Omar undertook doctoral studies at Manchester Metropolitan University leading to a PhD on locomotion in old age. Specific areas of investigation at this time included studies on determinants of the higher metabolic cost of walking in old age, mechanics of stair negotiation in old age, and the impact of exercise training on gait in old age. 

He then undertook postdoctoral work at University College London focusing on how vestibular information is utilised in the control of balance, as well as examining the mode of action of galvanic vestibular stimulation, and of vestibular stimulation by static magnetic fields. He has also held positions at Durham University and London South Bank University.

He joined University of Roehampton in September 2016 and worked as a lecturer (primarily in biomechanics of human movement) up to August 2022. He is currently affiliated with the university as an Honarary Research Fellow and PhD supervisor.

BSc, Loughborough University, Physical Education and Sports Science

MSc, Loughborough University, Exercise Physiology

PhD, Manchester Metropolitan University, Locomotion in Old Age

Omar’s general research interests are the control and mechanics of gait and balance, as well as how this changes with ageing and disease. He is particularly interested in the contributions of vestibular input to the control of gait and balance.  

Omar previously undertook programme convernorship, module convernorship, and lecturing roles on undergraduate and postgraduate Sport & Exercise Sciences courses at the university:

• Programme convenor for BSc Sport & Exercise Sciences (2019-2022)
• Module convenor and lecturer for the postgraduate module Neuromusculoskeletal Function (2016-2022)
• Module convenor and lecturer for the year 2 undergraduate module Research Methods (2016-2019)
• Contributing lecturer on the undergraduate modules Applied Biomechanics (year 2) and Biomechanics: Performance & Injury (year 3)

International Society for Posture & Gait Research

The Physiological Society