Kirsty Marie Hicks

Dr Kirsty Hicks

Senior Lecturer

School: Sport Exercise and Rehabilitation

After completing a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science, I stayed on to complete an MSc in Exercise and Sport Science Physiology at Manchester Metropolitan University. I then completed a full time PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University, whilst simultaneously working full time as the Head Sport Scientist at Liverpool Ladies football club for three years. I began my current post at 51�� in February 2016.

Email Kirsty

Research Themes and Scholarly Interests

Exercise Induced Muscle Damage

The Female Athlete

Sex Differences

Optimising Adaptation and Recovery

Key Publications

Advancing Age Is Not Associated With Greater Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression, Fernandes, J., Wilson, L., Dingley, A., Hearn, A., Johnson, K., Hicks, K., Twist, C., Hayes, L. 1 Apr 2025, In: Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
Lessons Learned From a No-Cost Menstrual Cycle Symptom Tracking Intervention in Field Hockey: A Mixed-Methods Study, Crawford, L., McNulty, K., Hicks, K., Hall, E., Ansdell, P. 2025, In: Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal
The effect of sex on the cardiopulmonary and neuromuscular response to high-intensity interval exercise, Wilson, H., Bernert, L., Spillane, P., Squires, E., Crawford, L., Piasecki, J., Julian, R., Wilhelm, E., Hicks, K., Ansdell, P. 1 Jul 2025, In: American Journal of Physiology - Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology
The effect of the menstrual cycle and oral contraceptive pill on countermovement jump height, perceived recovery and readiness to train following a strength-based exercise session, McNulty, K., Ansdell, P., Goodall, S., Thomas, K., Elliott-Sale, K., Howatson, G., Hicks, K. 17 Oct 2025, In: Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal
The impact of heated garments on substitute performance in soccer match-play, Cowper, G., Goodall, S., Hicks, K., Burnie, L., Fox, K., Coyles, A., Briggs, M. Oct 2025, In: Journal of Thermal Biology
The influence of passive heating garments worn in temperate and cold conditions prior to simulated performance for male soccer substitutes, Cowper, G., Goodall, S., Hicks, K., Burnie, L., Fox, K., Duffy, D., Briggs, M. 21 Feb 2025, In: Physiological Reports
What nutrition advice is freely available for gymnasts, coaches and parents on their member national governing body webpages?, Riman, J., Keane, K., Hicks, K., Allen, G., Peart, D. 1 Mar 2025, In: Nutrition and Health
Acute and Transient Match-Related Fatigue in University Female Footballers, Hearn, A., Parker, J., Hicks, K., Fernandes, J. 2024, In: Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal
Physiological mechanisms associated with the use of a passive heat intervention: positive implications for soccer substitutes, Cowper, G., Goodall, S., Hicks, K., Burnie, L., Fox, K., Keenan, A., De Martino, E., Briggs, M. 1 May 2024, In: European Journal of Applied Physiology
Quantifying External and Internal Loads of the Average- and High-Intensity Phase Demands of University Female Footballers, Hearn, A., Parker, J., Hicks, K., Fernandes, J. 2024, In: Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal

Professional Activity

Examination: Physiological and Fitness Profile of Female Lacrosse Athletes. 2021
Examination: SEX DIFFERENCES IN FATIGABILITY DURING RUNNING AND CONSEQUENCES ON SHOE DESIGN 2021
Examination: Eating behaviours and Training Practices on Health in Female Physique Athletes: A Multi-Method Exploration 2021
Examination: Sheffield Hallam External Examiner 2019
Hosting an academic visitor: Kirsty Elliott-Sale 2018
Visiting an external academic institution: Nottingham Trent University 2018
Oral presentation: The effect of the menstrual cycle on Health and Performance 2018

PGR Supervision

Casey Greenwalt Understanding the Effects of Menstrual Cycle Characteristics on Health and Performance in Elite Female Footballers Start Date: 01/10/2023
Owen Munro Characterizing Sleep and its Implications on Elite Female Athlete Health and Performance Start Date: 01/10/2023
Amanda Mutuwa Considerations for Assessing Deceleration and Acceleration in Women’s Soccer Start Date: 01/10/2023