Dr Andy Renfree

Dr Andy Renfree smiling at camera

Principal Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science

School of Sport and Exercise Science

Academics

Contact Details

email: a.renfree@worc.ac.uk

Andy Renfree joined the University of Worcester in April 2006 and contributes to both the BSc Sport and Exercise Science and the MSc Applied Sport Science. He is interested in the determinants of sport performance from both a physiological and psychological perspective. A particular interest is the way in which athletes regulate their work rate (or pace themselves) during exercise, and the factors that may influence the ability to do this effectively. Andy is keen to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Qualifications

  • PhD, Thesis title: Determinants of pacing decisions during competitive endurance activity, University of Worcester (2017)
  • PGCert Learning and Teaching in HE, University of Worcester (2008)
  • MSc Sports Science, Loughborough University (1998)
  • BSc Sport Science with Biology, St Mary's University College (1996)
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Teaching & Research

Teaching:

Sport and Exercise Science, Physiology.

Current modules:

  • SPRT1007 Introduction to the Scientific Study of Sport
  • SPRT3007 Limits to Human Performance
  • MSPO4232 Assessing the Limits to Human Performance

Research:

Andy is interested in the decision-making process underpinning the selection of exercise intensity during self-paced exercise tasks. This work encompasses both internal regulatory process and the influence of other athletes during competition.

PhD Project Ideas

Professional Bodies

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

European College of Sports Science

Publications & Presentations

Publications:

Gonzalez-Mohino, F., Casado, A., Renfree, A., Gonzales-Rave, J.M. and Hanley, B. (2021) The Influence of Running Wide on the Bend on Finishing Times and Positions in Men's and Women's 800m Finals at Major Global Championships. Kinesiology: International Journal of Fundamental and Applied Kinesiology, 53 (2). pp. 280-287. ISSN ISSN 1331-1441; ISSN 1848-638X (Online)

Renfree, G. and Renfree, A. (2021) Running, Identity and Meaning: The Pursuit of Distinction through Sport (Book Review). Sport in Society. ISSN Print: 1743-0437 Electronic: 1743-0445

Renfree, A., Casado, A. and Mclaren, S. (2021) Re-thinking athlete training loads: Would you rather have one big rock or lots of little rocks dropped on your foot? Research in Sports Medicine. ISSN Print: 1543-8627 Electronic: 1543-8635

Casado, A., Renfree, A., Jaenes-Sánchez, J. C., Cuadrado-Peñafiel, V. and Jiménez-Reyes, P. (2021) Differentiating Endurance- and Speed-Adapted Types of Elite and World Class Milers According to Biomechanical, Pacing and Perceptual Responses during a Sprint Interval Session. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (5). p. 2448. ISSN 1660-4601

Crivoi do Camo, E., Renfree, A. and Barroso, R. (2021) Effects of different goal orientations and virtual opponents performance level on pacing strategy and performance in cycling time trials. European Journal of Sport Science. ISSN Print: 1746-1391 Online: 1536-7290 (In Press)

Renfree, A., Casado, A., Pellejero, G. and Hanley, B. (2020) More Pace Variation and Pack Formation in Successful World-Class 10,000-m Runners Than in Less Successful Competitors. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15 (10). pp. 1369-1376. ISSN 1555-0265

Renfree, A. (2020) Performance data: less is more? The Sport and Exercise Scientist (66). pp. 20-21. ISSN 1754-3444

Casado, A., Renfree, A., Maroto-Sánchez, B. and Hanley, B. (2020) Individual performances relative to season bests in major track running championship races are distance-, position- and sex-dependent. European Journal of Human Movement, 44. pp. 146-161. ISSN 2386-4095 (eISSN)

do Carmo, E., Renfree, A., Silva, N., Gil, S. and Tricoli, V. (2020) Affective feelings and perceived exertion during a 10-km time trial and head-to-head running race. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 15 (6). pp. 903-906. ISSN 1555-0265

Casado, A., Hanley, B., Jiménez-Reyes, P. and Renfree, A. (2020) Pacing profiles and tactical behaviors of elite runners. Journal of Sport and Health Science. ISSN 20952546 (In Press)

Veen, J., Corbett, M. and Renfree, A. (2020) Maximal Sprints Within the Warm-up Does Not Affect Pacing or Performance in a 10 km Cycle Time Trial. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, 15 (2). pp. 319-329. ISSN Online: 1988-5202

Wei, C., Yu, L., Duncan, B. and Renfree, A. (2020) A Plyometric Warm-Up Protocol Improves Running Economy in Recreational Endurance Athletes. Frontiers in Physiology, 11. Article no. 197. ISSN 1664-042X

Gonzales-Mohino, F., Santos del Cerro, J., Renfree, A., Yustres, I. and González-Ravé, J.M. (2020) The Relationship Between Tactical Positioning and the Race Outcome in 800-m Running at the 2016 Olympic Games and 2017 IAAF World Championship. Journal of Human Kinetics, 71 (1). pp. 299-305. ISSN Print: 1640-5544 Online: 1899-7562

Martín, J.J.D., Renfree, A., Fernández-Ozcorta, E.J., Torres, M. and Santos-Concejero, J. (2019) Pacing and Performance in the 6 World Marathon Majors. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. ISSN Online: 2624-9367 (In Press)

Hanley, B., Casado, A. and Renfree, A. (2019) Lane and Heat Draw Have Little Effect on Placings and Progression in Olympic and IAAF World Championship 800 m Running. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. ISSN Online: 2624-9367

Veen, J., Corbett, M. and Renfree, A. (2019) Maximal Sprints Within the Warm-up Does Not Affect Pacing or Performance in a 10 km Cycle Time Trial. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise. ISSN Online: 1988-5202 (In Press)

Gonzales-Mohino, F., Santos del Cerro, J., Renfree, A., Yustres, I. and González-Ravé, J.M. (2019) The Relationship Between Tactical Positioning and the Race Outcome in 800-m Running at the 2016 Olympic Games and 2017 IAAF World Championship. Journal of Human Kinetics. ISSN Print: 1640-5544 Online: 1899-7562 (In Press)

Casado, A., Moreno-Pérez, D., Larrosa, M. and Renfree, A. (2019) Different Psychophysiological Responses to a High-intensity Repetition Session Performed Alone or in a Group by Elite Middle-distance Runners. European Journal of Sport Science, 19 (8). pp. 1045-1052. ISSN Print: 1746-1391 Online: 1536-7290 (In Press)

Renfree, A. and Casado, A. (2018) Athletic Races Represent Complex Systems, and Pacing Behavior Should Be Viewed as an Emergent Phenomenon. Frontiers in Physiology. ISSN Online: 1664-042X

Casado, A. and Renfree, A. (2018) Fortune Favors the Brave. Tactical Behaviours in the Middle Distance Running Events at the 2017 IAAF World Championships. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. ISSN Print: 1555-0265 Online: 1555-0273 (In Press)

Mauger, A.R., Hettinga, F.J., Micklewright, D.P., Renfree, A., Pageaux, B., Jones, H.S. and Corbett, J. eds. (2017) Regulation of Endurance Performance: New Frontiers. Frontiers. ISBN 978-2-88945-329-0 ISSN: 1664-8714

Hettinga, F.J., Renfree, A., Pageaux, B., Jones, H.S., Corbett, J., Micklewright, D. and Mauger, A.R. (2017) Editorial: Regulation of Endurance Performance: New Frontiers. Frontiers in Physiology, 8 (727). ISSN Online: 1664-042X

Vaquera, A., Suárez-Iglesias, D., Guiu, X., Barroso, R., Thomas, G and Renfree, A. (2017) Physiological Responses to, and Athlete and Coach Perceptions of Exertion During Small-sided Basketball Games. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. ISSN 1064-8011 Online: 1533-4287 (In Press)

Trenchard, H., Renfree, A. and Peters, D. (2017). A computer model of drafting effects on collective behavior in elite 10,000 m runners. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(3)345-350. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2016-0026

Crivoi do Carmo, E., Barroso, R., Renfree, A., Gil, S. and Tricoli, V. (2016). Influence of an enforced fast start on 10 km running performance. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 11(6)736-741. doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2015-0397

Renfree, A., Crivoi do Carmo, E., Martin, L. and Peters, D.M. (2015). The influence of collective behaviour on pacing in endurance competitions. Frontiers in Physiology, doi: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00373

Vaquera, A., Villa, J.G., Morante, J.C., Thomas, G., Renfree, A. and Peters, D.M. (2016). Validity and Test-Retest Reliability of the TIVRE-Basket® Test for the Determination of Aerobic Power in Elite Male Basketball Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(2)584-587. Doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001078

Renfree, A., Crivoi do Carmo, E. and Martin, L. (2016). The Influence of Performance Level, Age and Gender on Pacing Strategy During a 100 km Ultramarathon. European Journal of Sport Science, 16(4)409-415

Mytton, G.J., Archer, D.T., Turner, L., Skorski, S., Renfree, A., Thompson, K.G. and St Clair Gibson, A. (2015). Increased variability of lap speeds differentiate medallists and non-medallists in middle distance running and swimming events, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 10(3)369-373

Micklewright, D., Parry, D., Robinson, T., Deacon, G., Renfree, A., St Clair Gibson, A. and Matthews, W.J. (2015). Risk perception influences athletic pacing strategy, Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 47(5)1026-1037

Vaquera, A., Renfree, A., Thomas, G., St Clair Gibson, A. and Calleja-Gonzalez, J. (2014). Heart rate responses of referees during the 2011 Eurobasket Championship, Journal of Human Sport and Exercise 9(1)43-48

Renfree, A., Martin, L., Micklewright, D. and St Clair Gibson, A. (2014). Application of decision-making theory to the regulation of muscular work rate during self-paced competitive endurance activity, Sports Medicine, DOI: 10.1007/s40279-013-0107-0

Browne, S. and Renfree, A. (2013). Exercise performance and neuromuscular activity at a fixed level of RPE following manipulation of peripheral physiological status, Journal of Human Sport and Exercise 8(3)820-828

Mytton, G.J., Archer, D.T., Thompson, K.G., Renfree, A. and St Clair Gibson, A. (2013). Validity and reliability of a 1500 m lap time collection method using public videos, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance (8) 692-694

Renfree, A. and St Clair Gibson, A. (2013). Pacing strategy and performance during the women's world championship marathon race, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance (7) 279-285

Renfree, A., West, J., Corbett, M., Rhoden, C. and St Clair Gibson, A. (2012). Complex interplay between the determinants of pacing and performance during 20 km cycle time trials, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance (7) 121-129

Renfree, A., Martin, L., Richards, A. and St Clair Gibson, A. (2012). One for all and all for one! Disparity between individual rower and overall crew pacing during rowing, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance (7) 298-300

Thomas, G. and Renfree, A. (2010). The effect of secret clock manipulation on 10 km cycle time trial performance, International Journal of the Arts and Sciences 3(9); 193-202

Renfree, A. (2007) The time course for changes in blood hydrogen ion concentration following sodium bicarbonate ingestion, International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance (2) 323-326

Conference Presentations:

Veen, J., Corbett, M. and Renfree, A. (2017). Inclusion of maximal sprints within the warm up does not effect pacing and performance during a 10 km cycle time trial. Paper presented at ECSS annual conference, Metropolis Ruhr, Germany.

Renfree, A., Trenchard, H. and Peters, D.M. (2016). Computer simulation modelling of collective behavior during an elite 10 km running events. Oral presentation at ECSS annual conference, Vienna, Austria.

Renfree, A., Crivoi do Carmo, E., and Martin, L. (2015). The Influence of Performance Level, Age and Gender on Pacing Strategy During a 100 km Ultramarathon. Oral presentation at ECSS annual conference, Malmo, Sweden.

Renfree, A., Martin, L., Micklewright, D. and St Clair Gibson, A. (2013). The complexity of decision-making and athletic pacing, BASES Annual Conference, University of Central Lancashire

Micklewright, D., Moore, A., Jeffs, C., McGuinness, J., Renfree, A. and St Clair Gibson, A. (2013). Risk-taking, risk perception and pacing behaviour, BASES Annual Conference, University of Central Lancashire

Renfree, A. and St Clair Gibson, A. (2012). Influence of pacing strategy on performance during the female World Championship marathon race. Oral presentation at ECSS annual conference, Bruges, Belgium.

Renfree, A., Martin, L., St Clair Gibson, A. (2012). One for all and all for one! Disparity between individual rower and overall crew pacing during rowing. Paper presented at ECSS annual conference, Bruges, Belgium.

Renfree, A., West, J., Corbett, M. and Rhoden, C. (2011) Greater peripheral force production capabilities and not greater central drive explain superior cycle time trial performance. Paper presented at ECSS conference, Liverpool UK.

Renfree, A. (2009) The effect of NaHCO3 ingestion on power output during exercise at a constant level of perceived exertion. Paper presented at ECSS annual conference, Oslo, Norway.

Renfree, A. and Gurney, T. Non-linear increase in RPE during constant load exercise to volitional exhaustion. Paper presented at ECSS annual conference, Oslo, Norway.

Renfree, A. (2007). Performance and ventilatory responses to incremental cycle exercise following NaHCO3 ingestion. Paper presented at BASES conference, Bath, UK.

External Responsibilities

External Examiner:

  • Plymouth University

External Assessor:

  • Open University

Reviewer:

  • International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance
  • Journal of Sport Sciences
  • European Journal of Sports Science
  • Sports Medicine
  • Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise
  • Chinese Journal of Physiology
  • PLOS one
  • Frontiers in Physiology

Topic Editor:

  • Regulation of Endurance Performance: New Frontiers (Frontiers in Physiology Research Topic)