Dawson Kidgell

Dawson Kidgell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiotherapy at Monash University, Faculty of Medicine. He is an active researcher and PhD supervisor with a strong focus on the neurophysiology of exercise, particularly neuroplasticity and motor cortex responses to strength training and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

His research interests include understanding how the nervous system adapts to exercise, rehabilitation, and neuromodulation. He employs advanced electrophysiological methods—TMS, tDCS, EMG, and spinal reflex testing—to explore corticospinal excitability, intracortical inhibition, and motor learning. His work has significant implications for sports science, rehabilitation of neuromuscular injuries, and aging populations.

Recent publications (2020–2024) highlight a strong trend in systematic reviews and meta-analyses on tDCS, corticospinal responses to training, and clinical applications in tendinopathy, concussion, and aging. His research frequently investigates bilateral transfer, cross-education of strength, and the neural mechanisms underlying rehabilitation interventions.

Scientific Awards:

• University of Jyväskylä Visiting Fellow grant (2023)

Research Funding and Supervision: Associate Professor Kidgell has secured over $2.5 million in research funding. He has successfully supervised 11 PhD students to completion and currently mentors 5 additional PhD candidates. His research projects include NHMRC-funded studies on neurophysiological markers of balance and equipment grants for advanced neurostimulation tools.

Laboratories and Research Teams: His work is conducted within neurophysiology and exercise neuroscience labs at Monash, often in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams focusing on motor control, rehabilitation, and sports medicine.