Dr Andrew Cooke
Senior Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Science
Location: Room G302.1, George Building, School of Sport Health & Exercise Sciences
Email: a.m.cooke@bangor.ac.uk
Bio: I am a lecturer conducting research in Psychophysiology, Sport Psychology and Skill Acquisition. I am particularly interested in understanding the mechanisms that underpin human performance, and psychophysiological interventions to enhance performance (e.g., brain training). I work with a number of high-profile organisations in sport, business and health. I am a member of the Institute for the Psychology of Elite Performance (IPEP) and lead the Psychophysiology of Performance Laboratory (POP-Lab).
IPEP webpage: http://ipep.bangor.ac.uk/
POP-Lab webpage: https://sites.google.com/view/pop-lab/home
Qualifications
- PGCert (Distinction) - Higher Education
- PhD - Psychophysiology
University of Birmingham, - BSc (Hons) First Class - Sport Science
University of Wales, Bangor,
Overview
Andy is a member of the Institute for the Psychology of Elite Performance at Bangor University. He has a BSc in Sport Science (Bangor University, 2004-2007) and a PhD in Psychophysiology (University of Birmingham, 2007-2010). Andy worked as an ESRC Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham (2010-2012), before returning to Bangor University as a Lecturer in the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences (2013-Present). His research employs a multi-measure approach (e.g., brain, eyes, heart and muscles) to investigate: a) the psychophysiological mechanisms underpinning human performance; and b) psychophysiological interventions to enhance performance (e.g., neurofeedback training). It covers a range of performance domains including sport (e.g., preparatory cortical activity distinguishes successful from unsuccessful golf putts), health (e.g., effects of neurofeedback on the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease), and transportation (e.g., effects of gaze-training on driving), and has been supported by a variety of funders (e.g., ESRC, NHS, AXA insurance, England and Wales Cricket Board).
Teaching and Supervision
Andy teaches on a range of undergraduate and postgraduate modules including:
JXH-1055 Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology
JXH-2054 Psychophysiology of Sport and Exercise
JXH-3031 & JXC-3031 Stress and Performance
JXH-4101 Performing under Pressure
He also supervises undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and dissertations in performance psychology, psychophysiology and skill aquisition.
Research Interests
My primary research interests are in:
a) the psychophysiological mechanisms underpinning human performance.
b) psychophysiological interventions to enhance performance (e.g., neurofeedback training).
I apply these interests to a range of performance domains including sport, health/rehabilitation, business and transportation.
Postgraduate Project Opportunities
I am interested in supervising PhD projects related to skill acquisition, performance psychology and/or psychophysiology.
Publications
2024
- PublishedEffects of Home-Based EEG Neurofeedback Training as a Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Parkinson’s Disease
Cooke, A., Hindle, J., Lawrence, C., Bellomo, E., Pritchard, A. W., MacLeod, C., Martin-Forbes, P., Jones, S., Bracewell, M., Linden, D. & Mehler, D., Sept 2024, In: Neurophysiologie Clinique/Clinical Neurophysiology. 54, 5, 102997.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedSome pressures are more equal than others: Effects of isolated pressure on performance
Henderson, J., Kavussanu, M., Cooke, A. & Ring, C., May 2024, In: Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 72, 102592.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedWhy elite athletes are harnessing their own brain waves for sporting success
Cooke, A., 7 Aug 2024, The Conversation.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
2023
- PublishedCan attentional focus and physical exertion affect interoception?
Forster, K., Maister, L., Wimpory, D., Cooke, A. & Gallicchio, G., 28 Jun 2023.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster - E-pub ahead of printEffects of Neurofeedback Training on Frontal Midline Theta Power, Shooting Performance and Attentional Focus with Experienced Biathletes
Toolis, T., Cooke, A., Laaksonen, M. & McGawley, K., 9 May 2023, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology. 23 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedHold your fire! Effects of mental fatigue on motivation, executive function, eye-movements, and simulated gun-shooting performance
Sabattini, L., Gallicchio, G., Marcora, S., Piras, A. & Cooke, A., Jul 2023.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review - PublishedShould I stay or should I go now? Empirical and real-life observations of the effect of uniform colour on inhibitory control
Park, S. H., Lam, W.-K., Uiga, L., Cooke, A., Capio, C. & Masters, R., 4 Jul 2023, In: Journal of Cognitive Psychology. 35, 5, p. 571-577 7 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2022
- PublishedEffects of cooperation and competition on performance, emotion and effort: Goal and means interdependence
Ring, C., Kavussanu, M. & Cooke, A., Apr 2022, In: Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 44, 2, p. 86-93 8 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedThe effects of fatigued working memory functions on hypothesis testing during acquisition of a motor skill
Hoskens, M., Uiga, L., Cooke, A., Capio, C. & Masters, R., Jun 2022, In: Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. 151, 6, p. 1306–1324
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2021
- PublishedEEG Neurofeedback Improves Cycling Time to Exhaustion
Mottola, F., Blanchfield, A., Hardy, J. & Cooke, A., Jul 2021, In: Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 55, 101944.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedEffects of 15-mins of electroencephalographic neurofeedback on time perception and decision making in sport
Pillai, J. S., Blanchfield, A. & Cooke, A., 1 Feb 2021, In: The Journal of Sport and Exercise Science. 5, 1, p. 56-68
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedElectroencephalographic neurofeedback training can decrease conscious motor control and increase single and dual-task psychomotor performance
Sidhu, A. & Cooke, A., Jan 2021, In: Experimental Brain Research. 239, 1, p. 301–313
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedI’m worth more than you! Effects of reward interdependence on performance, cohesion, emotion and effort during team competition
Shi, X., Kavussanu, M., Cooke, A., McIntyre, D. & Ring, C., Jul 2021, In: Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 55, 101953.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedReady, Steady, Go: Competition in Sport
Kavussanu, M., Cooke, A. & Jones, M., 13 Oct 2021, Oxford Handbook of Psychology and Competition. Garcia, S., Tor, A. & Elliot, A. (eds.). Oxford: Oxford University Press, p. 545-568 24 p. (The Oxford Handbook of the Psychology of Competition).
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review - PublishedThe effects of unilateral hand contractions on conscious control in early motor learning
Hoskens, M., Uiga, L., Cooke, A., Capio, C. & Masters, R., 1 Feb 2021, In: The Journal of Sport and Exercise Science. p. 21-31
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2020
- PublishedENact-PD: EEG Neuro-feedback to improve motor function in Parkinson’s
Cooke, A., Lawrence, C., Bellomo, E., Pritchard, A., MacLeod, C., Martin-Forbes, P., Mehler, D., Jones, S., Bracewell, M. & Hindle, J., 29 Jun 2020, Springer Nature.
Research output: Other contribution - PublishedI am great, but only when I also want to dominate: Maladaptive narcissism moderates the relationship between adaptive narcissism and performance under pressure
Zhang, S., Roberts, R., Cooke, A. & Woodman, T., Aug 2020, In: Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 42, 4, p. 323-335
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedInhibitory control, conscious processing of movement and anxiety
Park, S. H., Lam, W.-K., Hoskens, M., Uiga, L., Cooke, A. & Masters, R., 31 Jan 2020, In: Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 46
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedMind and body: Psychophysiological profiles of instructional and motivational self-talk
Bellomo, E., Cooke, A., Gallicchio, G., Ring, C. & Hardy, J., Sept 2020, In: Psychophysiology. 57, 9, e13586.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedThe effect of unilateral hand contractions on psychophysiological activity during motor performance: Evidence of verbal-analytical engagement
Hoskens, M., Bellomo, E., Uiga, L., Cooke, A. & Masters, R., 30 May 2020, In: Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 48, 101668.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedWatch out for the hazard! Blurring peripheral vision facilitates hazard perception in driving
Ryu, D., Cooke, A., Bellomo, E. & Woodman, T., Oct 2020, In: Accident Analysis and Prevention. 146, 105755.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2019
- PublishedA psychophysiological account of the quiet eye phenomenon: novel methods and insights
Gallicchio, G., Cooke, A. & Ring, C., Jul 2019.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review - PublishedAnxiety and Ironic Errors of Performance: Task Instruction Matters
Gorgulu, R., Cooke, A. & Woodman, T., Apr 2019, In: Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 41, 2, p. 82-95 14 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedDon’t make me angry! A psychophysiological examination of the anger-performance relationship in intermediate and elite fencers
Zur, I., Cooke, A., Woodman, T., Neil, R. & Udewitz, R., 3 Jul 2019, In: Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. 31, 3, p. 285-302
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedGet in the endurance zone! EEG neurofeedback improves cycling time to exhaustion
Mottola, F., Blanchfield, A., Hardy, J. & Cooke, A., Jul 2019.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review - PublishedMental Toughness Training
Beattie, S., Hardy, L., Cooke, A. & Gucciardi, D., 21 Nov 2019, Skill Acquisition in Sport: Research, Theory and Practice. Routledge, p. 255-270
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review - PublishedNeural correlates of motor performance in target sports: the model of movement-related alpha gating
Gallicchio, G., Cooke, A. & Ring, C., Jul 2019.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review - PublishedPsychophysiology of Sport, Exercise, and Performance: Past, Present, and Future
Cooke, A. & Ring, C., 1 Feb 2019, In: Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology. 8, 1, p. 1-6 6 p., 1.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Editorial › peer-review - PublishedThe effect of neurofeedback training on walking performance under a constrained induced motor impairment
Sidhu, A. & Cooke, A., 26 Nov 2019, In: The Journal of Sport and Exercise Science. 3, 1, p. 21 1 p., 16.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Conference article › peer-review - PublishedThe effects of pre-performance unilateral hand contraction protocols on cognitive verbal processes during a golf putting task
Hoskens, M., Bellomo, E., Cooke, A. & Masters, R., Jul 2019.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review - PublishedThe effects of working memory fatigue on verbal-analytical engagement in motor planning
Hoskens, M., Uiga, L., Cooke, A. & Masters, R., 26 Nov 2019, In: The Journal of Sport and Exercise Science. p. 22 1 p., 18.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Conference article › peer-review - PublishedTraining the Brain to Mimic Medication: An Investigation of the Feasibility and Effectiveness of Home-Based "Brain Training" as a Non-Pharmacological Treatment for Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.
Cooke, A., MacLeod, C., Pritchard, A., Bellomo, E., Lawrence, C., Martin-Forbes, P., Bracewell, R., Linden, D., Mehler, D., Jones, S. & Hindle, J., 25 May 2019.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review - PublishedUse your brain! Brainwaves predict behaviour, how can they be trained?
Cooke, A., 26 Nov 2019, In: The Journal of Sport and Exercise Science. 3, 1, p. 13 14 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Conference article › peer-review - PublishedWhen the Going Gets Tough, Who Gets Going? An Examination of the Relationship Between Narcissism, Effort, and Performance
Roberts, R., Cooke, A., Woodman, T., Hupfeld, H., Barwood, C. & Manley, H., Feb 2019, In: Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology. 8, 1, p. 93-105
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2018
- PublishedAssessing ocular activity during performance of motor skills using electrooculography
Gallicchio, G., Cooke, A. & Ring, C., Jul 2018, In: Psychophysiology. 55, 7, 12 p., e13070.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedChunking, conscious processing, and EEG during sequence acquisition and performance pressure: a comprehensive test of reinvestment theory
Bellomo, E., Cooke, A. & Hardy, J., 1 Jun 2018, In: Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 40, 3, p. 135-145
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedNeurofeedback research in sport: A critical review of the field
Cooke, A., Bellomo, E., Gallicchio, G. & Ring, C., Oct 2018, Handbook of Sport Neuroscience and Psychophysiology. Carlstedt, R. (ed.). New York: Routledge, p. 282-303 22 p.
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
2017
- PublishedEye quietness and quiet eye in expert and novice golf performance: An electrooculographic analysis.
Gallicchio, G., Cooke, A., Kavussanu, M. & Ring, C., Jul 2017.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review - PublishedI am great and I want to dominate: Narcissism and performance under stress
Zhang, S., Roberts, R., Cooke, A. & Woodman, T., 2017, Journal of Sports Sciences. sup1 ed. Vol. 35. p. s12
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review - PublishedPractice makes efficient: Cortical alpha oscillations are associated with improved golf putting performance
Gallicchio, G., Cooke, A. & Ring, C., 2017, In: Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology. p. 89-102
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedPractice makes efficient: Effects of golf practice on brain activity
Gallicchio, G., Cooke, A. & Ring, C., May 2017.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract › peer-review - PublishedQuiet eye and eye quietness: Electrooculographic methods to examine ocular activity in motor control tasks.
Gallicchio, G., Cooke, A. & Ring, C., Oct 2017.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review - PublishedThe moderating role of narcissism on the reciprocal relationship between self-efficacy and performance
Beattie, S., Dempsey, C., Roberts, R., Woodman, T. & Cooke, A., May 2017, In: Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology. 6, 2, p. 199-214
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2016
- PublishedLower left temporal-frontal connectivity characterizes expert and accurate performance: High-alpha T7-Fz connectivity as a marker of conscious processing during movement
Gallicchio, G., Cooke, A. & Ring, C., Feb 2016, In: Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology. 5, 1, p. 14-24
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2015
- PublishedConscious processing and cortico-cortical functional connectivity in golf putting.
Gallicchio, G., Cooke, A. & Ring, C., Apr 2015.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review - PublishedInvestigating the efficacy of neurofeedback training for expediting expertise and excellence in sport
Ring, C., Cooke, A., Kavussanu, M., McIntyre, D. & Masters, R., Jan 2015, In: Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 16, 1, p. 118-127
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedPremovement high-alpha power is modulated by previous movement errors: Indirect evidence to endorse high-alpha power as a marker of resource allocation during motor programming
Cooke, A., Gallicchio, G., Kavussanu, M., Willoughby, A., McIntyre, D. & Ring, C., Jul 2015, In: Psychophysiology. 52, 7, p. 977-981
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2014
- PublishedPreparation for action: Psychophysiological activity preceding a motor skill as a function of expertise, performance outcome, and psychological pressure
Cooke, A., Kavussanu, M., Gallicchio, G., Willoughby, A., McIntyre, D. & Ring, C., 1 Apr 2014, In: Psychophysiology. 51, 4, p. 374-384
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2013
- PublishedQuiet eye training: A means to implicit motor learning
Vine, S., Moore, L., Cooke, A., Ring, C. & Wilson, M., 1 Nov 2013, In: International Journal of Sport Psychology. 44, 4, p. 367-386
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedReadying the head and steadying the heart: a review of cortical and cardiac studies of preparation for action in sport
Cooke, A., 2013, In: International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 6, 1, p. 122-138
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedThe Effects of Individual and Team Competitions on Performance, Emotions, and Effort
Cooke, A., Kavussanu, M., McIntyre, D. & Ring, C., 1 Apr 2013, In: Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 35, 2, p. 132-143
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2012
- PublishedQuiet eye training expedites motor learning and aids performance under heightened anxiety: The roles of response programming and external attention
Moore, L. J., Vine, S. J., Cooke, A., Ring, C. & Wilson, M. R., Jul 2012, In: Psychophysiology. 49, 7, p. 1005-1015
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2011
- PublishedEffects of competition on endurance performance and the underlying psychological and physiological mechanisms
Cooke, A., Kavussanu, M., McIntyre, D. & Ring, C., 1 Mar 2011, In: Biological Psychology. 86, 3, p. 370-378
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedEffects of competitive pressure on expert performance: Underlying psychological, physiological, and kinematic mechanisms
Cooke, A., Kavussanu, M., McIntyre, D., Boardley, I. D. & Ring, C., Aug 2011, In: Psychophysiology. 48, 8, p. 1146-1156
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2010
- PublishedPsychological, muscular and kinematic factors mediate performance under pressure
Cooke, A., Kavussanu, M., McIntyre, D. & Ring, C., Nov 2010, In: Psychophysiology. 47, 6, p. 1109-1118
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Activities
2024
- Coach Noah Talks Podcast Episode #46 - Psychophysiology w/ Dr. Andrew Cooke
Interview on the Coach Noah Talks golf science podcast discussing IPEP research on the psychophysiological mechanisms that underpin the pressure-performance relationship, and psychophysiological interventions to enhance performance.
20 May 2024
Links:
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor)
2023
- Ryder Cup 2023: How putting can be improved by controlling brainwaves
BBC Sport Article previewing the Ryder Cup featuring quotes and with a focus on IPEP golf research.
26 Sep 2023
Links:
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor) - BBC Mental Muscle Podcast - How can brain waves improve your golf putt?
Interview about IPEP research on the psychophysiological patterns that characterize golf putts, and the potential of neurofeedback training.
17 Sep 2023
Links:
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor) - BBC Mental Muscle Podcast - How do you win the egg and spoon race?
Podcast interview featuring IPEP research on the neuroscience of aiming
23 Jul 2023
Links:
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor)
2022
- BUIIA Training and Networking conference
BU-IIA training and networking conference Bangor University
19 Oct 2022
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Participant) - Healthwise Wales research meeting
BU-IIA project meeting with Healthwise Wales
13 Oct 2022
Activity: Participation in Academic workshop, seminar, course (Speaker) - Who, What, Why not:applying BeSci to population health
Public Health Wales Behavioral Science Unit Presentation
12 Oct 2022
Activity: Participation in Academic conference (Participant) - BU-IIA Funded Project: Agency and Communion in Wales: A Framework to Understand Behaviour, Health and Well-Being During the Wales COVID-19 Response and Recovery
In this project we will increase understanding of variability in human behaviour during the various phases of Wales’ COVID-19 response and post COVID recovery. We will also shed light on how individual differences influence psychological well-being over time, as the Welsh population continues to adapt to new ways of life in this post-COVID recovery phase. The project will allow us to provide recommendations to the Welsh Government with a view to optimizing their messaging to maximise positive behavioural outcomes (e.g., prosocial behaviours, rule adherence) and minimise costs to health and well-being (e.g., problems associated with high stress) in the population.
Funding awarded through the Bangor University Innovation and Impact Award (Research Wales Innovation Funding). Value = £47,535
4 May 2022 – 30 Apr 2023
Activity: Other (Contributor)
2018
- On course to perfect your putt
Article in the "i" newspaper
4 Oct 2018
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor) - Golf: the neuroscience of the perfect putt
Article for The Conversation
28 Sep 2018
Links:
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor) - Neurofeedback in Sport - Radio Interview
Live interview on BBC Radio Wales about Neurofeedback and the Ryder Cup
28 Sep 2018
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor)
2015
- Stay fit by getting into swing with science
Article about my research in the Daily Post newspaper
6 Jan 2015
Activity: Types of Public engagement and outreach - Media article or participation (Contributor)
Projects
-
Sêr Cymru STEMM Research Equipment - Trigno Research System Package
01/11/2022 – 19/08/2023 (Finished)
Other Grants and Projects
01/2019: Economic & Social Research Council Impact Acceleration Fund (£9,984). The psychology of hazard perception. Role = Principal Investigator.
02/2017: England and Wales Cricket Board (£40,000). Profiling and enhancing performance under pressure in elite cricketers. Role = Co-Investigator
01/2017: AXA (€130,000). How to reduce the risk of accidents in driving: The effect of gaze-contingent perceptual training on driving safety. Role = Academic Mentor
10/2015: Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (£57,060). EEG Neurofeedback to improve motor function in Parkinson’s. Role = Principal Investigator
10/2014: European Social Fund (£6,480). All in the head: Neural underpinnings of Plane-Easy learning in golf. Role = Co-Principal Investigator
09/2014: NEURODEM Cymru (£5,964). Neurofeedback in Parkinson’s disease. Role = Co-Investigator
07/2014: English Institute of Sport (£58,700). Psychophysiological profiling of elite coaches. Role = Co-Investigator
04/2013: National Institute for Social Care & Health Research (£22,637). Research equipment award. Role = Co-Principal Investigator
11/2011: Economic & Social Research Council (£79,301). The social and cognitive neuroscience of performance under pressure. Role = Named Researcher
10/2010: Economic & Social Research Council (£82,154). The winner takes it all versus all for one and one for all: The social neuroscience of individual and intergroup competition. Role = Principal Investigator
Personal
Outside of work, Andy enjoys watching and participating in sport, where he tries to employ the performance-optimization techniques that he researches.