Associate Professor Kidgell's research interests are in the area of neurophysiology of exercise and he specialises in the technique of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) which is a non-invasive method of measuring the functional properties (neuroplasticity) of the human brain, in particular the primary motor cortex. Through the use of this technique, Associate Professor Kidgell has been quantifying the motor cortical responses to strength training. Associate Professor Kidgell is also interested in the neuromodulatory effects of transcranial direct current stimulation prior to, during and following strength training to facilitate the motor cortical responses to training. Associate Professor Kidgell uses sophisticated stimulation and electrophysiological recording and analysis techniques to address these issues, which include TMS, tDCS, spinal cord reflex testing, surface electromyography and single motor unit recordings. The overall goal of his research is to understand how the healthy nervous system functions to control movements following a variety of interventions, and how it may be rehabilitated following neuromuscular injury or disease.

Associate Professor Kidgell has authored 108 peer-reviewed journal papers that have examined the effects of exercise and non-invasive brain stimulation on the human brain. Associate Professor Kidgell has also received in excess of 2.5 million dollars in reasearch funding to support his research. Associate Professor Kidgell has supervised 11 PhD students to completion whose dissertations examined the effects of tDCS on brain excitability and is currently supervising 5 PhD students.

Recent publications

Book

1. Kidgell, DJ & Pearce, AJ. (2020). Principles of Exercise Neuroscience. Cambridge Publishers. ISBN: 1-5275-5813-4.
2. Pearce, AJ and Kidgell, DJ. Neuroplasticity following skill and strength training. Nova Science Publishers. ISBN: 978-1-61728-762-6 (Softcover). (2011).

Book Chapters

1. Combes, J.S., Keating, SE., Kidgell, D.J. (2021). Designing an exercise program. In Coombes (Ed.) ESSA’s Student Manual for Exercise Prescription, Delivery and Adherence. Elsevier Publishing, ISBN: 9780729542708.
2. Kositsky, A, Kidgell DJ, Avela, J. (2021). Medial gastrocnemius muscle architecture is altered after exhaustive stretch-shortening cycle exercise. In Seiberl, W, Hahn, D, Power, GA, Fletcher, JR, Siebert T (Eds.), The Stretch-Shortening Cycle of Active Muscle and Muscle-Tendon Complex: What, Why and How it Increases Muscle Performance? (pp. 21-29). Frontiers in Physiology Ebook. ISBN 978-2-88966-993-6.
3. Kidgell, DJ. Using Stimulus-Response Curves to Determine Corticospinal Excitability. In:A Closer Look at Motor-Evoked Potential. Eds, Jaberzadeh, S. Nova Science Publishers. ISBN: 978-1-53614-389-8. (2018).
4. Frazer, AK and Kidgell, DJ. TMS-Induced Motor Evoked Potentials: Definitions and Physiology. In:A Closer Look at Motor-Evoked Potential. Eds, Jaberzadeh, S. Nova Science Publishers. ISBN: 978-1-53614-389-8. (2018).
5. Pearce, AJ and Kidgell, DJ. Neuroplasticity following skill and strength training: Evidence from transcranial magnetic stimulation studies. In: Horizons in Neuroscience Research. Volume 3 Eds: Andres Costa and Eugenio Villalba. Nova Science Publishers. ISBN: 978-1-61728-027-6. (2011).
6. Kidgell DJ, Pearce AJ. Motor control adaptations following skill and strength training. In: Fundamentals of Exercise and Sport Science 2e, pp 416-506. McGraw-Hill Publishing. ISBN 13: 9780-0702-8824-9. (2010).

Peer-reviewed Papers 

1. Alibazi, R, Frazer, AK, Pearce, AJ, Tallent, J., Avela, J, & Kidgell, DJ. (2021). Corticospinal and intracortical excitability is modulated in the knee extensors after acute strength training. Journal of Sport Sciences. DOI:1080/02640414.2021.2004681.
2. Presland, J., Timmins, RG., Maniar, N., Tofari, PJ., Kidgell, DJ., Shield, A., Dickson, J., Opar, D. (2021). Muscle activity and activation in previously strain-injured lower limbs: A systematic review. Sports Medicine, 51(11),2311–2327.

1. Alibazi, R, Frazer, AK, Tallnt, J., Pearce, AJ., Hortobágyi, T., Kidgell, DJ. (2021). A single session of submaximal grip strength training with or without high-definition anodal-TDCS produces no cross-education of maximal force. Brazilian Journal of Motor Behaviour. 15(3), 216–236.
2. S Behrangrad, M Zoghi, DJ Kidgell, S Jaberzadeh. (2021). The effect of a single session of non-invasive brain stimulation on balance in healthy individuals: A systematic review and best evidence synthesis. Brain Connectivity, https://doi.org/10.1089/brain.2020.0872.
3. Fernández-del-Olmo, M.,Sevilla-Sanchez, M., Sanchez, H M., Kidgell, D.J., Milot, MH., Selles, RW., Rothwell, JC., Hortobágyi, Tibor. (2021). Neuromodulation by non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS): a step back to move forward. Brazilian Journal of Motor Behaviour 15(2): 61-64.
4. Behrangrad S, Zoghi M, Kidgell DJ, Jaberzadeh S (2021). Noninvasive brain stimulation and balance: a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis. https://doi.org/10.1089/brain.2020.0872
5. Combes, J.S., Keating, SE., Kidgell, D.J. (2021). Designing an exercise program. In Coombes (Ed.) ESSA’s Student Manual for Exercise Prescription, Delivery and Adherence. Elsevier Publishing, ISBN: 9780729542708.
6. Kositsky, A, Kidgell DJ, Avela, J. (2021). Medial gastrocnemius muscle architecture is altered after exhaustive stretch-shortening cycle exercise. In Seiberl, W, Hahn, D, Power, GA, Fletcher, JR, Siebert T (Eds.), The Stretch-Shortening Cycle of Active Muscle and Muscle-Tendon Complex: What, Why and How it Increases Muscle Performance? (pp. 21-29). Frontiers in Physiology Ebook. ISBN 978-2-88966-993-6.
7. Rantila, A., Ahtiainen, J.P., Avela, J., Restuccia, J., Kidgell, D.J., Hakkinen, K. (2021). High responders to hypertrophic strength training also tend to lose more muscle mass and strength during detraining than low responders. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 35 (6), 1500-1511.
8. A Manca, T Hortobágyi, TJ Carroll, RM Enoka, JP Farthing, SC Gandevia, DJ Kidgell, LJ Taylor, F Deriu. (2021). Contralateral effects of unilateral strength and skill training: Modified Delphi consensus to establish key aspects of cross-education. Sports Medicine 51(1):11-20.
9. Hall, MG., Kidgell, DJ., Perraton, L., Morrissey, J., Jaberzadeh, S. (2021). Pain Induced Changes in Brain Oxyhemoglobin: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Functional NIRS Studies. Pain Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnaa453.
10. RJ Alibazi, AJ Pearce, M Rostami, AK Frazer, C Brownstein, DJ Kidgell. (2021). Determining the intracortical responses after a single session of aerobic exercise in young healthy individuals: a systematic review and best evidence synthesis. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 35 (2), 562-575.
11. J Tallent, A Woodhead, AK Frazer, J Hill, DJ Kidgell, G Howatson. (2021). Corticospinal and spinal adaptations to motor skill and resistance training: Potential mechanisms and implications for motor rehabilitation and athletic development. European Journal of Applied Physiology 121:707-719.
12. AJ Pearce, DJ Kidgell, MA Tommerdahl, AK Frazer, B Rist, R Mobbs. (2021). Chronic neurophysiological effects of repeated head trauma in retired Australian male sport athletes. Frontiers in Neurology 12:633320.
13. Kidgell, DJ & Pearce, AJ. (2020). Principles of Exercise Neuroscience. Cambridge Publishers. ISBN: 1-5275-5813-4.
14. Siddique, Ummatul; Rahman, Simin; Frazer, Ashlyn; Leung, Michael; Pearce, Alan J; Kidgell, Dawson J. (2020). Task-dependent modulation of corticospinal excitability and inhibition following strength training. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 52, 102411.
15. Rostami, Mohamad; R, Mosallanezhad, Zahra; Ansari, Sepideh; Kidgell, Dawson; Rezaeian, Tahere; Bakhshi, Enayatollah; Ghodrati, Maryam; Jaberzadeh, Shapour. (2020). The effects of consecutive sessions of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary motor cortex on hand function in healthy older adults. Archives of gerontology and geriatrics, 89, 104063.
16. Siddique, Ummatul; Rahman, Simin; Frazer, Ashlyn K; Pearce, Alan J; Howatson, Glyn; Kidgell, Dawson J. (2020). Determining the sites of neural adaptations to resistance training: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 50(6):1107-1128.
17. Scott, Emily; Kidgell, Dawson; Frazer, Ashlyn K; Pearce, Alan J. (2020). The neurophysiological responses of concussive impacts: a systematic review and meta-analysis of transcranial magnetic stimulation studies. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 14: 306.
18. Mason, Joel; Frazer, Ashlyn K; Avela, Janne; Pearce, Alan J; Howatson, Glyn; Kidgell, Dawson J. (2020). Tracking the corticospinal responses to strength training. European journal of applied physiology, 120(4):783-798.
19. Painter, Rhys; Rahman, Simin; Kim, Woo; Frazer, Ashlyn; Tallent, Jamie; Pearce, Alan; Kidgell, Dawson. (2020). High-volume light-load strength training, but not low-volume heavy-load strength training increases corticospinal excitability. Journal of Science and Medicine, 2(3): DOI: 10.37714/JOSAM.V2I3.47
20. Pearce, Alan J; Kidgell, Dawson J; Frazer, Ashlyn K; King, Doug A; Buckland, Michael E; Tommerdahl, Mark. (2020). Corticomotor correlates of somatosensory reaction time and variability in individuals with post-concussion symptoms. Somatosensory & motor research,37(1):14-21.
21. Rahman, Simin; Siddique, Ummutal; Frazer, Ashlyn; Pearce, Alan; Kidgell, Dawson. (2020). Anodal tDCS increases bilateral corticospinal excitability irrespective of hemispheric dominance.  Journal of Science and Medicine, 2(2): DOI: 10.37714/JOSAM.V2I2.40
22. Painter, Rhys; Pearce, Alan; Rostami, Mohamad; Frazer, Ashlyn; Kidgell, Dawson. (2020). Determining the corticospinal and neuromuscular responses following a warm-up protocol. Journal of Science and Medicine, 2(2): DOI: 10.37714/JOSAM.V2I2.45
23. Ansdell, Paul; Brownstein, Callum G; Škarabot, Jakob; Angius, Luca; Kidgell, Dawson; Frazer, Ashlyn; Hicks, Kirsty M; Durbaba, Rade; Howatson, Glyn; Goodall, Stuart. (2020). Task‐specific strength increases after lower‐limb compound resistance training occurred in the absence of corticospinal changes in vastus lateralis. Experimental physiology, 105(7):1132-1150.
24. Rostami, Mohamad; Mosallanezhad, Zahra; Ansari, Sepideh; Ehsani, Fatemeh; Kidgell, Dawson; Nourbakhsh, Mohammad Reza; Bakhshi, Enayatollah; Jaberzadeh, Shapour. (2020). Multi-session anodal transcranial direct current stimulation enhances lower extremity functional performance in healthy older adults. Experimental Brain Research, 238(9):1925-1936.
25. Haggert, Madelaine; Pearce, Alan; Frazer, Ashlyn; Rahman, Simin; Kidgell, Dawson; Siddique, Ummatul. (2020). Determining the effects of cross-education on muscle strength, thickness and cortical activation following limb immobilization: A Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Science and Medicine, 2(4): DOI: 10.37714/JOSAM.V2I4.54
26. Alibazi, R. J., Kidgell, D., Zoghi, M., & Jaberzadeh, S. (2020). What are the acute effects of aerobic exercise on fractionated response Time: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Science in Sport and Exercise. 2, pages 97–112.
27. Tallent, J., Goodall, S., Kidgell, D. J., Durbaba, R., & Howatson, G. (2019). Compound maximal motor unit response is modulated by contraction intensity, but not contraction type in tibialis anterior. Physiological Reports, 7(17), [e14201].
28. Mason, J., Frazer, A. K., Jaberzadeh, S., Ahtiainen, J. P., Avela, J., Rantalainen, T., Kidgell, D. J. (2019). Determining the corticospinal responses to single bouts of skill and strength training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(9), 2299-2307.
29. Mason, J., Frazer, A. K., Pearce, A. J., Goodwill, A. M., Howatson, G., Jaberzadeh, S., & Kidgell, D. J. (2019). Determining the early corticospinal-motoneuronal responses to strength training: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reviews in the Neurosciences, 30(5), 463-476.
30. Behrangrad, S., Zoghi, M., Kidgell, D.J, & Jaberzadeh, S. (2019). Does cerebellar non-invasive brain stimulation affect corticospinal excitability in healthy individuals? A systematic review of literature and meta-analysis. Neuroscience Letters, 706, 128-139.
31. Kositsky, A., Kidgell, D., & Avela, J. (2019). Medial gastrocnemius muscle architecture is altered after exhaustive stretch shortening cycle exercise: Frontiers in Physiology. Frontiers in Physiology, 10, [1511].
32. Mason, J., Howatson, G., Frazer, A. K., Pearce, A. J., Jaberzadeh, S., Avela, J., & Kidgell, D. J. (2019). Modulation of intracortical inhibition and excitation in agonist and antagonist muscles following acute strength training. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 119, 2185–2199
33. Brandner, C. R., Clarkson, M. J., Kidgell, D. J., & Warmington, S. A. (2019). Muscular adaptations to whole body blood flow restriction training and detraining. Frontiers in Physiology, 10, [1099].
34. Cox, L. G., Kidgell, D. J., & Iles, R. A. (Accepted/In press). Neck-specific strengthening exercises and cognitive therapy for chronic neck pain: a systematic review. Physical Therapy Reviews, 25, 4.
35. Frazer, A. K., Howatson, G., Ahtiainen, J. P., Avela, J., Rantalainen, T., & Kidgell, D. J. (2019). Priming the motor cortex with anodal transcranial direct current stimulation affects the acute inhibitory corticospinal responses to strength training. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(2), 307-317.
36. Frazer, A., & Kidgell, D. (2019). TMS-Induced Motor Evoked Potentials: Definitions and Physiology. In S. Jaberzadeh (Ed.), A Closer Look at Motor-Evoked Potential (pp. 1-14). Hauppauge NY USA: Nova Science Publishers. ISBN: 1536143898.
37. Kidgell, D. (2019). Using Stimulus-Response Curves to Determine Corticospinal Excitability. In S. Jaberzadeh (Ed.), A Closer Look at Motor-Evoked Potential (pp. 77-91). Hauppauge NY USA: Nova Science Publishers. ISBN: 1536143898
38. Frazer, A. K., Pearce, A. J., Howatson, G., Thomas, K., Goodall, S., & Kidgell, D. J. (2018). Invited Review. Determining the potential sites of neural adaptation to cross-education: implications for the cross-education of muscle strength. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 118(9), 1751-1772.
39. Mason, J., Frazer, A. K., Horvath, D. M., Pearce, A. J., Avela, J., Howatson, G., & Kidgell, D. J. (2018). Ipsilateral corticomotor responses are confined to the homologous muscle following cross-education of muscular strength. Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism, 43(1), 11-22.
40. Brownstein, C. G., Ansdell, P., Škarabot, J., Frazer, A., Kidgell, D., Howatson, G., Thomas, K. (2018). Motor cortical and corticospinal function differ during an isometric squat compared with isometric knee extension. Experimental Physiology, 103(9), 1251-1263.
41. Leung, M., Rantalainen, T., Teo, W. P., & Kidgell, D. (2018). The ipsilateral corticospinal responses to cross-education are dependent upon the motor-training intervention. Experimental Brain Research, 236(5), 1331-1346.
42. Mason, J., Frazer, A., Horvath, D. M., Pearce, A. J., Avela, J., Howatson, G., & Kidgell, D. (2017). Adaptations in corticospinal excitability and inhibition are not spatially confined to the agonist muscle following strength training. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 117(7), 1359-1371.
43. Kidgell, D. J., Bonanno, D. R., Frazer, A. K., Howatson, G., & Pearce, A. J. (2017). Corticospinal responses following strength training: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Neuroscience, 46(11), 2648-2661.
44. Frazer, A. K., Williams, J., Spittle, M., & Kidgell, D. J. (2017). Cross-education of muscular strength is facilitated by homeostatic plasticity. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 117(4), 665-677.
45.  Rio, E., Van Ark, M., Docking, S., Moseley, G. L., Kidgell, D., Gaida, J. E., Cook, J. (2017). Isometric contractions are more analgesic than isotonic contractions for patellar tendon pain: An in-season randomized clinical trial. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 27(3), 253-259.
46. Kidgell, D. J., Frazer, A. K., & Pearce, A. J. (2017). The effect of task complexity influencing bilateral transfer. International Journal of Exercise Science, 10(8), 1174-1183. 
47. Leung, M., Rantalainen, T., Teo, W. P., & Kidgell, D. (2017). The corticospinal responses of metronome-paced, but not self-paced strength training are similar to motor skill training. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 117(12), 2479-2492.
48. Frazer, A., Williams, J., Spittles, M., Rantalainen, T., & Kidgell, DJ. (2016). Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of the motor cortex increases cortical voluntary activation and neural plasticity. Muscle and Nerve, 54(5), 903-913.
49. Goodwill, A. M., Teo, W-P., Morgan, P., Daly, R. M., & Kidgell, D. J. (2016). Bihemispheric-tDCS and upper limb rehabilitation improves retention of motor function in chronic stroke: A pilot study. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 10, [258].
50. Hendy, A. M., Tillman, A., Rantalainen, T., Muthalib, M., Johnson, L., Kidgell, D. J., Teo, W. P. (2016). Concurrent transcranial direct current stimulation and progressive resistance training in Parkinson's disease: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials, 17(1), [326].
51. Coombs, T. A., Frazer, A. K., Horvath, D. M., Pearce, A. J., Howatson, G., & Kidgell, D. J. (2016). Cross-education of wrist extensor strength is not influenced by non-dominant training in right-handers. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 116(9), 1757-1769.
52. Rio, E., Kidgell, D., Moseley, G. L., & Cook, J. (2016). Elevated corticospinal excitability in patellar tendinopathy compared with other anterior knee pain or no pain. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 26(9), 1072-1079.
53. Kidgell, D. J., Mason, J., Frazer, A., & Pearce, A. J. (2016). I-wave periodicity transcranial magnetic stimulation (iTMS) on corticospinal excitability. A systematic review of the literature. Neuroscience, 322, 262-272.
54. Rio, E., Kidgell, D., Moseley, G. L., Gaida, J., Docking, S., Purdam, C., & Cook, J. (2016). Tendon neuroplastic training: Changing the way we think about tendon rehabilitation: a narrative review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50, 209-215.
55. Hendy, A. M., Teo, W. P., & Kidgell, D. J. (2015). Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation prolongs the cross-education of strength and corticomotor plasticity. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 47(9), 1788-1797.
56. Brandner, C. R., Warmington, S. A., & Kidgell, D. J. (2015). Corticomotor excitability is increased following an acute bout of blood flow restriction resistance exercise. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 9 [652].
57. Daly, R. M., Duckham, R. L., Tait, J. L., Rantalainen, T., Nowson, C. A., Taaffe, D. R., Kidgell, DJ., Busija, L. (2015). Effectiveness of dual-task functional power training for preventing falls in older people: Study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial. Trials, 16(1), [120].
58. Henderson, B., Cook, J. L., Kidgell, D., & Gastin, P. B. (2015). Game and training load differences in elite junior Australian football. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 14(3), 494 - 500. 
59. Kidgell, D. J., Frazer, A. K., Rantalainen, T., Ruotsalainen, I., Ahtiainen, J., Avela, J., & Howatson, G. (2015). Increased cross-education of muscle strength and reduced corticospinal inhibition following eccentric strength training. Neuroscience, 300, 566-575.
60. Scase, E. K., Kidgell, D.J, Purdam, C. R., Gaida, J. E., Moseley, G. L., Pearce, A., & Cook, J. L. (2015). Isometric exercise induces analgesia and reduces inhibition in patellar tendinopathy. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(19), 1277 - 1283.
61. Tillman, A., Muthalib, M., Hendy, A. M., Johnson, L. G., Rantalainen, T., Kidgell, D. J., Teo, W. P. (2015). Lower limb progressive resistance training improves leg strength but not gait speed or balance in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 7[40].
62. Teo, W-P., Muthalib, M., & Kidgell, D.J (2015). Modulation of corticospinal excitability and inhibition of the contralateral M1 during and after ipsilateral anodal tDCS. Brain Stimulation, 8(2),341-341.
63. Leung, M., Rantalainen, T., Teo, W. P., & Kidgell, D.J (2015). Motor cortex excitability is not differentially modulated following skill and strength training. Neuroscience, 305, 99-108.
64. Daly, R. M., Gianoudis, J., Prosser, M., Kidgell, D.J, Ellis, K. A., O'Connell, S., & Nowson, C. A. (2015). The effects of a protein enriched diet with lean red meat combined with a multi-modal exercise program on muscle and cognitive health and function in older adults: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials, 16(1), [339].
65. Goodwill, A. M., Daly, R. M., & Kidgell, D. J. (2015). The effects of anodal-tDCS on cross-limb transfer in older adults. Clinical Neurophysiology, 126(11), 2189-2197.
66. Brandner, C. R., Kidgell, D. J., & Warmington, S. A. (2015). Unilateral bicep curl hemodynamics: Low-pressure continuous vs high-pressure intermittent blood flow restriction. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 25(6), 770-777.
67. Hendy, A. M., & Kidgell, D. J. (2014). Anodal-tDCS applied during unilateral strength training increases strength and corticospinal excitability in the untrained homologous muscle. Experimental Brain Research, 232(10), 3243-3252.
68. Ruotsalainen, I., Ahtiainen, J. P., Kidgell, D. J., & Avela, J. (2014). Changes in corticospinal excitability during an acute bout of resistance exercise in the elbow flexors. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 114(7), 1545-1553.
69. Pirotta, S., Kidgell, D. J., & Daly, R. M. (2014). Effects of vitamin D supplementation on neuroplasticity in older adults: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomised trial. Osteoporosis International, 26(1), 131-140.
70. van Langenberg, D., Della Gatta, P. A., Warmington, S. A., Kidgell, D.J, Gibson, P. R., & Russell, A. P. (2014). Objectively measured muscle fatigue in Crohn's disease: correlation with self-reported fatigue and associated factors for clinical application. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis, 8(2), 137 - 146.
71. Rio, E., Moseley, G. L., Purdam, C., Samiric, T., Kidgell, D.J, Pearce, A., Cook, J. L. (2014). The pain of tendinopathy: physiological or pathophysiological? Sports Medicine, 44(1), 9 - 23.
72. Pearce, A. J., Clark, R. A., & Kidgell, D. J. (2013). A comparison of two methods in acquiring stimulus-response curves with transcranial magnetic stimulation. Brain Stimulation, 6(3), 306-309.
73. Hendy, A. M., & Kidgell, D. J. (2013). Anodal tDCS applied during strength training enhances motor cortical plasticity. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 45(9), 1721-1729.
74. Pearce, A. J., Hendy, A., Bowen, W. A., & Kidgell, D. J. (2013). Corticospinal adaptations and strength maintenance in the immobilized arm following 3 weeks unilateral strength training. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 23(6), 740-748.
75. Leung, M. C. M., Spittle, M., & Kidgell, D. J. (2013). Corticospinal excitability following short-term motor imagery training of a strength task. Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity, 8(1), 35-44.
76. Kidgell, D.J, Daly, R. M., Young, K., Lum, J. A., Tooley, G. A., Jaberzadeh, S., Pearce, A. (2013). Different current intensities of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation do not differentially modulate motor cortex plasticity. Neural Plasticity, 2013(Art Id 603502), 1 - 9.
77. Kidgell, D. J., Goodwill, A. M., Frazer, A. K., & Daly, R. M. (2013). Induction of cortical plasticity and improved motor performance following unilateral and bilateral transcranial direct current stimulation of the primary motor cortex. BMC Neuroscience, 14, [64].
78. Rantalainen, T., Weier, A., Leung, M., Brandner, C., Spittle, M., & Kidgell, D.J. (2013). Short-interval intracortical inhibition is not affected by varying visual feedback in an isometric task in biceps brachii muscle. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7, [68].
79. Goodwill, A.M., Reynolds, J., Daly, R.M., Kidgell, D.J. (2013). Formation of cortical plasticity older adults following tDCS and motor training. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 5, [87].
80. Goodwill, A. M., Pearce, A. J., & Kidgell, D. J. (2012). Corticomotor plasticity following unilateral strength training. Muscle and Nerve, 46(3), 384-393.
81. Hendy, A. M., Spittle, M., & Kidgell, D. J. (2012). Cross education and immobilisation: Mechanisms and implications for injury rehabilitation. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 15(2), 94-101.
82. Jaberzadeh, S., Bastani Jahromi, A., & Kidgell, D.J. (2012). Does the longer application of anodal-transcranial direct current stimulation increase corticomotor excitability further? A pilot study. Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, 3(4), 28-35.  
83. Castricum, T. J., Pearce, A. J., & Kidgell, D. J. (2012). High volume versus low volume balance training on postural sway in adults with previous ankle inversion injury. International Journal of Motor Learning and Sport Performance, 2(2), 29-36. 
84. Latella, C., Kidgell, D. J., & Pearce, A. J. (2012). Reduction in corticospinal inhibition in the trained and untrained limb following unilateral leg strength training. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 112(8), 3097-3107.
85. Pearce, A. J., Latella, C., & Kidgell, D. J. (2012). Secondary warm-up following stretching on vertical jumping, change of direction, and straight-line speed. European Journal of Sport Science, 12(2), 103-112.
86. Weier, A. T., Pearce, A. J., & Kidgell, D. J. (2012). Strength training reduces intracortical inhibition. Acta Physiologica, 206(2), 109-119.
87. Weier, A. T., & Kidgell, D. J. (2012). Strength training with superimposed whole-body vibration does not preferentially modulate cortical plasticity. The Scientific World Journal, 2012, [876328].
88. Goodwill, A. M., & Kidgell, D. J. (2012). The effects of whole-body vibration on the cross-transfer of strength. The Scientific World Journal, 2012, [504837].
89. Pearce, A. J., & Kidgell, D. J. (2011). Neuroplasticity following skill and strength training. New York NY USA: Nova Science Publishers. ISBN: 978-1-61728-027-6
90. Kidgell, D. J., & Pearce, A. J. (2011). Low-frequency vibration of the biceps brachii does not alter the functional properties of the corticospinal pathway. International Journal of Motor Learning and Sport Performance, 1(1), 1-9.  
91. Kidgell, D. J., Stokes, M. A., & Pearce, A. J. (2011). Strength training of one limb increases corticomotor excitability projecting to the contralateral homologous limb. Motor Control, 15(2), 247-266.
92. Kidgell, D. J., & Pearce, A. J. (2011). What has transcranial magnetic stimulation taught us about neural adaptations to strength training? A brief review. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 25(11), 3208-3217.
93. Kidgell, D.J (2010). Functional human anatomy for the movement sciences. McGraw-Hill Inc. ISBN 9780071000239
94.  Pearce, A. J., & Kidgell, D. J. (2010). Comparison of corticomotor excitability during visuomotor dynamic and static tasks. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 13(1), 167-171.
95. Kidgell, D.J, & Pearce, A. J. (2010). Corticospinal properties following short-term strength training of an intrinsic hand muscle. Human Movement Science, 29(5), 631-641.
96. Netto, K., Carstairs, G., Kidgell, D.J, & Aisbett, B. (2010). Neck strength recovery after a single bout of specific strengthening exercise. Physical Therapy in Sport, 11(3), 75-80.
97. Kidgell, D. J., Stokes, M. A., Pearce, A. J., & Castricum, T. J. (2010). Neurophysiological responses after short-term strength training of the biceps brachii muscle. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(11), 3123-3132.  
98. Pearce, A., & Kidgell, D.J (2009). Corticomotor excitability during precision motor tasks. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 12(2), 280-283.
99. Pearce, A. J., Kidgell, D. J., Zois, J., & Carlson, J. (2009). Effects of secondary warm up following stretching. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 105(2), 175-183.
100. Pearce, A. J., Kidgell, D. J., Grikepelis, L. A., & Carlson, J. S. (2009). Wearing a sports compression garment on the performance of visuomotor tracking following eccentric exercise: A pilot study. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 12(4), 500-502.
101. Kidgell, D.J (2008). Fundamentals of Exercise and Sport Science. Australia: McGraw-Hill Inc. ISBN 0070288240.
102. Kidgell, D.J., Horvath, D.M., Jackson, B.M., Seymour, PJ. (2007). Effect of six weeks of dura disc and mini-trampoline balance training on postural sway in athletes with functional ankle instability. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 21(2): 466
103. Kidgell, D. J., Sale, M. V., & Semmler, J. G. (2006). Motor unit synchronization measured by cross-correlation is not influenced by short-term strength training of a hand muscle. Experimental Brain Research, 175(4), 745-753. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-006-0724-z.
104.  Kidgell, D.J, & Hyrsomallis, C. (2001). Effect of heavy dynamic resistive exercise on acute upper-body power. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 15(4), 426-430. 

Research projects

Does premotor transcranial direct current stimulation increase motor cortex excitability and improve motor function?

It has been documented that increases in muscle strength during the early phases of a strength training program (first 2–4 weeks) occur in the absence of measurable muscle hypertrophy. These early strength gains have therefore been attributed to neural adaptations. Although there is little evidence in humans clearly defining the site of such neural changes, adaptations at the level of the primary motor cortex have been suggested to play a role. However, whether similar cortical adaptations are apparent following strength training remains unclear. Overall, relatively few studies have examined adaptations in cortical excitability and inhibition with strength training and there is not a clear consensus on the site of adaptation or the time-course of adaptation. Some investigations show a training-related increase in cortical excitability, but very few have investigated changes in cortico-cortical inhibition. An understanding of the sites of neural adaptation in response to strength training can lead to refinement of strength training and rehabilitation techniques. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine potential cortico-cortical circuits within the human primary motor cortex following a short-term strength training paradigm.

Does motor training in a mirror box attenuate the loss of motor function following short-term limb immobilization.

Short-term limb immobilization that reduces muscle use for 8–10 hours is known to reduce muscle strength. However, the mechanisms through which this is achieved, and whether these changes can be used to modify motor skill learning, are not known. We have recently shown that unilateral strength training of one limb maintains strength and motor cortical plasticity following short-term immobilization. Interestingly, observation of a motor act performed by oneself, observation of a motor act performed by someone else, and viewing a motor act in a mirror (which is often the case in sport practice) all activate the same neural structures as the actual movement execution, producing subliminal facilitation of neurons forming the motor neural network. The subliminal engagement of neurons might have an adaptive role in motor learning, and therefore action observation seems to be a potential tool to facilitate motor learning during periods of musculoskeletal rehabilitation. A specific form of motor practice that makes use of action observation is mirror training. In mirror training, the practicing limb’s image is superimposed over the resting limb, creating the illusion in the mirror that the resting limb is moving. Mirror training is known to reduce phantom limb pain and enhance recovery of motor function of the paretic lower and upper extremity after a stroke and can also facilitate skill acquisition of the non-trained hand in healthy participants. However, it remains unclear as to whether mirror-training differentially modulates the cross-transfer of strength and motor cortex plasticity following short-term unilateral limb immobilization. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to use a model that combines unilateral limb immobilization and contralateral strength training to determine if strength training of the free limb (with or without a mirror) can attenuate the strength loss acquired during short-term unilateral limb immobilization. These findings have important clinical implications in the management of musculoskeletal or neurological injury that results in limb immobilization.

Investigating the neural adaptations to strength training in older adults.

Advancing age is associated with impaired functional ability, which refers to a reduced ability to perform activities of daily living, such as walking, stair climbing, rising from a chair/bed/toilet, or getting in and out of a car. Reduced ability to perform activities of daily living, increases the risk of falls, a loss of independence, and increased mortality. There is extensive data showing that age-related declines in muscle strength, muscle power, rate of force development, gait, balance and muscular endurance are associated with maladaptive plasticity within the motor cortex, a critical region for movement. In young healthy participants, strength training induces plasticity within the motor cortex and is associated with increased muscle strength. However, to date, there have been no studies that have systematically examined whether older adults, who participate in regular strength training, also experience similar levels of plasticity within the motor cortex as young healthy adults do. Understanding the clinical effects of strength training in older adults is important because the ability to activate muscles and produce force is critical for a number of activities of daily living. For example, there is a good correlation that exists between muscle strength and several clinical outcomes such as, gait speed, decreased risk of falls, and better balance; also, people with greater strength levels tend to live longer. In this regard, understanding the neuroplastic changes that occur in the ageing the corticospinal tract following a strength training intervention is important, as it will advance our understanding of the neural adaptations that accompany the increases in muscle strength.