Dr Elisa Nedelec

Research Fellow

School: Sport Exercise and Rehabilitation

I am a researcher and physiotherapist specialising in female health, neuromuscular function, and clinical populations in sport and exercise. My work focuses on understanding hormonal influences on neuromuscular function and their implications for performance, injury risk, and symptom management.

At Northumbria University, I am a postdoctoral research fellow investigating how hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive use impact symptom severity in females with multiple sclerosis (MS). This research aims to improve symptom management strategies and enhance quality of life. I am also involved in the Period Education project, which promotes menstrual education in primary and secondary schools across the UK, helping to dismantle taboos and empower young people with knowledge about their bodies.

I hold a PhD in female exercise Physiology from Nottingham Trent University (NTU, UK), where I explored the relationship between reproductive hormone fluctuations and neuromuscular function in the knee extensor muscles, with a focus on non-contact ACL injury risk in female athletes and exercisers. Prior to my doctoral studies, I obtained a Master's in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation in Brussels, Belgium, and worked for eight years as a physiotherapist, specialising in orthopaedics, traumatology, neurology, and postural rehabilitation.

I am passionate about bridging the gap between research and practice, ensuring that scientific advancements translate into meaningful improvements in health, performance, and well-being for female exercisers and clinical populations.

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Research Themes and Scholarly Interests

My research focuses on female physiology in sport, exercise, and clinical settings, particularly how hormonal fluctuations influence neuromuscular function, symptom progression, and overall well-being. I aim to develop strategies that support performance, rehabilitation, and quality of life in female exercisers and individuals with neurological conditions.

Currently, I am investigating how hormonal changes impact symptom progression in females with multiple sclerosis (MS), contributing to a better understanding of symptom management and support strategies. I have also collaborated on research examining neuromuscular function across the lifespan in females, including through menopause, to better understand age-related changes and their implications for health and performance.

Beyond research, I am committed to promoting equity and inclusivity for girls and women in sport and physical activity, ensuring that female-specific considerations are integrated into education, policy, and practice.

Key Publications

Please visit the Pure Research Information Portal for further information
Menstrual cycle phase alters corticospinal excitability and spike-timing-dependent plasticity in healthy females, Spillane, P., Pastorio, E., Nédélec, E., Piasecki, J., Goodall, S., Hicks, K., Ansdell, P. 1 Feb 2026, In: Journal of Neurophysiology
On the right track: navigating hormonal crossroads in female neuromuscular ageing, Spillane, P., Jenz, S., O'Hanlon, M., Nédélec, E. 15 Jan 2026, In: The Journal of Physiology
Effect of menstrual cycle phase, menstrual irregularities and hormonal contraceptive use on anterior knee laxity and non-contact anterior cruciate ligament injury occurrence in women: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis, Nédélec, E., Foli, E., Shultz, S., Swinton, P., Dolan, E., Enright, K., Piasecki, J., Matthews, J., Sale, C., Elliott-Sale, K. Oct 2021, In: BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine

Qualifications