Dale Cannavan
HHP Department Chair, Professor of Exercise Science
Email: cannavand@spu.edu
Phone: 206-281-2291
Office: Royal Brougham 103
Education: BSc, University of Surry, UK, 2001; MSc, Brunel University, UK, 2004; PhD, Brunel University, UK, 2008. At SPU since 2010.
A native of Northern Ireland, Dale Cannavan relocated to the United States in 2008, following seven years at Brunel University in London. He holds a doctorate in biomechanics/exercise physiology and is the Washington state director for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Dr. Cannavan also holds affiliations with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the European College of Sports Science (ECSS).
An international speaker and university lecturer, Dr. Cannavan served in the British Army for 13 years as a physical training instructor. He believes in putting theory into practice and owned a personal training business in London. He has worked with many organizations, including the British Olympic Medical Center, the Washington State Patrol Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), professional boxing, UK ‘Real-Tennis’ Elite Squad, and British Weight Lifting.
Dr. Cannavan’s research area focuses on the plasticity of the neuromuscular system to different training modalities, and he has published numerous peer-reviewed articles on the subject. He has also co-authored a book chapter on strength-testing for the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. At SPU, Dr. Cannavan primarily teaches Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, and Applied Exercise Science.
Selected Publications
- Blazevich, A.J.; Cannavan, D. (2007). “Strength Testing.” Sport & Exercise Physiology Testing Guidelines: Volume 1, p. 130, Routledge, UK.
- Blazevich, A.J.; Cannavan, D.; Waugh, C.M.; Faith, F.; Miller, S.C.; Kay, A.D. (2012). “Neuromuscular factors influencing the maximum stretch limit of the human plantar flexors.“ Journal of Applied Physiology, 113(9), 1446–55.
- Coleman, D.; Cannavan, D.; Horne, S.; Blazevich, A.J. (2012). “Leg stiffness in the ground contact phase of human running: Comparison of estimates derived from combined kinematic-kinetic and kinetic-only models.” Journal of Biomechanics 45(11), 1987–91.
- Cannavan, D.; Coleman, D.; Blazevich; A.J. (2012). “Lack of effect of moderate-duration static stretching on plantar flexor force production and series compliance.” Clinical Biomechanics, 27, 306–12.
- Blazevich, A.J.; Kay, A.D.; Waugh, C.M.; Faith, F.; Miller, S.; Cannavan, D. (2012). “Plantar flexor stretch training increases reciprocal inhibition measured during voluntary dorsiflexion.” Journal of Neurophysiology 107, 250–56.
- Blazevich, A.J.; Cannavan, D.; Coleman, D.; Horne, S. (2009). “Anatomical predictors of maximum isometric and concentric knee extensor moment.” European Journal of Applied Physiology 105, 869–78.
Please see Dr. Cannavan’s CV (PDF) for additional publications.