Dr Germano Gallicchio
Sport and Exercise Sciences Lecturer (Teaching & Research)
Email: g.gallicchio (at) bangor.ac.uk
Office number: 303.1
Office address: University Normal Site, George Building, Holyhead Rd, Bangor LL57 2PZ
Student meetings:
- Tutorial: A 15-min meeting that can be booked through this page. If you would like the meeting to last longer than 15 minutes, please book multiple contiguous sessions.
Please note that these meetings are run online using MS Teams.
Qualifications
- Professional: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
2022 - PG Cert in Advanced Research Methods and Skills
University of Birmingham, 2015–2018 - PhD: Psychophysiology
University of Birmingham, 2015–2018 - MSc: Sport Sciences with Specialization in Sports Psychology
Lund University, 2011–2013 - MSc: Sports Science: Diagnostic and Intervention
University of Leipzig, 2011–2013 - MSc: Experimental Psychology and Cognitive-Behavioural Neuroscience
University of Padova, 2007–2009 - BSc: Psychological, Cognitive, and Psychobiological Sciences
University of Padova, 2004–2007
Overview
Areas: Psychophysiology; Neuroscience
Bio. My background is in Psychology. In 2007 I received a BSc in Psychological, Cognitive, and Psychobiological Sciences from the University of Padova (Italy) followed in 2009 by an MSc in Experimental Psychology and Cognitive-Behavioural Neuroscience. It was during these years that I developed my passion for psychophysiology. After completing my MSc degree, I continued working as a research assistant at the Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, and then at the School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham (UK). I then returned to Italy to sit the State Examination for Psychology, which is necessary for the professional practice in psychology. While continuing my personal study in psychophysiology, I decided to formally study Sport and Exercise Sciences and in 2013 I completed a double MSc awarded jointly by Lund University (Sweden) and the University of Leipzig (Germany). In 2014-15 I worked as a research assistant at the Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg (Austria), deepening my study of electrophysiological signal processing. I returned to the UK in 2015 to start an ESRC-funded PhD in Psychophysiology at the University of Birmingham while at the same time completing a PGCert in Advanced Research Methods and Skills. As part of my doctoral training, I had the opportunity to visit the Cognitive Motor Neuroscience Laboratory of the University of Maryland. In 2018 I started a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship at the School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University. Since 2020 I have been a Lecturer at the School of Psychology and Sport Science, Bangor University, where I am a member of the research institutes for the Psychology of Elite Performance (IPEP) and for Applied Human Physiology (IAHP).
Research. I use and develop methods of computational psycho/electrophysiology to study the modulatory effect of cognitive processes (e.g., motor control, working memory, perception), psychological states (e.g., mental fatigue), and disease (e.g, essential hypertension) on biological systems (e.g., cortical, cardiovascular, ocular, somatic) and their interplay (e.g., cross-frequency cross-system coupling).
Teaching. I organize and teach several modules for the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences within a wide area that, within my lectureship at Bangor, has spanned psychophysiology, psychology, biomechanics, and anatomy. I supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students. Since 2022 I have been a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).
Admin. In addition to being a personal tutor for some students, I hold/have held the following roles:
- 2024-25 Lead of Internationalisation for Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences
- 2023-25 Reviewer in the Research Ethics and Governance Committee
- 2022-24 Lead of the School of Psychology and Sport Science Research Colloquia
- 2020-22 Admission Tutor for the School of Sport, Health, and Exercise Sciences
Teaching and Supervision
In addition to teaching modules (see table below), I supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students (e.g., Dissertations, Research Project, Sport and Exercise Science Practitioner).
Example topics/questions for UG and PG supervision:
- What task characteristics contribute to mental fatigue the most? How can we counter mental fatigue?
- Optimal preparation, monitoring, and control of skilled actions, such as target sports.
- Can individuals perceive and self-regulate their biological activity (e.g., cardiac parameters)?
| 2024-25 | 2023-24 | 2022-23 | 2021-22 | 2020-21 |
| JXH-1057 Applied Biomechanics and Anatomy | JXH-1057 Applied Biomechanics and Anatomy | JXH-1020 Biomechanics | JXH-1020 Biomechanics | |
| JXH-1055 Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology | JXH-1055 Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology | JXH-1055 Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology | JXH-1027 Psychomotor Behaviour | |
| JXH-3089 Psychophysiology of Sport and Exercise | JXH-2054 Psychophysiology of Sport and Exercise | |||
| JXH-3042 Stress and Performance | JXH-3031 Stress and Performance | JXH-3031 Stress and Performance | JXH-3031 Stress and Performance | JXH-3031 Stress and Performance |
bold = Module Organizer
Research Interests
Publications: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=i3h3GbMAAAAJ&hl=en
Software: https://github.com/GermanoGallicchio
Current PhD supervision:
- Thipkanlaya Jaiaue (primary supervisor)
- James Hodgetts
- Liam Hardman
- Kitty Forster
Postgraduate Project Opportunities
TOPIC: Please, look at my recent publications to have an idea of my research area.
FUNDING: No funded positions at the moment (July 2024).
SKILLS: Statistical proficiency and ambition are fundamental. The ability to code (e.g., MATLAB, R, Python) is desirable.
Publications
2024
- PublishedComments on “The relationship between T7‑Fz alpha coherence and peak performance in self‑paced sports: a meta‑analytical review” (Raman, Filho, Exp Brain., 2024): a verbal (analytical) disagreement
Parr, J., Gallicchio, G. & Wood, G., 25 Sept 2024, In: Experimental Brain Research.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review - PublishedEcological uses of external and internal foci of attention: A qualitative investigation into OPTIMAL Theory of Motor Learning.
Gottwald, V., Hardman, L., Owen, R., Gallicchio, G., Roberts, J. & Knight, C., 16 Jul 2024.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review - PublishedEffects of task difficulty on performance and event-related bradycardia during preparation for action
Henderson, J., Kavussanu, M., Gallicchio, G. & Ring, C., Jan 2024, In: Psychology of Sport and Exercise. 70, 102548.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedElectrophysiological signal processing as a tool to study preparatory processes in sports
Gallicchio, G., Sept 2024.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Other › peer-review - PublishedTemporal and spectral electrooculographic features in a discrete precision task
Gallicchio, G., Ryu, D., Krishnani, M., Tasker, G., Pecunioso, A. & Jackson, R., Mar 2024, In: Psychophysiology. 61, 3, e14461.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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 - PublishedCortical, muscular, and kinetic activity underpinning attentional focus strategies during visuomotor control
Parr, J., Gallicchio, G., Canales-Johnson, A., Uiga, L. & Wood, G., 10 Jan 2023, In: Psychophysiology. 60, 6, p. e14249
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedEEG correlates of verbal and conscious processing of motor control in sport and human movement: A systematic review
Parr, J., Gallicchio, G. & Wood, G., 2023, In: International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 16, 1, p. 396-427 32 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Review 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 - PublishedTemporal and spectral electrooculographic features in a discrete precision task
Gallicchio, G. (Developer), Ryu, D. (Other), Krishnani, M. (Other), Tasker, G. (Other), Pecunioso, A. (Other) & Jackson, R. (Other), Oct 2023
Research output: Non-textual form › Software
2022
- PublishedCortical, muscular, and kinetic activity underpinning attentional focus strategies during visuomotor control
Parr, J. V. V., Gallicchio, G., Canales-Johnson, A., Uiga, L. & Wood, G., Jul 2022, (bioRxiv).
Research output: Working paper › Preprint - PublishedHow does an internal focus of attention alter the functional coupling between the brain and muscles?
Parr, J., Gallicchio, G., Uiga, L. & Wood, G., 2022.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract › peer-review - PublishedQuiet heart and quiet eye: Cardiac and ocular correlates of preparation for action
Pecunioso, A., Gallicchio, G., Ryu, D. & Jackson, R., May 2022.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review - PublishedTemporal and spectral electrooculographic features in an aiming task
Gallicchio, G., Ryu, D., Tasker, G., Krishnani, M., Pecunioso, A. & Jackson, R., Jul 2022.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review
2020
- PublishedAll talk? Challenging the use of left-temporal EEG alpha oscillations as valid measures of verbal processing and conscious motor control.
Parr, J., Gallicchio, G., Harrison, N., Johnen, A. K. & Wood, G., Sept 2020, In: Biological Psychology. 155, 107943.
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 quiet eye effect: A test of the visual and postural-kinematic hypotheses
Gallicchio, G. & Ring, C., 1 Feb 2020, In: Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology. 9, 1, p. 143-159
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 - PublishedDon’t look, don’t think, just do it! Towards an understanding of alpha gating in a discrete aiming task.
Gallicchio, G. & Ring, C., Mar 2019, In: Psychophysiology. 56, 3, e13298.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › 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 - PublishedThe advantage of a quiet eye: visual processing or postural stability?
Gallicchio, G. & Ring, C., 2019.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract › peer-review - PublishedThe influence of physical exercise on the relation between the phase of cardiac cycle and shooting accuracy in biathlon
Gallicchio, G., Finkenzeller, T., Sattlecker, G., Lindinger, S. & Hoedlmoser, K., May 2019, In: European Journal of Sport Science. 19, 5, p. 567-575
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 - 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 - 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
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 - PublishedShooting under cardiovascular load: Electroencephalographic activity in preparation for biathlon shooting.
Gallicchio, G., Finkenzeller, T., Sattlecker, G., Lindinger, S. & Hoedlmoser, K., Nov 2016, In: International Journal of Psychophysiology. 109, p. 92-99
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 - PublishedEEG spectral power and coherence during biathlon rifle shooting: A pilot study.
Gallicchio, G., Sattlecker, G., Finkenzeller, T. & Hoedlmoser, K., Jan 2015.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract › peer-review - PublishedPreparatory EEG spectral power and coherence in biathlon rifle shooting: A pilot study.
Gallicchio, G., Sattlecker, G., Finkenzeller, T. & Hoedlmoser, K., 2015.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Poster › peer-review - PublishedReduced cerebral and cardiovascular hemodynamics during sustained affective stimulation in young women with chronic low blood pressure
Cellini, N., de Zambotti, M., Covassin, N., Gallicchio, G., Stegagno, L. & Sarlo, M., 1 May 2015, In: Physiology and Behavior. 143, p. 83-89
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
- PublishedImpaired cerebral and systemic hemodynamics under cognitive load in young hypotensives: a transcranial Doppler study.
Sarlo, M., de Zambotti, M., Gallicchio, G., Devigili, A. & Stegagno, L., Apr 2013, In: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine. 36, 2, p. 134-142
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2012
- PublishedTemporal dynamics of cognitive-emotional interplay in moral decision-making.
Sarlo, M., Lotto, L., Manfrinati, A., Rumiati, R., Gallicchio, G. & Palomba, D., Apr 2012, In: Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience. 24, 4, p. 1018-1029
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Activities
2023
- Christopher Ring
One-week visit funded by the Higher Education Funding Council Wales (HEFCW)
Jun 2023
Activity: Hosting an academic visitor (Host) - University of Granada
visit to Prof Andrés Catena funded by Taith
May 2023
Activity: Visiting an external academic institution (Visiting researcher)
2022
- Electrophysiology as a tool for studying the preparation and control of skilled action
22 Jun 2022
Links:
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker) - BU-IIA Funded Project: Cardiac cycle effects on cognition in hypertensive individuals
Hypertension (elevated arterial blood pressure) is a medical condition affecting one in five adults in Wales. Remarkably, even prior to showing clinical evidence of cerebrovascular damage, hypertensive individuals develop mild cognitive functional deficits affecting working memory and attention. The objectives of this project are to (a) provide new evidence for aberrant cognitive processing (working memory and attention) in newly-diagnosed and unmedicated hypertensives through behavioural data and electroencephalographic signals (EEG), (b) improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of hypertension by determining the extent to which aberrant cognitive processing due to hypertension are moderated by the phase of the cardiac cycle wherein target stimuli are presented (cardiac cycle effect), and (c) identify a small portion of the data allowing to predict the severity of cognitive decline without the need for patients to undergo long testing sessions and operators to perform complex EEG signal processing.
Funding awarded through the Bangor University Innovation and Impact Award (Research Wales Innovation Funding). Value = £6947
1 Apr 2022 – 31 Mar 2023
Activity: Other (Recipient)
2021
- Psychophysiology of sport: preparation for action
Seminar conducted at the Department of General Psychology, University of Padova.
May 2021
Links:
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker) - A psychophysiological account of the Quiet Eye phenomenon in target sports.
17 Mar 2021
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
2020
- Movement-related alpha gating in a discrete aiming task
IPEP talk
29 Oct 2020
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
2018
- University of Maryland , USA
visit to Prof Bradley Hatfield, funded by ESRC
2018
Activity: Visiting an external academic institution (Visiting researcher)
Other Information
Professional affiliations:
- Society for Psychophysiological Research (SPR)
- Italian Strength & Conditioning Society (ITASCS)
Previous positions (other institutions)
- 2018 → 2020 Research Fellow, School of Sport, Exercise, and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, UK
- 2018 (1 month) Visiting Doctoral Researcher, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, USA
- 2015 → 2018 Doctoral Researcher and Teaching Assistant, School of Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
- 2014 → 2015 Research Assistant, Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Austria
- 2010 → 2011 Research Intern, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
- 2009 → 2010 Research Intern, Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
- 2008 → 2009 Research Intern, Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
- 2006 → 2007 Research Intern, Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Italy
Ad hoc reviewer for:
- Psychophysiology
- Biological Psychology
- Physiology & Behavior
- Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
- Experimental Brain Research
- NeuroImage
- Neuroscience Letters
- Brain Topography
- Frontiers in Psychology
- European Journal of Sports Science
- Psychology of Sport & Exercise
- Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Sport, Exercise & Performance Psychology
Up-to-date list here