Michael is an experienced sports engineering and research consultant, with a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Sports Engineering, as well, as a Ph.D focused on developing advanced human body measurement techniques within sport and health applications. His doctoral research explored the use of 3D surface-imaging technology to improve the prediction of fat mass within the human torso
Michael combines his expertise in advanced human body measurement and research design to help clients create products that are optimised for user interaction and performance.
Alongside his academic career, Michael has extensive industry experience as an engineer and consultant within the sport, health, and human performance sectors. His previous roles include working as an Engineer at PING Golf and a Special Projects Consultant at Labosport UK, where he led research, product testing, and technical consultancy projects for commercial clients and sporting governing bodies.
Michael’s strong research background and extensive experience of working as a consultant with commercial partners make him ideally placed to contribute to the success of any project.
Expertise areas:
- Digital Anthropometry & 3D Body Shape Analysis: Expertise in developing software and methodologies to extract and analyse body size and shape from 3D scans.
- Manual Measurement Profiling: ISAK Level 2 accredited technician with extensive experience measuring individuals and sports teams for performance and weight
- Data Analysis & Machine Learning: Skilled in applying advanced analytics and machine learning to large, multidimensional datasets to deliver actionable insights.
- Product Testing: Experienced in validating prototypes through mechanical, biomechanical, and user-based testing across the product development cycle.
Professional Engagement
- Member of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK)
- BSI National Committee Chair PH/9/-/4 “Ergonomics – Anthropometry and Biomechanics”
- BSI National Committee member PH/9 “Applied Ergonomics”
- BSI National Committee member SW/65 “Children’s playground equipment”
Publication History
Selected Journal Articles:
- James, D., Thelwell, M., Forrester, S. et al. Comparison of the vertical compliance and rotational stiffness of natural, hybrid and artificial football surfaces. Sports Eng 29, 13 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12283-026-00546-7
- Thelwell, M.; Masters, N.; Appleyard, R.; Bullas, A.M. Advanced Body Measurement Techniques Can Complement Current Methods of Cytotoxic Chemotherapy Dose Prescription. Appl. Sci. (2024) 14, 834. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020834
- Thelwell M, Bullas A, Kühnapfel A, Hart J, Ahnert P, Wheat J, et al. (2022) Modelling of human torso shape variation inferred by geometric morphometrics. PLoS ONE 17(3): e0265255. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265255
- Thelwell, M., Chiu, CY., Bullas, A. et al. How shape-based anthropometry can complement traditional anthropometric techniques: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 10, 12125 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-69099-4
- Full publication list
Conference Proceedings:
- Thelwell et al. (2023). O.3.2-1 Evaluation of the Active Together multi-modal cancer rehabilitation service embedded within clinical care, European Journal of Public Health, Volume 33, Issue Supplement_1
- Thelwell, et al. (2020). Allometry between measures of body size and shape in a large population-based cohort. in Proc. of 3DBODY.TECH
- Chiu, Thelwell, et al. (2019). Accuracy of Anthropometric Measurements by a Video-based 3D Modelling Technique. CMBBE 2019 Conference Proceedings E-06.3 (pg. 246), New York, USA.