
Joel Martin, PhD
CSCS*D | ACSM EP-C
Research & Education
Dr. Martin has a background in biomechanics, motor control, and strength and conditioning. He's dedicated to improving the health and well-being of others through education and research.
About
Dr. Martin earned his Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University in Kinesiology, with an emphasis in biomechanics and motor control. He holds an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.S. in Kinesiology from the Pennsylvania State University. Since 2016 he has served as the program director for the MS in Exercise, Fitness and Health Promotion degree program at George Mason University. His research interests are primarily focused on improving the health of emergency responder populations. Dr. Martin has been the author a number of articles published in peer-reviewed journals and is actively involved with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He is currently serving on the NSCA Virginia advisory board and the executive council of the NSCA special interest group for tactical strength and conditioning. He has the following certifications:
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
American College of Sports Medicine – Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C)
NSCA Certified Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F)
United States Weightlifting (USAW) Level 1 Sports Performance Coach
Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Level 1
NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM CES)
NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM PES)
Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach (Pn1)
Research
Dr. Martin has been published in a number of leading journals in the field of Kinesiology. His current projects are focused on improving the health and movement of individuals across the lifespan.



Emergency Responders
Effects of the duty belt on biomechanical correlates of low back pain
Relationship between fitness and ability to perform occupational duties in professional firefighters
Effects of load carriage on gait and postural stability
Influence of sleep on health and occupational performance
Gait and Balance
Influence of sleep quality on gait and balance
Effects of partial vs. total sleep deprivation on gait and balance
Unintended Consequences of Social Distancing on Health
Effects of demographic variables on physical activity and sitting time during social distancing
Influence of physical activity and sitting on depression and anxiety during social distancing
Relationships between lifestyle determinants of health (physical activity, nutrition, sleep) during social distancing

Populations
Currently working with the following populations:
Professional firefighters
Law enforcement officers
Army National Guard
ROTC
Healthy, young adults
Publications
Recently Published Articles
Teaching
Areas of Instruction

Biomechanics
Develop an understanding of the mechanics governing human movement.

Exercise Programming and Prescription
Utilizing an evidence-based approach to develop individualized exercise programs.

Strength and Conditioning
Applying scientific principles from biomechanics, physiology and nutrition to optimize human performance.

Research Methods
An introduction to the basic principles of research methods in Kinesiology.
Topics covered are research designs, measurement theory, evaluating research quality, reliability, validity, sampling and scientific writing principles.

Movement and Fitness Assessment
Covers common evidence-based movement and fitness assessments that can be used to develop an individualized exercise program for various populations.

Motor Control and Learning
Appraisal of motor learning theories and neuromuscular system function related to human movement across the lifespan.
SMART Lab Research
The SMART Laboratory consists of three state-of-the art facilities where faculty and students conduct evidence-based research in the areas of lower extremity injury prevention, neuro-mechanical assessment of lower extremity, concussion, and sports performance. The SMART Lab also offers performance and fitness assessment services to the public.

SMART Lab Clinic
The SMART Lab now offers performance and fitness testing services to the public. Whether your goal is to lose weight, improve your athletic performance, reduce your risk of injury, assess your health, or track your fitness, the SMART Lab has the state-of-the-art equipment and services you need:
Maximize your training potential
Improve your results
Measure your body composition
Pinpoint causes of running pain

Get in Touch
Contact Joel Martin, PhD to discuss his published work, teaching, collaboration opportunities or for any other inquiries.