Dr Dan Gordon

Dan is an exercise physiologist with a passion and interest in the factors which limit human athletic performance.

dan.gordon@anglia.ac.uk
Follow our Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Group on Twitter

Background

Dan has experience of supporting athletes in a vast array of sports including track and field, cycling, football and rugby. He's represented Great Britain in three sports, is a Paralympian and a World Record holder. Dan has published numerous peer-reviewed research papers.

Research interests

• The factors which limit maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max)
• Menstrual function and cardio-respiratory exercises
• Factors which limit the development of the finite anaerobic capacity
• Pacing strategies during exercise

Areas of research supervision

Research area: Limitations to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max)
Research questions:

• Is the manifestation of a plateau at VO2max dependent on the protocol used?
• Are the secondary markers for identifying a maximal effort during an incremental test to exhaustion functions of ramp rate?
• Is the plateau at VO2max a trainable parameter?
• Is the manifestation of the plateau at VO2max associated with the circadian oscillator?

Research area: The pacing paradigm and athletic performance
Research questions:

• Association between pacing strategy and the curvature constant of the critical power cure (W’)
• Is pacing strategy affected by the time of day?
• The effects of sensory deprivation on the outcome of a time-trial
• Is pacing strategy in children a function of the anaerobic capacity rather than cognitive development?

Research area: Oxygen uptake kinetics
Research questions:

• Effects of single and double legged cycling on the VO2-kinetic response and blood lactate clearance
• Effects of different cadences at the same absolute workload on the VO2-kientic response
• Effects of upper and lower body exercise on repeated VO2-kinetic responses

PhD supervisions

• Implications of blood donation on cardio-respiratory dynamics during exercise
• Finding 30 minutes in the marathon
• Is Physical Activity in Pregnant Women More Effective than Dietary intake In Preventing Foetal Macrosomia?
• Dietary Nutrient Density and Body Fat Percentage
• Physiological and metabolic-responses to exercise-programs based on genotype
  
   

Teaching

BSc (Hons) Sports Science, MSc Sport and Exercise Sciences

Qualifications

• PhD, 'The oxygen uptake work-rate relationship: an exploration of the factors which limit VO2max and the implications for exercise stress testing and deriving energy expenditure responses in the field', Anglia Ruskin University, UK
• MSc Sports Science, University of Essex, UK

Memberships, editorial boards

Memberships

• Associate research project supervisor, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Cambridge 2006–present
• Member, Senate, Anglia Ruskin University (2014-2016)
• Member, Faculty Research and Ethics Panel, Anglia Ruskin University
• Member, Departmental Research and Ethics Panel, Anglia Ruskin University
• Human Tissue Act Co-ordinator: Sport and Exercise Sciences

Editorial boards

• Reviewer, European Journal of Applied Physiology (impact factor 2.66)

• Reviewer, International Journal of Sports Medicine (impact factor 2.77)

• Reviewer, Journal of Intellectual Disability Research (impact factor 1.81)

• Reviewer, British Journal of Sports Medicine (impact factor 3.66)

• Reviewer, European Journal of Sports Sciences (impact factor 1.15)

Research grants, consultancy, knowledge exchange

Consultancy

• Consultant physiologist, UK Athletics disABILITY Paralympic team, 2003–2008
• Ward Evans Atlantic Rowing Challenge (Keltec challenger), January 2001–December 2001
• Sports Science Support, Talented Athletes Sports Scholarship Scheme, 2005–present
• Consultant Sports Scientist, Gifted and Talented Programme, 2007–present
• Consultant Sports Scientist, Cambridge Regional Swimming Squad, 2007–present
• Consultant Sports Scientist, Channel swim (England to France), 2006
• Consultant Sports Scientist, sports science support English Cricket Board Centre of Cricketing Excellence, 2000–present
• Badwater Ultra Marathon, Death Valley Nevada, working with elite US athletes collecting data throughout the race 2002

Selected recent publications

Books and chapters 
Gordon D. (2009) Coaching Science. Learning Matters, United Kingdom

Hayes P, van Paridon N, K., Thomas K, Gordon D, A. Physiological demands of golf: Development of a laboratory simulated round. In: Crews, D., Lutz, R. (2008) Science and Golf V. Ironwood, USA. 133-139

Selected recent publications

Gordon, D., Swain, P., Keiller, D., Merzbach, V., Gernigon, M., Chung, H. (2020) Quantifying the effects of four weeks of low-volume high-intensity sprint interval training on VO2max through assessment of hemodynamics. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. DOI : 10.23736/S0022-4707.19.09912-2

Keiller, D., Gordon, D. (2020) The plateau at VO2max is associated with anaerobic alleles. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. Read article here

Swain, P., Biggins, J., Gordon, D. (2019) Marathon pacing ability: Training characteristics and previous experience. European Journal of Sports Science.  DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2019.1688396

Lopez-Sanchez, G., Gordon, D., Hodgson, L., Stubbs, B., Gardner, B., Smith, L. (2019). The effect of the 2016 Rio de Janerio Olympics on spectators’ physical activity. Atena Journal of Sports Science. 1: 1-8

Johnson, D., Roberts J., Gordon, D. (2019) The acute effects of whole blood donation on cardiorespiratory and haematological factors in exercise: A systematic review. PLOS One. Read article here

Palmer, H., Newell, KM., Gordon, D., Smith, L., Williams, G. (2018) Qualitative and quantitative change in the kinematics of learning a non-dominant overarm throw. Human Movement Science. 62: 134-142

Keiller, D., Gordon, D. (2018). Confirming maximal oxygen uptake: Is heart rate the answer? International Journal of Sports Medicine. 39: 198-203

Lopez-Sanchez, GF., Smith, L., Diaz-Suarez, A., Towner, A., Gordon, D. (2017). Do novice and experienced rowers adopt different pacing strategies and do their physiological metabolic responses how optimiusation? SPORT TK: Revista Euroamericana de Ciencias del Deporte. 7: 165-174

Gordon, D., Whightman, S., Basevitch, I., Johnstone, J., Espiojo-Snchez, C., Beckford, C., Boal, M., Scruton, A., Ferrandino, M., Merzbach, V. (2017). Physiological and training characteristics of recreational marathon runners. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine. 8: 1-11

Gordon, D., Scruton, A., Barnes, R., Baker, J., Prado, L., Merzbach, V. (2017). The effects of menstrual cycle phase on the incidence of plateau at VO2max and associated cardiorespiratory dynamics. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. doi: 10.1111/cpf.12469

Gordon, D., Gernigon, M., Baker, J., Merzbach, V., Scruton, A. (2017). The effects of non-contingent feedback on the incidence of plateau at VO2max. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 16: 105-111

Johnstone, J., Hughes, G., Mitchell, A., Ford, P., Watson, T., Duffield, R., Gordon, D., Roberts, J., Garrett, A. (2017). Accelerometery and Heart Rate Responses of Professional Fast-Medium Bow-lers in One-Day and Multi-Day Cricket. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 16: 311-317

Spice, C., Gordon, D., Smith, L., Johnstone, J. (2017). Work rates of international hockey players. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport. DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2017.1353264

Smith, L., Gordon, D., Scruton, A., Yang, L. (2016) The potential yield of Tai Chi in cancer survivorship. Future Science. eISSN 2056-5623

Caddy, O., Fitton, W., Symons, D., Purnell, A., Gordon, D. (2015) The effects of forward rotation on computer-simulated 4-km track cycling: implications of union cycliste international rule 1.3.013. Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology. DOI: 10.1177/1754337115619306

Scruton, A., Baker, J., Roberts, J., Basevitch, I., Merzbach, V., Gordon, D. (2015) Pacing accuracy during an incremental step test in adolescent swimmers. Open Access Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 6: 249-257

Merzbach, V., Gordon, D. (2015) Benefits of exercise to a Downs Syndrome population: An update. Intellectual Disabilities Online. http://www.intellectualdisability.info/physical-health/the-benefits-of-exercise-to-a-down2019s-syndrome-population.

Gordon, D., Caddy, O., Merzbach, V., Gernigon, M., Baker, J., Scruton, A., Keiller, D. and Barnes, R., 2015. Prior knowledge of trial number influences the incidence of plateau at VO2max. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 14, pp.47-53.

Gordon, D., Wang, S., Villa de Mucha, P., Baker, J., Merzbach, V., Scruton, A. and Barnes, R., 2014. Effects of induced alkalosis on the incidence of plateau at VO2max. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, S374.

Baker, J., Walker, E., Merzbach, V., Scruton, A., Barnes, R. and Gordon, D., 2014. The effects of acute dietary nitrate consumption on the incidence of plateau at VO2max. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, S547.

Gordon, D., Wood, M., Porter, M., Vetrivel, V., Gernigon, M., Caddy, O., Merzbach, V., Keiller, D., Baker, J. and Barnes, R., 2013. Influence of blood donation on the incidence of plateau at VO2max. European Journal of Applied Physiology, DOI 10.1007/s00421-013-2743-3.

Gordon, D., Hughes, F., Young, K., Scruton, A., Keiller, D., Caddy, O. and Barnes, R., 2013. The effects of menstrual cycle phase on the development of peak torque under isokinetic conditions. Isokinetics and Exercise Science, DOI 10.3233/IES-130499.

Caddy, O., Hopkins, S., King, C., Gordon, D. and Barnes, R., 2013. A novel approach for estimating anaerobic capacity from a single VO2max trial. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, S218-219.

Gordon, D., Tilston, H., Walshe, E., Bradley, P., Baker, J., Gernigon, M. and Barnes, R., 2013. Incidence of plateau at VO2max: is there a role for a circadian oscillator? Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, S192-193.

Caddy, O., Bond, P., Gordon, D., Barnes, R., Keiller, D. and Gernigon, M., 2012. The effect of bio-feedback manipulation on incidence of plateau at VO2max. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, S434.

Gordon, D., Caddy, O., Ganyani, R., Gernigon, M., Bottinger, N., Latchford, J., Keiller, D. and Barnes, R. 2012. Incidence of plateau at VO2max is influenced by prior knowledge of sprint number. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, S196.

Gordon, D., Mehter, M., Gernigon, M., Caddy, O., Keiller, D. and Barnes, R., 2012. The effects of exercise modality on the incidence of plateau at VO2max. Journal of Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging (accepted).

Gordon, D., Schaitel, K., Pennefather, A., Gernigon, M., Keiller, D. and Barnes, R., 2012. The incidence of plateau at VO2max is affected by a bout of prior-priming exercise. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, 32, pp.39-44.

Gordon, D., Keiller, D., Barnes, S., Hopkins, S. and King, C., 2011. Plateauing of oxygen uptake: response to R J Shephard. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 32, p.482.

Gordon, D., Thompson, N. and Salisbury, R., 2010. Practical considerations for the assessment of the metabolic and physiological responses to closed-wheel motor racing using the Actiheart system: a single participant study. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching (accepted). 

Gordon, D.A., Hopkins, S., King, C. and Barnes, R., 2010. The plateau at VO2max is dependent on the anaerobic capacity. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 31, pp.1-6.

Gordon, D.A., Porter, A., Vetrivel, V., Gernigon, M. and Barnes, R., 2010. The effects of reduced blood volumes on the incidence of plateau at VO2max. Journal of Sports Sciences, 28, S74-75.

Gordon, D., Coombs, G. and Scruton, A., 2010. The assessment of the lactate turn-point and critical speed in adolescent swimmers. Journal of Sports Sciences, 28, S116-117.

Gordon, D., Schaitel, K., Pennefather, A. and Barnes, R., 2010. The effects of prior priming exercise on the incidence of plateau at VO2max. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 42, S576-577.

Gordon, D.A., Connell, A., Marshall, K. and Barnes, R., 2010. Influence of blood donation on oxygen uptake kinetics during moderate and heavy intensity cycle exercise. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 33, pp.1-6.

Recent presentations and conferences

Gordon, D., Basevitch, I., Scruton A., Biggins, J., Brown, I., Baker, J., Merzbach, V. (2016) Pace versus prediction: Implications of age, experience and sex on marathon race performance. European College of Sports Sciences. Vienna, Austria July 6-9

Gordon, D. (2016) Overtraining or under-performance: Not just a function of training load. Sports Science: Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Conference. Belo Horizonte, Brazil, June 9-10

Gordon, D. (2016) Training for children: Are the current conventions ‘fit’ for purpose? Sports Science: Olympic and Paralympic Legacy Conference. Belo Horizonte, Brazil, June 9-10 

Gordon, D., Basevitch, I., Scruton, A., Roberts, J., Biggins, J., Merzbach, V. (2016) Pace versus prediction: Is the experience of the runner associated with success in a big city marathon. American College of Sports Medicine. Boston, Massachusetts, June 1-4

Merzbach, V., Basevitch, I., Roberts, J., Biggins, J., Scruton, A., Gordon, D. (2016) Pace versus prediction: Is the age of the runner associated with marathon success? American College of Sports Medicine. Boston, Massachusetts, June 1-4 

Biggins, J., Gordon, D. (2016) The relationship between the power associated with V̇O2maxand the mechanical work capacity. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Student Conference, Bangor, UK, March

Bernal, C., Gordon, D. (2016) The occurrence of a VO2 plateau at VO2max in relation to the power-time curvature constant (W’). British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Student Conference, Bangor, UK, March

Gordon, D. (2016) Pace versus prediction: Implications of age, experience and sex on marathon race performance. Marathon Medicine. London, UK, April 22

Baker, J., Bond, P., Gernigon, M., Scruton, A., Barnes, R., Gordon, D. (2015) Reproducibility of maximal effort across a series of repeat VO2max trials in habituated participants. American College of Sports Medicine. San Diego, California, May 25-28

Gordon, D., Baker, J., Scruton, A. (2015) A Multi-Disciplinary Examination of Football Development and Performance: A physiological Monitoring Perspective. World Congress on Science in Soccer. Copenhagen, Denmark, May 18-21

Gordon, D., Baker, J., Johnstone, J., Merzbach, V., Scruton, A., Barnes, R., Tvestnova, M. (2015) Blood lactate and cardiovascular responses during an incremental step test when adopting an upright or aerodynamic position on a cycle ergometer. American College of Sports Medicine. San Diego, California, May 25-28

Gordon, D., Scruton, A., Barnes, R., Baker, J., Merzbach, V. (2015) The effects of menstrual cycle phase on the incidence of plateau at VO2max. European College of Sports Sciences. Malmo, Sweeden, June 23-28

Merzbach, V., Scruton, A., Barnes, R., Baker, J., Johnstone, J., Gordon, D. (2015) Effects of menstrual cycle phase on the dynamics of cardiovascular control during an incremental stress-test to volitional exhaustion. European College of Sports Sciences. Malmo, Sweeden, June 23-28

Scruton, A., Baker, J., Roberts, J., Basevitch, I., Gordon, D. (2015) Pacing accuracy during an incremental step test in adolescent swimmers. European College of Sports Sciences. Malmo, Sweden, June 23-28

Spalding, A., Basevitch, I., Gordon, D. (2015) Effects of a competitive environment on exercise time to exhaustion. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Student Conference. Liverpool, UK, March 30-31

Thomas, K., Gordon, D. (2015) Reproducibility of cycling time to exhaustion at VO2max. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Student Conference. Liverpool, UK, March 30-31

Gordon, D., Baker, J., Johnstone, J., Barnes, R., Scruton, A. and Merzbach, V., 2014. Manifestation of a plateau response in VO2 at maximal oxygen uptake is a function of the Anaerobic work capacity. 1-5 July, European College of Sports Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Johnstone, J., Ford, P., Watson, T., Mitchell, A., Gordon, D., Hughes, A. and Garrett, A., 2014. Physiological profiles of professional fast-medium bowlers during competitive cricket performance. European College of Sports Sciences, 1-5 July, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Baker, J., Rathbone, A., Johnstone, J., Barnes, R., Scruton, A. and Gordon D., 2014. The effect of vVO2max protocol on prediciting 3000-m running performance. European College of Sports Sciences, 1-5 July, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Gordon, D., Wang, S., Villa de Mucha, P., Baker, J., Merzbach, V., Scruton, A. and Barnes, R., 2014. Effects of induced alkalosis on the incidence of plateau at VO2max. American College of Sports Medicine, 28-31 May, Orlando, Florida.

Baker, J., Walker, E., Merzbach, V., Scruton, A., Barnes, R. and Gordon, D., 2014. The effects of acute dietary nitrate consumption on the incidence of plateau at VO2max. American College of Sports Medicine, 38-31 May, Orlando, Florida.

Walters, V., M., Timmis, M., Gordon, D.A., 2014. The Effects of Lower Limb Neuromuscular Fatigue on Step Descent. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Student Conference, 11-12 April, Portsmouth.

Gordon, D., Moore, R., Old, T., Baker, J., Thompson, T., Merzbach, V., Keiller, D. and Barnes, R., 2013. The effects of four weeks high-intensity interval training on the incidence of plateau at VO2max. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences, 3-5 September, Preston, England.

Baker, J., Oliver, J., Scruton, A. and Gordon, D., 2013. The effects of a competition-based environment on exercise time to exhaustion and VO2max during an incremental cycle test. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. 3-5 September, Preston, England.

Caddy, O., Hopkins, S., King, C., Gordon, D. and Barnes, R., 2013. A novel approach for estimating anaerobic capacity from a single VO2max trial. American College of Sports Medicine, 29 May-3 June, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Gordon, D., Tilston, H., Walshe, E., Bradley, P., Baker, J., Gernigon, M. and Barnes, R., 2013. Incidence of plateau at VO2max: Is there a role for a circadian oscillator? American College of Sports Medicine, 29 May-3 June, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Caddy, O., Bond, P., Gordon, D., Barnes, R., Keiller, D. and Gernigon, M., 2012. The effect of bio-feedback manipulation on incidence of plateau at VO2max. American College of Sports Medicine, 30 May-2 June, San Francisco, California.

Gordon, D., Caddy, O., Ganyani, R., Gernigon, M., Bottinger, N., Latchford, J., Keiller, D. and Barnes, R., 2012. Incidence of plateau at VO2max is influenced by prior knowledge of sprint number. American College of Sports Medicine, 30 May-2 June, San Francisco, California.

Pates, R. and Gordon, D. Cardiovascular responses at maximal oxygen uptake: is heart rate plateau the answer? British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Student Conference, 30-31 March, London, UK.

Gordon, D., Mehter, M., Gernigon, M., Scruton, A., Keiller, D. and Barnes, R., 2011. Incidence of plateau at VO2max is influenced by ergometer selection. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences, 6-8 September, Essex, UK. 

Gordon, D., Preston, J., Gammall, D., Gernigon, M., Scruton, A. and Barnes, R., 2011. Determination of the anaerobic capacity using an all-out peak power cycle test. European College of Sports Sciences, 6-9 July, Liverpool, UK.

Gordon, D., Hughes, F., Young, K., Keiller, D., Scruton, A. and Barnes, R., 2011. The effects of menstrual cycle phase on the development of peak torque under isokinetic conditions. European College of Sports Sciences, 6-9 July, Liverpool, UK.

Gernigon, M., Varray, A., Barnes, R. and Gordon, D., 2011. A field test to assess the aerobic fitness (VO2max) of wheelchair dependent children with cerebral palsy: a preliminary study. International Symposium on Adapted Physical Activity, 4-8 July, Paris, France.

Gordon, D., Hughes, F., Young, K., Keiller, D., Scruton, A. and Barnes, R., 2011. The effects of menstrual cycle phase on the development of peak torque: Implications for judo performance. European Judo Union Scientific Symposium, 21-22 April, Istanbul, Turkey.

Caddy, O. and Gordon, D., 2011. Cadence in competitive cyclists: VO2 kinetics and efficiency. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Student Conference, 11-13 April, Chester, UK.

Vincett, B. and Gordon, D., 2011. Cadence in competitive cyclists: pedal mechanics and neuromuscular responses. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Student Conference, 11-13 April, Chester, UK.

Gordon, D.A., Porter, A., Vetrivel, V., Gernigon, M. and Barnes, R., 2010. The effects of reduced blood volumes on the incidence of plateau at VO2max. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences, 6-8 September, Glasgow, UK.

Gordon, D., Coombs, G. and Scruton, A., 2010. The assessment of the lactate turn-point and critical speed in adolescent swimmers. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences, 6-8 September, Glasgow, UK.

Gordon, D.A. Pennefather, A., Schaitel, K. and Barnes, R., 2010. The effects of prior priming exercise on the incidence of plateau at VO2max. American College of Sports Medicine, 1-5 June, Baltimore, Maryland.

Bond, P. and Gordon, D., 2010. Can the use of a visually stimulating intervention elicit altered responses in the plateau at VO2max. British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Student Conference, 30-31 March, Aberystwyth, UK.

Baxter, M., Gordon, D., van Paridon, K. (2010) Is the incidence of plateau at VO2max associated with individual psychological traits? British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Student Conference, 30-31 March, Aberystwyth, UK.

Gordon, D.A., Connell, A., Marshall, K. and Barnes, R., 2009. The effects of reduced blood volumes on oxygen uptake kinetics. American College of Sports Medicine, 17-22 May, Seattle, Washington.