OU Profiles homepage Edit my profile User guide Accessibility Statement
Picture of Mark Antrobus

Dr Mark Antrobus

Senior Lecturer In Sport And Exercise Science

School of Education, Childhood, Youth & Sport

mark.antrobus@open.ac.uk

Biography

Dr Mark Antrobus is a Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science at the Open University. Mark’s specialist areas are exercise physiology and strength and conditioning. He is accredited by the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). He has provided support to a wide range of clients from elite to recreational athletes. 

Research interests

Mark’s research focuses on sports genomics and molecular exercise physiology with current focus on the genetic influence of concussion and impacts on rugby athletes. His research also investigates molecular mechanisms of exercise on neurodegenerative conditions.

A full list of Mark's publications can be found by  clicking on the 'publications' tab above and on his ResearchGate profile.

ORCiD: 0000-0002-4229-6888

Teaching interests

Mark is involved in the writing and development of modules in the Sport and Exercise Science programme.

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

Publications

Book Chapter

Epigenetics, exercise, and the immune system (2021)

Journal Article

Epigenetics of concussion: A systematic review (2025)

Genetics of Performance and Injury: Considerations for the Strength and Conditioning Coach (2024)

The association of the ACE gene I/D polymorphism and in-game performance in elite Rugby Union players (2024)

Concussion-Associated Gene Variant COMT rs4680 Is Associated With Elite Rugby Athlete Status (2023)

Gene Variants Previously Associated with Reduced Soft-tissue Injury Risk: Part 2 - Polygenic Associations with Elite Status in Rugby (2023)

Gene variants previously associated with reduced soft tissue injury risk: Part 1 - independent associations with elite status in rugby (2023)

Collagen Gene Polymorphisms Previously Associated with Resistance to Soft-Tissue Injury Are More Common in Competitive Runners Than Nonathletes (2023)

Concussion-Associated Polygenic Profiles of Elite Male Rugby Athletes (2022)

Genetic Factors That Could Affect Concussion Risk in Elite Rugby (2021)

Anthropometric and Physiological Characteristics of Elite Male Rugby Athletes (2020)

The validity and reliability of the My Jump 2 app for measuring the reactive strength index and drop jump performance (2019)

Tendon and Ligament Injuries in Elite Rugby: The Potential Genetic Influence (2019)

Lower Extremity Stiffness : Effects on Performance and Injury and Implications for Training (2014)

Presentation / Conference

The effect of a novel 8-week multi-exercise, home-based isometric resistance training programme on resting and ambulatory blood pressure in pre- and hypertensive adults (2025)