Associate Professor Emma Beckman
Associate Professor

Emma Beckman

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+61 7 334 67904
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0431807573

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

Sports science and exercise

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.

Search Professor Emma Beckman’s works on UQ eSpace

101 works between 2008 and 2025
All (101) Journal Article (79) Book Chapter (4) Conference Publication (10) Book (1) Other Outputs (7)

61 - 80 of 101 works

2017

Journal Article

The validity and reliability of a portable isometric mid-thigh clean pull

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

The validity and reliability of a portable isometric mid-thigh clean pull

2017

Journal Article

Participants’ physical activity levels and evaluations of a school sport programme in Papua New Guinea

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

Participants’ physical activity levels and evaluations of a school sport programme in Papua New Guinea

2017

Conference Publication

A comparison of the anaerobic and endurance characteristics of higher- and lower-level MMA competitors

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.

A comparison of the anaerobic and endurance characteristics of higher- and lower-level MMA competitors

2017

Other Outputs

Maximal and sub-maximal movement times for a reciprocal tapping task, and associated Fitts' law data.

Deuble, Rebecca, Connick, Mark , Beckman, Emma 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

Maximal and sub-maximal movement times for a reciprocal tapping task, and associated Fitts' law data.

2016

Journal Article

The impact of an assistive pole, seat configuration and strength in Paralympic seated throwing

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

The impact of an assistive pole, seat configuration and strength in Paralympic seated throwing

2016

Journal Article

The 2016 Paralympic Games: a classification primer

Beckman, E. M., Connick, M. J. and Tweedy, S. M. (2016). The 2016 Paralympic Games: a classification primer. Palaestra, 30 (3), 16-20.

The 2016 Paralympic Games: a classification primer

2016

Journal Article

It’s not easy keeping the Paralympics a level playing field, but the current system is the best there is

Connick, Mark, Beckman, Emma and Tweedy, Sean (2016, 09 09). It’s not easy keeping the Paralympics a level playing field, but the current system is the best there is

It’s not easy keeping the Paralympics a level playing field, but the current system is the best there is

2016

Journal Article

Advancing paralympic classification through science

Connick, Mark, Beckman, Emma and Tweedy, Sean (2016). Advancing paralympic classification through science. Coaching Life

Advancing paralympic classification through science

2016

Journal Article

Assessing muscle strength for the purpose of classification in paralympic athletics: a review and recommendations

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

Assessing muscle strength for the purpose of classification in paralympic athletics: a review and recommendations

2016

Journal Article

Identifying the performance characteristics of a winning outcome in elite mixed martial arts competition

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

Identifying the performance characteristics of a winning outcome in elite mixed martial arts competition

2016

Journal Article

Should Markus Rehm be permitted to compete in the long jump at the Olympic Games?

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

Should Markus Rehm be permitted to compete in the long jump at the Olympic Games?

2016

Journal Article

Using the evidence available to inform practice and direct future research

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

Using the evidence available to inform practice and direct future research

2016

Journal Article

Towards a determination of the physiological characteristics distinguishing successful mixed martial arts athletes: a systematic review of combat sport literature

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

Towards a determination of the physiological characteristics distinguishing successful mixed martial arts athletes: a systematic review of combat sport literature

2016

Journal Article

Performance-focussed sport - An avenue to gold-medal clinical outcomes for people with neurological impairments?

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

Performance-focussed sport - An avenue to gold-medal clinical outcomes for people with neurological impairments?

2016

Journal Article

How much does lower body strength impact Paralympic running performance?

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

How much does lower body strength impact Paralympic running performance?

2016

Conference Publication

A technical analysis of elite mixed martial arts bouts

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.

A technical analysis of elite mixed martial arts bouts

2016

Conference Publication

What impact does a structured IPE activity have on participants’ connection with other professions? An exploratory study

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.

What impact does a structured IPE activity have on participants’ connection with other professions? An exploratory study

2016

Journal Article

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) position statement on exercise and spinal cord injury

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

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) position statement on exercise and spinal cord injury

2016

Journal Article

Response to letter to the editor re: Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Position Statement on Exercise and Spinal Cord Injury

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

Response to letter to the editor re: Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Position Statement on Exercise and Spinal Cord Injury

2016

Conference Publication

Towards a determination of the physiological characteristics distinguishing successful mixed martial arts athletes: a systematic review of combat sport literature.

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.

Towards a determination of the physiological characteristics distinguishing successful mixed martial arts athletes: a systematic review of combat sport literature.

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

Availability

Associate Professor Emma Beckman is:
Available for supervision

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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

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Emma Beckman directly for media enquiries about:

  • disability sport
  • Paralympics

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