Research spotlight
Meet Christiaan and the research behind better foot function
Christiaan is completing his PhD in Exercise and Sports Science through the University of New England, with a research focus on foot health, load, and function. His work helps build a stronger evidence base for how we assess, monitor, and improve foot function in everyday people.
Current study
PhD in Exercise and Sports Science
Research focus
Foot health, load, and function
Collaboration
The Rehab Mechanics
About Christiaan
Christiaan previously completed a Master of Health, Sport and Human Performance at the University of Waikato, where he focused on running biomechanics and physiology.
His current work continues that movement science foundation, with a stronger focus on foot health and how the body responds to everyday loading demands.
Outside of research, he is often out running, climbing, or trying new things, which brings a practical movement perspective into his work.
Academic background
- University of New England
- PhD in Exercise and Sports Science
- University of Waikato
- Master of Health, Sport and Human Performance
- Running biomechanics and physiology focus
What the PhD project investigates
Christiaan’s PhD investigates foot health and how everyday loading and movement demands influence foot structure and function. In simple terms, the research looks at how the foot adapts to the loads we experience through daily life and physical activity.
The project is designed to improve how foot strength and loading are assessed and monitored in the general population, with a stronger focus on practical testing methods and real world application.
The overall goal is to better define and measure how load interacts with the foot, creating a stronger knowledge base for assessment, monitoring, and optimisation of foot function.
Research focus
In collaboration with The Rehab Mechanics
This PhD is being completed in collaboration with The Rehab Mechanics, with a focus on strengthening the way foot function is assessed and monitored across the wider population.
That means the project is not only academic. It is also practical, with the potential to inform better tools, clearer assessment frameworks, and better long term tracking of foot health.
What the research includes
Method development
Reliable testing methods
Developing more reliable ways to assess foot strength and loading so testing can be repeated and tracked with more confidence.
Population research
Large scale studies
Studying how physical activity and foot loading relate to foot health over time across broader groups, not just small samples.
Foot health tracking
Monitoring over time
Building a stronger understanding of how foot structure and function change with everyday movement demands and training load.
Long term impact
Better assessment frameworks
Creating a clearer evidence base to support assessment, monitoring, and optimisation of foot function in the general population.
Why this matters for foot health
Foot health is central to movement quality, balance, and long term function. When we better understand how load interacts with the foot, we can make smarter decisions about assessment, training, and progression.
This kind of research helps bridge the gap between movement science and practical foot health support, which is exactly what is needed to improve outcomes for more people.
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