Kirsty Marie Hicks

Dr Kirsty Hicks

Senior Lecturer

Department: 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 Northumbria University 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
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. 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
Research Across the Female Life Cycle: Reframing the Narrative for Health and Performance in Athletic Females and Showcasing Solutions to Drive Advancements in Research and Translation, McNulty, K., Taim, B., Freemas, J., Hassan, A., Lupton Bratner, C., Oleka, C., Scott, D., Howatson, G., Moore, I., Yung, K., Hicks, K., Whalan, M., Lovell, R., Moore, S., Russell, S., Smith-Ryan, A., Bruinvels, G. 2024, In: Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal
The menstrual cycle and hormone-based contraception, McNulty, K., Ansdell, P., Hassan, A., Hicks, K. 3 Sep 2024, Women’s Football, New York, United States, Taylor & Francis
The Relationship Between the Anaerobic Speed Reserve and Acute Responses to High-Intensity Interval Training in Female Soccer Players, Aspin, G., Graham, M., Franklin, J., Hicks, K., Taylor, J. 1 Nov 2024, In: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
The Symptoms Experienced by Naturally Menstruating Women and Oral Contraceptive Pill Users and Their Perceived Effects on Exercise Performance and Recovery Time Posttraining, McNulty, K., Ansdell, P., Goodall, S., Thomas, K., Elliott-Sale, K., Howatson, G., Hicks, K. 1 Jan 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

Amanda Gordon Considerations for Assessing Deceleration and Acceleration in Women’s Soccer Start Date: 01/10/2023
Casey Greenwalt Understanding the Effects of Menstrual Cycle Symptoms on Health and Performance in 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