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Associate Professor Emma Beckman
Associate Professor

Emma Beckman

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 67904
Mobile: 
0431807573

Overview

Background

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 a disability through sports, physical activity, and exercise. 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.

Through her Para Sport research, Dr Beckman has seen the power of collaborative care and is committed to research that uses collaborative care models to improve health outcomes. She has undertaken projects to evaluate the impact of interprofessional education and practice on students, educators and clients and has adapted this work for different populations, including people with disabilities and university students with mental health issues.

Availability

Associate Professor Emma Beckman is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Applied Science, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Paralympics

  • Disability sports

  • Classification

  • Exercise physiology

Research impacts

Dr Beckman has strong connections to the sports science industry through her research, particularly in translation of her research into rules and regulations that impact on para athletes worldwide. On the basis of research conducted by Dr Beckman and her team, the International Paralympic Committee has updated or introduced rules related to Maximal Allowable Standing Height in bilateral lower limb amputees, and the procedures and process related to classification of athletes with eligible impairments such as hypertonia, ataxia and athetosis in athletics. Dr Beckman has acted as an expert for World Athletics in legal proceedings for the Court of Arbitration in Sport (CAS), demonstrating the impact of her research in practice.

Works

Search Professor Emma Beckman’s works on UQ eSpace

101 works between 2008 and 2025

41 - 60 of 101 works

2020

Journal Article

Do women runners report more pelvic floor symptoms than women in CrossFit®? A cross-sectional survey

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

Do women runners report more pelvic floor symptoms than women in CrossFit®? A cross-sectional survey

2020

Journal Article

Measures of impairment applicable to the classification of Paralympic athletes competing in wheelchair sports: a systematic review of validity, reliability and associations with performance

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, 39 (sup1), 1-22. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1815957

Measures of impairment applicable to the classification of Paralympic athletes competing in wheelchair sports: a systematic review of validity, reliability and associations with performance

2020

Journal Article

Biomechanics of starting, sprinting and submaximal running in athletes with brain impairment: a systematic review

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

Biomechanics of starting, sprinting and submaximal running in athletes with brain impairment: a systematic review

2020

Journal Article

The countermovement jump mechanics of mixed martial arts competitors

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

The countermovement jump mechanics of mixed martial arts competitors

2019

Journal Article

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse in women who lift heavy weights for exercise: a cross-sectional survey

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

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse in women who lift heavy weights for exercise: a cross-sectional survey

2019

Journal Article

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

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

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

2019

Journal Article

Classifying motor coordination impairment in Para swimmers with brain injury

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

Classifying motor coordination impairment in Para swimmers with brain injury

2019

Journal Article

Fitness, function, and exercise training responses after limb salvage with a lower limb megaprosthesis: a systematic review

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

Fitness, function, and exercise training responses after limb salvage with a lower limb megaprosthesis: a systematic review

2019

Book Chapter

Exercise and nutritional benefits for individuals with a spinal cord injury or amputation

Keogh, Justin W. and Beckman, Emma (2019). Exercise and nutritional benefits for individuals with a spinal cord injury or amputation. Nutrition and enhanced sports performance: muscle building, endurance, and strength. (pp. 175-188) edited by Debasis Bagchi, Sreejayan Nair and Chandan K. Sen. London, United Kingdom: Academic Press. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-813922-6.00015-1

Exercise and nutritional benefits for individuals with a spinal cord injury or amputation

2018

Journal Article

Physiological determinants of mixed martial arts performance and method of competition outcome

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

Physiological determinants of mixed martial arts performance and method of competition outcome

2018

Journal Article

A battery of strength tests for evidence-based classification in Para swimming

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

A battery of strength tests for evidence-based classification in Para swimming

2018

Journal Article

Establishing the reliability of a novel battery of range of motion tests to enable evidence-based classification in Para Swimming

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

Establishing the reliability of a novel battery of range of motion tests to enable evidence-based classification in Para Swimming

2018

Journal Article

The impact of strength level on adaptations to combined weightlifting, plyometric and ballistic training

James, Lachlan P., Haff, G. Gregory , Kelly, Vincent G. , Connick, Mark , Hoffman, Ben and Beckman, Emma M. (2018). The impact of strength level on adaptations to combined weightlifting, plyometric and ballistic training. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 28 (5), 1494-1505. doi: 10.1111/sms.13045

The impact of strength level on adaptations to combined weightlifting, plyometric and ballistic training

2018

Journal Article

Applying scientific principles to enhance paralympic classification now and in the future: a research primer for rehabilitation specialists

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

Applying scientific principles to enhance paralympic classification now and in the future: a research primer for rehabilitation specialists

2018

Journal Article

The impact of power clean ability and training age on adaptations to weightlifting-style training

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

The impact of power clean ability and training age on adaptations to weightlifting-style training

2018

Journal Article

Correspondence re "evidence-based scientific exercise guidelines for adults with spinal cord injury: An update and new guideline"

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

Correspondence re "evidence-based scientific exercise guidelines for adults with spinal cord injury: An update and new guideline"

2018

Book Chapter

Evolution and development of best practice in paralympic classification

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

Evolution and development of best practice in paralympic classification

2018

Conference Publication

Using machine learning techniques and wearable inertial measurement units to predict front crawl elbow joint angle: a pilot study

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.

Using machine learning techniques and wearable inertial measurement units to predict front crawl elbow joint angle: a pilot study

2017

Journal Article

Cluster analysis of novel isometric strength measures produces a valid and evidence-based classification structure for wheelchair track racing

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

Cluster analysis of novel isometric strength measures produces a valid and evidence-based classification structure for wheelchair track racing

2017

Journal Article

The effectiveness of a cricket program for engaging people with a disability in physical activity in Fiji

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

The effectiveness of a cricket program for engaging people with a disability in physical activity in Fiji

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    Quantum Concussion Diagnostics
    Quantum 2032 Challenge Program
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2027
    Quantum-Enabled Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging for High-Performance Sport
    Quantum 2032 Challenge Program
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2027
    AI-Empowered and Video-Based uplift of Paralympic classification systems (AQIRP project administered by Follow Me AI)
    Follow Me AI Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    Implementation and scale-up of a consumer co-designed physical activity promotion program for people with moderate-to-profound disabilities
    NHMRC MRFF PPHR - Effective Treatments and Therapies
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2025
    Transforming the World Para Swimming Classification System with sEMG.
    Manchester Metropolitan University
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024
    The safety, feasibility and acceptability of a performance focused sports training program for previously able-bodied athletes with recently acquired spinal cord injuries
    Queensland Academy of Sport
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2023
    Design of a First Nations Community Impact Framework for Athletics Australia
    Athletics Australia
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    The Impact of Structured Interprofessional Education (IPE) Clinical Placements on Student Interprofessional Collaborative Behaviour
    ACEN Research Grants
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Understanding the effects of heavy weightlifting on pelvic organ support in vaginally parous premenopausal women: a cross-sectional study
    Physiotherapy Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    An international, interprofessional evaluation of the experiences and needs of health professional students and educators in the online teaching and learning of clinical skills
    U21 Health Sciences Group Research Development Fund
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2020
    Classification in wheelchair tennis
    Loughborough University
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2020
    Classification of runners with hypertonia, axtaxia or athetosis - improving the current system and evaluation of new methods
    International Paralympic Committee
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Towards evidence-based classification for sprinters with neurological impairment in World Para Athletics
    Exercise and Sports Science Australia Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    Towards evidence-based classification in paralympic sport - developing an international standard for trunk impairment assessment
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    Does a high-volume, performance-focused swimming program elicit meaningful, therapeutic change in people with cerebral palsy? A proof-of-concept study
    Swimming Australia Limited
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2022
    A longitudinal intervention study evaluating physical and psychosocial responses to performance focused sports training for people with moderate-to-severe cerebral palsy
    Queensland Academy of Sport
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2020
    Does a high-volume, performance-focused swimming program elicit meaningful, therapeutic change in people with cerebral palsy? A proof-of-concept study
    Australian Paralympic Committee
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Improving reliability and validity of current classification methods in classes FT5-FT8 and t35-T38
    The Agitos Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Examination of intervention effectiveness - ICC East Asia Pacific: Pacific Sport Partnership (Fiji and Papua New Guinea)
    International Cricket Council FZ LLC
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2021
    IPC Classification Research and Development Centre
    International Paralympic Committee
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Evaluation of the impact of neuromusculoskeletal impairment on running performance in Kenyan Athletes
    International Paralympic Committee
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Towards evidence-based classification in Paralympic Athletics: Assessment of muscle strength impairment in athletes with Cerebral Palsy
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Associate Professor Emma Beckman is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Developing a Motor Assessment Tool that is Feasible for Autistic Children with High Support Needs

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sean Tweedy, Professor John Cairney

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Impact of Structured Interprofessional Clinical Placements on Student Collaborative Functioning

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Neurophysiological measurements in Paralympic Sport Classification

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sean Tweedy, Professor Timothy Carroll

  • Doctor Philosophy

    An Investigation into the Practical Application of a Novel Measure of Reactive Strength: The Reactive Quality Ratio

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Prospective analysis of para swimming- investigating talent identification, talent development and the impact on impairment and performance.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sean Tweedy

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The impact of Interprofessional Practice Initiatives on Graduate Attributes and Outcomes

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The impact of Interprofessional Practice Initiatives on Graduate Attributes and Outcomes

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Implementation and scale-up of ParaSTART, a performance focused sports training and applied research program for people with high support needs disabilities.

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sean Tweedy

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Impact of Structured Interprofessional Clinical Placements on Student Collaborative Functioning

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Development and Evaluation of Medical Screening and Management Procedures for People with Disabilities and High Support Needs Commencing Competitive Sport

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Jessica Hill, Professor Sean Tweedy

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Towards better understanding of pelvic organ support in women who engage in recreational exercise: The effects of heavy lifting on the pelvic floor

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Paul Hodges, Dr Marie-Pierre Cyr, Associate Professor Michelle Smith

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Towards better understanding of pelvic organ support in women who engage in recreational exercise: The effects of heavy lifting on the pelvic floor

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Paul Hodges, Dr Marie-Pierre Cyr, Associate Professor Michelle Smith

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Distribution of Talent Hotspots within Queensland Olympic and Paralympic Populations.

    Associate Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    an evaluation of the impact of performance focused sports training on clinical outcomes in individuals with high support needs

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sean Tweedy

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Fit4Study: A physical activity program to support mental well-being in university students

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Genevieve Dingle, Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Towards better understanding of pelvic organ support in women who engage in recreational exercise: The effects of heavy lifting on the female pelvic floor

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Paul Hodges, Dr Marie-Pierre Cyr, Associate Professor Michelle Smith

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Physical and Psychosocial Responses of Adolescents with Moderateto- Severe Cerebral Palsy to a Performance-Focused Frame Running Program

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sean Tweedy

Completed supervision

Media

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Emma Beckman directly for media enquiries about:

  • disability sport
  • Paralympics

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au