Dr Eduardo Martinez-Valdes BSc, MSc, PhD, FHEA

• Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE), University of Birmingham, United Kingdom - 2020
• PhD in Clinical Exercise Science, University of Potsdam, Germany - 2017
• Postgraduate Certificate in International University Teaching, University of Potsdam, Germany - 2015
• MSc in Clinical Exercise Science, University of Potsdam, Germany - 2014
• Postgraduate Certificate in Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiotherapy, Universidad Mayor, Chile - 2010
• Postgraduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, Department of Physiotherapy, Universidad Nacional Andres Bello, Chile - 2009
• BSc in Physiotherapy, Universidad Mayor, Chile - 2008

Dr Eduardo Martinez-Valdes is an Associate Professor in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Clinical Neuromechanics at the University of Birmingham’s School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences. His research explores the neuromuscular control of human movement, with a specific focus on motor unit behaviour, tendon mechanics, and pain-related adaptations in both healthy and clinical populations. He is internationally recognised for his innovative use of high-density surface electromyography to uncover the neural strategies behind motor performance, learning, and rehabilitation.

Bridging basic and applied science, Dr Martinez-Valdes investigates how musculoskeletal pain, tendon pathology, ageing, and neurological conditions alter motor unit recruitment and firing behaviour. A central aim of his work is translating these advanced neuromechanical measurements into clinically meaningful insights that refine rehabilitation practices and enhance patient outcomes.

A prolific scholar, he has authored over 90 peer-reviewed articles. He serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology and the Journal of Applied Physiology, and is an elected council member of the International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology (ISEK). His research is supported by leading organisations, including Orthopaedic Research UK, Muscular Dystrophy UK, The Physiological Society, and ANID.

In addition to his research, Dr Martinez-Valdes leads and contributes to training programmes in human physiology, exercise science, and neuromechanical research methods. He collaborates widely with clinicians and international research groups and is committed to interdisciplinary approaches that bridge neurophysiology, biomechanics, and clinical practice.

• Sports Injury and Rehabilitation (BSc/Msci) – Module Lead
• Human Physiology and Exercise (Bsc/Msci)
• Applied Exercise Physiology (Bsc)
• Neural Adaptations to training (MSc)

Eduardo is interested in supervising postgraduate research students (MRes/PhD) in the following areas:

- Neuromuscular adaptations to musculoskeletal disorders
- Neuro-musculoskeletal rehabilitation
- Neuromuscular adaptations to exercise
- Neuromuscular adjustments to pain/fatigue/ageing
- Neuromechanical interactions – Basic neural mechanisms underlying movement

Current projects

• Neuromuscular mechanisms linking pain and fatigue in individuals with knee Osteoarthritis.
• Torque visuo-motor feedback training for the management of patellar tendinopathy.
• Age-related changes in corticospinal excitability and motoneuron function during the acquisition and retention of novel motor skills.
• High-density surface electromyography feedback for the management of chronic ankle instability.
• Multi-electrode high-density surface electromyography for detection of neuromuscular disorders in children.

Previous projects

• Morpho-mechanical and neuromuscular properties of the triceps surae muscle–tendon unit in Achilles tendinopathy: response to exercise-based rehabilitation.
• Visuo-motor skill learning with experimental and chronic tendon pain.
• Assessment and evaluation of regional variations in muscle architecture on the neural control of movement in vivo in humans.
• Assessing the interplay between neural drive and muscle contraction dynamics during postural tasks in older individuals.
• Control of Trunk Muscle Force in Individuals with Low Back Pain: New Insights Revealed by High-Density Surface Electromyography.

Society memberships

• Since 2016        Member of the International Society for Electromyography and Kinesiology (ISEK)
• Since 2017        Member of the international motoneuron society
• Since 2018        Member of the Physiological society

Peer Review

Experimental Brain Research, Peer J, Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, European Journal of Applied Physiology, Entropy, Plos One, Sports health: a multidisciplinary approach, Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, Journal of electromyography and kinesiology.