Dr Christopher McManus

-
Email
cmcman@essex.ac.uk -
Telephone
+44 (0) 1206 874475
-
Location
ESA.3.14, Colchester Campus
Profile
Biography
Dr Chris McManus is a Lecturer in the School of Sports, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences at the ÌÇÐÄVlog, where he currently serves as Programme Director for the MSc Sport and Exercise Science and Cluster Lead for the Human Performance Research Group. Previously, he held the position of Director of the Human Performance Unit (HPU). In these roles, Dr McManus is responsible for the development and delivery of academic programmes in sports nutrition, exercise physiology, and exercise testing. His extensive research portfolio includes securing funding and leading projects across diverse areas such as software development for physiological applications, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), exercise and dietary interventions, genetics in sport and exercise, precise exercise prescription, and physiological testing methods. Dr McManus earned his PhD in Sport and Exercise Science from the ÌÇÐÄVlog, investigating the effects of compression garments on running economy and employing near-infrared spectroscopy techniques. He also holds an MA in Sport Management from London Metropolitan University and a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science from the ÌÇÐÄVlog. His scholarly work has been extensively published in respected academic journals. His consultancy experience spans numerous high-profile roles, including former positions as a performance nutritionist and applied physiologist. Dr McManus has advised brands such as SKINS compression clothing, contributing insights on product claims, development strategies, and research directions. He previously served as a Sports Scientist for Lucozade Sport, delivering seminars, workshops, and engaging extensively in professional communication, notably as a keynote speaker at the Virgin London Marathon Expo. Other consultancy projects have involved collaborations with GB Basketball, ExoFitness, and Oxygen Boost. In 2024, Dr McManus co-organised the inaugural mNIRS Conference, the first international event dedicated to muscle near-infrared spectroscopy, convening world-leading experts to advance knowledge and practice in this specialised field. Dr McManus maintains professional accreditation as a British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES) Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist and serves as a Supervisor and Reviewer for the BASES Supervised Experience Accreditation pathway, mentoring the next generation of sports science professionals. Further aligning with his research interests, particularly in Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), Dr McManus also holds the critical role of Department Ionising Radiation Protection Supervisor (DIRPS) at the ÌÇÐÄVlog. In this capacity, he ensures the rigorous application of safety and compliance standards related to ionising radiation, integrating practical expertise with academic responsibilities.
Qualifications
-
PhD ÌÇÐÄVlog, (2020)
-
MA Sports Management London Metropolitan University, (2008)
-
BSc Sports and Exercise Science ÌÇÐÄVlog, (2006)
Appointments
ÌÇÐÄVlog
-
Lecturer, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, ÌÇÐÄVlog (3/9/2018 - present)
-
Programme Director - MSc Sports and Exercise Science, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, ÌÇÐÄVlog (1/9/2024 - present)
-
Cluster Lead - Human Performance Research Group, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, ÌÇÐÄVlog (1/8/2024 - present)
-
Director of Human Performance Unit, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, ÌÇÐÄVlog (1/9/2018 - 1/9/2024)
-
Department Ionising Radiation Protection Supervisor (DIRPS), School of Sports, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences at the ÌÇÐÄVlog, ÌÇÐÄVlog (1/7/2018 - present)
-
Manager of Human Performance Unit, School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, ÌÇÐÄVlog (1/11/2013 - 1/9/2018)
-
Exercise Physiologist / Performance Nutritionist (Human Performance Unit), School of Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, ÌÇÐÄVlog (1/9/2011 - 1/10/2013)
Research and professional activities
Research interests
Sports Performance
The effect of different factors on sports performance, such as the use of compression tights during running and the impact of diet on athletic performance
Physiological Assessment Tools
Tools for physiological assessment, such as the application of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in sports and the comparison of different NIRS muscle oximeters
Dietary interventions
How dietary interventions can enhance sports performance, such as investigating dietary intake in obese and non-obese individuals
Asylum seeker and migrant populations: Physical activity interventions
Blood flow restriction training
Teaching and supervision
Current teaching responsibilities
-
Principles of Nutrition and Metabolism (SE103)
-
Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition (SE224)
-
Research Project (SE309)
-
Research Project (SE318)
-
Preparation for Professional Practice (SE342)
-
Further Research Methods in Sport, Exercise and Health (SE738)
-
Research Project (SE740)
-
Preparation for Professional Practice (SE759)
-
Research Project (SE777)
-
Dietary and Body Composition Assessment (SE779)
-
Sports Nutrition and Ergogenic Aids (SE780)
Current supervision
Previous supervision

Degree subject: Sport and Exercise Science
Degree type: Master of Science (by Dissertation)
Awarded date: 13/12/2023

Degree subject: Sport and Exercise Science
Degree type: Master of Science (by Dissertation)
Awarded date: 19/1/2023

Degree subject: Sport and Exercise Science
Degree type: Master of Science (by Dissertation)
Awarded date: 5/9/2022

Degree subject: Sport and Exercise Science
Degree type: Master of Science (by Dissertation)
Awarded date: 5/7/2022
Publications
Journal articles (20)
Gowers, C., McManus, C., Jones, B., Chung, H. and Waterworth, S., . Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
Brogan, SP., Evans, DW., Howe, L., McManus, C., Mei, Q. and Liew, BXW., (2025). The relationship between fear of movement and ankle biomechanical strategies in a 180° change of direction task. Gait & Posture. 118, 39-44
Gowers, C., McManus, C., Chung, H., Jones, B., Tallent, J. and Waterworth, S., (2025). Assessing the Risk of Low Energy Availability, Bone Mineral Density and Psychological Strain in Endurance Athletes. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 22 (1), 2496448-
McManus, C., Butson, J., Rogerson, M., Waterworth, S., Jones, B., Cooper, C. and Sandercock, G., (2024). . International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching. 19 (1), 401-409
Jones, B., Waterworth, S., Tallent, J., Rogerson, M., Morton, C., Moran, J., Southall-Edwards, R., Cooper, C. and McManus, C., (2024). . Journal of Athletic Training. 59 (3), 317-324
Liew, BXW., Zhu, X., Zhai, X., McErlain-Naylor, SA. and McManus, C., (2024). . Journal of Biomechanics. 165, 112025-112025
Rogerson, M., Knight, D., Scherer, R., Jones, B., McManus, C., Waterworth, S., Murray, K. and Hope, E., (2024). . Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology
McManus, C., Jones, B., Rogerson, M., Butson, J., Micklewright, D., Sandercock, G. and Swartz, A., (2024). . Heliyon. 10 (17), e36992-e36992
Chung, HC., Keiller, DR., Waterworth, SP., McManus, CJ., Roberts, JD. and Gordon, DA., (2024). . Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 1-11
McManus, C., Cooper, C. and Sandercock, G., (2023). . International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching. 18 (3), 793-800
Neal, BS., McManus, CJ., Bradley, WJ., Leaney, SF., Murray, K. and Clark, NC., (2023). . Physical Therapy in Sport. 60, 9-16
Ross, M., Wilson, M., Reed, K., Waterworth, S. and McManus, C., (2023). . Journal of Exercise and Nutrition. 6 (1)
Butson, J., McManus, C., Waterworth, S., Cooper, C. and Jones, B., (2023). . Asian Exercise and Sport Science Journal. 7 (1), 64-71
Waterworth, S., Kerr, C., McManus, C., Chung, H., Shaw, B., Shaw, I. and Sandercock, G., (2023). . Pediatric Research. 95 (3), 736-743
Waterworth, S., Kerr, C., McManus, C., Costello, R. and Sandercock, GRH., (2022). . American Journal of Human Biology. 34 (7), e23743-
McManus, C., Venkatraman, PD. and Sandercock, G., (2020). The measurement of interface pressure applied by sports compression garments: A comparative study of two portable devices. Measurement. 156, 107592-107592
Mcmanus, CJ., Cooper, CE. and Collison, J., (2018). . Journal of Biomedical Optics. 23 (1), 1-1
Reed, KE., White, AL., Logothetis, S., McManus, CJ. and Sandercock, G., (2017). . Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 20 (4), 386-390
McManus, CJ., Murray, KA. and Parry, DA., (2017). . Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. 16 (1), 112-116
Reed, KE., White, AL., Logothetis, S., McManus, CJ. and Sandercock, GRH., (2017). The effects of lower-body compression garments on walking performance and perceived exertion in adults with CVD risk factors. JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN SPORT. 20 (4), 386-390
Conferences (1)
Teale, J. and McManus, C., (2022). Beyond the second ventilatory threshold: respiratory compensation point and third ventilatory threshold.
Thesis dissertation (1)
McManus, CJ., (2020).
Grants and funding
2024
Refugee football: a pilot study exploring wellbeing benefits to validate and enhance Changing Lives� key services.
Innovate UK (formerly Technology Strategy Board)
The validation of a novel epigenetic clock using a salivatory DNA methylation test within humans.
ÌÇÐÄVlog (BBSRC IAA)
Validation of saliva DNA test kits for personalised exercise and nutritional advice based on genotypes: A feasibility study
ÌÇÐÄVlog (BBSRC IAA)
2023
The effects of partial limb occlusion applied using garment-integrated blood flow restriction on recovery following an exercise induced muscle damage protocol
Hytro Limited
Sustainable material sports bra testing
Bamboo Limited
Deeper insights into player-tracking data. A service for sport teams
ÌÇÐÄVlog
2022
Physical activity and mental health/wellbeing in asylum seekers from Afghanistan
UK Research and Innovation
2015
Proof-of-principle investigation of a wireless heart rate mobile device
CloudTag Active Ltd
T2 Study
CloudTag Active Ltd
Contact
Follow me on social media