

Dr Chris Mills
Biography
I joined the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science at the University of Portsmouth as a senior lecturer in biomechanics in 2009, following several years as a lecturer at Exeter University. I obtained my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from Brunel University and my PhD from Loughborough University (2005) in computer simulation modelling. I have worked extensively with many sports organisations including British Gymnastics and UK Athletics and have provided scientific support to many athletes. I have worked on many funded research and innovation projects in collaboration with external industry partners and companies. Outside of academia I enjoy several sports, particularly pole vaulting, gymnastics and snowboarding.
Research interests
My research interests focus on experimental testing and musculoskeletal modelling of humans as they interact in different environments, incorporating soft tissue dynamics where appropriate. I have applied this area of research to the lower extremity by investigating the effects of compression garments on sporting performance and i have investigated the fundamentals of upper body soft tissue (breast) motion to inform product design and performance implications. I also apply my research area to how humans interact with sports surfaces or changing environmental features (stairs, escalators, uneven terrain) to understand how these effect musculoskeletal loading. Finally, I also apply my research area within challenging environments to understand how the human body responds. (for example, the load experienced by a racing car driver during high cornering speeds)
I have been a reviewer for many journals submissions in several academic journals including: Journal of Biomechanics, Journal of Applied Biomechanics, Journal of Sports Science, Human Movement Science and Journal of Human Kinetics. I currently supervise 6 PhD students and I have also acted as an external examiner for several PhD theses.
Research outputs
2025
Modelling female breast motion during running: implications of breast support on the spine
Mills, C., Exell, T. A., Jones, M. E. A., Wakefield-Scurr, J.
1 May 2025, In: European Journal of Sport Science. 25, 5, 10p., e12290
Research output: Article
2024
Breast-torso movement coordination during running in different breast support
Williams, G. K. R., Reeves, J., Vicinanza, D., Mills, C., Jones, B., Wakefield-Scurr, J.
12 Sep 2024, In: Scientific Reports. 14, 1, 11p., 21365
Research output: Article
Modelling the female torso and breast during physical activity: implications on spinal loading
Mills, C., Exell, T. A., Wakefield-Scurr, J., Jones, M. E. A.
27 Aug 2024, In: Journal of Sports Sciences. 42, 15, p. 1453-1463, 11p.
Research output: Article
Spinal joint moment prediction following simulated breast surgery using a female whole-body musculoskeletal model
Mills, C., Exell, T. A., Wakefield-Scurr, J., St john, E. R., Jones, M. E. A.
22 Jun 2024, In: Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering
Research output: Article
2023
The visual control of locomotion when stepping onto moving surfaces: a comparison of younger and older adults
Hunt, R., Mills, C., Frost, G., Blackmore, T., Miller-Dicks, M.
1 Apr 2023, In: Experimental Gerontology. 174, 15p., 112117
Research output: Article
2022
Can we predict the neutral breast position using the gravity-loaded breast position, age, anthropometrics and breast composition data?
Norris, M., O'Neill, A., Blackmore, T., Mills, C., Sanchez, A., Brown, N., Wakefield-Scurr, J.
1 Oct 2022, In: Clinical Biomechanics. 99, 11p., 105760
Research output: Article
Evaluating the integration of eye-tracking and motion capture technologies: quantifying the accuracy and precision of gaze measures
Hunt, R., Blackmore, T., Mills, C., Miller-Dicks, M.
26 Sep 2022, In: i-Perception. 13, 5, 25p.
Research output: Article
Changes in lumbar joint moments using a female specific torso and dynamic breast model during running
Mills, C., Jones, M.
19 Jul 2022,
Research output: Conference contribution
Breast-torso coordination during treadmill running as a function of breast support
Reeves, J. E., Williams, G., Mills, C., Jones, B., Wakefield-Scurr, J.
3 Jul 2022,
Research output: Abstract
Cognitive-motor interference during locomotion: quantifying cross-domain interference effects during pedestrian collision avoidance
O'Reilly, L. C., Mills, C., Dicks, M.
3 Jul 2022,
Research output: Abstract