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Staff Profile

Andrew Richardson

Research Associate

  • Telephone: 07747303084
  • Personal Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewrichardson10/
  • Address: Population Health Sciences Institute, 4th Floor,
    Faculty of Medical Sciences,
    Newcastle University,
    Baddiley-Clark Building,
    Richardson Road,
    Newcastle upon Tyne
    NE2 4AX
Background

Dr Andrew Richardson BSc, MSc, PGCE, QTLS, AFHEA, MCIMSPA


Current Role

03/2024 - Ongoing - Research Associate Gambling Harms

My current role as a Research Associate is to work on a research project evaluating health and well-being outcomes caused by gambling-related harms in the North East. Funding from the Gambling Commission to the North East Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) has been secured to develop, implement, and evaluate a programme of work relating to Gambling Related Harms in the North East. The programme is hosted by Middlesborough Council, and will operate across the 12 North East authorities. The programme evaluation will be undertaken by researchers from the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North East and North Cumbria (ARC NENC) at Newcastle University, led by Professor Eileen Kaner and Dr Katie Thomson with input from the ADPH gambling related harms network. The project will seek to address gambling related harm across primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.


Doctoral Studies - Awarded 16th February 2024


Title: Understanding the Perceptions of Physical Inactivity between Residents and Stakeholders in the Tees Valley.


The rise and fall of the industry across Teesside is well documented alongside the issues of precarious work and post-industrial economies. However, what is not well explored is how the history of the area and the timeline set the foundations for the current health issues. These health problems are a concentration effect set by the geography that is based upon multiple variables which have created the environment for health inequalities and stigmas to manifest. The aim of this doctoral program was to understand the sociological barriers to leading a healthy and physically active lifestyle in the Tees Valley. 


This thesis is known as the “Tees Valley Effect” which is centred upon the high levels of sedentary behaviours, physical inactivity, health stigmas and perceptions of risks, obesogenic environments and ineffective active travel networks and policies. The methodology was based on an inductive approach using the grounded theory and using a mixed methods design to generate a large sample of data. Utilising online questionnaires to both residents and stakeholders across the Tees Valley during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns, generated over 1300 responses. These responses and analyses highlighted significant quantitative results that show multiple variables impact total physical activity levels. Particularly prominent was among the female residents with 64.88% probability presenting with a low level of physical activity. Finally, irrespective of sex, Tees Valley residents are 41 x more likely to have a categorically low physical activity score compared to being highly active. From the qualitative data gathered and analysed using a thematic analyses approach, nine unique themes and 63 sub-themes across both groups were created. These themes covered a broad range of topics which revealed differences between residents’ and stakeholders’ experiences and observations to being physically active.


Additional Experiences and Roles

I am one of the Editors at the International Journal of Esports (IJESPORTS) (2022 - ongoing), I have coached and competed internationally for the Ireland Powerlifting team (2014-2016), I have worked as a Gym Instructor and Personal trainer (2014 - 2022) and I have worked as a Senior Harm Reduction worker helping to run a needle exchange in Northampton (2022 - 2023).


Higher Education

2021 – 2021 Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA)

  • Chartered Health and Activity Practitioner (MCIMSPA) Pass 

2019 – 2020 Teesside University 

  • Associate Fellow (AFHEA) Pass 

2019 – 2020 Teesside University 

  • Qualified Teacher Learning & Skills (QTLS) Pass

2017-2018 Teesside University 

  • Professional Graduate Certificate in Education: Education and Training (PGCE) (Pass)

2016-2017 Teesside University 

  • MSc Sport and Exercise Science (Merit)

2013-2016 Teesside University 

  • BSc Applied Sport Science (First Class Honors)


Professional Bodies and Memberships

  • 2024-25 Faculty of Public Health (Associate Membership) / Membership number 63980
  • 2023-24 Fuse (Associate Membership)
  • 2023-24 Chartered Health and Activity Practitioner from the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) / Membership Number 464241
  • 2023-24 Esports Research Network
  • 2023-24 British Association of Sport and Exercise Scientists (BASES) Student Membership Number 114293
  • 2024-25 Virtual Sports Research Network


Funding Bids and Contribution to Projects 

I contributed to the National Lottery Community Fund Climate Action Programme. The proposal, led by Middlesbrough Environment City in partnership with four other community organizations, was successful and we were awarded around £1.6m over five years to engage young people and the local community in actions to address climate change locally (August 2020). Evidence of my involvement can be provided upon request. 


Research

Research Profile Links

Google Scholar: ‪Dr Andrew Richardson‬ - ‪Google Scholar‬

ResearchGate: Andrew Richardson (researchgate.net)

Orcid ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7184-5930


Publications

  • Richardson, A., Dixon, K. and Kean, J., 2019. Superheroes–image and performance enhancing drug (IPED) use within the UK, social media and gym culture. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 64, pp.28-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2019.03.009 


  • Richardson, A. and Antonopoulos, G.A., 2019. Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) users on AAS use: Negative effects, ‘code of silence’, and implications for forensic and medical professionals. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 68, p.101871. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2019.101871


  • Richardson, A., Chen, M.A. Comment on: “Sport and Transgender People: A Systematic Review of the Literature Relating to Sport Participation and Competitive Sport Policies”. Sports Medicine (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01323-7 







  • Mbabazi, J., MacGregor, F., Breckon, J., Tolchard, B., Watson, D., Hogg, J., Kunonga, E., Nalweyiso, D.I., Teke, J., Dawson, R. and Kagugube, G.W., 2024. Exploring the barriers and facilitators to making healthy physical activity lifestyle choices among UK BAME adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review of qualitative study. Cogent Public Health, 11(1), p.2294518. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/27707571.2023.2294518





  • Tucker, R., Hilton, E.N., McGawley, K., Pollock, N., Millet, G.P., Sandbakk, Ø., Howatson, G., Brown, G.A., Carlson, L.A., Chen, M.A...... 2024. Fair and Safe Eligibility Criteria for Women's Sport. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 34(8), p.e14715. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/sms.14715







Conference Abstracts/Presentations/Panel Discussions



Media Appearances/Contributions to Articles (Latest is top of list)


  • Virtual Velo Podcast-Ep. 44: Anti-Cheating Esports Researcher Dr. Andrew Richardson and the 2024/25 Zwift Elite Race Book Breakdown https://thezommunique.com/virtual-velo-podcast-ep-44-dr-andrew-richardson-and-2024-25-zwift-race-book/


  • Threats and Issues to the Integrity of Virtual Sports and eSports. Virtual Sports Network. Published on the 12/06/2024 Link: https://www.virtualsports.be/2024/06/12/threats-and-issues-to-the-integrity-of-virtual-sports-and-esports/


  • How vanity is fuelling Britain's growing steroid epidemic: Men young and old are turning to freely available drugs to win online praise and adoration. Published on the 21/05/2024 Link: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13443487/vanity-drugs-injecting-anabolic-steroids-epidemic-adoration.html#


  • The Zwift Big Spin: The Fitness Phenomenon That’s Sweeping the Metaverse—Should We Worry? Published on the 15.04/2024 Link: https://thezommunique.com/2024/04/15/zwift-big-spin/


  • Olympics' transgender policy goes against science, say academics. Published on the 21/03/2024 Link: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/sport/olympics/article/olympics-transgender-policy-goes-against-science-say-academics-s5tsjrcwn


  • Cycling Esports Platforms indieVelo and MyWhoosh are Taking Anti-Cheating Seriously: Shedding Light on a Dark Issue. Published on the 05/12/2023 by The Zommunique. Link: https://thezommunique.com/2023/12/04/cycling-esports-platforms-indievelo-and-mywhoosh-anti-cheating/ 


  • indieVelo and MyWhoosh: A New Era in Anti-Cheating Measures. Published on the 13/12/2023 Link: https://esportslegal.news/2023/12/13/indievelo-and-mywhoosh-a-new-era-in-anti-cheating-measures/


  • The Digital Doping Dilemma: Zwift’s Battle Against Cheating in Esports Cycling. Published on the 27/08/2023 Link: https://esportslegal.news/2023/08/27/the-digital-doping-dilemma-zwifts-battle-against-cheating-in-esports-cycling/


  • 'SARM Goblins': The Young Men Hooked on Steroids. Published by VICE Media on the 28/06/2022. Link: https://www.vice.com/en/article/wxne74/steroids-young-men-uk 


  • Is Zwift’s Anti-Doping Policy Enough to Eradicate Cheating Culture? Published on the 04/04/2022 by The Zommunique. Link:  https://thezommunique.com/2022/04/06/is-zwifts-anti-doping-policy-enough-to-eradicate-cheating-culture/


  • International Cycling: Is Zwift’s Anti-Doping Policy Enough to Eradicate Cheating Culture? Published on the 12/04/2022 by Cycling News. Link: https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/is-zwifts-anti-doping-policy-enough-to-eradicate-cheating-culture/ 


  • Teesside Uni Expert Gives Lowdown On Esports. Published on the 23/03/2020 by Middlesbrough Football Club. Link: https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/teesside-uni-expert-gives-lowdown-on-esports


  • How Welshmen went from mining coal to pumping iron. Published on the 29/06/2019 by the Economist. Link: https://www.economist.com/britain/2019/06/29/how-welshmen-went-from-mining-coal-to-pumping-iron


  • Ep.32 Discussing Hyperandrogenism in Athletics with Andrew Richardson. Published on the 14/10/2018 by the Anti-Doping Podcast. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3ISkjvh0qg 


  • Are steroids becoming increasingly popular in gyms? Published on the 01/08/2018 on Turkish Radio Television (TRT) World Roundtable. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjOlsmLk0ho



Manuscripts pending Publication




Special Issue and Editorial Roles

Performance Enhancement & Health (PEH) invites submissions for a special issue on Integrity, Health and Governance Issues in Esports and Virtual Sports where I am one of the guest editors on. To achieve elite sporting performance, some athletes, coaches, sports organizations, and other stakeholders engage in behaviours that may be unethical, unhealthy, or problematic for various reasons. Link to the call for papers: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/performance-enhancement-and-health/about/call-for-papers#integrity-health-and-governance-issues-in-esports-and-virtual-sports


Teaching

Previous Teaching and Coaching Experience


  • 10/2018 – 03/2020 Teesside University Course Creation and Developments – I helped to re design and structure the module (Exercise and Conditioning) on the BSc Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Degree at Teesside University 2019/2020. I also created the MA Esports 11/2018 at Teesside University and helped to rewrite the BSc Sport and Exercise science degree 2019. Evidence for all can be provided. 


  • 10/2019 – 03/2020 Teesside University Sports Therapy Lecturer (part of QTLS submission) All students were 1st year students in the post 14 age range (between 18 – 42 years old). The lessons were a combination of theory and practical's embedded across all classes. The subjects I taught included Employability, Periodization and Exercise Selection/Planning, coaching of Upper and Lower Body compound exercises. Semester cut short due to COVID – 19. 


  • 10/2018 – 06/2019 PGCE Placements - These placements were across an array of ages and educational establishments within the Middlesbrough and Tees Valley region. They included the following: a) Teesside Students Union coaching the Teesside Barbarians Powerlifting Club (43 hours), b) Teesside University Sport and Exercise Science Department (67.5 hours) teaching students for their Level 2 Gym Instructor Award. Finally, c) Recovery Connections (mainly through the Live Well Centre which I discussed above 156.75 hours) working with drug and alcohol rehabilitation patients.



  • 03/2018 – 05/2018   Change Grow Live (CGL) - This involved working directly with members of the public either who have had a history of, or who are currently dealing with mental health issues, dual diagnosis, substance abuse, alcoholism and/or criminal offences. Role entailed similar work to my previous gym instructor work at Teesside University, demonstrating how to use the equipment, providing training and nutritional advice in addition to providing motivational support during training sessions. The role also includes the operation and maintenance of the gym building and its equipment. I induct new members into the gym by showing them the facilities operating procedures, how to use the resistance machines, demonstrate health and safety when using cardiovascular machines and free weight exercises. March 26th to April 30th (125 Hours paid work). I did volunteer in a similar role from Jan 2018 – mid March 2018 before being hired at the same company and department (30 hours of volunteering).