Ignacio Contreras Hernandez
Glasgow
Summary
I am a researcher and clinician with expertise in neuromuscular physiology. I hold a PhD in Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences, a master’s in Physiology, and a bachelor’s in Physiotherapy. My research has focused on motor unit adaptations in clinical populations, supported by extensive experience with advanced tools including high-density surface electromyography, ultrasonography, and isokinetic dynamometry, combined with signal analysis in MATLAB and statistical analysis in R. I have successfully led and managed complex research projects, including randomised controlled trials. In addition, I bring over seven years of clinical experience as a physiotherapist, primarily supporting adults with musculoskeletal conditions. This unique combination of research expertise and clinical experience enables me to bridge the gap between fundamental science and patient care, placing me in a strong position to contribute to translational research.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Data Collection Project Support (Part-time)
University of Glasgow
Glasgow, Glasgow City
2024.12 - 2026.03
- Collected and managed data independently and as part of a team, ensuring compliance with quality standards, data protection laws, and project protocols.
- Planned and prioritised activities to meet project timelines while adhering to research governance and safeguarding guidelines.
- Supervised data collection teams, ensuring protocol adherence and quality standards, and prepared monitoring reports to support project improvements.
Research Associate (Part-time)
University of Birmingham
Birmingham, West Midlands
2023.05 - 2024.02
- Planned, coordinated, and executed research projects to gain insight into the interplay between neural drive and muscle contraction dynamics during postural tasks in older adults.
- Coordinated and supervised the experimental sessions of undergraduate and postgraduate students for their project dissertations.
- Analysed high-density surface electromyography signals and performed statistical analysis for a project to detect neuromuscular disorders in children.
Teaching assistant (Part-time)
University of Birmingham
Birmingham, West Midlands
2021.09 - 2022.12
- Delivered practical sessions for the Functional Anatomy undergraduate module.
- Helped teaching staff design and prepare practical sessions.
- Collaborated with teaching staff to create a positive, engaging learning environment that enhances student experience.
- Offered enthusiastic, supportive guidance to students in both individual and group settings.
Physiotherapist (Full-time)
Hospital del Trabajador
Santiago, Chile
2013.01 - 2019.08
- Delivered exceptional care to service users with musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring their needs were met with the highest standard of treatment.
- Collaborated within multi-disciplinary teams to assess complex cases and implement innovative treatment strategies.
- Optimised rehabilitation outcomes by educating patients on their conditions and available treatment options, empowering them to participate actively in their recovery.
- Improved client lifestyle and well-being through tailored, person-centred treatment programmes focused on individual goals and needs.
Lecturer (Part-time)
Universidad Santo Tomás
Santiago, Región Metropolitana
2017.03 - 2019.07
- Delivered lectures for the Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Physiology courses, providing clear and engaging instruction.
- Developed comprehensive course content, assessments, and exams aligned with learning objectives.
- Encouraged students to critically reflect on course material and develop strong analytical skills.
- Monitored student progress toward educational goals, implementing targeted interventions to support their success.
- Collaborated with fellow lecturers to improve teaching strategies and enhance overall course delivery.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences
University of Birmingham
United Kingdom 2019.09 - 2024.09
Master of Science - Physiology
Universidad de Chile
Chile 2015.03 - 2016.12
Bachelor of Science - Physiotherapy
Universidad de Chile
Chile 2007.03 - 2011.12
Skills
- Advanced neuromuscular and biomechanical assessment expertise
- Strong analytical capability in processing and interpreting complex physiological datasets
- Proven experience delivering experimental research projects and maintaining high data quality standards
- Highly organised, proactive, and collaborative researcher with strong independent working and problem-solving abilities
Languages
English
Fluent
Spanish
Native
Languages
6,6
Publications
Andrea Del Campo, Ignacio Contreras-Hernandez, Mauricio Castro-Sepulveda, Cristian A Campos, Reinaldo Figueroa, María Florencia Tevy, Verónica Eisner, Mariana Casas, Enrique Jaimovich (2018). Muscle function decline and mitochondria changes in middle age precede sarcopenia in mice. Aging (Albany NY); 10(1):34-55.
Ignacio Contreras-Hernandez, Deborah Falla, Eduardo Martinez-Valdes (2022). Neuromuscular and structural tendon adaptations after 6 weeks of either concentric or eccentric exercise in individuals with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy: protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open; 12(7):e058683.
Ignacio Contreras-Hernandez, Deborah Falla, Alessandro Schneebeli, Eduardo Martinez-Valdes (2022). Neuromechanical changes in Achilles tendinopathy and the effects of exercise-induced mechanical tendon loading: a protocol for a systematic review. BMJ Open;12(2):e050186.
Ignacio Contreras-Hernandez, Michail Arvanitidis, Deborah Falla, Francesco Negro, Eduardo Martinez-Valdes (2024). Achilles tendon morpho-mechanical parameters are related to triceps surae motor unit firing properties. J Neurophysiol; 132(4):1198-1210.
Ignacio Contreras-Hernandez, Deborah Falla, Michail Arvanitidis, Francesco Negro, David Jimenez-Grande, Eduardo Martinez-Valdes (2026). Load and muscle-dependent changes in triceps surae motor unit firing properties in individuals with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. J Physiol. 604(2):955-978
Eduardo Martinez-Valdes, Ignacio Contreras-Hernandez, Ragul Selvamoorthy, Francesco Negro, Andrew Lawley (2026). Feasibility of high-density surface electromyography for the detection of neuromuscular disorders in children. Muscle Nerve.
Timeline
Data Collection Project Support (Part-time)
University of Glasgow
2024.12 - 2026.03
Research Associate (Part-time)
University of Birmingham
2023.05 - 2024.02
Teaching assistant (Part-time)
University of Birmingham
2021.09 - 2022.12
Doctor of Philosophy - Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences
University of Birmingham
2019.09 - 2024.09
Lecturer (Part-time)
Universidad Santo Tomás
2017.03 - 2019.07
Master of Science - Physiology
Universidad de Chile
2015.03 - 2016.12
Physiotherapist (Full-time)
Hospital del Trabajador
2013.01 - 2019.08
Bachelor of Science - Physiotherapy
Universidad de Chile
2007.03 - 2011.12