Senior Lecturer
BPhEd(Otago) MSc(Alta) PhD(Otago)
Tel 64 3 479 5025
Email phil.handcock@otago.ac.nz
Background
Phil Handcock lectures in the broad area of exercise prescription emphasising reflective practice. His teaching philosophy is based on his work experience with an Auckland based rehabilitation and fitness consultancy and as trainer of the North Harbour Rugby squad. Phil has also been an executive member of both the Auckland and Otago branches of Sports Medicine New Zealand and served on the national executive for Coaching New Zealand. Phil teaches Prescription of Physical Activity and Exercise, Athletic Training and conditioning and share coordination of practicums based in the Exercise Prescription Clinic. He is also the academic coordinator for the distance learning papers in Sports Studies
Teaching
Research
Phil Handcock's research interests range from reflective learning in Exercise Prescription and Sports Conditioning and training to enhance sports performance and links with injury causation and prevention. His main research focus is on the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries.
Current projects include
- Criteria for return-to-play following injury in rugby union.
- The long term health and well being of retired rugby players
- Fitness testing of New Zealand Police.
- The effect of prior exercise on the performance on screening tests for sports related concussion (SCAT) - Tony Schneiders and John Sullivan, School of Physiotherapy
Collaborative work has included
- Rugby Injury and Performance Project (RIPP) with the Injury Prevention Unit
- An investigation of the effect of treadmill exercise on postural instability in older adults with the School of Physiotherapy.
- The effect of prior exercise on the performance on screening tests for sports related concussion (SCAT) - Tony Schneiders and John Sullivan, School of Physiotherapy
- The rugby halfback spiral pass (with Raphael Terrier, Faculty de Medecine de Nancy, France)
Publications
Sullivan, S. J., Handcock, P., & Jackson, D. S. (2020). Does the purchase of a mobility scooter alter physical activity levels in older adults? Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 15(8), 856-861. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2019.1620352
Salmon, D. M., Sullivan, S. J., Handcock, P., Rehrer, N. J., & Niven, B. (2018). Neck strength and self-reported neck dysfunction: What is the impact of a season of rugby union? Journal of Sports Medicine & Physical Fitness, 58(7-8), 1078-1089. doi: 10.23736/s0022-4707.17.07070-0
Salmon, D. M., Handcock, P. J., Sullivan, S. J., Rehrer, N. J., & Niven, B. E. (2018). Can neck strength be measured using a single maximal contraction in a simulated contact position? Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 32(8), 2166-2173. doi: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000001874
Stadnyk, A. M. J., Rehrer, N. J., Handcock, P. J., Meredith-Jones, K. A., & Cotter, J. D. (2018). No clear benefit of muscle heating on hypertrophy and strength with resistance training. Temperature, 5(2), 175-183. doi: 10.1080/23328940.2017.1391366
Handcock, P. J. (2017). Fit to serve: Contemporary expectations of physical fitness in law enforcement. In C. M. Wong (Ed.), Police: Global perceptions, performance and ethical challenges. (pp. 31-83). Nova Science.
Authored Book - Research
Handcock, P. J. (1994). Techniques of Fitness Assessment: The Living Manual. Auckland: Fitness Concepts, 153p.
Handcock, P. J., & Knight, B. (1994). Field Testing Manual. Wellington: New Zealand Sport Science and Technology Board, 124p.
Chapter in Book - Research
Handcock, P. J. (2017). Fit to serve: Contemporary expectations of physical fitness in law enforcement. In C. M. Wong (Ed.), Police: Global perceptions, performance and ethical challenges. (pp. 31-83). Nova Science.
Journal - Research Article
Sullivan, S. J., Handcock, P., & Jackson, D. S. (2020). Does the purchase of a mobility scooter alter physical activity levels in older adults? Disability & Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 15(8), 856-861. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2019.1620352
Salmon, D. M., Sullivan, S. J., Handcock, P., Rehrer, N. J., & Niven, B. (2018). Neck strength and self-reported neck dysfunction: What is the impact of a season of rugby union? Journal of Sports Medicine & Physical Fitness, 58(7-8), 1078-1089. doi: 10.23736/s0022-4707.17.07070-0
Stadnyk, A. M. J., Rehrer, N. J., Handcock, P. J., Meredith-Jones, K. A., & Cotter, J. D. (2018). No clear benefit of muscle heating on hypertrophy and strength with resistance training. Temperature, 5(2), 175-183. doi: 10.1080/23328940.2017.1391366
Salmon, D. M., Handcock, P. J., Sullivan, S. J., Rehrer, N. J., & Niven, B. E. (2018). Can neck strength be measured using a single maximal contraction in a simulated contact position? Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 32(8), 2166-2173. doi: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000001874
Douglas, J., Plews, D. J., Handcock, P. J., & Rehrer, N. J. (2016). The beneficial effect of parasympathetic reactivation on sympathetic drive during simulated rugby sevens. International Journal of Sports Physiology & Performance, 11(4), 480-488. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.2015-0317
Salmon, D. M., Handcock, P. J., Sullivan, S. J., Rehrer, N. J., & Niven, B. E. (2015). Reliability of repeated isometric neck strength and endurance testing in a simulated contact posture. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 29(3), 637-646. doi: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000000689
Dempsey, P. C., Handcock, P. J., & Rehrer, N. J. (2014). Body armour: The effect of load, exercise and distraction on landing forces. Journal of Sports Sciences, 32(4), 301-306. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2013.823226
Handcock, P., & Cassidy, T. (2014). Reflective practice for rugby union strength and conditioning coaches. Strength & Conditioning Journal, 36(1), 41-45. doi: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000020
Dempsey, P. C., Handcock, P. J., & Rehrer, N. J. (2013). Impact of police body armour and equipment on mobility. Applied Ergonomics, 44(6), 957-961. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2013.02.011
Schneiders, A. G., Sullivan, S. J., Handcock, P., Gray, A., & McCrory, P. R. (2012). Sports concussion assessment: The effect of exercise on dynamic and static balance. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 22(1), 85-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2010.01141.x
Till, J., Ferkins, L., & Handcock, P. (2011). Physical activity based professional development for teachers: The importance of whole school involvement. Health Education Journal, 70(2), 225-235. doi: 10.1177/0017896910396218
Sullivan, S. J., Schneiders, A. G., Handcock, P., Gray, A., & McCrory, P. R. (2011). Changes in the timed finger-to-nose task performance following exercise of different intensities. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 45, 46-48. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2009.071225
Alla, S., Sullivan, S. J., McCrory, P., Schneiders, A. G., & Handcock, P. (2010). Does exercise evoke neurological symptoms in healthy subjects? Journal of Science & Medicine in Sport, 13, 24-26. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2008.12.629
Jenkins, C., Handcock, P., Burrows, L., & Hodge, K. (2006). Exercise barriers faced by first-time mothers. New Zealand College of Midwives Journal, 35, 6-11.
Forsyth, G., Handcock, P., Rose, E., & Jenkins, C. (2005). Fitness instructors: How does their knowledge on weight loss measure up? Health Education Journal, 64(2), 154-167.
Beardmore, A. L., Handcock, P. J., & Rehrer, N. J. (2004). Return-to-play after injury: Practices in New Zealand rugby union. Physical Therapy in Sport, 6(1), 24-30.
Handcock, P., & Jenkins, C. (2003). The Green prescription: A field of dreams? [Viewpoint]. New Zealand Medical Journal, 116(1187). Retrieved from http://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal/116-1187/713/content.pdf
Handcock, P. J., Williams, L., & Sullivan, S. J. (2001). The reliability of H-reflex recordings in standing subjects. Electromyography & Clinical Neurophysiology, 41(1), 9-15.
Quarrie, K. L., Handcock, P. J., Toomey, M. J., & Waller, A. E. (1996). The New Zealand rugby injury and performance project. IV: Anthopometric and physical performance characteristics between positional categories of senior A rugby players. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 30, 53-56.
Quarrie, K. L., Handcock, P. J., Waller, A. E., Chalmers, D. J., Toomey, M. J., & Wilson, B. D. (1995). The New Zealand rugby injury and performance project. III: Anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of players. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 29, 263-270.
Journal - Research Other
Handcock, P., & Tattersall, K. (2012). Occupational therapists beware: Physical activity guidelines can mislead. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(2), 111-113. doi: 10.4276/030802212x13286281651270
Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Handcock, P. (2011). Rugby players hurting futures. Otago Daily Times, (27 October).
Jenkins, C., Handcock, P., & Burrows, L. (2005). Postnatal exercise: The mother's wellbeing is important too [Letter]. New Zealand Medical Journal, 118(1217). Retrieved from http://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal/118-1217/1541/content.pdf
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Cassidy, T., & Handcock, P. (2017). Rugby strength and conditioning: Fronting up to contemporary issues in practice. Proceedings of the World in Union (New Zealand) Conference. (pp. 45). Retrieved from http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/about-massey/events/the-world-in-union-conference-2017/the-world-in-union-conference-2017.cfm
Cassidy, T., & Handcock, P. (2017). Rugby strength and conditioning: Knowing where we come from helps us to know where we need to go. Proceedings of the World in Union (New Zealand) Conference. (pp. 19). Retrieved from http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/about-massey/events/the-world-in-union-conference-2017/the-world-in-union-conference-2017.cfm
Handcock, P., & Cassidy, T. (2017). Rugby injury: A conspiracy of pain. Proceedings of the World in Union (New Zealand) Conference. (pp. 38). Retrieved from http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/about-massey/events/the-world-in-union-conference-2017/the-world-in-union-conference-2017.cfm
Handcock, P., Gearity, B., Cassidy, T., & Burrows, L. (2017). When the student is ready, the teacher will appear: The conflicted strength and conditioning coach? Proceedings of the 11th International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE) Global Coach Conference. Retrieved from https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/conferences/global-coach-conference
Cassidy, T., Handcock, P., Burrows, L., & Gearity, B. (2017). Starting a conversation: Exploring the pedagogical, social and cultural foundations of strength and conditioning coaching. Proceedings of the 11th International Council for Coaching Excellence (ICCE) Global Coach Conference. Retrieved from https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/conferences/global-coach-conference
Handcock, P., & Dempsey, P. (2014). Fit to serve: Lessons from the New Zealand Police Physical Competency Test. Proceedings of the 121st Annual International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference and Law Enforcement Education and Technology Exposition. Retrieved from http://www.theiacpconference.org/iacp2014/public/Calendar.aspx?ID=1056&sortMenu=103002
Douglas, J., Plews, D. J., Handcock, P. J., & Rehrer, N. J. (2014). Influence of cold water immersion on cardiac autonomic measures during a simulated rugby sevens tournament. New Zealand Journal of Sports Medicine, 41(2), (pp. 75). [Abstract]
Blake, I. M., & Handcock, P. J. (2014). Performance effects of a rugby simulated upper body activity on subsequent lower body activity. New Zealand Journal of Sports Medicine, 41(2), (pp. 75). [Abstract]
Salmon, D. M., Handcock, P. J., Sullivan, S. J., Niven, B., & Rehrer, N. J. (2014). The long-term consequences of rugby participation on the neck. New Zealand Journal of Sports Medicine, 41(2), (pp. 76). [Abstract]
Salmon, D. M., Handcock, P., Sullivan, S. J., & Rehrer, N. J. (2014). The efficacy of a neck strength intervention in professional rugby union players. New Zealand Journal of Sports Medicine, 41(1), (pp. 29-30). [Abstract]
Salmon, D., Handcock, P., Sullivan, J., & Rehrer, N. (2013). The efficacy of a neck strength intervention on a professional rugby union team. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(5, Suppl. 1), (pp. 553). doi: 10.1249/01.mss.0000431823.39329.b8
Hill, T. J. G., Handcock, P. J., Cotter, J. D., & Ross, A. (2013). Torque it up: Reliability and variability of isokinetic peak torque and angle of peak torque. Proceedings of the Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (SESNZ) Annual Conference: Exercise Science for Health and Sport Performance. (pp. 33). Retrieved from http://www.sesnz.org.nz/Conference/
Salmon, D., Handcock, P., Sullivan, S. J., & Rehrer, N. J. (2013). The efficacy of a neck strength intervention in professional rugby union players. Proceedings of the Sports Medicine New Zealand & the Australasian College of Sports Physicians Conference: Partners in Performance. (pp. 94). Dunedin, New Zealand: Sports Medicine New Zealand. [Abstract]
Handcock, P. (2011). Injury management and return-to-play experiences of elite rugby union retirees. Journal of Science & Medicine in Sport, 14(7 (Suppl.)), (pp. 53). [Abstract]
Handcock, P., & Dempsey, P. (2011). Fit to serve: A review of the New Zealand Police Physical Competency Test. Journal of Science & Medicine in Sport, 14(7 (Suppl.)), (pp. 53). [Abstract]
Schneiders, A., Sullivan, S. J., Handcock, P., Gray, A., & McCrory, P. (2010). The effect of graded exercise on motor performance tasks used in the neurological assessment of sports related concussion. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 12(Suppl. 2), (pp. e42-e43). doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.090
Handcock, P., Rehrer, N., & Beardmore, A. (2010). Return-to-play decision making in New Zealand "Super" rugby. Journal of Science & Medicine in Sport, 12(Suppl. 2), (pp. e88). doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.180
Sullivan, S. J., Alla, S., Schneiders, A. G., McCrory, P., & Handcock, P. (2009). Does exercise evoke neurological symptoms in healthy subjects? British Journal of Sports Medicine. 43(Suppl. 1), (pp. i97-i98). [Abstract]
Jenkins, C., Stein, S., & Handcock, P. (2008). Experiences of clinical exercise prescription students in a cooperative learning case meeting context. In C. Bond & R. Spronken-Smith (Eds.), Proceedings of the Spotlight on Teaching at Otago Conference. (pp. 24). Dunedin, New Zealand: HEDC, University of Otago. [Abstract]
Alla, S., Sullivan, S. J., McCrory, P., Schneiders, A. G., & Handcock, P. (2008). The influence of exercise on concussion symptom reporting. Proceedings of the New Zealand Sports Medicine+Science Conference. (pp. 79). Dunedin, New Zealand: Sports Medicine New Zealand. [Abstract]
Rishiraj, N., Milburn, P., Newsham-West, R., Taunton, J. E., Lloyd-Smith, R., Woollard, R., … Handcock, P. (2005). Adaptation to wearing a functional knee brace: A possible step in preventing knee injuries; a pilot study. Proceedings of the New Zealand Sports Medicine+Science Conference. (pp. 69). [Abstract]
Beardmore, A., Rehrer, N. J., Handcock, P. J., & Bentley, S. (2001). Present methods for deciding when a rugby union player can play after injury. Proceedings of the Annual Sport Science and Coaching Conference. Wellington. [Abstract]
Handcock, P. J., & Jenkins, C. (2001). Field of dreams. Exercise prescription where does it fit? Collected Extracts. Sports Medicine New Zealand Conference. Auckland. [Abstract]
Handcock, P. J., Hurley, R., & Chiet, A. (2000). The reliability of using a reaction system to assess directional movement ability (agility). Proceedings of the Annual Sport Science and Coaching Conference. (pp. 38). Wellington. [Abstract]
