Christopher Napier

Dr. Chris Napier is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and a core faculty member of the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility. He leads the Human Performance Lab at Simon Fraser University’s WearTech Labs — a state-of-the-art motion capture and wearable technology lab based in Surrey. He also actively practices as a sport physiotherapist at Restore Physiotherapy in downtown Vancouver. 

Dr. Napier obtained his Master of Physiotherapy degree in 2003 and his Diploma of Sport Physiotherapy in 2007, and went on to complete his PhD in running biomechanics and injury prevention at UBC in 2018. His research focuses on biomechanics and training load factors in running-related injury, using lab- and field-based measures. Clinically, he has worked at all levels of sport from weekend warrior to professional level. He is currently a physiotherapist for Athletics Canada and has been part of the medical team for World Championships, Pan Am Games, Commonwealth Games, Winter Olympics and Summer Olympics. He is the author of the bestselling book "Science of Running" and also currently serves on the executive board of the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy.