Dr Mitch Smith
Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
- Email:mitch.smith@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4033 9235
Career Summary
Biography
Mitchell completed his doctoral studies through the University of Technology Sydney (Doctor of Philosophy) and Ghent University, Belgium (Doctor of Health Sciences). He has over five years experience teaching across multiple disciplines within exercise and sports science, primarily focusing on motor control and skill acquisition. Mitchell's research is also multidisciplinary, incorporating elements of exercise physiology, motor control, skill acquisition, psychophysiology, and applied sports science. His primary area of research investigates the impact of mental fatigue on team sport performance. In 2016, Mitchell was awarded the prestigious “Excellence in Applied Football Research” award presented by ASPETAR at the European Congress of Sports Science for this research.
Collaborations
Mitchell collaborates on research with colleagues from: University of Technology Sydney - James Cook University - Ghent University, Belgium - University of Kent, UK - University of Lancashire, UK - Saarland University, Germany - University of Rome, Italy - University of Portland, USA - University of Cape Town, South Africa - University of Groningen, The Netherlands - Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil - Federal University of Pará, Brazil - Federal University of Maranhão, Brazil.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Technology Sydney
- Bachelor of Human Movement Science (Honours), University of Technology Sydney
Keywords
- Attention
- Cognitive Fatigue
- Decision-making
- Mental Fatigue
- Psychophysiology
- Team Sport
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 110603 | Motor Control | 30 |
| 110699 | Human Movement and Sports Science not elsewhere classified | 40 |
| 110602 | Exercise Physiology | 30 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
| Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|
| Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Environmental and Life Sciences Australia |
Teaching appointment
| Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 1/03/2010 - 31/12/2015 | Casual Academic | University of Technology Sydney School of Leisure, Sport and Tourism Australia |
Awards
Research Award
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2016 |
Aspetar Excellence in Football Resarch Award European College of Sports Science |
Invitations
Speaker
| Year | Title / Rationale |
|---|---|
| 2017 |
Mental Fatigue and Football This symposium on science and health in football brings together six international experts in football science to present on'hot topics' that are relevant to both research and practice. |
| 2014 |
Mental Fatigue and Football Performance - University of Kent Invited lecture for postgraduate exercise and sports science students at the University of Kent. |
| 2014 |
Mental Fatigue and Physical Performance - Ghent University Invited lecture for Ghent University Sport and Exercise Science Masters program. |
Manuscript Reviews
| Year | Title | Publication Type | Publisher | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Journal - Journal of Sports Sciences | Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal (HERDC) | | |
| 2017 | Journal - Science and Medicine in Football | Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal (HERDC) | | |
| 2016 | Journal - International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance | Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal (HERDC) | | |
| 2016 | Journal - Frontiers: Exercise Physiology | Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal (HERDC) | | |
| 2016 | Journal - Perceptual and Motor Skills | Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal (HERDC) | |
Teaching
| Code | Course | Role | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXSS2060 |
Motor Control Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle Motor control encompasses an area of study that explains how we coordinate and control voluntary movement. This course explores the underlying neurophysiology of motor control and the concepts and processes that underpin controlled movement. Students gain a greater understanding of the structure of the nervous system and how it affects motor control following the completion of this course. In addition, students gain a better understanding of how motor performance can be measured and of the associated theories and concepts that underpin the control of voluntary movement such as attention, memory and sensory information. |
Course Coordinator | 1/02/2016 - 31/12/2017 |
| EXSS3070 |
Motor Learning and Skill Acquisition Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle Motor learning and skill acquisition encompass an area of study that explains how we acquire new movement skills. This course explores the processes of neuromotor control, skill acquisition and skill retention. Students are taught how to assess motor skill proficiency and design training programs that optimise the quality and speed of skill acquisition. Particular emphasis is placed on motor learning and skill development, such that students will understand the processes behind skill acquisition that are relevant to the role of the exercise and sports scientist. |
Course Coordinator | 1/02/2016 - 31/12/2017 |
| EXSS3040 |
Professional Placement in Exercise and Sports Science Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle This course allows students to integrate real world skills and experience with theoretical concepts and knowledge obtained during their degree program. Students will be offered the opportunity to undertake work-integrated learning. The course involves 100 hours of work experience with a professionals in different sectors of the exercise and sports science industry. |
Course Coordinator | 1/02/2016 - 31/12/2017 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Journal article (12 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 |
Thompson CJ, Fransen J, Skorski S, Smith MR, Meyer T, Barrett S, Coutts AJ, 'Mental Fatigue in Football: Is it Time to Shift the Goalposts? An Evaluation of the Current Methodology', Sports Medicine, 49 177-183 (2019) [C1]
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| 2019 |
Russell S, Jenkins D, Smith M, Halson S, Kelly V, 'The application of mental fatigue research to elite team sport performance: New perspectives', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, (2019) © 2018 Sports Medicine Australia Objectives: Mental fatigue resulting from prolonged periods of demanding cognitive activity, has been found to impair endurance exercise performan... [more] © 2018 Sports Medicine Australia Objectives: Mental fatigue resulting from prolonged periods of demanding cognitive activity, has been found to impair endurance exercise performance and performance in some sport-specific tasks. The application of such research to the elite sporting environment however is limited. Design & Methods: This article reviews the literature relevant to mental fatigue and team sporting performance with aim to provide perspectives on the transferability and significance of currently available evidence to the applied elite sporting context. Results: Inconsistent findings in the limited available literature can be attributed to large variations in the participants involved, the nature of the cognitively demanding tasks used to induce mental fatigue and the tests used to assess performance outcomes. Few studies have used trained athletes in combination with performance tests that accurately represent the physiological and technical demands experienced by athletes in competition. While there is growing interest in the acute influence of mental fatigue on exercise performance, a potential cumulative effect of mental fatigue on performance over, for example, a competitive season is an area yet to be investigated. Conclusions: If it is accepted that mental fatigue impairs the performance of some athletes, then improving the ecological validity of research in the area of mental fatigue and sport will significantly advance our understanding of how to better monitor and manage mental fatigue. At the elite level of competition, where outcomes are determined by very small margins of difference, reducing the impact of mental fatigue on performance has potential to be significant.
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| 2018 |
Penna EM, Filho E, Wanner SP, Campos BT, Quinan GR, Mendes TT, et al., 'Mental Fatigue Impairs Physical Performance in Young Swimmers', PEDIATRIC EXERCISE SCIENCE, 30 208-215 (2018) [C1]
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| 2018 |
Smith MR, Thompson C, Marcora SM, Skorski S, Meyer T, Coutts AJ, 'Mental Fatigue and Soccer: Current Knowledge and Future Directions', SPORTS MEDICINE, 48 1525-1532 (2018) [C1]
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| 2018 |
Penna EM, Filho E, Campos BT, Pires DA, Nakamura FY, Mendes TT, et al., 'MENTAL FATIGUE DOES NOT AFFECT HEART RATE RECOVERY BUT IMPAIRS PERFORMANCE IN HANDBALL PLAYERS', REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE MEDICINA DO ESPORTE, 24 347-351 (2018) [C1]
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| 2018 |
Conte D, Smith MR, Santolamazza F, Favero TG, Tessitore A, Coutts A, 'Reliability, usefulness and construct validity of the Combined Basketball Skill Test (CBST)', Journal of Sports Sciences, (2018) © 2018, © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This study aimed to assess the reliability, usefulness and construct validity of the newly developed Co... [more] © 2018, © 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This study aimed to assess the reliability, usefulness and construct validity of the newly developed Combined Basketball Skill Test (CBST). Fifteen recreational (age = 22.8 ± 4.2 y, stature = 184.8 ± 6.5 cm, body mass = 81.6 ± 9.6 kg, training experience = 9.8 ± 5.3 y) and fifteen semiprofessional (age = 18.9 ± 3.3 y, stature = 190.5 ± 8.1 cm, body mass = 84.2 ± 11.2 kg, training experience¿=¿11.1 ± 3.5 y) players volunteered to participate in this study. Test¿retest reliability and usefulness were examined for recreational players, while construct validity was evaluated comparing the two player groups. The CBST is composed of 12 trials and its outcome measures include: completion time (sum of the 12 trial times); penalty time (sum of the times from the 12 trials); performance time (completion time +¿penalty time) and total number of errors. Relative reliability analysis showed acceptable ICC values (i.e. =0.70) in all the studied variables. Absolute reliability analysis showed a CV < 5% for completion (1.6%) and performance (2.0%) time, while a CV >5% is reported for the remaining variables. The usefulness of the test was considered ¿Marginal¿ and ¿Good¿ when comparing TE values with SWC02 and SWC05, respectively for all the studied variables. Likely and very likely differences were shown between recreational and semiprofessional players in all investigated variables. Results showed that the CBST is reliable, useful to detect moderate changes and valid to assess basketball skills.
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| Show 9 more journal articles | ||||||||
Conference (9 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Davidow D, Redman M, Burger N, den Hollander S, Jones B, Smith MR, Hendricks S, 'The effect of physical fatigue on tackle technique in rugby union players', Dublin, Ireland (2018) | ||
| 2017 | Smith MR, 'Mental fatigue and soccer: Current perspectives and future directions', Brisbane, Australia (2017) | ||
| 2017 | O'Brien-Smith J, Tribolet R, Smith MR, Fransen J, Bennett K, Johan P, Lenoir M, 'The use of the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder in the talent pathway in youth athletes: a systematic review.', Brisbane (2017) | ||
| Show 6 more conferences | |||
Grants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 8 |
|---|---|
| Total funding | $241,943 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20182 grants / $106,246
ECR HDR Candidate Scholarship$100,000
Funding body: The University of Newcastle
| Funding body | The University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Dr Mitchell Smith, Dr Narelle Eather, Dr Nattai Borges |
| Scheme | ECR HDR Candidate Scholarship |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2018 |
| Funding Finish | 2021 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Strategic Investment Grant$6,246
Funding body: Faculty of Science | University of Newcastle | Australia
| Funding body | Faculty of Science | University of Newcastle | Australia |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Dr Mitchell Smith and Professor Ross Sanders |
| Scheme | FACULTY STRATEGIC INVESTMENT GRANT (2018) |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2018 |
| Funding Finish | 2018 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20171 grants / $2,000
Impact of mental and physical fatigue on basketball-specific performance$2,000
Funding body: Faculty of Science and Information Technology,The University of Newcastle
| Funding body | Faculty of Science and Information Technology,The University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Scheme | PVC Conference Assistance Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2017 |
| Funding Finish | 2017 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20161 grants / $25,000
Mental Fatigue in Football - Influencing Factors and Interventions$25,000
Funding body: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
| Funding body | German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Prof. Aaron Coutts, Dr. Mitchell Smith, Dr. Job Fransen, Prof. Tim Meyer, Dr. Sabrina Skorski |
| Scheme | Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2016 |
| Funding Finish | 2017 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
| Category | 3IFA |
| UON | N |
20151 grants / $3,000
Mental fatigue impairs soccer specific skill performance$3,000
Funding body: University of Technology Sydney
| Funding body | University of Technology Sydney |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Research Student Development Award |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2015 |
| Funding Finish | 2015 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20141 grants / $9,000
Mental fatigue and soccer performance$9,000
Funding body: Ghent University
| Funding body | Ghent University |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Special Research Funding for Joint Ph.D. |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2014 |
| Funding Finish | 2014 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20122 grants / $96,697
Mental fatigue and soccer performance$86,697
Funding body: Australian Postgraduate Award
| Funding body | Australian Postgraduate Award |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Australian Postgraduate Award |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2012 |
| Funding Finish | 2015 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Commonwealth |
| Category | 1CS |
| UON | N |
Mental fatigue and soccer performance$10,000
Funding body: University of Technology Sydney
| Funding body | University of Technology Sydney |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Gordon Young Memorial Scholarship |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2012 |
| Funding Finish | 2012 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
| Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Honours | Peak intensities of elite youth rugby league athletes during match play | Sport and Recreation, University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
| 2018 | PhD | Decision Making and Perceptual Cognitive Training in Team Sport Athletes | PhD (Exercise & Sport Science), Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
| 2018 | Honours | Impact of mental fatigue on attention during soccer-specific skills. | Sport and Recreation, University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
| 2017 | Honours | Talent identification and development of female youth soccer players | Sport & Rec Not Elswr Classifi, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
| 2017 | Honours | Decision-making in youth Australian Football athletes | Sport & Rec Not Elswr Classifi, University of Technology Sydney | Co-Supervisor |
Research Projects
Mental fatigue in football - influencing factors and interventions 2016 - 2019
We have recently established that mental fatigue can influence intermittent exercise performance, isolated football-specific skill performance and decision-making in laboratory environments using mental fatiguing protocols that are not reflective of the normal competition setting (i.e. Stroop tasks). To translate this research to the field, additional work is required to assess if the levels of mental fatigue encountered by players during football-specific tasks influence football-specific performance in a more ecological setting. To achieve this, we will make use of a unique Footbonaut facility (Dortmund, Germany) which allows control of cognitive load and assessment of decision-making and skilled performance in a football-specific context. The first aim of this project is to develop a football-specific protocol for inducing mental fatigue in soccer players using the Footbonaut. Secondly, we will determine if the mental fatigue induced via the specific Footbonaut task provides similar levels of mental fatigue during competitive football matches by assessing cognitive fatigue during match play. Finally, we will investigate the effects of a Footbonaut task on football-specific physical, decision-making and technical performance.
The effect of physical fatigue and mental fatigue on technical proficiency during the tackle in Rugby Union 2017
Impact of mental fatigue on physical performance of handball players 2017
Impact of mental fatigue on swimming performance 2017
Implicit precueing affects motor behaviour 2017 - 2020
Validity and reliability of a novel test of basketball skill 2015 - 2017
Mental fatigue and team sport performance 2011 - 2019
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Research Collaborations
The map is a representation of a researchers co-authorship with collaborators across the globe. The map displays the number of publications against a country, where there is at least one co-author based in that country. Data is sourced from the University of Newcastle research publication management system (NURO) and may not fully represent the authors complete body of work.
| Country | Count of Publications | |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 6 | |
| United Kingdom | 4 | |
| Brazil | 2 | |
| Germany | 2 | |
| United States | 2 | |
| More... | ||
Dr Mitch Smith
Position
Lecturer
Exercise and Sports Science
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
Faculty of Science
Contact Details
| mitch.smith@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Phone | (02) 4033 9235 |
| Link |
Office
| Room | EXSB-208 |
|---|---|
| Building | Exercise Science Building |
| Location | Ourimbah 10 Chittaway Road Ourimbah, NSW 2258 Australia |
