Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons^™

Assessing Content Validity Of The Osteo-Taq(Aus) Using Cognitive Interviews: Cross-Jurisdictional Evidence From Uk Osteopathic Practice​​, Oliver P. Thomson, Elena Golder, Gopi Anne Mcleod, Jerry Draper-Rodi, Steven Vogel, Brett Vaughan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The Osteopaths’ Therapeutic Approaches Questionnaire (Osteo-TAQ) has demonstrated content, construct, and face validity across multiple jurisdictions but required cognitive validation for use in the United Kingdom (UK). Objectives: To assess the cognitive content and face validity of the Australian-adapted Osteo-TAQ (Osteo-TAQ(Aus)) with practising UK osteopaths, and to determine whether any revisions were necessary. Methods: Cognitive interviews were conducted with six (n = 6) UK osteopaths using a combination of think-aloud and verbal probing techniques, informed by the Cognitive Interview Reporting Framework (CIRF). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using team-based content analysis to identify issues of item interpretation, clarity …

Enhancing Independence And Social Connection: The Impact Of A Tailored Exercise Program On New Residents Transitioning Into Australian Residential Care Facilities, Stacey Scott, Annette Raynor, Julie Dare, Jennifer Grieve, Leesa Costello

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Transitioning from independent living to a residential care facility often results in a significant loss of independence, autonomy, and connectedness, leaving new residents with profound feelings of loss and grief. In light of these challenges, this study explored the potential benefits of a tailored in-house exercise program for new residents. Methods: The study took place in an Australian residential care facility and included four new residents (aged 72 to 88, 75% female), who participated in a 12-week tailored exercise program led by an exercise physiologist. A focused ethnographic approach was used to obtain a comprehensive data set, drawing on …

International Competency And Regulatory Standards In Osteopathic Practice: A Comparative Documentary Analysis Of Regulated And Formally Recognised Jurisdictions, Lee Muddle, Gopi Anne Mcleod, Loïc Treffel, Oliver P. Thomson, Ana Paula A. Ferreira, Brett Vaughan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To compare competency standards and regulatory expectations for osteopathic practice across jurisdictions where the profession is formally regulated or recognised as a healthcare profession. Methods: A documentary analysis was undertaken across regulated and formally recognised jurisdictions. National competency frameworks, regulatory standards and professional guidance documents were identified through regulatory and professional body websites and direct contact with relevant organisations. Nineteen national competency, regulatory or professional framework documents from 17 jurisdictions were included. The World Health Organization Benchmarks for Training in Osteopathy and EN16686 Osteopathic Healthcare Provision were included as international comparison points. Data were extracted using a structured template …

Remote Assessment And Management Of Physical Function In Older Adults (Ramp): An International Expert Delphi Process, Jack Dalla Via, Hurst, Elsa Dent, Jackson J. Fyfe, Paul Jansons, Eleanor J. Hayes, Marc Sim, Mylene Aubertin-Leheudre, Alex Barreto De Lima, Lucimere Bohn, Sabine Britting, Fanny Buckinx, Gavin Connolly, Lora Giangregorio, Duarte Henriques-Neto, Jennifer R.A. Jones, Robert Kob, Suzanne N. Morin, Girish N, Lucas B.R. Orssatto, Maria Pearson, Daniel Pinto, Esmee M. Reijnierse, Catherine M. Said, Mohamed Salem, Gary Skinner

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Remote methods may help older adults improve their physical function, but understanding the perspectives of experts who deliver this care is critical. This modified Delphi process aimed to develop expert consensus on effectiveness, feasibility and implementation of remote assessment and management of physical function in older adults. Methods: This online Delphi process included experts involved in supporting older adults to maintain or improve their health. The Round 1 survey presented 33 Delphi statements assessed using an 11-point Likert scale (0–10; ≥7 indicated agreement). Statements with strong (≥80 %), moderate (50–<80 %) and low (<50 %) agreement were accepted, revised, or rejected, respectively. Revised statements were presented in Round 2, and accepted statements were consolidated into key messages. Results: In total, 108 respondents (67 % female; mean [SD] age 41.4 [10.9] years) from 16 countries (five continents) completed Round 1. Fourteen statements were accepted (88–100 % agreement) and 10 were rejected (8–39 % agreement). The remaining nine statements (52–69 % agreement) were revised, and two new statements were developed for Round 2, which was completed by 89 (82 %) respondents. Five Round 2 statements were accepted (82–93 % agreement). Seven key messages were developed from 19 accepted statements, highlighting that remote care should be accessible to older adults with requisite capabilities, is feasible for older adults and health professionals with adequate support and training, and requires guidelines, policies, and further research to support wider adoption. Conclusions: The findings of this Delphi process can inform the implementation of remote care approaches for assessing and managing physical function in older adults.

Self-Managed Non-Pharmacological Interventions For Post-Treatment Upper Limb Dysfunction Rehabilition Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review, Jinqiu Li, Jing Yu (Benjamin) Tan, Tao Wang, Haiying Wang, Mengyuan Li, Sita Sharma, Linda Deravin, Daniel Terry

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This study aims to identify commonly utilised self-managed non-pharmacological interventions for managing post-treatment ULD among breast cancer survivors, evaluate their effectiveness and safety, and identify the research gaps for future studies. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, and eight English databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and ProQuest) were searched from their inception to 30 September 2025. Google and ResearchGate were also searched to identify any additional eligible studies. Narrative synthesis was used for data analysis. Risk of Bias version 2 was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Results: 5972 studies …

Differential Effects Of Physical Activity Interventions On Gross And Fine Motor Difficulties In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Insights From A Multilevel Meta-Analysis With Moderator Analyses, Changhui Peng, Jinrong He, Kai Xu, Xueping Wu, Dandan Wang, Lei Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Difficulties in gross and fine motor skills negatively affect the healthy development of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet evidence for physical activity interventions (PAIs) remains limited and inconsistent. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the differential effects of PAIs on gross and fine motor difficulties in children with ASD and to explore potential moderators. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, empirical studies published from inception to April 21, 2026 were systematically searched across PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus. Effect sizes were synthesized using a three-level random-effects model and were expressed as Hedges’ g (g). …

Occupational Therapy Intervention For Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Survey Of Occupational Therapists In Australia, Jacqui Hunt, Jill G. Zwicker, Annette Raynor, Erin Godecke

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), a common neurodevelopmental condition, is associated with persistent motor and psychosocial difficulties impacting participation and quality of life. International guidelines recommend activity-/participation-focused, task-specific interventions; however, little is known about how Australian occupational therapists translate these recommendations into clinical practice. This study aimed to describe current Australian occupational therapy intervention for children with (or suspected to have) DCD and identify factors that shape occupational therapists' intervention choices. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to Australian occupational therapists via professional organisations/social media September–October 2020. Eligible participants were registered occupational therapists with ≥15% children in their caseload. …

The Crossroads Between Osteosarcopenia And Intrinsic Capacity—A Narrative Review, Nailton J. Neto, Guy Hajj-Boutros, Wayne Lok Ok Choo, Miguel G. Borda, Konstantinos Prokopidis, Hassan Rammal, Daniel Rivas, Hussein Samhat, Ivan Baltasar-Fernandez, Mahdi Imani, Cristiano Dos Santos Gomes, Oscar Rosas Carrasco, Marc Sim, Julie A. Pasco, Julia Chabot, Ana M. Ayala-Copete, Francisco J. García-García, Claire Godard-Sebillotte, Raman Agnihotram, Lana J. Williams, Anna Andrianova, Robinson Ramirez-Vélez, Emma Connolly, Harmehr Sekhon, Hidenori Arai, Liang-Kung Chen, Andréa Faust, Howard Bergman, Alexandra Papaioannou, Pierrette Gaudreau, Tiago Alexandre, Leocadio Rodriguez-Mañas, Ricardo Oliveira Guerra, Gustavo Duque

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Intrinsic capacity (IC) is defined as the composite of physical and mental abilities an individual possesses, encompassing 5 domains: cognition, psychological health, sensory function, vitality, and locomotion. This construct is central to the World Health Organization’s framework for assessing functional ability in older adults. Growing evidence highlights the critical role of the musculoskeletal system in maintaining these domains, while conditions such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and their coexistence as osteosarcopenia (OS) are increasingly associated with IC decline. This narrative review compiles current evidence on the modulatory role of muscles and bones in IC and the impacts of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and OS. …

Defining Varus Thrust Assessment And Measurement: A Scoping Review, Haonan Shen, Nicole D'Souza, Claire E. Hiller, Marnee J. Mckay, Kun Hu, Zhiyong Wang, Milena Simic

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: The primary aim of this scoping review was to identify and evaluate the methodologies used for classifying and quantifying varus thrust of the knee during walking. The secondary aim was to report outcomes of reliability, validity, prevalence, and quantitative cutoffs of varus thrust in existing studies. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across five electronic databases from inception to April 2024. Studies that reported varus thrust during gait in adults were included. Two independent reviewers extracted data, and data were synthesized based on thrust classification methods, prevalence, reliability, and validity results. Results: A total of 59 studies were …

Beyond The First Bout: Adaptations To Repeated Injuries Across Physiological And Pathological Conditions, Cory W. Baumann, Christopher P. Ingalls, Kazunori Nosaka, Jarrod A. Call

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Skeletal muscle exhibits remarkable plasticity following injury, yet most research has focused on responses to a single bout of eccentric contractions. This review addresses adaptations to repeated eccentric contraction–induced injuries across physiological and pathological conditions, with emphasis on insights from preclinical rodent models. In healthy muscle, the repeated bout effect (RBE) reduces strength loss and accelerates recovery after subsequent bouts. However, these adaptations are highly condition dependent. Aging can attenuate the RBE, while dystrophic muscle remains vulnerable to repeated injury despite compensatory remodeling. Other factors, including but not limited to, chronic alcohol intake and malignant hyperthermia can influence these responses, …

Role Of Allied Health Professions In Falls Prevention For Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Scoping Review, Amy Lawton, Nicholas Tripodi, Rebecca Wospil, Breanna M. Wright, Hylton B. Menz, Suzanne Martin, Daniel R. Bonanno, Corey Linton, Andisheh Bastani, Andrew Ross, Rees Thomas, Daniel Corcoran, Timothy Mcnamara, Danielle Baxter, Brett Vaughan, Rebecca Lane, Jack Feehan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: Falls among community-dwelling older adults are prevalent and have serious individual, societal and economic consequences. Allied health professionals provide key falls prevention interventions yet their representation in current clinical practice guidelines is inconsistent. Increased recognition of allied health roles and delivering context-specific guidelines for falls care could help to address workforce gaps and optimise care approaches. This scoping review explored the roles of the allied health professions in falls prevention screening, assessment and intervention for community-dwelling older adults. Design: Scoping review, using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Data sources: PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science …

Self-Management Challenges And Psychosocial Support Needs In Clean Intermittent Catheterization: A Qualitative Study Of Individuals With Neurogenic Bladder And Caregivers, Lianyu Zou, Xiaomei Wu, Shun Chen, Shuluan Feng, Xiaohua Huang, Weiting Liu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background – Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is widely regarded as the preferred approach to bladder management for individuals with neurogenic bladder (NB). Nevertheless, a considerable gap persists between evidence and clinical practice: patients and caregivers frequently encounter self-management barriers that compromise clinical outcomes during CIC. This qualitative study explores these barriers to provide an empirical foundation for developing tailored strategies that improve quality of care. Design – A descriptive qualitative study. Methods – From August to October 2025, a convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 16 participants individuals with NB or their long-term caregivers from the Department of Rehabilitation …

Assessment Of Rotator Cuff External Rotation: Isometric Vs. Isotonic Testing Modes, Luca Maestroni, Filippo Beretta, Fabio Civera, Paolo Artina, Marco Cuniberti, Francesco Bettariga, Anthony Turner

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: To assess intra-session reliability of isometric and isotonic shoulder external rotation (ER) strength tests and to compare their outcomes. Methods: Thirty-eight healthy subjects (19 females; 19 males; 25.7 ± 6.0 years; 175 ± 9 cm; 70.3 ± 11.4 kg) completed a shoulder ER strength assessment including Prone and Standing ER Isometric tests and Seated 5 repetition maximum (RM) ER tests. Normality was checked with the Shapiro–Wilk test. Reliability was assessed using the CV and ICC (3, k, 95% CI). Linear mixed models examined sex and dominance effects. Correlations and multiple regression tested associations between tests (p < 0.05). Results: All tests performed displayed “excellent” reliability scores (CV from 1.9 to 3.1% and ICC from 0.970 to 0.994). No significant effect of dominance was observed in any strength test. Males showed significantly higher values than females in both Prone (3.8% higher, p < 0.001) and Standing (2.7% higher, p = 0.003) isometric ER strength tests. Prone and Standing isometric tests were moderately correlated (r = 0.62, 95% CI [0.46, 0.74], p < 0.001). A regression model explained 52.4% of the variance in Seated 5 RM ER strength (R² = 0.524, …

Effect Of A 6-Week Structured Exercise Intervention On Tnf-Α During The Chronic Recovery Phase Of A Burn Injury Compared To Regular Daily Activities: A Pilot Randomised Cross-Over Trial, Tyler Jerome Osborne, Grant Rowe, Dale W. Edgar, Mark Fear, Fiona M. Wood, Timothy Fairchild, Brook Galna, Pippa Kenworthy, Brad Wall

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Burn injury induces a prolonged inflammatory response that may contribute to long-term metabolic dysfunction. Exercise is known to reduce inflammation in various clinical populations; however, its effect on chronic post-burn inflammation remains unclear. This crossover trial investigated the impact of a 6-week exercise intervention on tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in adults with non-severe burns sustained more than one year prior. Methods: Twenty-one participants were randomised to complete either a 6-week exercise program or a control period first, separated by a 4-week washout. The exercise program comprised three supervised sessions per week of combined resistance and cardiovascular training. Primary (TNF-α) …

The Prevalence Of Varus Thrust: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Haonan Shen, Nicole D'Souza, Claire E. Hiller, Marnee J. Mckay, Kun Hu, Zhiyong Wang, Milena Simic

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objective: To determine the prevalence of varus thrust in adults with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA), including across clinically relevant subgroups. A secondary objective was to explore whether varus thrust prevalence varied according to age, body mass index (BMI), and knee pain severity, where sufficient data were available. Design: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Five electronic databases and Google Scholar were searched from inception to January 21, 2025. Studies reporting varus thrust during gait in adults, assessed using clinical observation methods, were included. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. Results: …

Tools Used To Measure Fear Avoidance Behaviour In The Management Of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (Concussion), Liam Sherwood

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Concussion can present challenges with respect to diagnosis and management. Fear avoidance behaviour and beliefs may be perpetuating factors in the clinical course of concussion. Understanding which patients may adopt such behaviours and beliefs can offer important information to allow tailoring of clinical management and implementing strategies to minimise the risk of progression to persisting post-concussion symptoms.

In this thesis, I:

-       systematically reviewed the current measurement tools used to assess fear avoidance behaviours and beliefs associated with concussion;

-       explored the experience of clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience of concussion in relation to fear avoidance behaviours;

- …

Fall Prevention Interventions In Community-Dwelling Older People With Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review, Sumattana Glangkarn, Pelden Chejor, Rujira Nonsa-Ard, Kasama Wongprachum, Sirapat Khodseewong, Chaiwut Bourneow, Davina Porock

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Falls are a major health concern for older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairment. Many factors contribute to the risk of falls, making it a complex issue to manage. Aim: This systematic review aimed to identify and describe the implementation strategies used for fall prevention in community-dwelling older people with cognitive impairment. Eligibility criteria: The review included studies on fall prevention interventions for community-dwelling adults aged > 50 years with cognitive impairment. Eligible studies were primary research, including experimental, quasi-experimental, qualitative, and mixed methods designs, with detailed implementation strategies. Systematic reviews, protocols, editorials, opinions, commentaries, and conference papers were excluded. …

Neuromotor Function Following Lower-Limb Muscle Or Tendon Injury: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Jack Andringa-Bate, Moath Almusallam, Molly Coventry, Myles C. Murphy, Ebonie Rio, Tania Pizzari

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Alterations in neuromotor function occur following lower-limb injuries and might be a factor in recurrent injury. We evaluated if adults with previous lower-limb muscle or tendon injury demonstrate differences in neuromotor function compared with uninjured or control limbs. Methods: A systematic search of health databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus was conducted from inception until the end of April 2024. Studies evaluating neuromotor function of adults with a history of lower-limb muscle or tendon injury compared to an uninjured contralateral or control limb were included. Inverse variance, random effects meta-analyses were used to generate effect estimates for neuromotor outcomes. …

Addressing Professional Tensions Through Intellectual Candour And Stewardship, Thoughtful Dialoguing As A Duoethnographic Collaborative Exploration, Sarah Barradell, Narelle Lemon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Using duoethnography, we explore our experiences of physiotherapy practice and education and argue that the profession’s desire for credibility is at the expense of vulnerability, risk and intellectual candour–of imagining the profession and education of its graduates differently. We identified key themes around: alignment/misalignment, reflection/reflexivity and professional scope. This methodology models risk and questioning through the juxtaposition of different perspectives. Through our contrasting narratives, we remain open to new forms of learning, modelling what intellectual candour demands from us: facing the problems of the past so that we might learn from our history and change our future. This can be …

Aerobic Exercise Increases Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf) In Sub-Acute Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Christopher P. Mackay, Suzanne Kuys, Mia Schaumberg, Li Ann Leow, Sandy Brauer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key neurotrophin due to its role in neuron process outgrowth, plasticity, and neuronal survival. Aerobic exercise can induce BDNF release and may ultimately maximize post-stroke recovery. Objectives: This study aimed to determine if a program of moderate-to-high-intensity aerobic exercise increased concentrations of BDNF in subacute stroke survivors compared to usual care. Methods: A parallel-group, RCT was undertaken in people with subacute stroke undergoing rehabilitation. Participants were randomly allocated to usual care (control group) or usual care plus an 8-week program of moderate-high intensity treadmill walking (3 x 30 min sessions per week) (experimental …

Developing Consumer Consensus On Remote Assessment And Management Of Physical Function In Older Adults (Ramp): International Modified Delphi Process, Elsa Dent, Christopher Hurst, Jack Dalla Via, Jackson J. Fyfe, Paul Jansons, Eleanor J. Hayes, Gary Skinner, Marc Sim, Mylene Aubertin-Leheudre, Sabine Britting, Fanny Buckinx, Gavin Connolly, Lora Giangregorio, Jennifer R.A. Jones, Pauline Kelly, Robert Kob, Suzanne N. Morin, Girish Nandakumar, Lucas B.R. Orssatto, Maria Pearson, Daniel Pinto, Esmee M. Reijnierse, Catherine M. Said, Mohamed Salem, Vina P.S. Tan, Rosanna Tran

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Remote health care delivery, including the use of digital health interventions, is emerging as a tool for assessing and managing physical function, but its design and implementation often overlook the needs and preferences of older adult end users. Objective: The primary aim of this modified Delphi process was to develop consumer consensus on preferences for remote assessment and management of physical function in older adults. Methods: Research and consumer experts of the Remote Assessment and Management of Physical Function in Older Adults (RAMP) Working Group co-developed the Round 1 Delphi survey, which was advertised to consumers (adults aged ≥60 …

Do Combined Resistance And Aerobic Exercise Programs Cause An Interference Effect In Women With Breast Cancer? A Systematic Review And Network Meta-Analysis, Pedro Lopez, Anderson Rech, Maria Petropoulou, Caroline B. Silveira, Talita Molinari, Cindranne Torres Muller, Priscila Casara, Francesco Bettariga, Favil Singh, Régis Radaelli

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Exercise medicine has gained significant recognition owing to its demonstrated benefits throughout the breast cancer treatment continuum. While resistance exercise (RE) promotes improvements in lean mass and muscle strength, aerobic exercise (AE) enhances cardiorespiratory fitness, with several studies investigating both exercise modes in patients with breast cancer. However, because of an effect often referred to as interference effect, it is hypothesised that combining resistance and aerobic exercise (COMB) may compromise gains in lean mass and muscle strength and other outcomes in cancer populations. Objective: This study aims to investigate the presence of an interference effect from prescribing COMB compared …

Efficacy And Safety Of Tai Chi For Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Shun Chen, Weiting Liu, Qinwei Fu, Mingyu Huang, Weilan Lin, Yanting Ding, Ming Li

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Tai Chi, a form of complementary intervention emphasizing breathing and mind-body connection, is increasingly recognized for its potential in pain management. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the efficacy and safety of Tai Chi for chronic musculoskeletal pain management in adults. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources: AMED, EMBASE, MEDLINE, WoS, CBM, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Databases, CENTRAL, and WHO ICTRP were searched from database inception through May 2025, with an additional supplementary search conducted in January 2026. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Tai Chi with other interventions for chronic …

Efficacy And Effectiveness Of Melatonin For The Management Of Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Placebo And Active Controlled Trials, Kangchao Wu, Ting Him Ho, Paula R. Beckenkamp, Michelle Hall, Hanzhi Zhang, James Puterflam, Karin Due Bruun, Jianhua Lin, Christopher Gordon, Ron Grunstein, Manuela L. Ferreira, Paulo Ferreira

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Melatonin may provide benefits for managing musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, and this review evaluated its efficacy and effectiveness on pain intensity and sleep quality. We searched 6 databases from inception to April 2025 and included randomized controlled trials in people with chronic or postoperative MSK pain reporting pain or sleep outcomes. Comparators included placebo or active controls (eg, analgesics). Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses were conducted by comparator type. Sensitivity analyses included only low-risk studies. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Twenty-three studies (2028 participants) were included. For people with chronic MSK …

Rock On Technology: Perspectives Of People With Neurological Conditions On Robot-Assisted Lower Limb And Gait Neurorehabilitation, Rachel G. Buckingham, Saran Chamberlain, Amanda Timler, Matthew K. Bagg, Nikki E. Bakhtazad, Taya Hamilton, Patricia Martinet, Bianca Haagman, Stuart I. Hodgetts, Barbara Singer, Ann Maree Vallence, Jodie Marquez, Eric Gaitho, Emma Gee, Jessica Nolan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: Explore perspectives of people living with neurological conditions in Western Australia (WA) on robot-assisted lower limb neurorehabilitation (RALLR), and implementation requirements. Materials and methods: This co-designed, qualitative descriptive study included people living with neurological conditions. In-person semi-structured focus groups (FGs) were facilitated by a person with lived experience of stroke. FGs were recorded, data were transcribed, and thematically analysed using a reflexive approach. Results: Five FGs included 24 participants (54.2% women, median age 50 years). Of these, thirteen participants had RALLR experience. Primary neurological conditions represented among participants comprised spinal cord injury (n = 11), stroke (n = 3), …

Effects Of Exercise Interventions On Motor Coordination In Children With Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dcd): A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Changhui Peng, Jinrong He, Kai Xu, Xueping Wu, Dandan Wang, Lei Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Exercise interventions are recognized as an established therapeutic approach for children with DCD. This review aims to quantify the effectiveness of exercise interventions and examine the influence of potential moderating factors on outcomes. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and EBSCO from inception to November 1, 2025. All studies were rigorously screened based on predefined eligibility criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using ROB 2 and ROBINS-I. Effect sizes were calculated as Hedges’ g (g) and pooled under a random-effects model, and potential moderators were examined through subgroup and regression analyses. Results A …

Clinician-Led, Single-Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial Evaluating The Efficacy Of A High-Intensity Resistance And Impact Training Intervention For Improving Health-Related Quality Of Life In People With Multiple Sclerosis: Protocol For Strong-Ms, Lisa Grech, Beck, David Scott, Marc Sim, Jakub Mesinovic, Paul Jansons, Fernanda Rodrigues Fonseca, Julie Abimanyi-Ochom, Michelle Allan, Stefan Blum, Ernest Butler, William Carroll, Nigel Caswell, Peter Ebeling, Vanessa Gan, Alan Herschtal, Nevin John, Allan Kermode, Linh Le-Kavanagh, Shalika Bohingamu Mudiyanselage, Lynne Elizabeth Ohman, Mia Poposka, Alison Reece, Phoebe Sansom, Charlotte Scroggie, Christopher Todaro

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) engage in less physical activity and experience higher rates of osteoporosis, falls and fractures than the general population, contributing to reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and increased healthcare costs. High-intensity resistance and impact training (HiRIT) has beneficial effects on bone, muscle and physical function in other populations, but its effectiveness in people with MS is unclear. Methods and analysis: STRONG-MS is a codesigned, clinician-led, single-blind, randomised controlled trial evaluating the effect of a HiRIT programme, ONERO, on HRQoL for people with MS. Secondary aims include assessing changes in bone mineral density, body composition, …

Voluntary Activation Of The Ankle Plantar Flexors: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Molly E. Coventry, Christopher Latella, Brady Green, Andrea B. Mosler, Jayden Peak, Maria Luciana Perez Armendariz, Ebonie K. Rio, Myles C. Murphy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Voluntary activation is a measure of neural drive, typically measured during maximal contractions, and provides insight into motor function. This systematic review examined voluntary activation assessment of the ankle plantar flexors in healthy and pathological populations, and the association of participant age and positioning (knee and ankle joint angles) with voluntary activation level. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analyses were conducted. Six electronic databases were systematically searched for studies that assessed voluntary activation of the ankle plantar flexors using the interpolated twitch technique or the central activation ratio. Meta-analyses were performed using an inverse variance, random-effects maximal likelihood model …

State Of Stroke Rehabilitation In Australia: A Who Stars Assessment To Identify Strengths And Gaps Across Policy, Practice And Funding, Lauren J. Christie, Erin Godecke, Maddison Smith, Katharine Scrivener, Kelvin Hill, Joosup Kim, Maria Crotty, Dominique A. Cadilhac, Angela Dos Santos, Natasha A. Lannin

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose of Review: Rehabilitation following stroke is a complex series of assistive and catalytic interventions enabling a survivor to recover and adapt to their stroke. To achieve adaptation, rehabilitation should supplement healthcare across the continuum, however comprehensive evidence on the provision of stroke rehabilitation in Australia is lacking. The aim of this paper was to describe stroke rehabilitation provision, collecting data using the World Health Organisation (WHO) template for rehabilitation information collection (TRIC). Data were analysed descriptively to complete the Systematic Assessment of Rehabilitation Situation (STARS) assessment. Recent Findings: Challenges include inadequacies in reporting and poor data integration between state- …

Characteristics Of Australian And New Zealand Osteopaths Who Treat Patients Presenting With Non-Musculoskeletal Complaints: Outcomes From Two Practice-Based Research Networks, Brett Vaughan, Francesco Cerritelli, Jerry Draper-Rodi, Jack Feehan, Ana Paula A. Ferreira, Michael Fleischmann, Gopi Mcleod, Cindy Mcintyre, Chantal Morin, Lee Muddle, Oliver P. Thomson, Loïc Treffel, Nicholas Tripodi, Kesava Kovanur Sampath, Niklas Sinderholm Sposato, Amie Steel, Jon Adams

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Australian and New Zealand osteopaths predominantly manage musculoskeletal complaints using a variety of modalities including manual therapy, exercise and lifestyle and occupational advice. There appears to be a small percentage of patients who seek osteopathy care for non-musculoskeletal issues such as conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The evidence base for osteopathic treatment as part of the management of such conditions is equivocal. The aim of this study was to describe the practice of Australian and New Zealand osteopaths who report often treating patients with non-musculoskeletal complaints. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of data from the Australian and …