About

I am a Senior Lecturer in Strength and Conditioning in the School of Sport and Exercise Science. I am the Programme Leader for BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sport Studies and my work focuses in creating a learning environment that combines strong academic foundations with practical, real-world experience. I teach across a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the field of strength & conditioning, biomechanics, and neurophysiology, helping to develop the next generation of sport science and performance professionals.

I completed my PhD under the supervision of Professor Tony Kay and Professor Anthony Blazevich, investigating the acute effects of warm-up strategies using free weights and variable resistance on strength and power performance. My research in this area is internationally recognised, as I am amongst the first to explore the application of variable resistance within warm-up protocols in depth. These innovative approaches challenge the traditional, largely static view of warm-ups by introducing dynamic, load-specific, and neuromuscularly targeted methods aimed at optimising performance. My doctoral work led to publications in leading journals such as the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, the European Journal of Sport Science, and the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports.

I continue to publish postdoctoral research in high-impact journals, leading projects in strength & conditioning with the aim of optimising human performance. My research also focuses on developing and evaluating alternative training protocols designed to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls in older adults, with several related projects currently underway. In parallel, I am advancing the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in biomechanics and neurophysiology research to enhance human movement analysis and create data-driven solutions for rehabilitation and performance optimisation.

With extensive applied experience in the industry working with elite athletes and strong international research collaborations, I bring both academic excellence and practical insight to my teaching and supervision. I actively support undergraduate and postgraduate research projects offering opportunities for students to contribute to ongoing and published work. I collaborate as a consultant with elite athletes in disciplines including judo, sprinting, discus throw, and gymnastics, contributing to the advancement of their strength and conditioning capabilities. My role centres on applying evidence-based methodologies to enhance athletic performance, aligning practical interventions with the latest research in sport science to support athletes competing at the highest levels.

In 2025, I was appointed to the Editorial Board for a special issue of the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Physiology. Over the years, I have also served as a peer reviewer for several international academic journals.

Teaching responsibilities

Sport and Exercise Science courses taught:

• Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation BSc (Hons)
• Performance Analysis and Coaching Science BSc (Hons)
• Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons)
• Applied Sport and Exercise Science (MSc)
• Foundation in Science (FdSc)

Module Leader and contributing on the following modules:

• 7SO509 - Strength and Conditioning Science (Lead)
• 6BY501 - Applied Strength & Conditioning (Lead)
• 6SO517 - Advanced Athlete Testing & Assessment (Lead)
• 6SO998 - Independent Study for Sport and Exercise (Supervision) 
• 5BY502 - Strength & Conditioning (Contributing)
• 5SO519 - Athlete Testing & Assessment (Contributing)
• 3SO500 - Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science (Contributing)

PhD Supervision

• Doctor of Philosophy, Biomechanical and neurophysiological effects of variable resistance using elastic bands during a back-squat on counter movement jump (CMJ) performance - Completed.
• Doctor of Philosophy, Implementation of an elastic band resistance balance training on stability, physical function and psychosocial factors  (ongoing).
• Doctor of Philosophy, The specificity of the squat exercise in running and jumping (ongoing; Co-supervisor).
• Doctor of Philosophy, Biomechanical analysis in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injured patients (ongoing; Co-supervisor).
• Doctor of Philosophy, Biomechanical analysis of single leg jump performance (ongoing; Co-supervisor).

Professional interests

My primary professional interests lie in the development of innovative techniques aimed at optimising human performance and enhancing the quality of life for older adults. This dual focus reflects my commitment to advancing sport science through both performance-driven research and health-oriented interventions, ensuring that my work contributes meaningfully to elite athletic development as well as broader societal wellbeing.

Research interests

My research interests follow three topics of interest, which are aligned with the University's Biomedical Clinical Sciences Centre:-

Human Performance

• Physiological and Performance Responses to Strength-Power-Potentiation Complexes
• Velocity Based Training
• Neuromuscular Adaptations to Strength and Power Based Training Protocols
• Acute Performance Enhancement 
• Warm-up Strategies
• Technological Advancements in Sport 
• Recovery
• Eccentric Training and Muscle Damage

Healthy Ageing

• Improving Balance and Stability in Older Populations
• Strengthening and Functional Exercises to Improve Body Mechanics
• Evaluation of physical activity and health improvement interventions
• Developing Cost-Effective Home-Based Exercise Routines
• Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT)

Artificial Intelligence - AI/Machine Learning

• Developing Human Analysis Tools
• Data-Driven Solutions for Rehabilitation and Performance Optimisation
• Machine Learning Diagnostic Tools

Funding 

• 2020-2023: Secured 50% co-funding for a PhD studentship as part of a Team Derby initiative, £7,500.
• 2019-2020: Research Funding, Derby University, £2,000.
• 2014-2015: Research for Learning and Teaching Fund (RLTF) funding, Derby University, £5,000.
• 2013-2014: Research for Learning and Teaching Fund (RLTF) funding, Derby University, £5,000.
• 2013-2014: Equipment Funding (Force plate and software), £16,000.
• 2013: Visiting Fellowship, Edith Cowan University (Dr Tony Kay, University of Northampton, UK and Minas Mina, Derby University), (AUS) $5,600.
• 2012-2013: Research for Learning and Teaching Fund (RLTF) funding, Derby University, £5,000.

Membership of professional bodies

• Member of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy, University of Derby, 2019.
• MRes in Sport Science (Biomechanics), Nottingham Trent University, 2006.
• Higher Education (HE) Fellowship (Teaching Qualification), University of Derby, 2020.

Recent conferences

• Tsagkogiannis. V , Vasilakopoulou. D, Gambouras. A,  Papageorgiou. A, Karampina. E, Plakias, S, Pappas. A, Minas M.A, Tsatalas. T, Response to exercise-induced muscle damage during single-leg landing: comparison between recreational athletes with and without a history of ACLR, 28th International Congress of Physical Education and Sport, Thessaloniki, Greece, 9–11 May 2025
• Papageorgiou. A, Tsagkogiannis. V, Lathoura. A, Gambouras, A, Karampina. E, Plakias. S, Pappas, A, Minas. M.A, Tsatalas. T, The effect of exercise-induced muscle damage on single-leg landing from different heights, 28th International Congress of Physical Education and Sport, Thessaloniki, Greece, 9–11 May 2025
• Mansouryar, N, Mina, M.A, Ferraro, F.V, Does blood restriction training improve the respiratory system? a systematic review, The British Association of Sport and Exercise Science (BASES), CBS Arena, Coventry, 20-21 November 2024
• Zarkadoula, A, Mina, M.A, Kokkotis, X, Karampina, E, Van Enis, A, Giakas, G, Tsatalas, Th. The acute effect of the eccentric speed of the back squat on subsequent countermovement jump performance, 4^th National conference of Sport Science, Thessaloniki, Greece, 2-4 March 2023
• Mina, M.A, Blazevich, A.J, Tsatalas, T, Giakas, G, Kokkotis, C, Sideris, V, Kay, A.D. Loaded countermovement jump exercise using elastic bands potentiates subsequent jump performance following a comprehensive task-specific warm-up. 26th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Paris, France, 4-7 July 2023
• Van Enis, A.J, Kay, A.D, Blazevich, A.J, Kokkotis, C, Sideris, V, Tsatalas, T, Mina, M.A. The acute effects of assisted and resisted variable resistance back squats on countermovement jump performance. 26th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Paris, France, 4-7 July 2023
• Mina, M.A, Blazevich, A.J, Tsatalas, T, Giakas, G, Kokkotis, C, Sideris, V, Karampina, E, Kay, A.D. The influence of back squat and countermovement jump exercises with and without elastic band resistance on subsequent jump performance. 25th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Seville Spain, 30 August-2 September 2022
• Van Enis, A.J, Kay, A.D, Blazevich, A.J, Kokkotis, C, Sideris, V, Tsatalas, T, Mina, M.A. The influence of assisted and resisted variable resistance back squat on subsequent countermovement jump performance. 25th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Seville Spain, 30 August-2 September 2022
• Davis, N.M, Pringle, A, Kay, A.D, Blazevich, A.J, Teskey, D, Faghy, M.A, Mina, M.A. Evaluation of the feasibility, psychological effects, influence and perception of elastic band resistance balance training in older adults. 25th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Seville Spain, 30 August-2 September 2022
• Tsatalas, T, Karampina, E, Dolapsaki, E, Laschou, V.C, Patikas, D.A, Mina, M.A, Jamurtas, A.Z, Koutedakis, Y, Giakas, G. Landing biomechanics following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage. Invited Presentation presented to: 25th Anniversary Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Virtual Congress, 28-30 October 2020
• Mina, M.A, Blazevich, A.J, Giakas, G, Seitz, L.B, Hooton, A. and Kay, A.D. Variable, but not free-weight, resistance back squat exercise potentiates jump performance following a comprehensive task-specific warm-up. Invited Presentation presented to: 24th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Prague, Czech Republic, 03-06 July 2019
• Mina, M.A, Blazevich, A. J, Tsatalas, T, Giakas, G, Seitz, L. B, Hooton, A. and Kay, A.D. The acute effects of free-weight and elastic band back squat exercise on subsequent vertical jump performance. Invited Presentation presented to: 22nd Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Essen, Germany, 05-08 July 2017
• Mina, M.A, Blazevich, A. J, Giakas, G, Draper, N. and Kay, A.D. Biomechanical effects of elastic bands, chains and free-weight resistance on submaximal back squat exercise. Invited Presentation presented to: 20th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS 2015), Malmo, Sweden, 24-27 June 2015
• Kay, A. D, Rubley, B, Talbot, C, Mina, M.A. and Blazevich, A.J. Six weeks of maximal eccentric knee extensor training affects muscle-tendon mechanics and muscle damage. Invited Presentation presented to: 19th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS 2014), Amsterdam, Netherlands, 02-05 July 2014
• Mina, M.A, Blazevich, A.J, Giakas, G. and Kay, A.D. The influence of chain-loaded resistance on subsequent 1-RM free-weight squat performance. Invited Presentation presented to: 19th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS 2014), Amsterdam, Netherlands, 02-05 July 2014
• Mina, M.A. Practical guidelines for the use of variable resistance in strength & conditioning. Northampton Sports Conference, Northampton, United Kingdom, 9 Dec 2013
• Kay, A. D, Richmond, D, Talbot, C, Mina, M.A. and Blazevich, A.J. The influence of 6 weeks of maximal eccentric plantarflexor training on muscle-tendon mechanics. Paper presented to: 18th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Barcelona, Spain, 26-29 June 2013
• Mina, M.A, Giakas, G, Blazevich, A.J. and Kay, A.D. The influence of acute variable resistance loading on subsequent free-weight maximal squat performance. Invited Presentation presented to: 18th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Barcelona, Spain, 26-29 June 2013

Experience in industry

• Biomechanics Consultant to elite gymnast, Ilias Georgiou: Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 (Gold in horizontal Bar; in addition, Bronze with the team) (2019-to date)
• Strength & Conditioning Advisor to Valentina Savva: European EU18 Championships Jerusalem 2022 (Gold) (2019-2022)
• Strength & Conditioning Consultant for Judo athlete, Andreas Krassas: 16th Games of the small states Reykavik 2015 (Gold); Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2014 (Silver); European Cup Malaga 2013 (5th place); Junior Tour U20 Moldavia "Iliadis U20 Cup" 2014 (Silver); 14th Games of the small states Liechtenstein 2011 (Gold) (2010-2017)
• Biomechanics Consultant to junior Judo athlete: European Cup Cadets Coimbra (Bronze), European Cup U21 Athens (5th place), Commonwealth games qualifier (2013-2017)
• Strength & Conditioning Consultant to Professional MMA fighter (2014-2017)
• Strength & Conditioning Consultant to shot put/discus throw athlete: Games of the Small States Europe (1st place in discus throw and 2nd place in shot put), European U23 Championships (1st place shot put) (2003-2005)
• Scientific support to elite UK based international track and field athletes and team GB athletes (Victoria Barr & Tosin Oki, track and field), UK (2011)
• Scientific support to the talent identification process in Paralympic British Cycling, UK (2011)

International experience

• I have attended and presented my research at international research meetings since 2010.
• I have published my research in a number of international peer review journals

• I am part of a research group since 2011 developing and publishing research:-
  • Edith Cowan University in Australia
  • Northampton University
  • University of Thessaly Greece
• Other national and international collaborations:-
  • University of Thessaly Greece
  • Democritus University of Thrace Greece
  • Aspetar Private Hospital Qatar
  • Charles University Prague
  • Swinburne University of Technology Australia
  • Sheffield Hallam University

• International Supervision
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The specificity of the squat exercise in running and jumping (ongoing; Co-supervisor).
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Biomechanical analysis in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injured patients (ongoing; Co-supervisor).
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Biomechanical analysis of single leg jump performance (ongoing; Co-supervisor).

In the media

• https://news.northeastern.edu/2014/08/13/krassasjudo/

Recent publications

• Tsiara, A.A, Plakias, S, Kokkotis, C, Veneri, A, Mina, M.A, Tsiakiri, A, Kitmeridou, S, Christidi, F, Gourgoulis, E, Doskas, T, Kaltsatou, A,
  Tsamakis, K, Kazis, D, Tsiptsios, D. (2025). Artificial Intelligence in the Diagnosis of Neurological Diseases Using Biomechanical Data: A Scopus-Based Bibliometric Analysis, Neurology International. 17(3):45.
• Plakias, S, Tsatalas, T, Mina, M.A, Kokkotis, C, Kellis, E, Giakas. G. (2024). A Bibliometric analysis of soccer biomechanics. Applied Sciences, 14(15):6430.
• Plakias, S, Tsatalas, T, Mina, M.A, Kokkotis, C, Flouris, A.D. (2024). The impact of hear exposure on the health and performance of soccer players: A narrative review and bibliometric analysis. 12(9):249.
• Jirovska, R, Kay, A.D, Tsatalas, T, Van Enis, A.J, Kokkotis, C, Giakas, G, Mina, M.A. (2023). The influence of unstable load during a back squat exercise on subsequent countermovement jump performance. Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 8(4):167.
• Davis, N.M, Pringle, A, Kay, A.D, Blazevich, A.J, Teskey, D, Faghy, M.A, Mina, M.A. (2022). Feasibility, Psychosocial Effects, Influence, and Perception of Elastic Band Resistance Balance Training in Older Adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(17).
• Tsatalas, T, Karampina, E, Mina M.A, Patikas, D.A, Laschou, V.C, Pappas, A, Jamurtas, A.Z, Koutedakis, Y, Giakas, G. (2021). Altered Drop Jump Landing Biomechanics Following Eccentric Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage. Sports (Basel), 9(2):24.
• Tsatalas, T, Karampina E, Kalotyhos, S, Dolapsaki, E, Syrou, N, Mina, M.A, et al , (2020). The Effects of Exercise-induced Muscle Damage on Landing Biomechanics Vary Depending on the Type of Landing. Inquiries in Sport & Physical Education, 18(3), 157-16.
• Mina, M.A, Blazevich, A.J, Tsatalas, T, Giakas, G, Kay, A.D. (2019). Variable, but not free-weight, resistance squat-jump exercise potentiates jump performance following a comprehensive task-specific warm-up. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 29(3):380-392.
• Mina, M.A, Blazevich, A.J, Tsatalas, T, Giakas, G, Seitz, L.B, Kay, A.D. (2019). Variable, but no free-weight, resistance back squat exercise potentiates jump performance following a comprehensive task-specific warm-up. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 29(3):380-392.
• Kay, A.D, Richmond, D, Talbot, C, Mina, M.A, Baross, A.W, Blazevich, A.J. (2018). Stretch imposed on active muscle elicits positive adaptations in strain risk factors and exercise-induced muscle damage. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science In Sports, 28(11):2299-2309.
• Seitz, L.B, Mina, M.A, Haff, G.G. (2017). A sled push stimulus potentiates subsequent 20-m sprint performance. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 20(8):781-785.
• Kay, A.D, Richmond, D, Talbot, C, Mina, M.A, Baross, A.W, Blazevich, A.J. (2016). Stretching of active muscle elicits chronic changes in multiple strain risk factors. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 48(7): 1388–1396.
• Mina, M.A, Blazevich, A.J, Giakas, G, Seitz, L.B, Kay, A.D. (2016). Chain-loaded variable resistance warm-up improves free-weight maximal back squat performance. European Journal of Sport Science, 16(8):932-939.
• Seitz, L.B, Mina, M.A, Haff, GG. (2016). Postactivation Potentiation of Horizontal Jump Performance Across Multiple Sets of a Contrast Protocol. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(10):2733-2740.
• Mina, M.A, Blazevich, A.J, Giakas, G. & Kay, A.D. (2014). The influence of variable resistance loading on subsequent free weight maximal back squat performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 28(10): 2988–2995.