Dr. Mandy Parra is an Assistant Professor in the Tarleton State University School of Kinesiology whose research focuses on neuromuscular physiology, female athlete health, and human performance. Her work integrates electrophysiology, biomechanics, body composition assessment, and applied sport science to investigate how hormonal status, training load, and neuromuscular function influence performance and recovery across the lifespan.
Dr. Parra’s research utilizes advanced technologies including electromyography (EMG), force plate analysis, DEXA imaging, motion analysis, and biomarker assessment to study motor unit behavior, muscle quality, fatigue, and athlete readiness. Her work spans applications in rehabilitation science, strength and conditioning, women’s health, tactical performance, and clinical movement assessment.
Research
Dr. Parra’s research program focuses on understanding the interaction between neuromuscular function, hormonal physiology, and human performance in both athletic and clinical populations with a special emphasis on female neuromuscular physiology. Her work examines motor unit recruitment strategies, muscle activation patterns, skeletal muscle quality, and the physiological responses to training, fatigue, and recovery especially during hormonal withdrawal.
Through translational and applied research, Dr. Parra aims to improve assessment strategies for performance, injury risk, recovery, and long-term musculoskeletal health.
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy, Health and Exercise Science, University of Kansas
- Master of Science, Exercise Physiology, Baylor University
- Bachelor of Science, Sport and Fitness Studies, Hardin-Simmons University
Accomplishments
- Established a research program focused on neuromuscular physiology, female athlete health, and human performance.
- Published peer-reviewed research examining motor unit behavior, neuromuscular activation, skeletal muscle physiology, and sports nutrition.
- Leads interdisciplinary collaborations integrating electrophysiology, biomechanics, body composition assessment, and biomarker analysis.
- Secured and contributed to externally funded research projects in sports nutrition, neuromuscular function, athlete monitoring, and women’s health.
- Presents nationally on topics related to neuromuscular physiology, pelvic floor dysfunction in athletes, strength and conditioning, and female performance physiology.
Area of Expertise/Interest
- Neuromuscular physiology and motor unit behavior
- Female athlete physiology and hormonal influences on performance
- Pelvic floor dysfunction and women’s health in sport
- Electromyography and neuromuscular assessment
- Strength and conditioning science
- Exercise physiology and human performance
- Tactical athlete performance and recovery
- Applied sports nutrition and biomarker research