Steven Leigh1

Steven Leigh, Ph.D., AMInstP

Assistant Professor

Montclair State University

College of Education and Human Services

Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education

ProfessionalDepartment of Exercise Science and Physical Education

AddressMontclair State University

1 Normal Avenue, UN 4111

Montclair, NJ 07043

United States

Telephone(973) 655-7452

EDUCATION

DegreeInstitutionDateMajor

Ph.D.The University of North CarolinaDecember 2011Human Movement

Chapel Hill, North CarolinaScience

Dissertation: The influence of technique on performance and injury risk in javelin throwers

M.S.The University of North CarolinaAugust 2006Human Movement

Chapel Hill, North CarolinaScience

Thesis: The influence of selected technical parameters on discus throwing performance

BSc (Hons)Loughborough UniversityJune 2002PE, Sports Science

Loughborough, Englandand Physics

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

September2011-PresentAssistant Professor

Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education, Montclair State University

August 2011Adjunct Professor

Department of Exercise Science and Physical Education, Montclair State University

May 2007-December 2010Sports Biomechanist

USA Track and Field & Center for Human Movement Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

December 2006-December 2010Motion Analysis Laboratory Manager

Center for Human Movement Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

August 2004-December 2006Graduate Research Assistant

Center for Human Movement Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

TEACHING

2011 - PresentMontclair State University

  • PEMJ 321: Kinesiology
  • PEMJ 324: Basic Motor Learning
  • PEMJ 547: Advanced Coaching Techniques (graduate course)

2007 - 2010The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • HMSC 791: Human Movement Analysis (graduate course)
  • HMSC 700: Scientific Basis of Human Motion (selected units)
  • BMME 505: Biomechanics (selected units)

SCHOLARSHIP

Journal Articles (refereed)

  1. Liu, H., Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2010). Sequences of upper and lower extremity motions in javelin throwing. Journal of Sports Sciences,28(13): 1459-1467.
  1. Leigh, S., Liu, H., Hubbard, H., & Yu, B. (2010). The optimal release angle in discus throwing. Journal of Biomechanics, 43(3): 540-545.
  1. Leigh, S., Gross, M. T., Li, L., & Yu, B. (2008). The relationship between discus throwing performance and combinations of selected technical parameters. Sports Biomechanics, 7(2): 172-192.
  1. Leigh, S. & Yu, B. (2007). The associations of selected technical parameters with discus throwing performance: a cross sectional study. Sports Biomechanics, 6(3): 269-284.
  1. Hanson, E. D., Leigh, S., Mynark, R. G. (2007). Acute effects of heavy and light load squat exercise on the kinetic measures of vertical jumping. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(4): 1012-1017.

Published Conference Proceedings (refereed)

  1. Leigh, S., Liu, H., & Yu, B. (2010). Associations between javelin throwing technique and aerodynamic distance. In R. Jensen, W. Ebben, E. Petushek, C. Richter, & K. Roemer (Eds.) The 28th International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports, (4152). Konstanz, Germany: ISBS.
  1. Leigh, S., Liu, H., & Yu, B. (2010). Associations between javelin throwing technique and release speed. In R. Jensen, W. Ebben, E. Petushek, C. Richter, & K. Roemer (Eds.) The 28th International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports, (4151). Konstanz, Germany: ISBS.
  1. Liu, H., Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2010). Effects of movement sequence on the performance of javelin throwing. In R. Jensen, W. Ebben, E. Petushek, C. Richter, & K. Roemer (Eds.) The 28th International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports, (4150). Konstanz, Germany: ISBS.
  1. Yu, B., Leigh, S., & Liu, H. (2010). Individualized optimal release angle in discus throwing. In R. Jensen, W. Ebben, E. Petushek, C. Richter, & K. Roemer (Eds.) The 28th International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports, (4149). Konstanz, Germany: ISBS.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2005). Effect of hip-shoulder and shoulder-arm separations on discus throwing performance. In Q. Wang (Ed.) The 23rd International Symposium on Biomechanics in Sports, (pp. 297-300). Konstanz, Germany: ISBS.

Unpublished Abstracts (refereed)

  1. Kelly, J. W., & Leigh, S. (2010, February). Movement based classification of stroke victims through automated analysis of three-dimensional motion data. Paper Presented at the 7thAnnual Research Day of Human Movement Science, Chapel Hill, NC.
  1. Leigh, S., Liu, H., & Yu, B. (2009, August).Relationships between selected javelin technique variables and throwing performance. Paper Presented at the 33rd American Society of Biomechanics Annual Meeting, State College, PA.
  1. Liu, H., Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2009, August). Upper extremity motion sequence in javelin throwing. Paper Presented at the 33rd American Society of Biomechanics Annual Meeting, State College, PA.
  1. Oyama, S., Leigh, S., Liu, H., & Yu. B. (2009, August). Comparison of shoulder joint angle reduction methods. Paper Presented at the 33rd American Society of Biomechanics Annual Meeting, State College, PA.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2009, February). A comparison of two discus throwing strategies using hybrid structural models. Paper Presented at the 6thAnnual Research Day of Human Movement Science, Chapel Hill, NC.
  1. Leigh, S., Chandler, J. W., Creighton, A. R., & Weinhold, P .S. (2008, February). Achilles tendon repair: a biomechanical comparison of open and percutaneous techniques. Paper Presented at the 5thAnnual Research Day of Human Movement Science, Chapel Hill, NC.
  1. Leigh, S., Liu, H., & Yu, B.. (2007, August).Determining the optimal angle of release for elite discus throwers. Paper Presented at the 31stAmerican Society of Biomechanics Annual Meeting, Stanford, CA.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2007, April). The relationships between aspects of discus throwing performance and combinations of selected technical parameters. Paper Presented at the 1stSEBC Conference, Durham, NC.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2007, March).The relationships between the discus throwing performance and selected technical parameters of elite athletes. Paper Presented at the 1stNE-ASB Conference, College Park, MD.
  1. Cwiklinski, M., Giuliani, C. A., & Leigh. S. (2007, February). Robotic technology for arm rehabilitation after stroke: rationale for a new design. Paper Presented at the 4thAnnual Research Day of Human Movement Science, Chapel Hill, NC.
  1. Yu, B., & Leigh, S. (2007, February). A comparison of migration between two knee brace designs in a stop-jump task. Paper Presented at the 4thAnnual Research Day of Human Movement Science, Chapel Hill, NC.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2006, September). The influence of selected technical parameters on discus throwing performance. Paper Presented at the 30thAmerican Society of Biomechanics Annual Meeting, Blacksburg, VA.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2006, March). The influence of selected technical parameters on discus throwing performance: a cross sectional study. Paper Presented at the 3rdAnnual Research Day of Human Movement Science, Chapel Hill, NC.
  1. Hanson, E. D., Leigh, S., & Mynark, R. G. (2006, February).Acute effects of heavy and light load squat exercise on the kinetic measures of vertical jumping. Paper Presented at the SE-ACSM Annual Meeting, Charlotte, NC.

Scholarly Presentations (refereed)

  1. Leigh, S., Liu, H., & Yu, B. (2010, July). Associations between javelin throwing technique and aerodynamic distance.Podium Presentation at the 28th International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports, Marquette, MI.
  1. Leigh, S., Liu, H., & Yu, B. (2010, July). Associations between javelin throwing technique and release speed. Podium Presentation at the 28th International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports, Marquette, MI.
  1. Liu, H., Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2010, July). Effects of movement sequence on the performance of javelin throwing. Podium Presentation at the 28th International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports, Marquette, MI.
  1. Yu, B., Leigh, S., Liu, H. (2010, July). Individualized optimal release angle in discus throwing.Podium Presentation at the 28th International Conference on Biomechanics in Sports, Marquette, MI.
  1. Kelly, J. W.,Leigh, S. (2010, February). Movement based classification of stroke victims through automated analysis of three-dimensional motion data. Poster Presentation at the 7thAnnual Research Day of Human Movement Science, Chapel Hill, NC.
  1. Leigh, S., Liu, H., Yu, B. (2009, August). Relationships between selected javelin technique variables and throwing performance. Podium Presentation at the 33rd American Society of Biomechanics Annual Meeting, State College, PA.
  1. Liu, H., Leigh, S., Yu, B. (2009, August). Upper extremity motion sequence in javelin throwing. Podium Presentation at the 33rd American Society of Biomechanics Annual Meeting, State College, PA.
  1. Oyama, S., Leigh, S., Liu, H., Yu. B. (2009, August). Comparison of shoulder joint angle reduction methods. Poster Presentation at the 33rd American Society of Biomechanics Annual Meeting, State College, PA.
  1. Leigh, S., Yu, B. (2009, February). A comparison of two discus throwing strategies using hybrid structural models. Podium Presentation at the 6thAnnual Research Day of Human Movement Science, Chapel Hill, NC.
  1. Leigh, S., Chandler, J. W., Creighton, A. R.,Weinhold, P .S. (2008, February). Achilles tendon repair: a biomechanical comparison of open and percutaneous techniques. Podium Presentation at 5thAnnual Research Day of Human Movement Science, Chapel Hill, NC.
  1. Leigh, S., Liu, H., Yu, B.. (2007, August). Determining the optimal angle of release for elite discus throwers. Poster Presentation at the 31stAmerican Society of Biomechanics Annual Meeting, Stanford, CA.
  1. Leigh, S., Yu, B. (2007, April). The relationships between aspects of discus throwing performance and combinations of selected technical parameters. Podium Presentation at the 1stSEBC Conference, Durham, NC.
  1. Leigh, S., Yu, B. (2007, March). The relationships between the discus throwing performance and selected technical parameters of elite athletes. Podium Presentation at the 1stNE-ASB Conference, College Park, MD.
  1. Cwiklinski, M., Giuliani, C. A., Leigh. S. (2007, February). Robotic technology for arm rehabilitation after stroke: rationale for a new design. Podium Presentation at the 4thAnnual Research Day of Human Movement Science, Chapel Hill, NC.
  1. Yu, B.,Leigh, S. (2007, February). A comparison of migration between two knee brace designs in a stop-jump task. Podium Presentation at the 4thAnnual Research Day of Human Movement Science, Chapel Hill, NC.
  1. Leigh, S., Yu, B. (2006, September). The influence of selected technical parameters on discus throwing performance. Poster Presentation at the 30thAmerican Society of Biomechanics Annual Meeting, Blacksburg, VA.
  1. Leigh, S., Yu, B. (2006, March). The influence of selected technical parameters on discus throwing performance: a cross sectional study. Poster Presentation at the 3rdAnnual Research Day of Human Movement Science, Chapel Hill, NC.
  1. Hanson, E. D., Leigh, S.,Mynark, R. G. (2006, February). Acute effects of heavy and light load squat exercise on the kinetic measures of vertical jumping. Poster Presentation at the SE-ACSM Annual Meeting, Charlotte, NC.
  1. Leigh, S., Yu, B. (2005, August). Effect of hip-shoulder and shoulder-arm separations on discus throwing performance. Podium Presentation at the 23rd International Symposium on Biomechanics in Sports, Beijing, China.

Technical Reports (non-refereed)

  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2010).USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships:Alicia DeShasier (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2010). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Sean Furey (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2010). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Mike Hazel (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2010). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Craig Kinsley (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2010). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Kara Patterson (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2010). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Alex Wolff (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2010). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Rachel Yurkovich (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2009). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Alicia deShasier (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2009). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Sean Furey (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2009). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Mike Hazel (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2009). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Chris Hill (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2009). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Kim Kreiner (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2009). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Kara Patterson (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2009). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Rachel Yurkovich (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2008). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Mike Hazel (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2008). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Men's Javelin (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2008). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Kara Patterson (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2008). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Dana Pounds (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2008). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Bobby Smith (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2008). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Rachel Yurkovich (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2007). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Men's Javelin (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.
  1. Leigh, S., & Yu, B. (2007). USA Track and Field Outdoor National Championships: Women's Javelin (Scientific Services Program Javelin Report). Indianapolis: USA Track and Field.

Scholarship in Progress

  1. Leigh, S., Chandler, J. W., Creighton, A. R., & Weinhold, P. S. Achilles tendon repair: a biomechanical comparison of open and percutaneous techniques. Foot and Ankle International (in revision).
  1. Kelly, J. W., Leigh, S., Grant, E., & Giuliani, C. A. Movement based classification of people with stroke through automated analysis of three-dimensional motion data. IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering.(in revision).
  1. Dai, B., Leigh, S., Li, H., Mercer, V. S., & Yu, B. The relationships between technique variability and performance in discus throwing. Journal of Sports Sciences(in review).
  1. Liu, H., Leigh, S., & Yu, B. Comparison of sequence of trunk and upper extremity motions between high and low level javelin throwers. Journal of Biomechanics(in review).
  1. Oyama, S., Leigh, S., & Yu, B. A comparison of shoulder joint angle reduction methods. Journal of Biomechanics (in preparation).
  1. Leigh, S. & Atwood, D. Javelin throwing technique: release speed and aerodynamic distance. Track Coach (in preparation).
  1. Leigh, S., Liu, H., & Yu, B. Associations between javelin throwing technique, release speed, and aerodynamic distance. Sports Biomechanics (in preparation).

GRANTS

  1. Scientific services program for elite javelin throwers (2010).

Service grant submitted to USA Track and Field on 8/1/2010 for $3,000 (funded).

PIs: Leigh, S., & Yu, B.

  1. Scientific services program for elite javelin throwers (2009).

Service grant submitted to USA Track and Field on 8/1/2009 for $3,000 (funded).

PIs: Leigh, S., & Yu, B.

  1. Scientific services program for elite javelin throwers (2008).

Service grant submitted to USA Track and Field on 8/1/2008 for $3,000 (funded).

PIs: Leigh, S., & Yu, B.

  1. Technical, physical, and aerodynamic determinants of the performance and risk for injury of elite discus and javelin throwers (2008).

Research grant submitted to the International Society of Biomechanics matching dissertation grant program on 1/31/2008 for $2,000 (funded).

PI: Leigh, S.

  1. Technical, physical, and aerodynamic determinants of the performance and risk for injury of elite discus and javelin throwers (2008).

Research grant submitted to the American Society of Biomechanics student grant-in-aid program on 1/31/2008 for $1,900 (not funded).

PI: Leigh, S.

  1. Technical, physical, and aerodynamic determinants of the performance and risk for injury of elite discus and javelin throwers (2008).

Research grant submitted to the American College of Sports Medicine doctoral student research grant program on 1/23/2008 for $4,994 (not funded).

PI: Leigh, S.

  1. Scientific services program for elite javelin throwers (2007).

Service grant submitted to USA Track and Field on 8/1/2007 for $3,000 (funded).

PIs: Leigh, S., & Yu, B.

  1. Technical, aerodynamic, and physical determinants of the performance of elite discus and javelin throwers (2007).

Research grant submitted to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Graduate School Smith graduate student research grant program on 10/14/2007 for $1,000 (funded).

PI: Leigh, S.

  1. Exoskeleton robotic system for upper limb stroke rehabilitation (2007).

R-21 research grant submitted to the NIH on 2/16/2007 for $400,282 (not funded).

PI: Grant, E.

Role: Member of the grant writing team and research assistant. Assisted with design, literature review, pilot data collection, reduction and analysis, and writing and editing.

  1. Robotic rehabilitation for stroke victims (2006).

Research grant submitted to the Edward Mallenckrodt, Jr. Foundation on 8/1/2006 for $158,914 (not funded).

PIs: Giuliani, C. A., Grant, E.

Role: Member of the grant writing team and research assistant. Assisted with design, literature review, pilot data collection, reduction and analysis, and writing and editing.

WORKSHOPS AND PRESENTATIONS

  1. Leigh, S. (2010, November). Biomechanics of the javelin throw: analyses of technique and the appliance of science. Invited Presentation at the USA Track and Field National Throws Summit, Las Vegas, NV.
  1. Leigh, S. (2009, December). A biomechanical review of the javelin throw: current concepts and trends. Invited Presentation at the USA Track and Field National Podium Education Project; Throws Session, Orlando, FL.
  1. Leigh, S., & Liu, H. (2009, May). Biomechanics of the javelin throw. Invited Presentation at the Chinese Track and Field Coaches Education Project, Beijing Sports University, Beijing, China.
  1. Leigh, S. (2008, December). The 2008 Olympic javelin throw finals, a biomechanical review. Invited Presentation at the USA Track and Field National Podium Education Project; Throws Session, Las Vegas, NV.
  1. Leigh, S., & Liu, H. (2007, December). A biomechanical review of the javelin throw: using science in the training plan. Invited Presentation at the USA Track and Field National Podium Education Project; Throws Session, Las Vegas, NV.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

2009-2010Duquette Scholarship

$2,000awarded January 2010

2008Student Award – Best Presentation: 5thAnnual HMSC Research Symposium

$100 awarded February 2008

2007Student Award – Best Presentation: 4thAnnual HMSC Research Symposium

$100 awarded February 2007

2006-2007The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Graduate Merit Scholarship

$10,000 awarded August 2006

2006Student Award – Best Presentation: 3rdAnnual HMSC Research Symposium

$100 awarded February 2006

2005-2007The Chancellor’s List

2004-2005The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Graduate Merit Scholarship

$10,000 awarded August 2004

PROFESSIONAL, PUBLIC, AND UNIVERSITY SERVICE

University Based Service

Departmental Committees

2011-PresentExercise Science and Physical Education Graduate Program

2011-PresentExercise Science and Physical Education Undergraduate Program

Discipline Based Service

2011-PresentSports Biomechanics Reviewer

2011Consultant for USA Track and Field Elite Javelin Thrower, US Air Force Academy

2007-2010Sports Biomechanist for USA Track and Field (javelin)

2008-2009Program & Event Chair 7th Annual Research Day of Human Movement Science, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

2008-2009Event Chair & Treasurer 6th Annual Research Day of Human Movement Science, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS AND ACTIVITIES

2007-PresentMember of the American College of Sports Medicine

2005-PresentMember of the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports

2005-PresentMember of the International Society of Biomechanics

2005-PresentMember of the American Society of Biomechanics

  • Perreault, E., & Leigh, S. (2007, August). Podium Session 3: Motor Control I. Moderator at the 31stAmerican Society of Biomechanics Annual Meeting, Stanford, CA.
  • Karduna, A., & Leigh, S. (2006, September). Podium Session 5: Shoulder. Moderator at the 30thAmerican Society of Biomechanics Annual Meeting, Blacksburg, VA.

2002-PresentAssociate Member of the Institute of Physics