Dr Dawson Kidgell is a senior lecturer and the advanced research coordinator in the Department of Physiotherapy at Monash University. Dawson is an expert and leading researcher in the area of neurophysiology of exercise and has over 100 peer-reviewed publications. He specialises in the technique of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) which is a non-invasive method of measuring the functional properties (neuroplasticity) of the human brain, in particular the primary motor cortex. In this episode of the @MonashMRU podcast, Dawson gives us a detailed run down on acute exercise prescription variables and methods to monitor and manipulate these variables. If you prescribe exercise in clinical practice you will find this episode really interesting. Dawson dives into the details of exercise prescription parameters but he also provides specific examples for clinicians to consider; for example, determining load volume and considerations/methods for measuring intensity and load.   Mentioned in this conversation: Considering load and total load volume Reps in reserve and the number of reps to keep in reserve to optimise training and reduce risk of injury Rating of perceived exertion used in conjunction with reps in reserve to determine proximity to failure OMNI scale to gauge readiness to participate in resistance training Measuring velocity of resistance training, e.g. barbell velocity and controlling time under tension, considering reliability and validity with different muscle groups How to measure these variables in clinical practice   Hosted by Pat Vallance and Peter Malliaras. Connect with the Monash Musculoskeletal Research Unit: @MonashMRU @DrPeteMalliaras @Pat_Vallance If you want to join us on the podcast for a discussion about musculoskeletal research contact Luke Perraton on luke.perraton@monash.edu or via Twitter @LukePerraton or contact the MonashMRU team via twitter   If you enjoyed the episode please consider subscribing via your favourite podcast app and please share the episode via social media so more people can enjoy the conversation.