Assoc Prof Mitch Smith
Associate Professor
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
- Email:mitch.smith@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:0240339235
Career Summary
Biography
Mitch completed his doctoral studies through the University of Technology Sydney (Doctor of Philosophy) and Ghent University, Belgium (Doctor of Health Sciences). His doctoral work focused on the impact of mental fatigue on soccer performance – a complex issue, requiring a multidisciplinary approach. This early research experience was foundational to Mitch’s ongoing approach to research. As such he aims to work collaboratively with experts from multiple disciplines to solve complex problems.
Following his PhD, in 2016 Mitch began his role as a lecturer in the Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science (EXSS) at the University of Newcastle, focussing on teaching undergraduate students in the field of motor control and skill acquisition. Mitch noticed a disconnect between the needs of his students and the mode in which they were required to study. As such he transitioned his courses to a blended format to provide students with more flexibility, while maintaining an excellent learning experience. Following excellent student feedback, Mitch was tasked with leading a discipline-wide transition to a blended teaching format. This transition resulted in a greatly enhanced student experience for all EXSS students and earned Mitch and the EXSS team multiple University awards for teaching excellence. Mitch continues to lead innovative teaching practices within the discipline and beyond.
Research
Fatigue Research and Assessment Group (FRAG)
Dr. Smith specialises in addressing the widespread issue of mental fatigue a pervasive issue that substantially impacts physical, cognitive, decision-making and skilled performance across a diverse range of sectors including sports, industry, and defence. Dr. Smith’s award-winning work revolves around understanding and mitigating this problem for athletes. However, his expertise and research findings are highly transferrable, with capacity to benefit ‘performers’ in various sectors. Dr Smith’s goal is to harness this knowledge to optimize performance, enhance productivity, improve safety, and make a positive impact across diverse fields by reducing mental fatigue and its impact.
To this end, Mitch co-founded FRAG - a collaborative team of multidisciplinary experts specialising in combating the negative impacts of physical and mental fatigue. With expertise spanning clinical and performance physiology, psychology/neuroscience, motor control, and training program/system development, the researchers at FRAG are equipped to address fatigue from multiple angles. Their research not only advances understanding but also offers practical solutions that are readily applicable across different fields. With a shared mission to optimise performance, enhance productivity, and promote safety, FRAG is dedicated to making a positive impact by reducing fatigue and its influence.
Collaborations
Mitchell collaborates on research with colleagues from: University of Technology Sydney - University of New South Wales - Charles Sturt University - Southern Cross University - James Cook University - Ghent University, Belgium - University of Kent, UK - University of Lancashire, UK - Saarland University, Germany - University of Rome, Italy - Free University Brussels, Belgium - 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, Lithuania Sports University.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 420702 | Exercise physiology | 10 |
| 420703 | Motor control | 40 |
| 420799 | Sports science and exercise not elsewhere classified | 50 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
| Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|
| Associate Professor | University of Newcastle School of Environmental and Life Sciences Australia |
Teaching appointment
| Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 1/3/2010 - 31/12/2015 | Casual Academic | University of Technology Sydney School of Leisure, Sport and Tourism Australia |
Awards
Award
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
Learning Design and Teaching Innovation Award Learning Design and Teaching Innovation | The University of Newcastle |
| 2022 |
University of Newcastle, CESE - Outstanding Contribution to Teaching (Leadership) College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle |
| 2021 |
College of Engineering, Science and Environment - Teaching Excellence Award College of Engineering, Science & Environment, University of Newcastle |
| 2020 |
Faculty of Science - Teaching Excellence Award Faculty of Science | University of Newcastle |
| 2019 |
BOLD Team Award for Innovation in Course Development Centre for Teaching and Learning, University of Newcastle |
| 2019 |
DVC(A) Educator Innovation and Impact Award Office of the DVC (A), The University of Newcastle, Australia |
Nomination
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2024 |
University of Newcastle - Excellence Awards Finalist: Community Engagement University of Newcastle |
| 2020 |
University of Newcastle - Teaching Excellence Award Finalist The University of Newcastle |
| 2019 |
University of Newcastle - Teaching Excellence Award Finalist University of Newcastle |
| 2019 |
University of Newcastle, Faculty of Science - Teaching Excellence Award Finalist Faculty of Science | University of Newcastle |
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 Physical Performance - Ghent University Invited lecture for Ghent University Sport and Exercise Science Masters program. |
| 2014 |
Mental Fatigue and Football Performance - University of Kent Invited lecture for postgraduate exercise and sports science students at the University of Kent. |
Manuscript Reviews
| Year | Title | Publication Type | Publisher | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Journal - Science and Medicine in Football | Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal (HERDC) | | |
| 2017 | Journal - Journal of Sports Sciences | 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 | 1/2/2016 - 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 | 1/2/2016 - 31/12/2017 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Conference (14 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Butcher C, O'Brien-Smith J, Fransen J, Smith M, 'A scoping review of methods used to reduce the influence of biological maturity on talent selection and development in youth sport', La Trobe University (2022) | |||||||
| 2021 | O'Brien-Smith J, Smith M, 'Science vs Art: How do soccer coaches perceive the game?', Online (2021) | |||||||
| 2020 | Schultz A, Smith M, Drew M, Rezende M, Coltro D, Giles L, Reale R, 'Measures Of Upper and Lower Body Dynamic Balance in Competitive and Non-competitive Male Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes', Las Vegas, USA (2020) | |||||||
| 2015 |
Chai R, Smith MR, Nguyen TN, Ling SH, Coutts AJ, Nguyen HT, 'Comparing Features Extractors in EEG-based Cognitive Fatigue Detection of Demanding Computer Tasks', 7594-7597 (2015)
|
|||||||
| Show 11 more conferences | ||||||||
Journal article (31 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | O'Brien-Smith J, Smith M, Lenoir M, Fransen J, 'Exploring the Effects of Instruction and Game Design on Youth Soccer Players' Skill Involvement and Cooperative Team Behaviour', Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 96, 109-115 (2025) | Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2025 |
O'Brien-Smith J, Smith MR, Vansteenkiste P, Fransen J, Zeuwts L, Bennett KJM, Lenoir M, 'Understanding the role of gaze behaviour and coaching experience in the assessment of youth soccer teams', SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN FOOTBALL [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2025 |
Arenas L, Skorski S, Meyer T, Frenger M, 'Evidence at play: evidence-based practices and barriers in biological maturation assessment among German football academies', German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research, 55, 480-490 (2025) [C1]
Purpose: This study examined the extent to which German male football academies adopt evidence-based practices (EBP) and their impact on the execution of biological mat... [more] Purpose: This study examined the extent to which German male football academies adopt evidence-based practices (EBP) and their impact on the execution of biological maturation assessments. It also explored perceived barriers to implementing these assessments. Methods: With a¿71.4% completion rate, 40¿support staff members from German male football academies completed an online survey. The survey included questions on clubs' beliefs about EBP, maturation assessment and monitoring practices, and data utilization. Responses were structured as multiple-choice or unipolar Likert scale questions with four to five labeled points. A¿magnitude-based decision approach was used to interpret findings. Results: Results indicate a¿strong integration of EBP within German football academies, reflected in an EBP index of 3.66¿± 0.89 on a¿5-point Likert scale. Significant differences (p¿= 0.035) were observed between participants conducting biological maturation assessments (3.91¿± 0.65) and those who do not (3.44¿± 0.71). Time constraints (68%) and staffing limitations were identified as primary barriers. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the positive adoption of evidence-based practices in German football academies, with higher EBP index scores linked to conducting biological maturation assessments. The higher EBP index scores among those conducting biological maturation assessments highlight the crucial role of organizational culture in implementation. Structural barriers, contributing to the perceived "time constraints", are key challenges, while staff competence is not a¿limiting factor. Promoting innovative, solution-oriented practices could help address these barriers, enhance decision-making, and better align processes with long-term player development goals.
|
|||||||
| 2025 |
O'Brien-Smith J, Smith MR, Lenoir M, Fransen J, 'Exploring the Effects of Instruction and Game Design on Youth Soccer Players' Skill Involvement and Cooperative Team Behaviour', RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2023 |
Davidow D, Smith M, Ross T, James GL, Paul L, Lambert M, Jones B, Hendricks S, 'Mental Fatigue Impairs Tackling Technique in Amateur Rugby Union Players', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, 18, 960-967 (2023) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2023 |
Davidow D, Watson M, Lambert M, Jones B, Smith M, Kraak W, Hendricks S, 'Video-based technical feedback and instruction improves tackling technique of community rugby union players', EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE, 23, 1121-1130 (2023) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2021 |
O'Brien-Smith J, Fransen J, Sheehan WB, Lenoir M, Bennett K, Smith MR, 'Collective behaviour in high and low-level youth soccer teams', SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN FOOTBALL, 6, 164-171 (2021) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2021 |
Thompson CJ, Smith A, Coutts AJ, Skorski S, Datson N, Smith MR, Meyer T, 'Understanding the Presence of Mental Fatigue in Elite Female Football', RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT, 93, 504-515 (2021) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2021 |
Zeuwts LHRH, Iliano E, Smith M, Deconinck F, Lenoir M, 'Mental fatigue delays visual search behaviour in young cyclists when negotiating complex traffic situations: A study in virtual reality', ACCIDENT ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION, 161 (2021) [C1]
Introduction: Mental fatigue has been shown to negatively affect motor and sport performance. To date, however, no research focused on assessing the effects of mental f... [more] Introduction: Mental fatigue has been shown to negatively affect motor and sport performance. To date, however, no research focused on assessing the effects of mental fatigue on hazard perception in young cyclists who are highly vulnerable in traffic, especially after school. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of induced mental fatigue on hazard perception and anticipation in young cyclists using a novel Virtual Reality bicycle simulator. Methods: In this randomised, counterbalanced, cross-over investigation, forty-eight young cyclists cycled through a Virtual Environment (VE) in which they were confronted with eight simple and six complex traffic situations. Simple traffic situations are considered events including only one other actor can cause a dangerous situation while complex traffic situations include multiple actors than contribute to the dangerous situation. Half of the children were mentally fatigued using the Stroop colour-word task while the other half immediately started the VR hazard perception test. On the second test occasion, one month later, the other half of the group was mentally fatigued. Results: The results demonstrate that mentally fatigued cyclists fixated the relevant areas of interest (AOIs) in the simple and complex later and showed delayed response times for the complex hazards. Mental fatigue, however, did not alter the speed with which participants cycled through the virtual environment and did not change the hazard perception score. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this was the first study to investigate the effect of mental fatigue in young cyclists with an innovative VR hazard perception simulator. Due to increased mental fatigue, young cyclists might have experienced more episodes of fatigue-related mind-wandering and a deterioration of selective attention for the task at hand. This resulted in a less thorough visual inspection of the scene and delayed braking responses.
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2020 |
Conte D, Scanlan AT, Dalbo V, Gang S, Smith M, Bietkis T, Matulaitis K, 'Dribble deficit quantifies dribbling speed independently of sprinting speed and differentiates between age categories in pre-adolescent basketball players', Biology of Sport, 37, 261-267 (2020) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2020 |
O’Brien-Smith J, Bennett KJM, Fransen J, Smith MR, 'Same or different? A comparison of anthropometry, physical fitness and perceptual motor characteristics in male and female youth soccer players', Science and Medicine in Football, 4, 37-44 (2020) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2020 |
Davidow D, Redman M, Lambert M, Burger N, Smith M, Jones B, Hendricks S, 'The effect of physical fatigue on tackling technique in Rugby Union', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 23, 1105-1110 (2020) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2020 |
Filipas L, Borghi S, La Torre A, Smith MR, 'Effects of mental fatigue on soccer-specific performance in young players', SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN FOOTBALL, 5, 150-157 (2020) [C1]
Objective: To investigate the effects of mental fatigue on soccer-specific physical and technical performance in young players. Methods: Twelve under-14 (U14), twelve u... [more] Objective: To investigate the effects of mental fatigue on soccer-specific physical and technical performance in young players. Methods: Twelve under-14 (U14), twelve under-16 (U16) and twelve under-18 (U18) soccer players completed the two parts of the investigation. Part one assessed the soccer-specific physical performance using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). Part two assessed the soccer-specific technical performance using the Loughborough Soccer Passing and Shooting Tests (LSPT, LSST). Each part was preceded by 30¿min of Stroop task or 15¿min of control task performed in a randomised and counterbalanced order. Results: Subjective ratings of mental fatigue were higher after the Stroop task compared to the control in U14, U16 and U18 in both parts. Mental fatigue significantly reduced Yo-Yo IR1 distance, alongside an increase in heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion, and this effect was moderated by age as older players showed greater declines in performance. Soccer-specific technical performance was negatively affected by mental fatigue condition only in U18 in the LSPT.
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2020 |
Thompson CJ, Noon M, Towlson C, Perry J, Coutts AJ, Harper LD, Skorski S, Smith MR, Barrett S, Meyer T, 'Understanding the presence of mental fatigue in English academy soccer players', Journal of Sports Sciences, 38, 1524-1530 (2020) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2019 |
Smith MR, Chai R, Nguyen HT, Marcora SM, Coutts AJ, 'Comparing the effects of three cognitive tasks on indicators of mental fatigue', Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied, 153, 759-783 (2019) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 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]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2019 |
O'Brien-Smith J, Tribolet R, Smith MR, Bennett KJM, Fransen J, Pion J, Lenoir M, 'The use of the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder in the talent pathway in youth athletes: a systematic review.', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 22, 1021-1029 (2019) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2019 |
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, 37, 1205-1211 (2019) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 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, 22, 723-728 (2019) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2018 |
Penna EM, Filho E, Wanner SP, Campos BT, Quinan GR, Mendes TT, Smith MR, Prado LS, 'Mental Fatigue Impairs Physical Performance in Young Swimmers', PEDIATRIC EXERCISE SCIENCE, 30, 208-215 (2018) [C1]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 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]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2018 |
Penna EM, Filho E, Campos BT, Pires DA, Nakamura FY, Mendes TT, Lopes TR, Smith M, Prado LS, '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]
|
Open Research Newcastle | ||||||
| 2016 |
Smith MR, Zeuwts L, Lenoir M, Hens N, De Jong LMS, Coutts AJ, 'Mental fatigue impairs soccer-specific decision-making skill', Journal of Sports Sciences, 34, 1297-1304 (2016) [C1]
|
|||||||
| 2016 |
Smith MR, Coutts AJ, Merlini M, Deprez D, Lenoir M, Marcora S, 'Mental Fatigue Impairs Soccer-Specific Physical and Technical Performance', Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 48, 267-276 (2016) [C1]
|
|||||||
| 2016 |
Badin OO, Smith MR, Conte D, Coutts AJ, 'Mental Fatigue: Impairment of Technical Performance in Small-Sided Soccer Games', International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 11, 1100-1105 (2016) [C1]
|
|||||||
| 2014 |
Rowsell GJ, Reaburn P, Toone R, Smith M, Coutts AJ, 'Effect of Run Training and Cold-Water Immersion on Subsequent Cycle Training Quality in High-Performance Triathletes', Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28, 1664-1672 (2014)
|
|||||||
| Show 28 more journal articles | ||||||||
Grants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 18 |
|---|---|
| Total funding | $1,518,468 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20245 grants / $727,033
EngAGE: A strategy for Improving Mental, Physical, and Social Wellbeing through Interactive Exercise, being the Project described in the Project Plan$631,475
Funding body: Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC)
| Funding body | Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC) |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Professor Rohan Walker, Dr Nattai Borges, Emeritus Professor Michael Nilsson, Associate Professor Mitch Smith, Dr Kemi Wright |
| Scheme | Research Grant |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2024 |
| Funding Finish | 2026 |
| GNo | G2400136 |
| Type Of Funding | C3200 – Aust Not-for Profit |
| Category | 3200 |
| UON | Y |
COSMED Metabolic Cart$42,000
Funding body: University of Newcastle, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing (CHMW) Research and Education Equipment Grant
| Funding body | University of Newcastle, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing (CHMW) Research and Education Equipment Grant |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Sarah Valkenborghs, Mitch Naughton, Mitch Smith, Matthew Kolasinksi, Carolyn Clark, Blake Dean |
| Scheme | CHMW Research and Education Equipment Grant |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2024 |
| Funding Finish | 2024 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Kistler Quattro Jump - Performance Diagnostics System$27,058
Funding body: University of Newcastle, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing (CHMW) Research and Education Equipment Grant
| Funding body | University of Newcastle, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing (CHMW) Research and Education Equipment Grant |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Mitch Smith, Karen Mickle, Josh Secomb, Blake Dean |
| Scheme | CHMW Research and Education Equipment Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2024 |
| Funding Finish | 2024 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
Validation of a novel method for measuring hydration status$15,000
Funding body: IhydRATE Pty Ltd
| Funding body | IhydRATE Pty Ltd |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Associate Professor Mitch Smith, Dr Nattai Borges, Doctor Mitch Naughton, Professor Lisa Wood, Doctor Yang Yang |
| Scheme | Research Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2024 |
| Funding Finish | 2025 |
| GNo | G2401189 |
| Type Of Funding | C3100 – Aust For Profit |
| Category | 3100 |
| UON | Y |
ForceFrame Max$11,500
Funding body: University of Newcastle, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing (CHMW) Research and Education Equipment Grant
| Funding body | University of Newcastle, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing (CHMW) Research and Education Equipment Grant |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Josh Secomb, Mitch Smith, Karen Mickle, Mitch Naughton, Colin Sanctuary, Annie Jeffries, Heidi Thornton |
| Scheme | CHMW Research and Education Equipment Grant |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2024 |
| Funding Finish | 2024 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20231 grants / $66,000
Prism Neuro Neurosensory Testing Equipment$66,000
Funding body: College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing
| Funding body | College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Suzanne Snodgrass, Jodie Marquez, Wei-Ju Chang, Peter Osmotherly, Peter Stanwell, Mitch Smith, Josh Secomb, Karen Mickle, Frini Karayanidis |
| Scheme | College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing Research and Education Equipment Grant Round |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2023 |
| Funding Finish | 2023 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20221 grants / $18,229
Neural Mechanisms underpinning the effects of Cognitive Load on Postural Stability with Ageing: The Balance and Brain Study$18,229
Funding body: University of Newcastle Cross-College Research Support Scheme
| Funding body | University of Newcastle Cross-College Research Support Scheme |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Marquez J, Snodgrass SJ, Karayanidis F, Smith M, Mickle K, Stanwell S, Edwards S, Blyton S, Weerasekara I |
| Scheme | Cross-College Research Support Scheme, The University of Newcastle |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2022 |
| Funding Finish | 2022 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20201 grants / $7,263
Effects of visual alignment aids on golf putting performance, technique and gaze behaviour$7,263
Funding body: Faculty of Science | University of Newcastle
| Funding body | Faculty of Science | University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Dr Mitchell Smith, Dr Job Fransen, Dr Kyle Bennett |
| Scheme | Strategic Investment Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2020 |
| Funding Finish | 2020 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20191 grants / $2,000
Peak running intensities of elite youth rugby league match play$2,000
Funding body: Faculty of Science | University of Newcastle
| Funding body | Faculty of Science | University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Dr Mitchell Smith, Dr Nattai Borges, Dr Heidi Thornton, Mr Patrick-Marshall-Armstrong |
| Scheme | Faculty PVC Conference Assistance |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2019 |
| Funding Finish | 2019 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20183 grants / $562,246
Talent development in NSW Sports High Schools: What is needed for successful transition to elite sports performance?$456,000
Funding body: NSW Sports High School Association
| Funding body | NSW Sports High School Association |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Prof. Ross Saunders, Assoc. Prof. Rhonda Orr, Dr Stephen Cobley, Dr Mitchell Smith, Dr Alycia Fong Yan, Dr Marne McKay |
| Scheme | |
| Role | Investigator |
| Funding Start | 2018 |
| Funding Finish | 2021 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | External |
| Category | EXTE |
| UON | N |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | PhD | Understanding and Counteracting Maturational Bias in Youth Basketball Athletes. | PhD (Exercise & Sport Science), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
| 2018 | PhD | Match Demands, Physical Capacities and the Assessment of Agility Technique in Sub-Elite Netball Players in the Athlete Development Pathway. | PhD (Exercise & Sport Science), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
Past Supervision
| Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Honours | Comparing Instructional Methods in Novice Basketball Free Throw Shooters | Sport Coachng,Officiatng&Instr, College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
| 2023 | PhD | Assessing and Understanding Collective Behaviour in Youth Soccer | PhD (Exercise & Sport Science), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
| 2022 | Honours | Influence of quiet eye location on basketball free throw performance | Sport & Rec Not Elswr Classifi, Faculty of Science | University of Newcastle | Australia | Principal Supervisor |
| 2019 | Honours | External loads of elite youth rugby league athletes during preseason training | Sport & Rec Not Elswr Classifi, Faculty of Science | University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
| 2018 | Honours | Peak intensities of elite youth rugby league athletes during match play | Sport and Recreation, University of Newcastle | Co-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 - 2020
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
Talent Development in NSW Sports High Schools 2018 -
Assessing and Understanding On-field Decision-making and Dynamic Behaviour in Youth Soccer 2018 - 2021
Edit
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 | 31 | |
| United Kingdom | 12 | |
| Belgium | 10 | |
| Germany | 5 | |
| Italy | 4 | |
| More... | ||
Assoc Prof Mitch Smith
Position
Associate Professor
Exercise and Sports Science
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Contact Details
| mitch.smith@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Phone | 0240339235 |
| Link |
Office
| Room | HPE106 |
|---|---|
| Building | The Vic Levi Building |
| Location | Callaghan Campus University Drive Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia |
Connect with me
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
