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 is Principal Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science and he teaches on subjects related to exercise physiology and interdisciplinary determinants of sport performance. He gained his PhD by using decision-making theory to explain the way in which intensity is regulated during self-paced exercise. A former middle-distance runner, he has won English Junior and Scottish Senior titles over 3000m and 1500m on the track.

Qualifications

  • PhD, University of Worcester
  • PGCert Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, University of Worcester
  • MSc Sport Science, Loughborough University
  • BSc (hons) Sport Science with Biology, St Mary's University College

Teaching & Research

Teaching

Sport and Exercise Science, Physiology.

Current modules:

  • Introduction to the Scientific Study of Sport
  • Limits to Human Performance
  • 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

Foster, C., Hanley, B., Barroso, R., Boullosa, D., Casado, A., Haugen, T., Hettinga, F., Jones, A., Renfree, A., Skiba, P., St Clair Gibson, A., Thiel, C. and de Koning, J. (2023) Evolution of 1500m Olympic Running Performance. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. ISSN 1555-0265 https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijspp/aop/article-10.1123-ijspp.2023-0289/article-10.1123-ijspp.2023-0289.xml

Normand-Gravier, T., Britto, F., Launay, T., Renfree, A., Toussaint, J. F. and Desgorces, F. D. (2022) Exercise Dose Equalization in High-Intensity Interval Training: A Scoping Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (9). p. 4980. ISSN 1660-4601

Boullosa, D., Patrocinio, E., Renfree, A., Casado, A., Foster, C. and Hanley, B. (2022) Analyzing Pacing Micro-variations During 5,000m Running With Short-term Variability: Beijing 2008 Vs. London 2017. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 54 (9s). p. 610. ISSN 0195-9131

Crivoi do Camo, E., Renfree, A.  and Barroso, R. (2022) Effects of different goal orientations and virtual opponents performance level on pacing strategy and performance in cycling time trials. European Journal of Sport Science, 22 (4). pp. 491-498. ISSN Print: 1746-1391 Online: 1536-7290

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 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

Casado, A., Hanley, B., Jiménez-Reyes, P. and Renfree, A. (2021) Pacing profiles and tactical behaviors of elite runners. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 10 (5). pp. 537-549. ISSN 20952546

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

Renfree, A., Casado, A., Pellejero, G. and Hanley, B. (2020) More Pace Variation and Pack Formation in Successful World-Class 10,000m 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

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, 1. Article 54. ISSN Online: 2624-9367

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

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

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

Vaquera, A., Suárez-Iglesias, D., Guiu, X., Barroso, R., Thomas, G and Renfree, A. (2018) Physiological Responses to, and Athlete and Coach Perceptions of Exertion During Small-sided Basketball Games. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32 (10). pp. 2949-2953. ISSN 1064-8011 Online: 1533-4287

Renfree, A. and Casado, A. (2018) Athletic Races Represent Complex Systems, and Pacing Behavior Should Be Viewed as an Emergent Phenomenon. Frontiers in Physiology, 9. p. 1432. ISSN Online: 1664-042X

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

Trenchard, H., Renfree, A.  and Peters, D.M.  (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). pp. 345-350. ISSN Print: 1555-0265 Online: 1555-0273

do Carmo, E.C., 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). pp. 736-741. ISSN Print: 1555-0265 Online: 1555-0273

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). pp. 409-415. ISSN Print: 1746-1391 Online: 1536-7290

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). pp. 584-587. ISSN Print: 1064-8011 Online: 1533-4287

Rhoden, C., West, J., Renfree, A., Corbett, M. and St Clair Gibson, A. (2015) Adaptive Self-regulation in Cycle Time Trials: Goal Pursuit, Goal Disengagement and the Affective Experience. Journal of Science and Cycling, 4 (3). pp. 44-52. ISSN Online: 2254-7053

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, 6 (373). ISSN Online: 1664-042X

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 Sports and Exercise, 47 (5). pp. 1026-1037. ISSN Print: 0195-9131 Online: 1530-0315

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). pp. 369-373. ISSN Print: 1555-0265 Online: 1555-0273

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, 44 (2). pp. 147-158. ISSN Print: 1179-2035 Online: 0112-1642

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). pp. 43-48. ISSN 1988-5202

Rhoden, C., West, J., Renfree, A., Corbett, M. and St Clair Gibson, A. (2014) Micro-Oscillations in Positive and Negative Affect During Competitive Laboratory Cycle Time Trials – a Preliminary Study. South African Journal of Sports Medicine, 26 (1). pp. 20-25. ISSN Print: 1015-5163 Online: 2078-516X

Renfree, A., Mytton, G.J., Skorski, S. and St Clair Gibson, A. (2014) Tactical Considerations in the Middle-Distance Running Events at the 2012 Olympic Games: A Case Study. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 9 (2). pp. 362-364. ISSN 1555-0265

Renfree, A. and St Clair Gibson, A. (2013) Influence of Different Performance Levels on Pacing Strategy During the Women's World Championship Marathon Race. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 8 (3). pp. 279-285. ISSN 1555-0265

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). pp. 820-828. ISSN 1988-5202

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 (6). pp. 692-694. ISSN 1555-0265

Renfree, A., Martin, L., Richards, A. and St Clair Gibson, A. (2012) All for One and One for All! Disparity Between Overall Crew’s and Individual Rowers’ Pacing Strategies During Rowing. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 7 (3). pp. 298-300. ISSN 1555-0265

Renfree, A., West, J., Corbett, M., Rhoden, C. and St Clair Gibson, A. (2012) Complex Interplay Between Determinants of Pacing and Performance During 20 km Cycle Time Trials. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 7 (2). pp. 121-129. ISSN 1555-0265

Thomas, G. and Renfree, A. (2010) The Effect of Secret Clock Manipulation on 10 km Cycle Time Trial Performance. International Journal of Arts and Sciences, 3 (9). pp. 193-202. ISSN 1944-6934

Renfree, A., West, J., Corbett, M. and Rhoden, C. (2009) Individualised RPE During a Self Paced Cycle Time Trial. Sports Science Review, 18 (3). pp. 7-26.

Renfree, A. (2007) The Time Course for Changes in Plasma [H+] after Sodium Bicarbonate Ingestion. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 2 (3). pp. 323-326. ISSN 1555-0265

Book Section:

Renfree, A. and Hanley, B. (2021) Strategic and Tactical Decision-Making in Middle- and Long-Distance Running Races. In: The Science and Practice of Middle and Long Distance Running. Taylor & Francis, London, pp. 176-184. ISBN 9780367423186

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)