Ms Kat Allott

Kat is a Lecturer in Sports Biomechanics on the Sport and Fitness and Sport and Exercise Science qualifications at The Open University, specialising in musculoskeletal biomechanics of human movement. She is currently undertaking her PhD in biomechanics and neuromuscular function at Loughborough University. Kat’s research focuses on better understanding muscle and tendon function during maximum effort sporting movements such as jumping. Kat combines measured data from athletes with musculoskeletal modelling and simulation to predict muscle function during dynamic activities, with the aim of providing insights into injury prediction and limits to sports performance.

Research interests

As an international level trampoline gymnast, Kat is interested in the biomechanics of sports techniques, particularly in aerial sports. Kat has applied experience in high performance sport and is interested in integrating knowledge from across sports science disciplines as part of an interdisciplinary approach to supporting athletes with injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance.

Kat presented her PhD research at the 30^th International Society of Biomechanics conference in Stockholm, Sweden, in July 2025 and is involved in organising the 44^th International Society of Biomechanics in Sports conference, which will be held at Loughborough University in July 2026.

Teaching interests

Kat is interested in how mechanical principles are applied to inform coaching practice in sport, and she embeds this applied perspective in the curriculum development and module production of E239 on the Sport and Exercise Science programme. Kat is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and is currently reserve module chair on E235 (Sport and exercise psychology in action). 

To find out more about the Sport and Fitness qualifications available at The Open University please click here.