Dr Borja Martinez-Gonzalez

About

After graduating in Sport Science and Physical Education at the University of Leon (Spain). Borja subsequently completed an MSc in Sport Science for Optimal Performance at the University of Kent (UK) and was awarded a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science from the same institution. In his previous postdoctoral roles at the University of Kent and the University of Bologna (Italy), he provided research expertise in the field of physical and cognitive testing, with a focus on strategies to improve endurance performance, and resistance to fatigue.

In September 2024, Borja joined the Kent and Medway Medical School as a Research Associate to work on a research project led by Professor Sukhwinder Shergill, aiming to explore the dynamic relationship between circadian biomarkers, sleep, cognition, and mental health. He has provided sport science support not only to various athletes competing at international endurance events including Ironman World Championships, Marathon Des Sables, Tor des Geants, and The Atlantic Rowing Challenge, but also international professional teams in various disciplines, such as cycling (UCI ProTeam), football (EFL League One), and motorsports (Rally Dakar). He has done sport science consultancy work for companies, such as ASICS and SCARPA.

Research interests

Borja’s MSc. dissertation explored the influence of pacing strategy on cerebral and muscle oxygenation in running. His PhD thesis is entitled “Sleep deprivation and ultra-endurance performance: assessment and countermeasures”.

His previous research work: a Ministry of Defence funded project, developing and testing physical activity and cognitive tasks with the Royal Air Force, aiming to improve soldiers’ resistance to fatigue and multi-tasking performance; projects funded by ASICS and SCARPA to better understand the effects of carbon-plate running shoes on energy cost, performance, and perception of effort.

He has published research papers in the field of professional cycling. His research interests also include caffeine; circadian rhythm; cognition; endurance performance; fatigue; perception of effort; physiology; psychobiology; sleep; sport science; training load; and ultra-endurance performance.

Teaching

Borja is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. In his previous positions as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Kent, and as an Associate Lecturer at the University of Bologna, his teaching experience included both, undergraduate (Introduction to Human Physiology, Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics) and postgraduate (Advanced Strength Training and Conditioning for Health and Performance) modules.

He has also planned and led laboratory seminars for Sports Medicine interns in the field of Exercise Physiology.

Professional

Spragg, J., Leo, P., Giorgi, A., Gonzalez, B. M., & Swart, J. (2024). The intensity rather than the quantity of prior work determines the subsequent downward shift in the power duration relationship in professional cyclists. European Journal of Sport Science, 24(4), 449-457.

Solon-Júnior, L. J. F., Boullosa Alvarez, D. A., Martinez Gonzalez, B., da Silva Machado, D. G., de Lima-Junior, D., & de Sousa Fortes, L. (2023). The effect of tyrosine supplementation on whole-body endurance performance in physically active population: A systematic review and meta-analysis including GRADE qualification. Journal of Sports Sciences, 41(22), 2045-2053.

Carswell, A. T., Howland, K., Martinez-Gonzalez, B., Baron, P., & Davison, G. (2020). The effect of caffeine on cognitive performance is influenced by CYP1A2 but not ADORA2A genotype, yet neither genotype affects exercise performance in healthy adults. European journal of applied physiology, 120, 1495-1508.