Top of page

Student/Staff Portal
Global Site Navigation

School of Medical and Health Sciences

Local Section Navigation
You are here: Main Content

Dr Christopher Latella

Lecturer

Staff Member Details
Telephone: +61 8 6304 3637
Email: c.latella@ecu.edu.au
Campus: Joondalup  
Room: JO19.3103  
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5857-9671

Chris is a post-doctoral research fellow in the Neurophysiology Research Laboratory located within the School of Medical and Health Sciences.

Background

  • Lecturer – Deakin College, Burwood Victoria.
  • Casual Academic/Research Assistant – Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria.
  • Casual Academic – Victoria University, Footscray, Victoria.
  • Research Assistant – Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria.

Professional Associations

  • ASCA Level 1
  • NCAS
  • NSCA

Awards and Recognition

National and International Awards

  • 2018- Best presentation by and early career researcher, Australian Society for Psychophysiology conference, Geelong, Australia.
  • 2012 - Australian Council for Health Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) award.

Other

Research Areas and Interests

  • Neurophysiological underpinning of fatigue ad recovery which impacts human performance and function, with a particular interest in the acute responses to resistance training.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Deakin University, 2017.

Research Outputs

2025

Journal Articles

  • Harris, DM., Latella, C., Tripodi, N., O'Bryan, SJ. (2025). Exploring Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Effects on Physical Outcomes in People With Parkinson’s Disease: An Umbrella Evidence Mapping Review With Meta-analyses. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 2025(Article in press), TBD. https://doi.org/10.1177/15459683241310984.

2024

Journal Articles

  • Harris, DM., Oranchuk, DJ., Latella, C. (2024). Neuromuscular Adaptations To Different Set Configurations During A Periodized Power Training Block In Elite Junior Judokas. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 19(1), 323-331. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541221151195.
  • Van Den Hoek, DJ., Mallard, A., Garrett, JM., Beaumont, PL., Howells, RJ., Spathis, JG., Pearson, J., Latella, C. (2024). Powerlifting participation and engagement across all ages: A retrospective, longitudinal, population analysis with comparison to community strength norms. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 19(5), 2199-2209. https://doi.org/10.1177/17479541241244481.
  • Murphy, M., Rio, EK., Whife, C., Latella, C. (2024). Maximising neuromuscular performance in people with pain and injury: moving beyond reps and sets to understand the challenges and embrace the complexity. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 10(2), article number e001935. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2024-001935.
  • Harris, DM., O'Bryan, SJ., Latella, C. (2024). Non-invasive brain stimulation as treatment for motor impairment in people with Parkinson's disease: Protocol for an umbrella review. PLoS One, 19(45449), article number e0304717. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0304717.
  • Murphy, M., Coventry, M., Taylor, J., Rio, EK., Mosler, A., Whittaker, JL., Latella, C. (2024). People with hip osteoarthritis have reduced quadriceps voluntary activation and altered motor cortex function. Sports Medicine and Health Science, 2024(Article in press), pp. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smhs.2024.09.005.
  • Victora Ruas, C., Taylor, J., Latella, C., Haff, G., Nosaka, K. (2024). Neuromuscular characteristics of eccentric, concentric and isometric contractions of the knee extensors. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2024(Article in press), pp. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-024-05626-9.
  • Teo, W., Tan, C., Goodwill, A., Mohammad, S., Ang, Y., Latella, C. (2024). Brain activation associated with low- and high-intensity concentric versus eccentric isokinetic contractions of the biceps brachii: An fNIRS study. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 34(1), article number e14499. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.14499.
  • Van Den Hoek, DJ., Beaumont, PL., Van Den Hoek, AK., Owen, PJ., Garrett, JM., Buhmann, R., Latella, C. (2024). Normative data for the squat, bench press and deadlift exercises in powerlifting: Data from 809,986 competition entries. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 27(10), 734-742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2024.07.005.

2023

Journal Articles

  • Way, K., Thomas, H., Parker, L., Maiorana, A., Keske, M., Scott, D., Reed, J., Tieng, J., Hackett, D., Hawkins, T., Latella, C., Cordina, R., Tran, D. (2023). Cluster Sets to Prescribe Interval Resistance Training: A Potential Method to Optimise Resistance Training Safety, Feasibility and Efficacy in Cardiac Patients. Sports Medicine - Open, 9(1), article number 86. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-023-00634-z.
  • Van Den Hoek, D., Garrett, J., Travis, S., Oxnard, K., Howells, R., Owen, P., Latella, C. (2023). Analysis of Competition Performance Leading to Success at the International Powerlifting Federation World Championships Between 2013 and 2019. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37(10), e555-e562. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004488.
  • Van Den Hoek, D., Garrett, J., Howells, R., Latella, C. (2023). Paralympians are stronger than you know: A comparison of para- and non-disabled powerlifting bench press world records. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37(2), 452-456. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004251.
  • Fairman, C., Owens, O., Kendall, K., Steele, J., Schumpp, A., Latella, C., Jones, M., Marcotte, L., Dawson, J., McIntyre, C., McDonnell, K. (2023). Hybrid delivery of cluster-set resistance training for individuals previously treated for lung cancer: the results of a single-arm feasibility trial. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 9(1), Article number 177. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-023-01405-z.
  • Connolly, S., Peeling, P., Binnie, MJ., Goods, PS., Latella, C., Taylor, J., Blazevich, T., Timmerman, W., Abbiss, C. (2023). Sprint Cycling Rate Of Torque Development Associates With Strength Measurement In Trained Cyclists. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 123(6), 1215-1227. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-023-05143-1.
  • González-García, J., Latella, C., Aguilar, M., Romero-Moraleda, B. (2023). Effects of resistance priming on same day jumping performance: Influence of strength level. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 44(1), 38-47. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1898-4888.
  • Van Der Groen, O., Latella, C., Nosaka, K., Edwards, D., Teo, W., Taylor, J. (2023). Corticospinal And Intracortical Responses From Both Motor Cortices Following Unilateral Concentric Versus Eccentric Contractions. European Journal of Neuroscience, 57(4), 619-632. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.15897.
  • Le, C., Ma'ayah, F., Nosaka, K., Hiscock, D., Latella, C. (2023). Effects Of High-Intensity Position-Specific Drills On Physical And Technical Skill Performance In Elite Youth Soccer Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37(5), TBD. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004360.
  • Neves De Oliverira Mesquita, R., Latella, C., Victora Ruas, C., Nosaka, K., Taylor, J. (2023). Contraction Velocity of the Elbow Flexors Assessed by Tensiomyography: A Comparison Between Formulas. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 37(10), 1969-1977. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004495.
  • Murphy, M., Latella, C., Rio, EK., Taylor, J., Martino, S., Sylvester, C., Hale, W., Mosler, A. (2023). Does lower-limb osteoarthritis alter motor cortex descending drive and voluntary activation? A systematic review and meta-analysis. EFORT Open Reviews, 8(12), 883-894. https://doi.org/10.1530/EOR-23-0092.
  • Valcarce-Merayo, E., Latella, C. (2023). Precompetition Strategies to Improve Performance in Endurance or Repeated Intermittent Activity: Evidence and Practical Suggestions. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 45(4), 450-461. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000753.
  • Latella, C., Van Den Hoek, D., Wolf, M., Androulakis-Korakakis, P., Fisher, JP., Steele, J. (2023). Using Powerlifting Athletes to Determine Strength Adaptations Across Ages in Males and Females: A Longitudinal Growth Modelling Approach. Sports Medicine, 2023(2023), TBD. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-023-01962-6.

2022

Journal Articles

  • Jaén-Carrillo, D., García-Pinillos, F., Latella, C., Moore, S., Cartón-Llorente, A., Roche-Seruendo, L. (2022). Influence of footwear, foot-strike pattern and step frequency on spatiotemporal parameters and lower-body stiffness in running. Journal of Sports Sciences, 40(3), 299-309. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2021.1992884.
  • Guppy, S., Kotani, Y., Lake, J., Latella, C., Cochrane Wilkie, J., Kendall, K., Haff, G. (2022). The Agreement Between a Portable Contact-Mat and Force-Plates During Bilateral Vertical Jumps. International Journal of Exercise Science, 15(1), 632-644. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ecuworks2022-2026/1457.
  • Latella, C., Owen , PJ., Davies, T., Spathis, J., Mallard, A., Van Den Hoek, D. (2022). Long-term adaptations in the squat, bench press, and deadlift: Assessing strength gain in powerlifting athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 54(5), 841-850. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000002858.
  • Van Den Hoek, D., Owen, P., Garrett, J., Howells, R., Pearson, J., Spathis, J., Latella, C. (2022). What are the odds? Identifying factors related to competitive success in powerlifting. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, 14(1), article number 110. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-022-00505-2.
  • Fairman, C., Owens, O., Kendall, K., Steele, J., Latella, C., Jones, M., Marcotte, L., McIntyre, C., McDonnell, K. (2022). Study protocol: investigating the feasibility of a hybrid delivery of home-based cluster set resistance training for individuals previously treated for lung cancer. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 8(1), article number 102. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-022-01065-5.
  • Victora Ruas, C., Latella, C., Taylor, J., Haff, G., Nosaka, K. (2022). Early Detection of Prolonged Decreases in Maximal Voluntary Contraction Force after Eccentric Exercise of the Knee Extensors. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 54(2), 267-279. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000002797.
  • Howells, RJ., Spathis, JG., Pearson, J., Latella, C., Garrett, JM., Owen, PJ., Van Den Hoek, DJ. (2022). Impacts Of Squat Attempt Weight Selection And Success On Powerlifting Performance. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 62(4), 476-484. https://doi.org/10.23736/S0022-4707.21.12140-1.
  • Victora Ruas, C., Latella, C., Taylor, J., Haff, G., Nosaka, K. (2022). Comparison between eccentric-only and coupled concentric–eccentric contractions for neuromuscular fatigue and muscle damage. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 54(10), 1635-1646. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000002959.

2021

Journal Articles

  • Latella, C., McIntyre, C., Marcotte, L., Steele, J., Kendall, K., Fairman, C. (2021). Strengthening the Case for Cluster Set Resistance Training in Aged and Clinical Settings: Emerging Evidence, Proposed Benefits and Suggestions. Sports Medicine, 51(7), 1335–1351. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01455-4.
  • Davies, T., Tran, D., Hogan, C., Haff, G., Latella, C. (2021). Chronic effects of altering resistance training set configurations using cluster sets: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 51(4), 707–736. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01408-3.
  • Owen, P., Hart, N., Latella, C., Hendy, A., Lamon, S., Rantalainen, T. (2021). Identifying and assessing inter-muscular fat at the distal diaphyseal femur measured by peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT). Journal of Clinical Densitometry, 24(1), 106-111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocd.2019.11.001.
  • Harmsen, J., Latella, C., Neves De Oliverira Mesquita, R., Fasse, A., Schumann, M., Behringer, M., Taylor, J., Nosaka, K. (2021). H‑reflex and M‑wave responses after voluntary and electrically evoked muscle cramping. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 121(2), 659 - 672. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-020-04560-w.
  • Latella, C., Daros Pinto, M., Nuzzo, J., Taylor, J. (2021). Effects of postexercise blood flow occlusion on quadriceps responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation. Journal of Applied Physiology, 130(5), 1326-1336. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.01082.2020.
  • Latella, C. (2021). Pick me, Pick me! Rationale for investigating persistent inward currents (PICs) and associated exercise effects in the aging neuromuscular system. The Journal of Physiology, 599(7), 1957-1959. https://doi.org/10.1113/JP281324.
  • Harris, D., Caillaud, K., Khullar, S., Haff, G., Latella, C. (2021). The reliability of a linear position transducer and commercially available accelerometer to measure punching velocity in junior boxing athletes. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 16(1), 200-209. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954120952574.

2020

Journal Articles

  • Pearson, J., Spathis, J., Van Den Hoek, D., Owen, P., Weakley, J., Latella, C. (2020). Effect of Competition Frequency on Strength Performance of Powerlifting Athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(5), 1213-1219. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003563.
  • Victora Ruas, C., Taylor, J., Nosaka, K., Haff, G., Latella, C. (2020). A time-efficient method to determine parameters for measurement of short-interval intracortical inhibition for quadriceps. European Journal of Neuroscience, 52(12), 4751-4761. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.14904.
  • Latella, C., Teo, W., Spathis, J., Van Den Hoek, D. (2020). Long-Term Strength Adaptation: A 15-Year Analysis of Powerlifting Athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(9), 2412-2418. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003657.
  • Latella, C., Haff, G. (2020). Global Challenges of Being a Strength Athlete during a Pandemic: Impacts and Sports-Specific Training Considerations and Recommendations. Sports, 8(7), Article Number 100. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports8070100.
  • Latella, C., Van Der Groen, O., Victora Ruas, C., Taylor, J. (2020). Effect of fatigue-related group III/IV afferent firing on intracortical inhibition and facilitation in hand muscles. Journal of Applied Physiology, 128(1), 149-158. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00595.2019.
  • Harris, D., Kendall, K., Haff, G., Latella, C. (2020). Absolute and Relative Strength, Power and Physiological Characteristics of Indian Junior National‐ Level Judokas. Sports, 8(2), Article Number 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports8020014.

2019

Journal Articles

  • Latella, C., Teo, W., Drinkwater, E., Kendall, K., Haff, G. (2019). The Acute Neuromuscular Responses to Cluster Set Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis. Sports Medicine, 49(12), 1861-1877. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-019-01172-z.
  • Grgic, J., Schoenfeld, B., Latella, C. (2019). Resistance training frequency and skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A review of available evidence. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 22(3), 361-370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2018.09.223.
  • Latella, C., Van Den Hoek, D., Teo, W. (2019). Differences in strength performance between novice and elite athletes: Evidence from powerlifters. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(2019), S103-S112. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002823.
  • Latella, C., Goodwill, A., Muthalib, M., Hendy, A., Major, B., Nosaka, K., Teo, W. (2019). Effects of eccentric versus concentric contractions of the biceps brachii on intracortical inhibition and facilitation. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 29(3), 369-379. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13334.
  • Harris, DM., Foulds, S., Latella, C. (2019). Evidence-Based Training Recommendations for the Elite Judoka. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 41(2), 108-118. https://doi.org/10.1519/SSC.0000000000000426.
  • Latella, C., Grgic, J., Der Westhuizen, D. (2019). Effect of interset strategies on acute resistance training performance and physiological responses: A systematic review. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(2019), S180-S193. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003120.
  • Latella, C., Victora Ruas, C., Neves De Oliverira Mesquita, R., Nosaka, K., Taylor, J. (2019). Test-retest reliability of elbow flexor contraction characteristics with tensiomyography for different elbow joint angles. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 45(April 2019), 26-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelekin.2019.02.002.
  • Hendy, A., Ekblom, M., Latella, C., Teo, W. (2019). Investigating the effects of muscle contraction and conditioning stimulus intensity on short-interval intracortical inhibition. European Journal of Neuroscience, 50(7), 3133-3140. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.14488.
  • Drinkwater, E., Latella, C., Wilsmore, C., Bird, S., Skein, M. (2019). Foam rolling as a recovery tool following eccentric exercise: Potential mechanisms underpinning changes in jump performance. Frontiers in Physiology, 10(JUN), Article number 768. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00768.

2018

Journal Articles

  • Leung, H., Latella, C., Lamon, S., Hendy, A. (2018). The reliability of neurological measurement in the vastus medialis: implications for research and practice. Frontiers in Psychology, 9(October 2018), Article number 1857. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01857.
  • Latella, C., Hendy, A., Vanderwesthuizen, D., Teo, W. (2018). The modulation of corticospinal excitability and inhibition following acute resistance exercise in males and females. European Journal of Sport Science, 18(7), 984-993. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2018.1467489.
  • Latella, C., Van Den Hoek, D., Teo, W. (2018). Factors affecting powerlifting performance: an analysis of age- and weight-based determinants of relative strength. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 18(4), 532-544. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2018.1496393.

2017

Journal Articles

  • Latella, C., Teo, W., Harris, D., Major, B., Vanderwesthuizen, D., Hendy, A. (2017). Effects of acute resistance training modality on corticospinal excitability, intra-cortical and neuromuscular responses. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 117(11), 2211-2224. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-017-3709-7.

2016

Journal Articles

  • Latella, C., Hendy, AM., Pearce, AJ., Vanderwesthuizen, D., Teo, W. (2016). The time-course of acute changes in corticospinal excitability, intra-cortical inhibition and facilitation following a single-session heavy strength training of the biceps brachii. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 10(Dec 2016), Article Number: 607. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2016.00607.

2012

Journal Articles

  • Latella, C., Kidgell, D., Pearce, A. (2012). Reduction in corticospinal inhibition in the trained and untrained limb following unilateral leg strength training. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 12(8), 3097-3107. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-2289-1.

2011

Journal Articles

  • Pearce, A., Latella, C., Kidgell, D. (2011). Secondary warm-up following stretching on vertical jumping, change of direction, and straight line speed. European Journal of Sport Science, 12(2), 103-112. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2010.551412.

Research Projects

  • Neural motor drive impairments following hamstring and calf injury, Australian Physiotherapy Association, Seeding Grants, 2025 ‑ 2027, $11,936.
  • Performance, perceptual, central, and peripheral fatigue responses to different velocity-loss thresholds during free-weight resistance exercise., National Strength and Conditioning Association, Young Investigator Grant, 2024 ‑ 2026, $24,433.
  • Human motor impairment in long covid: Brain and motoneuron dysfunction, Department of Health WA, WA Near-miss Awards: Ideas, 2024 ‑ 2025, $102,982.
  • Investigation of motoneurone firing behaviour and associations with symptom severity in individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, ME Research UK, Research Grant, 2023 ‑ 2025, $28,557.
  • Motoneurons, muscle weakness and motor performance in multiple sclerosis , Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia, MSRA - Incubator Grant, 2023 ‑ 2024, $25,000.
  • Priming: Influence of set-configuration on delayed neuromuscular, physical and reaction time performance., National Strength and Conditioning Association, NSCA - Senior Investigator Grant, 2021 ‑ 2023, $27,638.
  • Lower-body injury risk stratification in female and male recruits through muscle-bone imaging., Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Defence Science Collaborative Research Grants, 2020 ‑ 2022, $150,000.
  • The role of motoneurones in strength and muscle fatigue: Changing the spinal cord with exercise training, Edith Cowan University, ECU Early Career Researcher Grant – 2020, 2020 ‑ 2021, $29,348.
  • Effects of brief periods of hypoxia on serotonin release and the behaviour of human motoneurones., Edith Cowan University, ECU Early Career Researcher Grant - 2019, 2019 ‑ 2020, $11,368.
  • Developing strategies to optimise athletic performance in elite athletes; Preparing for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games, Edith Cowan University, ECU Collaboration Enhancement Scheme - 2018 Round 1, 2018 ‑ 2019, $7,270.

Research Student Supervision

Current Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Changes in interhemispheric inhibition relating to voluntary contraction

Co-principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Accentuated Eccentric Resistance Training in Soccer and Its Effects on Pre-season and In-Season Physical Performance, and Post-Match Recovery
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The effect of fatigue on lower body strength and neuromuscular asymmetries in football athletes

Associate Supervisor

  • Master of Medical and Health Science by Research, Are velocity loss thresolds an appropriate tool in controlling fatigue during resistance training?
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Optimising individual speed and power training through force-velocity profiling
  • Master of Medical and Health Science by Research, Does Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction result in post-operative changes to corticospinal excitability: A case-series

Completed Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Master of Science (Sports Science), EFFECTS OF HIGH-INTENSITY POSITION-SPECIFIC DRILLS ON PHYSICAL AND TECHNICAL-SKILL PERFORMANCE OF YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS

Co-principal Supervisor

  • Master of Medical and Health Science by Research, Can virtual reality scenarios induce acute anxiety within an experimental setting?

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Neuromuscular characteristics of eccentric contractions of the knee extensors and their muscle damage profiles

Related Contents

    • Dr Christopher Latella
      https://www.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0003/808239/christopher-latella.jpg
    • Dr Christopher Latella

      Dr Christopher Latella

  • See Also
  • ResearchGate profile
    https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Christopher_Latella
  • ResearchGate profile
  • LinkedIn profile
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-latella-292940169/
  • LinkedIn profile
  • Twitter profile
    https://twitter.com/clatella1
  • Twitter profile
Skip to top of page