Background

I graduated with a MSc in Sports Technology at the Mid Sweden University in 2010 and completed my PhD in 2016 with a thesis entitled “Numerical Optimization of Pacing Strategies in Locomotive Endurance Sports”. I currently work as a senior lecturer at the Sports Tech Research Centre at the Mid Sweden University. I also have the position as program director of the Bachelor's programs in mechanical engineering and sports technology at the Mid Sweden University.

Area of interest

Endurance sports performance
Bimechanics
Sports equipment
Numerical computing

Current research

Currently my research efforts are devided into two main topics:

a) Optimization of pacing strategy in locomotive endurance sports with a special focus on numerical modelling and numerical optimization. The main research question is: How may an athlete vary speed along the course in order to reach the finish line in the shortest time possible? When it comes to endurance sports there are several different factors influencing the optimal layout of a pacing scheme. Therefore, the research question is reformulated into several sub-problems to investigates the impact of each factor at a time. These factors include bioenergetics, course profile, cornering, ambient wind etc. The ultimate goal is to develop models that can assist athletes in their pacing considerations while racing.

b) Running biomechanics and running performance, predominantly in downhill running which is an essential part of trail running and orienteering.

Teaching and tutoring

I am currently teaching on the following courses at the bachelor's programs in sports technology and mechanical engineering:

Mechanics, 7.5 credits
Applied biomechanics, 7.5 credits
Mechanics of materials, 7.5 credits
Analysis and simulation of mechanical design, 7.5 credits
Introduction to sports technology, 7.5 credits
Introduction to mechanical engineering, 7.5 credits
Design communication, 7.5 credits
Final Project, 15 credits

Publications

Articles in journals
Chapters in books
Conference papers
Doctoral theses, comprehensive summaries
Licentiate theses, comprehensive summaries

Articles in journals

Sundström, D. (2016). On a bioenergetic four compartment model for human exercise. Sports Engineering, vol. 19: 4, pp. 251-263.  

Sundström, D. (2016). Anpassa farten för snabbare tider. Svensk Idrottsforskning,  

Sundström, D. , Carlsson, P. & Tinnsten, M. (2014). Comparing bioenergetic models for the optimisation of pacing strategy in road cycling. Sports Engineering, vol. 17: 4, pp. 207-215.    

Sundström, D. , Carlsson, P. , Ståhl, F. & Tinnsten, M. (2013). Numerical optimization of pacing strategy in cross-country skiing. Structural and multidisciplinary optimization (Print), vol. 47: 6, pp. 943-950.    

Chapters in books

Carlsson, P. , Ainegren, M. , Tinnsten, M. , Sundström, D. , Esping, B. , Koptioug, A. & Bäckström, M. (2015). Cross-Country Ski. In The Engineering Approach to Winter Sports. Springer. pp. 107-152.  

Conference papers

Bäckström, M. , Carlsson, P. , Danvind, J. , Koptioug, A. , Sundström, D. & Tinnsten, M. (2016). A New Wind Tunnel Facility Dedicated to Sports Technology Research and Development. In Procedia Engineering. (Procedia Engineering). pp. 62--67.    

Sundström, D. , Bäckström, M. , Carlsson, P. & Tinnsten, M. (2015). A four compartment model on human exercise bioenergetics. In Procedia Engineering. (Procedia Engineering). pp. 4--9.    

Sundström, D. , Bäckström, M. , Carlsson, P. & Tinnsten, M. (2015). Optimal distribution of power output and braking for corners in road cycling. Paper presented at the Science and Cycling, Utrecht 1-2 July 2015  

Sundström, D. , Tinnsten, M. & Carlsson, P. (2014). The influence of course bends on pacing strategy in road cycling. In Conference Proceedings of The Engineering of Sport 10. (Procedia Engineering). pp. 835--840.    

Sundström, D. , Carlsson, P. & Tinnsten, M. (2013). On Optimization of Pacing Strategy in Road Cycling. In 6TH ASIA-PACIFIC CONGRESS ON SPORTS TECHNOLOGY (APCST). Melbourne : (Procedia Engineering). pp. 118--123.  

Sundström, D. , Carlsson, P. & Tinnsten, M. (2011). Optimizing pacing strategies on a hilly track in cross-country skiing. In Procedia Engineering. (Procedia engineering). pp. 10--16.    

Doctoral theses, comprehensive summaries

Sundström, D. (2016). Numerical optimization of pacing strategies in locomotive endurance sports. Dis. (Comprehensive summary) Östersund : Mid Sweden University, 2016 (Mid Sweden University doctoral thesis : 237)  

Licentiate theses, comprehensive summaries

Sundström, D. (2013). Optimized Pacing Strategies in Cross-Country Skiing and Time-Trial Road Cycling. Lic. (Comprehensive summary) Östersund : Mid Sweden University, 2013 (Mid Sweden University licentiate thesis : 95)