Section: Overview
Overview
Key publications
Research funding
Supervising & teaching
Career

Key details

Areas of expertise

  • Neuromuscular physiology
  • Motor control
  • Skeletal muscle & training
  • Ageing & exercise
  • Sex differences

Available to supervise research students

Available for media queries

About Steven O'Bryan

Dr O'Bryan received his PhD from Victoria University where he investigated the neuromuscular aspects that influence the capacity for individuals to generate force and power.

Specifically, his research explores the changes that occur within the brain, spinal cord, and skeletal muscle in response to acute exercise (i.e. fatigue) and exercise training (i.e. adaptation). In this way, he aims to provide innovative practical strategies that facilitate positive health outcomes, rehabilitative goals and sport practices.

Dr O'Bryan has also been involved in clinical research, where he investigated the neural pathways responsible for voluntary motor control in children with unilateral cerebral palsy.

Dr O'Bryan specialises in a number of experimental techniques, including electrical and magnetic nerve stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation and surface electromyography. He also has expertise in evaluating skeletal muscle force and power generating capacities.

Dr O'Bryan is the current coordinator of the Exercise Physiology unit offered in a number of the sport and clinical exercise science related degrees. He is also a foundation member in the First Year College.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons)
  • Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science/Human Movement

Key publications

Year Citation
2024 O'Bryan, S., & Howe, S. (240721). The building blocks for successful group-work experiences in intensive learning environments Journal of Block and Intensive Learning and Teaching.
2020 O'Bryan, S. J., & Rouffet, D. M. (200701). Strengthening Knee Extensor Muscles In Healthy Individuals: Single-joint Or Multi-joint Exercises? Paper presented at MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS & EXERCISE (pp. 209-209). LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS.

Year Citation
2024 Harris, D. M., O'Bryan, S. J., & Latella, C. (240601). Non-invasive brain stimulation as treatment for motor impairment in people with Parkinson's disease: Protocol for an umbrella review. PLoS ONE, 19(6 June),

doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304717

2024 O Bryan, S. J., Hiam, D., & Lamon, S. (240601). Single-session measures of quadriceps neuromuscular function are reliable in healthy females and unaffected by age. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 124(6), (1719-1732).

doi: 10.1007/s00421-023-05395-x

2024 Alvar, B., O'Bryan, S. J., & Harris, D. M. (240501). Considerations for assessing sex differences in performance fatiguability. Journal of Physiology, 602(9), (1889-1891).

doi: 10.1113/JP285951

2022 O Bryan, S. J., Giuliano, C., Woessner, M. N., Vogrin, S., Smith, C., Duque, G., & Levinger, I. (220801). Progressive Resistance Training for Concomitant Increases in Muscle Strength and Bone Mineral Density in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine, 52(8), (1939-1960).

doi: 10.1007/s40279-022-01675-2

2022 O'Bryan, S. J., & Hiam, D. (220501). The benefits of physical activity on neuromuscular structure and function in old age. Journal of Physiology, 600(10), (2283-2285).

doi: 10.1113/JP283102

2022 O'Bryan, S. J., Taylor, J. L., D'Amico, J. M., & Rouffet, D. M. (220107). Quadriceps Muscle Fatigue Reduces Extension and Flexion Power During Maximal Cycling. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 3

doi: 10.3389/fspor.2021.797288

2021 McKay, L., O bryan, S., & Kahu, E. R. (211102). My Uni Experience Wasn t Completely Ruined : The Impacts of COVID-19 on the First-Year Experience. Student Success, 12(3), (1-13).

doi: 10.5204/ssj.1762

2020 Broatch, J. R., Brophy-Williams, N. ED., Phillips, E. J., O'Bryan, S. J., Halson, S. L., Barnes, S., & Bishop, D. J. (200301). Compression Garments Reduce Muscle Movement and Activation during Submaximal Running. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 52(3), (685-695).

doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002182

Research funding for the past 5 years

Funding details for this researcher are currently unavailable.

Supervision of research students at VU

Available to supervise research students

Available for media queries

Currently supervised research students at VU

No. of students Study level Role
1 PhD Associate supervisor
1 PhD Integrated Associate supervisor

Currently supervised research students at VU

Students & level Role
PhD (1) Associate supervisor
PhD Integrated (1) Associate supervisor

Key academic roles

Dates Role Department / Organisation
Jan 2023 - Present
Visting Academic
Deakin University
Dates Role & Department/Organisation
Jan 2023 -
Present
Visting Academic
Deakin University

Awards

Year Award
2023

Commonwealth Research Fellow - University of Birmingham, UK

2020

Early Career Researcher Award - Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University

2020

Vice Chancellor's Citation for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (Higher Education) - Victoria University