Dr Dave Smith
Dr Dave Smith
Senior Lecturer, Sport Psychology
My profile
Biography
Editorial Board membership
Associate Editor, The Sport Psychologist
Membership of professional associations
Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society
Registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist with the Health Care and Professions Council
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Interests and expertise
I am Research Degrees Co-ordinator for the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, and Deputy Leader of the MSc pathways In Sport and Exercise Sciences. I teach on the MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology and am an active researcher and member of the Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine research centre. I have also worked as a sport psychologist with performers in a variety of sports, from beginners to elite level.
Projects
Research interests include the psychology of bodybuilding and strength and conditioning, imagery and sports performance, resistance training and low back pain, and decision-making.
Recent and current projects include:
-decision-making in sport psychology practitioners
- resistance training behaviours during the Covid pandemic
- the impact of supervision on resistance training,
- resistance training and quality of life in individuals with muscular dystrophy
- PETTLEP imagery and sports performance
Teaching
Why study…
Sport and exercise psychology is a very rewarding subject to study for anyone, like me, who loves sport and exercise and is also fascinated by what makes people ‘tick’! Studying this topic will help students understand how and why people think and behave the way they do, both in sport and exercise contexts and others.
Postgraduate teaching
MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology (BPS accredited)
Subject areas
Sport and exercise psychology
Supervision
I have supervised 7 PhDs, 1MPhil and 1 Masters by Research to completion, and am currently supervising 1 PhD.
Research outputs
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Chapters in books
Smith, D., Rutty, M., Olrich, T. (2016) 'Muscle dysmorphia and anabolic-androgenic steroid use.' In Hall, M., Gough, B., Grogan, S. (ed.) Chemically Modified Bodies: The Use of Diverse Substances for Appearance Enhancement. Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 31-50.
Smith, D., Hale, B., Selby, C. (2016) 'Exercise dependence.' Sport and Exercise Psychology: Practitioner Case Studies. John Wiley & Sons,
Smith, D., Wakefield, C. (2015) 'Imagery in sport.' Sport and Exercise Psychology: Topics in Applied Psychology: Second Edition. pp. 232-249.
Smith, D., Hale, B.D. (2013) 'Exercise dependence.' The Psychology of Strength and Conditioning. Routledge,
Hale, B.D., Smith, D. (2012) 'Bodybuilding.' Encyclopedia of Body Image and Human Appearance. pp. 66-73.
Smith, D., Hale, B. (2012) 'Bodybuilding.' Encyclopedia of Body Image and Human Appearance.
Smith, D., Hale, B., Rhea, D., Olrich, T., Collier, K. (2009) 'Big, buff and dependent: Exercise dependence, muscle dysmorphia and steroid use in bodybuilding..' Men and addictions. Nova Science,
Smith, D., Wakefield, C. (2008) 'Imagery and sport performance.' In Lane, A. (ed.) Topics in Applied Psychology: Sport and Exercise Psychology. Hodder Education,
Smith, D. (2008) 'Psychology and body building..' The sport psychologist's handbook: a guide for sport-specific performance enhancement. John Wiley,
Smith, D., Wright, C.J., Ross, N., Warmington, S. (2006) 'Sports advertising and body image..' Body image: new research. Nova Science Publishers,
Smith, D. (2005) 'Psychology and bodybuilding.' Sport psychology: improving performance in different sports. John Wiley and Sons,
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Journal articles
Steele, J., Fisher, J.P., Smith, D., Schoenfeld, B.J., Yang, Y., Nakagawa, S. (2023) 'Meta-analysis of variation in sport and exercise science: examples of application within resistance training research.' Journal of Sports Sciences, pp. 1-18.
Scott, M.W., Wright, D.J., Smith, D., Holmes, P.S. (2022) 'Twenty years of PETTLEP imagery: an update and new direction for simulation-based training.' Asian Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2(2) pp. 70-79.
Smith, D., Keegan, R. (2022) 'Managing vulnerabilities in practitioner decision-making within sport psychology services: responding to the evidence base.' Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 35(3) pp. 433-454.
Fisher, J., Steele, J., Wolf, M., Androulakis Korakakis, P., Smith, D., Giessing, J. (2022) 'The Role of Supervision in Resistance Training; an Exploratory Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.' International Journal of Strength and Conditioning, 2(1)
Fisher, J.P., Steele, J., Smith, D. (2022) 'Intensity of effort and momentary failure in resistance training: Are we asking a binary question for a continuous variable?.' Journal of Sport and Health Science, 11(6) pp. 644-647.
O’Dowd, D.N., Bostock, E.L., Smith, D., Morse, C.I., Orme, P., Payton, C.J. (2021) 'The effects of 12 weeks’ resistance training on psychological parameters and quality of life in adults with Facioscapulohumeral, Becker, and Limb–girdle dystrophies.' Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(20) pp. 5950-5956.
Steele, J., Androulakis-Korakakis, P., Carlson, L., Williams, D., Phillips, S., Smith, D., Schoenfeld, B.J., Loenneke, J.P., Winett, R., Abe, T., Dufour, S., Franchi, M.V., Sarto, F., Lundberg, T.R., Gentil, P., Kvorning, T., Giessing, J., Sedliak, M., Paoli, A., Spotswood, F., Lucas, A., Fisher, J.P. (2021) 'The Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Related Public-Health Measures on Training Behaviours of Individuals Previously Participating in Resistance Training: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study.' Sports Medicine, 51(7) pp. 1561-1580.
O'Dowd, D.N., Bostock, E.L., Smith, D., Morse, C.I., Orme, P., Payton, C.J. (2021) 'Psychological parameters impact health-related quality of life in mental and physical domains in adults with muscular dystrophy.' Neuromuscular Disorders, 31(4) pp. 328-335.
Perrin, C., Smith, D., Steele, J. (2020) 'Estimates of stress between the hamstring muscles.' MLTJ : Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal, 10(3) pp. 436-441.
Martino, E., Fisher, J.P., Wink, B., Smith, D., Steele, J. (2020) '"Lift Big-Get Big": The Impact of Images of Hyper-Muscular Bodies and Training Information.' Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 92(3) pp. 500-513.
Wakefield, C.J., Smith, D., Hogard, E., Ellis, R., Parry, C. (2020) 'Using PETTLEP imagery as a simulation technique in nursing: Research and guidelines.' Nurse Education in Practice, 43
Bostock, E.L., O'Dowd, D.N., Payton, C.J., Smith, D., Orme, P., Edwards, B.T., Morse, C.I. (2019) 'The Effects of Resistance Exercise Training on Strength and Functional Tasks in Adults With Limb-Girdle, Becker, and Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophies.' Frontiers in Neurology, 10
Steele, J., Fisher, J., Perrin, C., Conway, R., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D. (2019) 'Does change in isolated lumbar extensor muscle function correlate with good clinical outcome? A secondary analysis of data on change in isolated lumbar extension strength, pain, and disability in chronic low back pain.' Disability and Rehabilitation, 41(11) pp. 1287-1295.
Smith, D., Romano-Smith, S., Wright, D.J., Deller-Rust, B., Wakefield, C.J. (2018) 'The Effects of Combining PETTLEP Imagery and Action Observation on Bicep Strength: A Single-Case Design.' Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 32(4) pp. 377-391.
Steele, J., Fisher, J., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D., Osborne, N., Newell, D. (2017) 'Variability in Strength, Pain, and Disability Changes in Response to an Isolated Lumbar Extension Resistance Training Intervention in Participants with Chronic Low Back Pain..' Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 5(4)
Steele, J., Fisher, J., Skivington, M., Dunn, C., Arnold, J., Tew, G., Batterham, A.M., Nunan, D., O Driscoll, J.M., Mann, S., Beedie, C., Jobson, S., Smith, D., Vigotsky, A., Phillips, S., Estabrooks, P., Winett, R. (2017) 'A higher effort-based paradigm in physical activity and exercise for public health: making the case for a greater emphasis on resistance training.' BMC Public Health, 17
Smith, D. (2017) 'Mr America: the tragic story of a bodybuilding icon.' Sport in History, 37(2) pp. 223-224.
Fisher, J., Steele, J., Smith, D. (2017) 'High- and Low-Load Resistance Training: Interpretation and Practical Application of Current Research Findings.' Sports Medicine, 47pp. 393-400.
Steele, J., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D., Jessop, D., Osborne, N. (2017) 'Isolated Lumbar Extension Resistance Training Improves Strength, Pain, and Disability, but Not Spinal Height or Shrinkage (“Creep”) in Participants with Chronic Low Back Pain.' Cartilage, 11(2) pp. 160-168.
Steele, J., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D., Jessop, D., Osborne, N. (2016) 'A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Isolated Lumbar Extension Exercise on Lumbar Kinematic Pattern Variability During Gait in Chronic Low Back Pain..' PM R, 8(2) pp. 105-114.
Steele, J., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D., Jessop, D., Osborne, N. (2015) 'Determining the reliability of a custom built seated stadiometry set-up for measuring spinal height in participants with chronic low back pain..' Applied Ergonomics, 53 Pt
Smith, D., Steele, J., Bruce-Low, S., Osborne, N., Thorkeldsen, A. (2015) 'Can Specific Loading through Exercise Impart Healing or Regeneration of the Intervertebral Discs?.' The Spine Journal, 15
Fisher, J.P., Carlson, L., Steele, J., Smith, D. (2015) 'Reply to "Discussion of 'The effects of pre-exhaustion, exercise order, and rest intervals in a full-body resistance training intervention' - Pre-exhaustion exercise and neuromuscular adaptations: an inefficient method?"..' Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, 40
Steele, J., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D. (2015) 'A review of the specificity of exercises designed for conditioning the lumbar extensors.' British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(5) pp. 291-297.
Steele, J., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D. (2015) 'A review of the specificity of exercises designed for conditioning the lumbar extensors.' British Journal of Sports Medicine,
Steele, J., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D. (2015) 'A Review of the Clinical Value of Isolated Lumbar Extension Resistance Training for Chronic Low Back Pain.' PM and R, 7(2) pp. 169-187.
Wakefield, C., Smith, D., Moran, A.P., Holmes, P. (2015) 'Functional equivalence or behavioural matching? A critical reflection on 15 years of research using the PETTLEP model of motor imagery.' International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 6(1) pp. 105-121.
Steele, J., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D., Jessop, D., Osborne, N. (2015) 'A randomized controlled trial of limited range of motion lumbar extension exercise in chronic low back pain..' Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 38(15) pp. 1245-1252.
Fisher, J., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D. (2015) 'A randomized trial to consider the effect of Romanian deadlift exercise on the development of lumbar extension strength.' Physical Therapy in Sport,
Fisher, J.P., Carlson, L., Steele, J., Smith, D. (2014) 'The effects of pre-exhaustion, exercise order, and rest intervals in a full-body resistance training intervention..' Appl Physiol Nutr Metab, 39(11) pp. 1265-1270.
Steele, J., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D., Jessop, D., Osborne, N. (2014) 'Lumbar kinematic variability during gait in chronic low back pain and associations with pain, disability and isolated lumbar extension strength.' CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS, 29
Wright, D.J., Wakefield, C.J., Smith, D. (2014) 'Using PETTLEP imagery to improve music performance: A review.' MUSICAE SCIENTIAE, 18
Steele, J., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D. (2014) 'A reappraisal of the deconditioning hypothesis in low back pain: review of evidence from a triumvirate of research methods on specific lumbar extensor deconditioning..' Curr Med Res Opin, 30(5) pp. 865-911.
Smith, D., Wakefield, C. (2013) 'A timely review of a key aspect of motor imagery: a commentary on Guillot et al. (2012)..' Front Hum Neurosci, 7
Steele, J., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D. (2013) 'Re: Willemink MJ, van Es HW, Helmhout PH, et al. The effects of dynamic isolated lumbar extensor training on lumbar multifidus functional cross-sectional area and functional status of patients with chronic non specific low back pain. Spine 2012;37: E1651–8..' Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 38(18) pp. 1609-1610.
Steele, J., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D. (2013) 'Letter to the editor.' Spine, 38(18) pp. 1609-1610.
Fisher, J., Smith, D. (2012) 'Attempting to better define intensity for muscular performance: Is it all wasted effort.' European Journal of Applied Physiology, 112(12) pp. 4183-4185.
Wilson, C.S., Smith, D., Stockley, R., Holmes, P.S. (2012) 'Do physiotherapists and occupational therapists use cognitive therapies during stroke rehabilitation?.' INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE, 7pp. 64-65.
Steele, J., Fisher, J., McGuff, D., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D. (2012) 'Resistance training to momentary muscular failure improves cardiovascular fitness in humans: A review of acute physiological responses and chronic physiological Adaptations.' Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, 15(3) pp. 53-80.
Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D., Burnet, S., Fisher, J., Bissell, G., Webster, L. (2012) 'One lumbar extension training session per week is sufficient for strength gains and reductions in pain in patients with chronic low back pain ergonomics.' Ergonomics, 55(4) pp. 500-507.
Wright, D.J., Holmes, P.S., Blain, M., Smith, D. (2012) 'Preliminary evidence for reduced cortical activity in experienced guitarists during performance preparation for simple scale playing.' Music Performance Research, 5pp. 2-11.
Smith, D., Wakefield, C.J., Wright, D.J. (2012) 'Morris and Spittle’s intriguing hypothesis on imagery perspectives and Lang’s bioinformational theory.' Journal of Mental Imagery, 36pp. 79-85.
Wakefield, C., Smith, D. (2012) 'Perfecting practice: applying the PETTLEP model of motor imagery.' Journal of Sport Psychology in Action, 3(1) pp. 1-11.
Wright, D.J., Holmes, P., Di Russo, F., Loporto, M., Smith, D. (2012) 'Reduced motor cortex activity during movement preparation following a period of motor skill practice..' PLoS One, 7(12)
Smith, D., Bissell, G., Bruce-Low, S., Wakefield, C. (2011) 'The effect of lumbar extension training with and without pelvic stabilization on lumbar strength and low back pain..' J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil, 24(4) pp. 241-249.
Wright, D.J., Holmes, P.S., Di Russo, F., Loporto, M., Smith, D. (2011) 'Differences in cortical activity related to motor planning between experienced guitarists and non-musicians during guitar playing..' Hum Mov Sci, 31(3) pp. 567-577.
Fisher, J., Steele, J., Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D. (2011) 'Evidence-based resistance training recommendations.' Medicina Sportiva, 15(3) pp. 147-162.
Wright, D.J., Holmes, P.S., Smith, D. (2011) 'Using the movement-related cortical potential to study motor skill learning..' J Mot Behav, 43(3) pp. 193-201.
Davies, R., Smith, D., Collier, K. (2011) 'Muscle dysmorphia among current and former steroid users.' Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology, 5(1)
Wakefield, C., Smith, D. (2011) 'From strength to strength: A single-case design study of PETTLEP imagery frequency.' Sport Psychologist, 25(3) pp. 305-320.
Wilson, C., Smith, D., Burden, A., Holmes, P. (2010) 'Participant‐generated imagery scripts produce greater EMG activity and imagery ability.' European Journal of Sport Science, 10(6) pp. 417-425.
Smith, D., Wright, C., Winrow, D. (2010) 'Exercise dependence and social physique anxiety in competitive and non-competitive runners.' International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 8(1) pp. 61-69.
Smith, D., Kilty, K. (2010) 'Exercise Psychology: From Theory to Practice.' International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 8(1) pp. 7-9.
Wakefield, C.J., Smith, D. (2009) 'Impact of differing frequencies of PETTLEP imagery on netball shooting performance.' Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity, 4(1)
Smith, D., Hale, B.D., Rhea, D. (2009) 'Big, buff and dependent: exercise dependence, muscle dysmorphia and anabolic steroid use in bodybuilders..'
Wright, C.J., Smith, D. (2009) 'The effect of PETTLEP imagery on strength performance.' International journal of sport and exercise psychology, 7(1) pp. 18-31.
Wright, C., Hogard, E., Ellis, R., Smith, D., Kelly, C. (2008) 'Effect of PETTLEP imagery training on performance of nursing skills: pilot study.' Journal of Advanced Nursing, 63(3) pp. 259-265.
Smith, D., Wright, C.J., Cantwell, C. (2008) 'Beating the bunker: the effect of PETTLEP imagery on golf bunker shot performance..' Res Q Exerc Sport, 79(3) pp. 385-391.
Bruce-Low, S., Smith, D. (2007) 'Explosive exercises in sports training: a critical review.' Journal of exercise physiology - online, 10(1) pp. 21-33.
Smith, D., Wright, C.J., Allsopp, A., Westhead, H. (2007) 'It's all in the mind: PETTLEP-based imagery and sports performance.' Journal of applied sport psychology, 19(1) pp. 80-92.
Smith, D., Wright, C.J., Bruce-Low, S., Hale, B.D. (2005) '"Read with caution": a reply to Pickett et al..' British journal of sports medicine, 39(11) pp. 874-875.
Smith, D., Hale, B.D. (2005) 'Exercise-dependence in bodybuilders: antecedents and reliability of measurement.' The journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 45(3) pp. 401-408.
Smith, D., Bruce-Low, S. (2004) 'Strength training methods and the work of Arthur Jones.' Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, 7(6) pp. 52-68.
Smith, D., Holmes, P. (2004) 'The effect of imagery modality on golf putting performance.' Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 26(3) pp. 385-395.
Smith, D., Hale, B.D. (2004) 'Validity and factor structure of the bodybuilding dependence scale.' British journal of sports medicine, 38(2) pp. 177-181.
Smith, D., Collins, D.J. (2004) 'Mental practice, motor performance, and the late CNV.' Journal of sport and exercise psychology, 26(3) pp. 412-426.
Hale, B., Holmes, P., Smith, D., Fowler, N., Collins, D. (2003) 'Give those men a cigar (but no light): A reply to Slade, Landers, and Martin.' JOURNAL OF SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY, 25(3) pp. 402-409.
Smith, D., Driver, S., Lafferty, M., Burrell, C., Devonport, T. (2002) 'Social desirability bias and direction modified competitive state anxiety inventory-2.' Perceptual and Motor Skills, 95(3) pp. 945-952.
Hurst, R., Hale, B.D., Smith, D., Collins, D.J. (2000) 'Exercise dependence, social physique anxiety, and social support in experienced and inexperienced bodybuilders and weightlifters..' British journal of sports medicine, 34(6) pp. 431-435.
Smith, D.K., Hale, B.D., Collins, D. (1998) 'Measurement of exercise dependence in bodybuilders.' Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 38(1) pp. 66-74.
Smith, D., Collins, D., Hale, B. (1998) 'Imagery perspectives and karate performance.' Journal of Sports Sciences, 16(1) pp. 103-104.
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Non-peer reviewed articles / reviews
Carlson, L., Smith, D., Fisher, J.P. (2022) Comment on: “No Time to Lift? Designing Time‐Efficient Training Programs for Strength and Hypertrophy: A Narrative Review”.
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Conference papers
O'Dowd, D., Morse, C., Bostock, E., Smith, D., Payton, C. (2018) 'Is resistance training feasible and beneficial for adults living with muscular dystrophy?.' In British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Annual Conference. Harrogate, 27/11/2018 - 28/11/2018.
O'Dowd, D., Morse, C., Bostock, E., Smith, D., Payton, C. (2018) 'Is progressive resistance training an effective intervention in adults with muscular dystrophy?.' 65. Elsevier, pp. 166-167.