial arts athletes: a systematic review of combat sport literature.. ESSA Research to practice 2016, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 14-16 April 2016.
Spathis, Jemima, Emma Bartle, Emma Beckman, Emma Downie-Mewes, Anne Gilmore and Watson, Bernadette M. (2016). What impact does a structured IPE activity have on participants’ connection with other professions? An exploratory study. Australian and New Zealand Association for Health Professional Education (ANZAHPE) 2016 conference, Perth, Australia, 19-23 March 2016.
Lane, M., Lennox, N., Van driel, M., Beckman, E., Mcpherson, L. and Ewin, M. (2013). What do adults with intellectual disability understand about their health and health needs? A focus group study. Australian Society for Intellectual Disability, Sydney , Australia, 6 - 8 November, 2013.
Beckman, E. M. and Tweedy, Sean (2008). Evaluating the validity of activity limitation tests for use in Paralympic classification. ICSEMIS Pre-Olympic International Convention, Guangzhou, China, 1-5 August 2008. Guangzhou, China: ICSEMIS.
Dataset Collection
Rebecca Deuble, Mark Connick, Emma Beckman and Tweedy, Sean M. (2017). Maximal and sub-maximal movement times for a reciprocal tapping task, and associated Fitts' law data.. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.14264/uql.2017.778
Newspaper Article
Research Report
Rynne, S. B., Beckman, E., Rossi, A. and Hanrahan, S. (2014). Examination of intervention effectiveness: Pacific Sport Partnership. Research report submitted to the International Cricket Council East Asia Pacific.. International Cricket Council East Asia Pacific.
Thesis
Emma Beckman (2010). Development and Evaluation of Assessment Methods to Permit Evidence-based Classification in Paralympic Athletics. PhD Thesis, School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland.