Scott Hannah

Research activity per year

Biography

Dr. Scott Hannah is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader at the University of Winchester, where he oversees the BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science programme. As an expert in exercise physiology, Dr. Hannah’s work spans teaching, research, and applied consultancy. He is recognised for his innovative teaching methods that simplify complex physiological concepts, fostering a supportive environment that equips students for successful careers in sport science. He is dedicated to developing confident and competent sport science graduates who excel in their careers.

Dr. Hannah holds a PhD in Exercise Physiology from Ulster University, an MSc in Exercise Physiology from Middlesex University, and a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Suffolk. His PhD research explored the effects of exercise on calcium and bone metabolism, and his work has been presented at international conferences and published in journals, contributing novel insights into the intersection of exercise, metabolism, and environmental stressors such as hypoxia.

In addition to teaching and research, Dr. Hannah works with WinWell, a sport science consultancy unit at the University of Winchester, where he provides physiological assessments, including VO2max and lactate threshold testing, for athletes and teams. His consultancy experience extends to elite sports, having worked with the English National Ballet, Saracens Rugby Club, and Queens Park Rangers Football Club.

Dr. Hannah is passionate about advancing the field of sport and exercise science through his academic work and practical applications. His research focuses on the physiological responses to exercise under various environmental conditions, with an emphasis on bone metabolism and performance adaptations.

Beyond academia, Dr. Hannah is committed to student development and outreach. He creates opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through placements and collaborations with local schools and sports organisations. His mission is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to excel in both research and applied sport science careers.

As a full member of the Physiological Society and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), Dr. Hannah combines academic expertise with industry experience. His work with high-profile organisations, including Saracens Rugby Club, the English National Ballet, QPR FC and athletes competing in the Marathon des Sables, highlights his versatile background.

Research interests

Dr. Hannah’s research focuses on understanding why many endurance athletes suffer from poor bone health and increased fracture risk despite regular exercise. His work investigates how exercise affects bone metabolism, particularly the role of ionised calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in bone resorption. Additionally, Dr. Hannah has a keen interest in exercise interventions for clinical conditions, particularly in how physical activity can be used to aid in the management and rehabilitation of chronic diseases and improve overall health outcomes.

Dr. Hannah also supervises PhD research in key areas of health and performance, including:

Physical activity’s role in stroke rehabilitation using robotic-gait assisted training
The effects of sedentary behaviour in long COVID, and whether physical activity breaks can improve cardiovascular health
The impact of resistance exercise on arterial stiffness and overall cardiovascular health

Areasofexpertise

Exercise Physiology
Bone Health
Environmental Physiology
Oxygen Kinetics
Exercise Thresholds
Cardiovascular Health
Exercise and Chronic Disease
Higher Education and Student Development

Fundingandmemberships

Member of The Physiological Society

Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy

Publications

Karanasios, E., Faulkner, J., & Hannah, S. (2026). When load doesn’t tell the whole story: Acute Effects of volume and effort matched resistance training on arterial stiffness. European Journal of Sport Science, 26(4), 1-12. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsc.70164

Belsey, J., Reid, A., Hannah, S., Johnson, L., & Faulkner, J. (2026). The effect of robot-assisted gait training on physical activity outcomes in people with spinal cord injury: A systematic review. Clinical Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1177/02692155251411864

Hudson, N., Hannah, S., Husted, M., Fryer, S., Ryan-Stewart, H., Rickenbach, M., Stone, K., & Faulkner, J. (2025). The effect of uninterrupted and interrupted sitting on vascular function in adults with long COVID. Physiological Reports, 13, e70452. https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.70452

Karanasios, E., Hannah, S., Ryan-Stewart, H., & Faulkner, J. (2025). Arterial stiffness and wave reflection responses following heavy and moderate load resistance training protocols. Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 27(4). https://doi.org/10.1111/jch.70020

Karanasios, E., Hannah, S., Ryan-Stewart, H., & Faulkner, J. (2025). The effect of different proximities to failure on arterial stiffness following resistance training protocols matched for volume-load. Physiological Reports, 13(7). https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.70196

Faulkner, J., Paine, E., Hudson, N., Hannah, S., Dennis-Jones, A., Martinelli, L., & Hobbs, H. (2025). Effect of using home-based dynamic intermittent pneumatic compression therapy during periods of physical activity on functional and vascular health outcomes in chronic stroke: A randomized controlled clinical trial. PLoS ONE, 20(2). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0318942

Hudson, N., Fryer, S., Hannah, S., Rickenbach, M., & Faulkner, J. (2023). The effect of uninterrupted and interrupted sitting on vascular health and cognitive function in people with Long COVID. In Physiology 2023 (Vol. Proc Physiol Soc 54). Article PCB012 The Physiological Society. https://www.physoc.org/abstracts/the-effect-of-uninterrupted-and-interrupted-sitting-on-vascular-health-and-cognitive-function-in-people-with-long-covid/

Hannah, S., McClean, C., McFadden, S., & McNeilly, A. (2023). The effect of exercise intensity on calcium metabolism. In Physiology 2023 (Vol. Proc Physiol Soc 54). Article C44 The Physiological Society. https://www.physoc.org/abstracts/the-effect-of-exercise-intensity-on-calcium-metabolism/

Hannah, S. S., McFadden, S., McNeilly, A., & McClean, C. (2021). “Take My Bone Away?” Hypoxia and bone: A narrative review. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 236(2), 721-740. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.29921

Hannah, S., McFadden, S., McNeilly, A., & McClean, C. (2020). The Effect of Acute Hypoxic Exercise on Calcium Metabolism. In Future Physiology 2020 (Vol. Proc Physiol Soc 46). Article PC0029 The Physiological Society. https://www.physoc.org/abstracts/the-effect-of-acute-hypoxic-exercise-on-calcium-metabolism/

Hannah, S., & Miller, S. (2018). The Effect of Postural Position on Arterial Occlusion Pressure in the Lower Body: A Methodological Consideration for Blood Flow Restriction Training. In 23rd Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science European College of Sport Science.

Education/Academic qualification

PhD, PhD Exercise Physiology

Award Date: 1 Sept 2022

Master, MSc Sport and Exercise Physiology

Award Date: 1 Sept 2015

Bachelor, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

Award Date: 1 Sept 2014

Postgraduate Certificate of Higher Education, University of Winchester

External positions

Lecturer of Exercise Physiology

Research Supervisor

Laboratory Technician