March 2017

School of Physiotherapy & Exercise Science

Message from the

Head of School

Welcome to the new academic year, which has commenced where 2016 finished – looking to be

another very busy but successful year ahead.

Overall the School’s student numbers continue to grow. In our entry level courses, numbers in

Physiotherapy are stable, but there is continued growth in Exercise Science student numbers, in

particular influenced by stronger numbers progressing through to second and third years. Post

graduate numbers across our three majors for the Masters of Clinical Physiotherapy

(Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Continence and Womens’ Health, and Sports Physiotherapy)

remain strong. Our international numbers across the courses continue to grow, with 12% growth

from 2016, and we now have over 15% of our total student numbers being international. While

most of this growth is in our Physiotherapy courses, it is also pleasing to see a small but growing

number of international students in our Exercise Sports and Rehabilitation Science course. This

sustained growth in international student numbers in recent years is in contrast to the plateau in

overall university international figures over the past several years, and is a reflection of the

School’s strong teaching and research outcomes and international collaborations and profile

achieved by staff.

A major recognition of Curtin activity and outcomes in the Sports-related subjects area is the

recent achievement of being ranked in the 51-100 band across all universities world-wide (there

were five Australian universities in the top 50, Curtin is in the 51-100 band with six other

Australian Universities, and ranked 8th overall among Australian universities. The exercise

related outcomes for our long established Physiotherapy courses, and the young but growing

quickly and successful Exercise Sports and Rehabilitation Science course would be the major

contributors at Curtin to this achievement. Congratulations to all staff on this recognition.

Curtin University has just launched its 50 years of innovation year of activities, celebrating the 50

years of change and outcomes since the formation of WAIT (Curtin’s predecessor) in 1967. The

formal launch was held on March 10th, and involved staff from the Bentley, Kalgoorlie, Malaysia

(Sarawak) and Singapore campuses coming together through technology for an impressive and

enjoyable launch. The School will be running a major alumni event late this year as part of the 50

years celebrations – more information to be circulated in the near future.

It was also very pleasing to see the successful formal opening of the Curtin Medical School in late

February. The new cohort of 60 first year students were welcomed as part of the formal opening,

by then Premier Colin Barnett, and the Dean of the Medical School, Professor William Hart. The

School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science congratulates our colleagues and the first cohort of

students, and look forward to strong collaborations across teaching and research as the School

continues to grow.

There are many other achievements and activities by our staff, students and partners reported

through the rest of this newsletter. Please read on ….

Professor Keith Hill

CONTACT:

Department:

School of Physiotherapy and

Exercise Science

Address: Building 408, Level 3

Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102

Postal address:

GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845

Tel: +61 8 9266 4644

Fax: +61 8 9266 3699

Email:

reception@physio.curtin.edu.au

facebook.com/

CurtinPhysiotherapy

twitter.com/CurtinPhysio

NEWSLETTER

2

Debbie Cooper

2016 COTA Active Ageing

Awards Winner

Debbie Cooper, Lead Instructor with

the Living Longer Living Stronger

program at the Curtin Wellness

Clinic, was named joint winner as the Most Outstanding

Living Longer Living Stronger Metropolitan Instructor.

As an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Debbie designs

individualised programs for clients with chronic

conditions and those wishing to maintain future good

health, paying particular attention to psychosocial

motivators and deterrents for her clients.

Inspired by her passion for teaching and instruction,

several students volunteer their own time to assist her at

the clinic, enabling them to observe and learn from her

expertise working with clients over 55 years of age.

Debbie received her award at the official presentation

held on Tuesday, 14 February. The Mayor of Victoria

Park, Mr Trevor Vaughan and the Active Ageing

Manager with COTA, Mr Phil Airey attended the

presentation.

Congratulations Debbie on this well deserved honour.

For more information on this, and other exercise

programs available at the Clinic:

http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au/schools-and-

departments/physiotherapy-exercise-science/clinical-

services/specialised-exercise-programs/

Continence and Women’s Health

In December the School successfully applied to convert

two of our Continence and Women’s Health positions

to continuing positions. In doing so, an open call for

applications was made, resulting in a strong field of six

applicants for the two positions. The two successful

applicants for these positions were Irena Nurkic and

Chloe Serrao.

Irena has been already been working in this position on a

fixed contract, while Chloe completed some work in

the CWH program in 2016. Both commenced their

continuing positions in January 2017.

We take this opportunity to thank Michelle Brown for her

contributions to the Continence and Women’s Health

course over a number of years.

Chloe Serrao

Andrew Maiorana, Phil Airey (COTA), Debbie Cooper,

Trevor Vaughan (Mayor of Victoria Park), and Keith Hill

**********

Sian Williams - West Weekend

(Interview on Saturday, 11 March)

Our very own Sian Williams and her sister Ceinwen

were interviewed for the “Yin and Yang” section of the

West Weekend in March. The article covers how

Sian got into swimming, mainly through big sister

Ceinwen (who has completed the English Channel

swim). Sian’s parents are also still doing open water

swims every weekend.

Sian won the Port to Pub swim last

year (coincidentally this event was

created by Ceinwen) and this year she

will be competing again but this time,

in a duo ……… with her 72 year old

Dad! We wish them both the best

of luck. You can read the article in full

on https://enewspaper2.thewest.com.au

Irena Nurkic

3

2016 Health Sciences Publications Awards

On Monday, 9 January 2017, the Faculty of Health

Sciences announced the winners of the 2016

Publication Awards. The School, again, was well

represented with winners in:

Top 12 Highest Impact Factor (IF) paper - Highest

impact papers nominated with IF values.

Keith Hill (with other non-Curtin authors) for

The 6-pack program to decrease fall-related injuries

in acute hospitals: A cluster randomized controlled

trial.

Highest IF in Field of Research (FOR) codes -

Highest impact papers nominated in specific FOR

codes.

Clinical Sciences - Congratulations to Keith Hill

(with other non-Curtin authors) for The first year

after stroke: the efficacy of an integrated approach

focusing on pursuit of goals for reducing post stroke

depression.

Human Movement and Sport Science (two winners)

- Congratulations to Erin Howie, Joanne McVeigh,

Anne Smith and Leon Straker for Organized sport

trajectories from childhood to adolescence and

health associations;

and

Susan Morris for Hypermobility and Musculo-

skeletal Pain in Adolescents.

Immunology - Congratulations to Markus

Paananen, Peter O’Sullivan, Leon Straker, Darren

Beales, Pieter Coenen, Jaro Karppinen, Craig Pen-

nell and Anne Smith for A low cortisol response to

stress is associated with musculoskeletal pain

combined with increased pain sensitivity in

young adults: A longitudinal cohort study

Dr Meg Harrold

APA Branch Council

Representative

Garry Allison recently stepped

down as the Curtin representative

on the APA Branch Council and the

baton has been handed on to Meg Harrold. In this

volunteer position Meg promotes and advocates for

physiotherapy, and works with the Council to ensure the

Branch continues to group and develop in line with

member expectations,.

******** Evan Coopes

Director of Professional

Post-graduate Courses

Following the successful completion

of his postgraduate studies, Evan

has resumed his responsibilities as

Director for Post-Graduate courses.

Our thanks to Rob Waller for filling this role and for

overseeing the very successful running of and conclusion

to the School’s Post Graduate courses in the latter half of

2016.

******** Dr (Dad) Vin Cavalheri

Adds another title to his name

On Monday, 6 February at 5.18pm Fern and Vin became

new parents to a beautiful baby girl. Elisa Santana

Oliveira, weighed in at 2.7 kg and was 49 cm long.

As you can see she is enjoying

her new car—it might not be a

Lamborghini but she’s obviously

inherited her father’s love of cars!

.

4

STAFF PROFILE

Paul Dean-Smith

1. In 25 words or less, tell us

about the main elements

of your current role.

The main function I fulfil is that of

Anatomy Technician, setting up Labs for the academic

staff. Also, dissecting cadavers assisting in the

education of students.

2. What drives you / what motivates you to

carry on?

The driving force in my life is to do all I can be a good

Husband, Father, Grandfather & Workmate. Being

wise and strong enough to contribute to these different

challenges.

3. What is currently in your inbox / what project

you are currently working on?

At the moment I’m trying to figure out iPerform! I’ve

managed to complete a couple of courses including

obtaining a certificate in St Johns First Aid Course.

4. Your best / most memorable/most outstanding

experience and why?

The only answer I can give is a 35 year marriage to my

beautiful wife Laury. I’m a very blessed man, although,

I would love to know what sin she committed to get me

as penance!

5. If you weren’t working in this role, what would

you be doing?

I think if I were unfortunate enough not to be in this

role, I would go back into business, conducting “Hatch,

Match & Dispatch” (Baby Dedications, Marriages &

Funerals), as a Minister / Celebrant. I worked in this

role in the early 2000’s.

New Academic Staff

In February the School made a few new appoint-

ments of academic staff who were on fixed term

contracts. We’re delighted to welcome these three

new staff members:

Louise Ganderton has joined the school on a part

time fixed term contract until July this year. Louise

taught in the Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy units

for a number of years before moving to Sydney. We

are fortunate that Louise has temporarily relocated to

Perth for six months and will be helping us once again

with teaching in the cardiopulmonary physiotherapy

area.

Leah Mitchell has joined the school for semester 1

on a part time fixed term contract while Leanda

McKenna is on Long Service Leave. Leah has taught

on a sessional contract with the school for some years

across a variety of 1st and 2nd year physiotherapy

units in both Bachelor and GEM courses.

Juliana Gomes Zabatiero is a recently graduated

PhD student and sessional academic. Juliana has been

appointed to a research assistant position with one of

Leon Straker’s projects, and will also be continuing

with a small amount of teaching on a sessional basis.

Louise, Juliana and Leah

5

Graduations

The Health Sciences graduation ceremony was held

on Tuesday, February 14 and the School was proud

to see four Higher Degree by Research graduates

awarded with their Doctoral certificates. These were

Michelle Kendell (Clinical Doctorate in Physio-

therapy); and Juliana Gomes Zabatiero, Lynn Jensen,

and Fatim Tahirah Mirza Mohd Tahir Beg (all PhD).

Of special note, Michelle is the School’s first graduate

of our Doctorate of Clinical Physiotherapy program

(though we have several others likely to be completed

in coming months). The Curtin graduation ceremony

is always a very special and unique occasion, being an

outdoors ceremony, culminating in a spectacular

fireworks display — a special way to conclude a

great achievement by these graduates.

Congratulations to Michelle, Juliana, Lynn and Fatim.

Siao Hui Toh

Doctoral student Siao Hui Toh has been developing more

than just her research skills over the last few months. On

Wednesday, 7 December 2016, Siao Hui gave birth to

Gabriel – a healthy 3.075kg boy – at King Edward

Memorial Hospital.

Just before returning to Singapore for another round of

data collection for her doctoral studies, she brought

Gabriel into the School to meet her colleagues.

In the photo (left) her supervisor,

Professor Leon Straker, is

practicing his rusty baby

handling skills, first developed at

Princess Margaret Hospital.

We all wish Siao Hui, her

husband Jeremy, and Gabriel all

the best in 2017.

********

Logan Ovenden-Clarke

Don Watts High Achiever Scholarship

This year Logan Ovenden-Clarke is one of the five

recipients of the Don Watts High Achiever Scholarship for

undergraduate students.

This is a merit based scholarship that has been developed

by Curtin to encourage, support and acknowledge

academically outstanding students who demonstrate

excellence in the fields of leadership, community service,

sport, arts/culture or entrepreneurship.

This scholarship provides support for the remaining

duration of the undergraduate degree (based on a full-

time study load of 100 credits per semester) - total value

of $12,00 per annum paid as a cash stipend and a one-off

payment of $6,000 for an international student exchange /

leadership development opportunity and networking.

Logan has worked hard and is highly regarded by staff

and students alike. Congratulations Logan!

Above: Keith Hill with Michelle , Juliana, Lynn and Fatim.

Below: Logan getting his award from Professor Jill Downie.

6

Emily (left) and Jayde (right)

Two sets of twins for the School!

In what seems to be an unprecedented occurrence, the School has two sets of twins currently enrolled— Rhianna

and Sharni Burgess (Year 1) and Emily and Jayde Don (Year 2) in the Exercise Science course.

Emily and Jayde Don

“You both do the same course? That’s cute” is something we get a lot but we don’t mind because it’s what we

are both interested in. Our favourite subjects at school were Human Biology and Phys Ed Studies, and Exercise

Science is a combo of both. I suppose being twins we were always going to pick something similar (we picked

Uni preferences separately, without talking to each other and still picked the same thing!). We grew up doing the

same things, so doing the same course followed on from that. It is definitely handy having a twin doing the same

thing as you because you already have a friend and study buddy! Being able to quiz each other and practice

for our practical exams has helped a lot. Plus, having people think they are seeing double never gets old.

Hopefully the natural competitiveness with our grades will help us achieve our best throughout the course.

Sharni and Rhianna Burgess

Being brought up as twins in a small country town and participating in the same sporting activities, it was

inevitable that we were going to choose the same sporting course in Exercise, Sport and Rehabilitation Science.

Due to our strive for individuality, one of us was originally going to follow an occupational therapy pathway,

while the other was going to follow a physiotherapy pathway, however the physiotherapy pathway seemed to

have suited us both. A common laugh throughout our life is the confusion when our peers eventually discover

there's not just one, but two of us. Being twins can be rewarding when there's an extra brain following the same

course, as in some cases, one might be unable to attend class, so the other one can go instead. Who knows, one day

in the near future we might share the 'Burgess Twins Physiotherapy Practice'.

Rhianna (left) and Sharni (right)

Student Support and Advice If English is not your first language: Undergraduate and Postgraduate students can have their language skills

assessed to determine areas for development. We encourage local and international students with EAL,

particularly first years, to apply for English for Health Sciences by sending their name and student number to

English Support at HS@curtin.edu.au More information is available on:

http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au/international/english-at-health-sciences/

If you are struggling with your workload: See your Year Coordinator before this becomes a problem and affects

your results.

Finding the new environment a bit lonely or intimidating: Talk to your mentor or student representative. Curtin’s

Counselling and Disability Service (CDS) offers a number of services for students (and staff) who may be

experiencing difficulties.

7 Lee Conlan with Judith Thompson

with her winning poster.

Dr Samantha Bunzli

Physiotherapy Research

Foundation

Tagged Grant 2017

In January, Sam was awarded a Physiotherapy Research

Foundation, Tagged Grant for $13,200. The project will

run for 12 months and is titled:

"It looks good but it feels bad". Understanding ‘failed’

Total Knee Replacement from the perspectives of

patients and their surgeons.

Study synopsis: Despite the removal of diseased, pain-

generating tissue and the correction of knee joint

deformity, 22% of patients will experience no clinically

meaningful improvement from Total Knee Replacement

(TKR). With 50,000 TKRs performed each year, this

disparity presents a significant and increasing drain

on the Australian health system. To optimise TKR

outcomes, an understanding of why a TKR can ‘look

good’ radiologically to the surgeon, but ‘feel bad’ for

the patient is fundamental.

Epidemiological studies have provided important

insight into the patterns and correlations that character-

ise patients with ‘failed’ TKR at a population level.

The next phase of this research requires a contextualised

understanding of failed TKR at the level of the

individual to provide a deeper understanding of the

processes underlying TKR outcomes and insight into

potential targets for intervention.

Through qualitative interviews with patients with no

meaningful improvement 12 months post-TKR and

their surgeons, this study will employ a theoretical

framework to explore the barriers and facilitators to

clinically meaningful improvement from TKR.

With physiotherapists at the forefront of TKR

rehabilitation, this study will generate an important

evidence base for physiotherapy by informing targeted

treatments to optimise TKR outcomes.

Investigators on the project are Dr Samantha Bunzli,

Associate Professor Anne Smith, Professor Peter

O’Sullivan, Associate Professor Michelle Dowsey and

Professor Peter Choong

“As Chief investigator, this project presents an opportunity

for me to collaborate with my former PhD supervisors at the

School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, while

conducting postdoctoral research at the University of

Melbourne, Department of Surgery. The project draws on

the expertise I developed during my doctoral research in

qualitative methodologies and health behaviour theory and

applies them to the context of orthopaedic surgery. The

project will contribute to the wider research agenda of the

Department of Surgery, seeking to optimise Total Knee

Replacement outcomes and build an evidence base for non

-surgical intervention alternatives.”

Well done Sam, this is an excellent achievement.

Online Study Skills Programs:

To develop essential academic study skills including

writing, numeracy, time management skills and

referencing to avoid plagiarism. A confidential test is

included so you can show understanding of academic

integrity principles.

http://studyskills.curtin.edu.au/

Face-To-Face Seminars & Workshops:

To help you develop skills including assignment

writing, numeracy, critical thinking, time manage-

ment and exams.

http://life.curtin.edu.au/learning-support/workshops

-and-seminars.htm

IMPORTANT LINKS

The Learning Centre

http://life.curtin.edu.au/learning-support/the-

learning-centre.htm

We have moved to the Robertson Library, Bentley

campus Contact The Learning Centre:

Email tlc@curtin.edu.au or P. +61 8 9266 7166

8

Rebekah heading for the finish line

Rebekah Weller

Rottnest Channel Swim Winner

Rebekah has been swimming since she was five years

old and always dreamed of winning a Rottnest Channel

Swim. On the last weekend of February 2017, all those

dreams came true when she crossed the line as the first

female in the Rottnest Champions of the Channel Swim.

She finished the swim in front of her long-time idol,

Jamie Bowler, and ranks this year’s race as her greatest

milestone.

“This is my biggest achievement so far, I’ve looked up to

Jamie for so long and to be able to win this race means a

lot to me,” she said.

At the ten kilometre mark, swimming against the

current, Rebekah was trailing first place by about 300

metres, but she had trained hard for the last two years,

giving her the strength to push that bit harder.

“I had sacrificed too much to give up so early.”

18 kilometres into the swim, Rebekah took the lead

and never looked back. Her paddler, Ernst Botha, an

Engineering student at Curtin, encouraged her to keep

pushing. Darren Michael and Ryan Spencer (coach),

also part of Rebekah’s support crew, were there to see

her cross the finish line in four hours, 52 minutes and

3.13 seconds—three minutes ahead of second place.

What a way to celebrate your 23rd birthday!

Rebekah’s key motivators to get over the line were the

sacrifices her family and friends had made to enable

her to train and compete in the race, along with the

second place finish in 2016.

Rebekah has been fitting her training in around her

Physiotherapy studies, which has become increasingly

difficult as she approaches her final year. In the lead

up to the race, Rebekah was swimming in excess of 80

kilometres each week — she was there when the

Mandurah Aquatic centre opened and closed most

days!

Well done Rebekah, the hard work paid off.

A jubilant Rebekah at the

finish line and accepting

her trophy

Photos: Focused Ninja and

Facebook Peel Aquatic Club

9

STAFF PROFILE

Teaching

David Sainsbury

1. In 25 words or less, tell us

about the main elements

of your current role.

I am a lecturer who predominantly teaches across

second year musculoskeletal and applied exercise

physiology units. I also coordinate the second year

clinics which pretty much explains why I have the gig

of second year physiotherapy coordinator.

2. What drives you / what motivates you to

carry on?

I have a passion for the subjects that I teach which

makes the job really enjoyable. I enjoy tuning into

students learning styles to help them achieve in the

units I teach in. There are so many different ways to

deliver education and that keeps things really

interesting.

3. What is currently in your inbox / what project

you are currently working on?

Coordination seems to be what I do most of at the

start of each semester. Unit coordination, Year 2

coordination and 2nd year clinical visit coordination.

4. Your best / most memorable / most outstanding

experience and why?

Apart from my wedding and the birth of my two kids,

my most memorable experience was doing the Solo

Rottnest Channel Swim in 2015. I love the science and

art behind training and workload volumes and I love

the “misery” of grinding out a tough event. I’m doing

the Busselton 70.3 Triathlon in May so that’s keeping

me pretty busy at the moment.

5. If you weren’t working in this role, what would

you be doing?

A marine biologist (preferably somewhere tropical)

Alan Reubenson

Australian Technology Network of Universities

Teaching Grant

Congratulations to Alan Reubenson for being part of

two successful teaching grant applications. The

Australian Technology Network of Universities

project, “Building graduate resilience for the disrupted

future of the 21st century”, is led by Margo Brewer in

collaboration with the University of South Australia

and Queensland University of Technology, with

funding for $163,000.

And

He was also successful with a Curtin Learning and

Teaching Grant for “A guide to fieldwork success:

Developed with millennial students for millennial

students”, which is being led by Michelle Quail and

receiving funding for $18,502.

Well done to Alan and the teams

involved in these projects.

10

Professor Katharine Boursicot

St George’s, University of London

Professor Katharine Boursicot is the Director, of the

Health Professional Assessment Consultancy and

visited Curtin in January.

She has extensive experience and expertise in medical

education where she has led the reform of assessment at

the undergraduate medical schools at Bartholomew's

Hospital and the London, Cambridge University and St

George's University of London. This has resulted in

raising standards and dissemination of evidence-based

good practice in medical education in the UK and inter-

nationally. She is widely published in leading medical

education journals and has been invited to advise on

numerous national and international initiatives.

While at Curtin Professor Bouriscot conducted a work-

shop, funded by a Curtin Learning and Teaching

Innovation grant.

The information gathered by the Physiotherapy,

Exercise Science and Biomedical Science academics who

attended, will be the foundations for evidence based

changes to assessments to provide valid and reliable

outcomes.

********

Associate Professor Birgit Juul-Kristensen

University of Southern Denmark

Associate Professor Juul-Kristensen is teaching Masters

education in Physiotherapy (scientific methods,

clinimetric properties and mechanisms), and doing

research with Masters and PhD students at the

University of Southern Denmark.

She visited the School in March to meet with our

researchers and discuss common research interest areas.

On Monday, 13 March she presented information on

her current research: ‘Postural control, motor function

and physical performance is changed in individuals

with Generalised Joint Hypermobility’

Professor Andreas Holtermann

National Research Centre for the

Working Environment,

Copenhagen, Denmark

Professor Holtermann is employed as a Professor in the

research programme 'Musculoskeletal disorders and

physical workload'. His main research interest

is the investigation of how physical work demands

influence development of musculoskeletal disorders,

cardiovascular disease, work disability, sickness

absence and early retirement, and how these health

impairments can be prevented at the workplaces.

On Monday, 30 January Professor Holtermann visited

the School and presented: “The paradox of work and

leisure time physical activity and cardiovascular

disease”

********

Associate Professor Judy King

University of Ottawa

Dr King is a physiotherapist and Associate Professor in

the physiotherapy program at the University of Ottawa

in Canada. Her patient centred research is in the area

of patient education, specifically as it relates to chronic

disease management, for people living with chronic

cardiac and respiratory conditions.

Dr King visited the School in March

and on Wednesday, 22 March and

presented “Patient education for

patients with chronic illness: An

international and inter-professional

issue”

11

Left: Vin Cavalheri presenting his talk.

Below left: Jian Ping Ho (Erin) with her

poster and presenting.

Right: Yan Ling Chao with her winning

poster and presenting.

2017 Annual Conference of the Thoracic

Society of Australia and New Zealand

In March, Dr Vin Cavalheri was invited to present a

talk on "the effects o f preoperative exercise capacity and

exercise training on postoperative outcomes in people with

lung cancer" . He also delivered an oral presentation on

the Cochrane Systematic Review, undertaken with Dr

Catherine Granger (from the University of Melbourne),

that has recently been accepted for publication in the

Cochrane Database of systematic reviews.

Two Honours students that Dr Cavalheri and Associate

Professor Kylie Hill supervise also presented their

research at the Conference. Jian Ping Ho (Erin)

presented “Characteristics o f people with chronic

obstructive pulmonary disease who respond to ground-based

walking training”

Yan Ling Chao presented “Choosing a faste r walk ing

speed for the endurance shuttle walk test may reduce the

ceiling effect in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary

disease”

Yan Ling received the Best Poster Prize at the COPD

session.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

WorkCover WA Return to Work Conference

3 and 4 May 2017

The WorkCover WA Return to Work Conference is

being held on 3 and 4 May 2017 at the Pan Pacific Hotel,

Perth.

Dr Darren Beales and Dr Tim Mitchell will both be

speaking at the two day conference, along with:

Dr Norman Swan, the host of The Health Report on

ABC Radio National, and Tonic on ABC News24;

Dr Jordan Nguyen, a biomedical engineer who will

explore the future of health technologies ;

Dr Rory Gallagher, the Managing Director of The

Behavioural Insights Team, who will discuss how

nudge theory is being used to influence widespread

behavioural changes;

Ms Claire Madden, a generational expert and social

researcher;

and 18 other injury management professionals across

the medical, insurance, workers’ compensation,

business and rehabilitation streams.

********

12

From left: Veronica Solvig, Jan Erik Wergeland,

Rob Waller, Kristine Sandvik, Morten Christensen,

Magnus Wallumrod, Gry Helgestad and friend,

and Ronny Risnes

Right: Presenting to prospective students and

taking some time out for sightseeing and skiing.

Rob Waller

Trip to Norway

In the second week of March Rob Waller visited Norway

to promote our Masters of Clinical Physiotherapy post-

graduate courses. In recent years there has been a strong

growth in international Physiotherapists undertaking

postgraduate study at Curtin University. There have

been 15 Norwegian students over the past two years

reflecting the popularity of our course. Obtaining a

Masters qualification significantly improves the scope of

Physiotherapy practice in Norway and is recognised by

allowing the use of the title ‘Manual Therapist’. The

Curtin Masters of Clinical Physiotherapy Musculo-

skeletal Major is currently the only Australian course to

be recognised by the Norwegian Manual Therapy

Association and is partially due to the research

component of the course.

The visit started in Bergen where Rob visited Bergen

University College and Professor Alice Kvale who has

previously collaborated with Curtin University

supervising a very successful randomised controlled trial

(RCT) in cognitive functional therapy using participants

with non-specific chronic low back pain. There was also

a meeting with Kjartan Fersum (Bergen University) who

was the first Norwegian Physiotherapist to complete a

Masters in Clinical Physiotherapy at Curtin University in

1999 and later his PhD project was the above RCT. Both

Alice and Kjartan supervise the examination process

required to become a Manual Therapist in Norway and

there was some useful discussion around the process.

Additionally, while in Bergen there was also a meeting

with an agent who helps to recruit students to Curtin

University.

Afterwards, Rob travelled to Oslo to meet with two more

recruitment agents and talk to Physiotherapists who are

interested in study at Curtin University. There was

strong interest expressed in future study at Curtin

University driven largely by word of mouth from

previous students.

A meeting with the Norwegian Manual Therapy

Association was very productive and informative, with

everyone learning more about each other’s systems and

processes.

The last day in Olso involved attending an Alumni event

where over 20 past postgraduates attended. In 2016

Norwegian students Veronica Solvig and Ingrid

Ovrebekk were awarded the ‘Mona Twomey Prize’ (best

postgraduate research project) and ‘Max Zusman

Award’ (highest mark in Advanced Management of Pain

Disorders) respectively. Rob was honoured to present

Veronica her award, while Ronnie Risnes (2016 graduate)

accepted Ingrid’s award in her absence.

Luckily there was some time to play in Norway as well

with Rob managing to hike up to Floyen for a scenic

view of Bergen on a very rare clear but cold day. In

Olso he was taken for his first ever cross-country ski by

Kristine Sandvik (Curtin Manipulative Therapy graduate

2010 and Sports Major 2015) who enjoyed reversing the

teacher/student role!

13

The following ten actions were agreed at the summit:

1. Creating strong leadership and political support

for rehabilitation at sub-national, national and

global levels.

2. Strengthening rehabilitation planning and

implementation at national and sub-national

levels.

3. Improving integration of rehabilitation into the

health sector to effectively and efficiently meet

population needs.

4. Incorporating rehabilitation in Universal Health

Coverage.

5. Building comprehensive rehabilitation service

delivery models to progressively achieve

equitable access to quality services, including

assistive products, for all the population.

6. Developing a strong multidisciplinary rehabilita-

tion workforce that is suitable for country context,

and promoting rehabilitation concepts across all

health workforce education.

7. Expanding financing for rehabilitation through

appropriate mechanisms.

8. Collecting information relevant to rehabilitation

to enhance health information systems including

system level rehabilitation data and information

on functioning utilizing the International

Classification of Functioning, Disability and

Health (ICF).

9. Building research capacity and expanding the

availability of robust evidence for rehabilitation,

particularly in low and middle income settings.

10. Establishing and strengthening networks and

partnerships in rehabilitation, particularly

between low-, middle- and high-income countries.

Associate Professor Andrew Briggs

World Health Organisation

Rehabilitation 2030: A Call to Action

The World Health Organisation (WHO) held a strategic

summit from on 6 and 7 February in Geneva to discuss

and debate a call to action for health systems globally to

respond to the need prioritise rehabilitation in health

policy and to improve rehabilitation services to address

the enormous unmet need, particularly in low and

middle income nations.

Some 200 individuals from across the world were

invited by the WHO to represent organisations or

nations. Associate Professor Andrew Briggs was invited

to attend, representing the Global Alliance for Musculo-

skeletal Health (G-MUSC) and Curtin University.

As G-MUSC Fellow in Global Musculoskeletal Health,

Andrew’s role was to advocate for specific health

service and system reform for people living with

musculoskeletal health conditions who require

rehabilitation services. Individuals from high, middle

and low-income settings shared experiences about how

health systems were adapting to address the need for

rehabilitation.

In many parts of the world, the capacity to provide

rehabilitation is limited or non-existent and fails to

adequately address the needs of the population. A

global effort to build policy, system, workforce and

data collection capacity is therefore needed, under-

pinned by context-relevant evidence. The WHO now

identifies rehabilitation as a central component of

universal health and

is fundamental to

achieving the United

Nations Sustainable

Development Goal

(SDG) 3, “Ensure

healthy lives and

promote well-being for

all at all ages”.

The summit in session

14

Professor Keith Hill accepting a gift on behalf of the School.

Dr Darren Beales

Being mindful of back pain

in baby boomers Article in The Senior on

Friday, 20 January.

Dr Darren Beales was interviewed regarding the findings

that poor pain beliefs in relation to low back pain (LBP)

in baby boomers, is associated with greater disability -

“back pain beliefs are an important determinant of both

disability and the experience of LBP, not only in baby

boomers (individuals born between 1946—1964) but the

wider population.”

Darren is involved in a study that looks at back pain

beliefs in baby boomers, hoping to provide additional

understanding on how to keep this age group active and

productive. The results highlight that back pain beliefs

are an important tool in determining back pain-related

disability in baby boomers.

The paper, titled Back Pain Beliefs Are Related to the

Impact of Low Back Pain in Baby Boomers in the Busselton

Healthy Aging Study, can be accessed at http://

ptjournal.apta.org/content/95/2/180. This article can be

read in full in The Senior

Professor Keith Hills

Focus on falls needed to cut

rate of injury Article in The Australian on

Friday, 24 March

In an article describing some of the challenges and

limitations of funding for aging related research and care,

Professor Hill indicated there was a need for a broader

spread of funding across all areas related to improving

outcomes for older people. He highlighted that despite

substantial effective research in the falls prevention

area in the community setting, that the limited and

fragmented funding for falls prevention currently has

not impacted on national hospitalisation figures, with

falls being the biggest contributor to injury related

hospitalisations (40%) over the past 10 years.

The article can be read in full on The Australian

Faculty of Education

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

On Wednesday, 1 March we welcomed five staff from

the Faculty of Education of Universiti Kebangsaan

Malaysia , who had prepared a presentation,

introducing their faculty and research relating to Sports

Science.

Professor Dato’ Dr Norazah Mohd Nordin, Dean of

Faculty of Education, Associate Professor Dr Melor Md

Yunus, Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation),

Associate Professor Dr Norlena Salamuddin, Head of

the Graduate Program (Doctorate) (Sports Medicine

and Sports Science), Associate Professor Dr Mohd Taib

bin Harun (Outdoor Education and Sport Coaching)

and Ms Nur Shakila Mazalan (Sports Physiology and

Physical Education) met with Tania Althorpe, Celia

Cornwell, Keith Hill, Kevin Netto, Kathy Briffa and

Peter Robinson (in photos below) before taking a tour

of the School and our facilities.

We look forward to building our research collaboration

with the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

15

Articles published since last newsletter by staff and Adjuncts

Beales D, Fried K, Nicholas M, Blyth F, Finniss D, Moseley GL. Management of musculoskeletal pain in a compensable

environment: Implementation of helpful and unhelpful Models of Care in supporting recovery and return to work.

Best Practice & Research in Clinical Rheumatology. 2016: 30(3), 445-467

Beales D, Mitchell T, Pole N, Weir J. Brief biopsychosocially informed education can improve insurance workers' back pain

beliefs: Implications for improving claims management behaviours. Work. 2016: 55(3), 625-633

http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/WOR-162428

Beales D, Kyaw-Myint S, Smith A, OʼSullivan P, Pransky G, Linton S, Job J, Straker L. Work productivity loss in young

workers is substantial and is associated with spinal pain and mental ill-health conditions. Journal of occupational and

environmental medicine. 2017: 59(3), 237-245 http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/jom.0000000000000990

Briggs AM, Chan M, Slater H. Extending evidence to practice: Implementation of Models of Care for musculoskeletal health

conditions across settings Preface. Best Practice & Research in Clinical Rheumatology. 2016: 30(3), 357-358

Briggs AM, Chan M, Slater H. Models of Care for musculoskeletal health: Moving towards meaningful implementation and

evaluation across conditions and care settings. Best Practice & Research in Clinical Rheumatology. 2016: 30(3), 359-374

Nampo FK, Cavalheri V, Soares FdS, Ramos SdP, Camargo EA. Low-level phototherapy to improve exercise capacity and

muscle performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers in Medical Science. 2016: 31(9), 1957-1970

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10103-016-1977-9

Nampo FK, Cavalheri V, Ramos SdP, Camargo EA. Reply to comment on "Effect of low-level phototherapy on delayed onset

muscle soreness: a systematic review and meta-analysis". Lasers in Medical Science. 2017: 32(1), 249-250

Coenen P, Gilson N, Healy GN, Dunstan DW, Straker LM. A qualitative review of existing national and international

occupational safety and health policies relating to occupational sedentary behaviour. Applied Ergonomics. 2017: 60, 320-333

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2016.12.010

Coenen P, Willenberg L, Parry S, Shi JW, Romero L, Blackwood DM, Maher CG, Healy GN, Dunstan DW, Straker LM.

Associations of occupational standing with musculoskeletal symptoms: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

British journal of sports medicine. 2016, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096795

Coenen P, Smith A, Paananen M, O'Sullivan P, Beales D, Straker L. Trajectories of low back pain from adolescence to young

adulthood. Arthritis care & research. 2017: 69(3), 403-412 http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/acr.22949

Cooper I, Delany C, Jenkins S. Comparing patients' and physiotherapists' views of professionalism and professional stand-

ing: an Australian perspective. Physical Therapy Reviews. 2016: 21(1), 38-73 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10833196.2016.1213975

Dieterich AV, Botter A, Vieira TM, Peolsson A, Petzke F, Davey P, Falla D. Spatial variation and inconsistency between estimates

of onset of muscle activation from EMG and ultrasound. Scientific Reports. 2017: 7, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep42011

Boban S, Wong K, Epstein A, Anderson B, Murphy N, Downs J, Leonard H. Determinants of sleep disturbances in Rett

Syndrome: Novel findings in relation to genotype. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A. 2016: 170(9), 2292-2300

http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.a.37784

Fehr S, Downs J, Ho G, de Klerk N, Forbes D, Christodoulou J, Williams S, Leonard H. Functional Abilities in Children and

Adults with the CDKL5 Disorder. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A. 2016: 170(11), 2860-2869

Urbanowicz A, Downs J, Girdler S, Ciccone N, Leonard H. An exploration of the use of eye gaze and gestures in females with

Rett syndrome. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. 2016: 59(6), 1373-1383

http://dx.doi.org/10.1044/2015_JSLHR-L-14-0185

16

Mori Y, Downs J, Wong K, Anderson B, Epstein A, Leonard H. Impacts of caring for a child with the CDKL5 disorder on paren-

tal wellbeing and family quality of life. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 2017: 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13023-016-0563-3

Horne T, Leonard H, Stannage K, Downs J. A qualitative investigation of recovery after femoral fracture in Rett syndrome.

Child: Care, Health and Development. 2017: 43(2), 232-239 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/cch.12392

Grisbrook TL, Gittings PM, Wood FM, Edgar DW. The effectiveness of session rating of perceived exertion to monitor

resistance training load in acute burns patients. Burns. 2017: 43(1), 169-175

Verheggen M, Wilson AC, Pillow JJ, Stick SM, Hall GL. Respiratory function and symptoms in young preterm children in the

contemporary era. Pediatric Pulmonology. 2016: 51(12), 1347-1355 http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ppul.23487

Gray DM, Turkovic L, Willemse L, Visagie A, Vanker A, Stein DJ, Sly PD, Hall GL, Zar HJ. Lung function in African infants in

the Drakenstein child health study impact of lower respiratory tract illness. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care

Medicine. 2017: 195(2), 212-220 http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201601-0188OC

Salamon ER, Gain KR, Hall GL. From the authors. European Respiratory Journal. 2017: 49(2),

http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02064-2016

Walsh J, Kenneally M, Hall T. Pressure pain thresholds of the sciatic, tibial and common peroneal nerves in asymptomatic

subjects. Physiotherapy Practice and Research. 2010: 31(1), 23-27 http://dx.doi.org/10.3233/PPR-2010-31105

Hall T, Coppieters MW, Nee R, Schäfer A, Ridehalgh C. Neurodynamic treatment improves leg pain, back pain, function and

global perceived effect at 4 weeks in patients with chronic nerve-related leg pain. Journal of Physiotherapy. 2017: 63(1), 59

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2016.09.001

Grondin F, Hall T. Changes in cervical movement impairment and pain following orofacial treatment in patients with chronic

arthralgic temporomandibular disorder with pain: A prospective case series.

Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. 2017: 33(1), 52-61 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2016.1247934

Hill AM, Waldron N, Francis-Coad J, Haines T, Etherton-Beer C, Flicker L, Ingram K, McPhail SM. ‘It promoted a positive

culture around falls prevention': Staff response to a patient education programme-a qualitative evaluation.

BMJ Open. 2016: 6(12), http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013414

Hang J-A, Francis-Coad J, Burro B, Nobre D, Hill A-M. Assessing knowledge, motivation and perceptions about falls

prevention among care staff in a residential aged care setting. Geriatric Nursing. 2016: 37(6), 464-469

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2016.06.019

Francis-Coad J, Etherton-Beer C, Nobre D, Naseri C, Hill A-M. The effect of complex falls prevention interventions on falls in

residential aged care settings: a systematic review protocol. JBI database of systematic reviews and implementation reports. 2017:

15(2), 236-244 http://dx.doi.org/10.11124/jbisrir-2016-002938

Hill A-M, Etherton-Beer C, McPhail SM, Morris ME, Flicker L, Shorr R, Bulsara M, Lee D-C, Francis-Coad J, Waldron N,

Boudville A, Haines T. Reducing falls after hospital discharge: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial evaluating an

individualised multimodal falls education programme for older adults. BMJ Open. 2017: 7(2), e013931-e013931

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013931

Renehan E, Chapman A, Meyer C, Hill K, Browning C. Exercise interventions for the improvement of falls-related outcomes

among older adults with diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analyses. International Journal of Behavioural

Medicine. 2016: 23, S201-S202

Hill KD, Flicker L, LoGiudice D, Smith K, Atkinson D, Hyde Z, Fenner S, Skeaf L, Malay R, Boyle E. Falls risk assessment

outcomes and factors associated with falls for older Indigenous Australians. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public

Health. 2016: 40(6), 553-558 http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1753-6405.12569

17

Meyer C, Hill KD, Hill S, Dow B. Providing choice: Meaningful engagement of older people living with dementia, a practice

perspective. Gerontologist. 2016: 56, 585-585

Almeida OP, Hankey GJ, Yeap BB, Golledge J, Hill KD, Flicker L. Depression among non-frail old men is associated with reduced

physical function and functional capacity after 9 years follow-up: The Health in Men Cohort Study. Journal of the American

Medical Directors Association. 2017: 18(1), 65-69 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2016.09.002

Barker AL, Morello RT, Ayton DR, Hill KD, Landgren FS, Brand CA. Development of an implementation plan for the 6-PACK falls

prevention programme as part of a randomised controlled trial: protocol for a series of pre-implementation studies.

Injury Prevention. 2016: 22(6), 446-452

Hill KD, Farrier K, Russell M, Burton E. Dysmobility syndrome: Current perspectives. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2017:

12, 145-152 http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S102961

Ayton DR, Barker AL, Morello R, Brand CA, Talevski J, Landgren FS, Melhem MM, Bian E, Brauer SG, Hill KD, Livingston PM,

Botti M. Barriers and enablers to the implementation of the 6-PACK falls prevention program: A pre-implementation study in

hospitals participating in a cluster randomised controlled trial. PLoS ONE.2017:12(2) http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0171932

Barker AL, Morello RT, Ayton DR, Hill KD, Brand CA, Livingston PM, Botti M. Acceptability of the 6-PACK falls prevention pro-

gram: A pre-implementation study in hospitals participating in a cluster randomized controlled trial. PLoS ONE. 2017: 12(2),

http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0172005

Nielsen AM, Kent P, Hestbaek L, Vach W, Kongsted A. Identifying subgroups of patients using latent class analysis: should we use

a single-stage or a two-stage approach? A methodological study using a cohort of patients with low back pain.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2017: 18(1), 1-17 http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12891-017-1411-x

Kent P, Boyle E, Keating JL, Albert HB, Hartvigsen J. Four hundred or more participants needed for stable contingency table

estimates of clinical prediction rule performance. Journal of clinical epidemiology. 2017: 82, 137-148

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2016.10.004

Liew B, Morris S, Netto K. The effect of backpack carriage on the biomechanics of walking: A systematic review and prelimi-

nary meta-analysis. Journal of applied biomechanics. 2016: 32(6), 614-629 http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jab.2015-0339

Stoner L, Matheson AG, Perry LG, Williams MA, McManus A, Holdaway M, Dimer L, Joe JR, Maiorana A. Principles and

strategies for improving the prevention of cardio-metabolic diseases in indigenous populations: An international Delphi study.

Preventive Medicine. 2017: 96, 106-112 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.12.050

Mangharam J, Moorin R, Straker L. A comparison of the burden and resultant risk associated with occupational falls from a

height and on the same level in Australia. Ergonomics. 2016: 59(12), 1646-1660 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2016.1161244

McVeigh JA, Zhu K, Mountain J, Pennell CE, Lye SJ, Walsh JP, Straker LM. Longitudinal trajectories of television watching

across childhood and adolescence predict bone mass at age 20 years in the Raine Study.

Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 2016: 31(11), 2032-2040 http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jbmr.2890

Morris SL, O'Sullivan PB, Murray KJ, Bear N, Hands B, Smith AJ. Hypermobility and musculoskeletal pain in adolescents.

The Journal of pediatrics. 2017: 181, 213-221.e211 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.09.060

Darlow B, O'Sullivan PB. Why are back pain guidelines left on the sidelines? Three myths appear to be guiding management of

back pain in sport. British journal of sports medicine. 2016: 50(21), 1294-+ http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096312

O'Sullivan P, Caneiro JP, O'Keeffe M, O'Sullivan K. Response. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 2017:

47(2), 127-129 http://dx.doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2017.0201

Parry SP, Coenen P, O'Sullivan PB, Maher CG, Straker LM. Workplace interventions for increasing standing or walking for

decreasing musculoskeletal symptoms in sedentary workers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017: 2017(1),

http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012487

18

Rosalie SM, McIntyre AS, Stockman S, King C, Watkins C, Wild CY, Ng L . Does skill specialisation influence individual

differences in drag flicking speed and accuracy? Journal of Sports Sciences. 2017: 35(6), 602-609

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2016.1180422

Slater H, Dear BF, Merolli MA, Li LC, Briggs AM. Use of eHealth technologies to enable the implementation of musculo-

skeletal Models of Care: Evidence and practice. Best Practice & Research in Clinical Rheumatology. 2016: 30(3), 483-502

Slater H, Jordan JE, Chua J, Schütze R, Wark JD, Briggs AM. Young people's experiences of persistent musculoskeletal pain,

needs, gaps and perceptions about the role of digital technologies to support their co-care: A qualitative study.

BMJ Open. 2016: 6(12), http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014007

Gaffey A, Slater H, Porritt K, Campbell JM. The effects of curcuminoids on musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review. JBI database

of systematic reviews and implementation reports. 2017: 15(2), 486-516 http://dx.doi.org/10.11124/jbisrir-2016-003266

Mooney LT, Smith A, Sloan K, Clark GW. The effect of the native kinematics of the knee on the outcome following total knee

arthroplasty. Bone & Joint Journal. 2016: 98B(11), 1471-1478 http://dx.doi.org/10.1302/0301-620x.98b11.bjj-2016-0144.r1

Rabey M, Smith A, Beales D, Slater H, O'Sullivan P. Pain provocation following sagittal plane repeated movements in people

with chronic low back pain: Associations with pain sensitivity and psychological profiles. Scandinavian Journal of Pain. 2017: 16,

22-28 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sjpain.2017.01.009

Gilson ND, Ng N, Pavey TG, Ryde GC, Straker L, Brown WJ. Project Energise: Using participatory approaches and real time

computer prompts to reduce occupational sitting and increase work time physical activity in office workers. Journal of Science and

Medicine in Sport. 2016: 19(11), 926-930 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2016.01.009

Pereira MJ, Straker LM, Comans TA, Johnston V. Inter-rater reliability of an observation-based ergonomics assessment checklist for

office workers. Ergonomics. 2016: 59(12), 1606-1612 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2016.1157215

Schranz NK, Olds T, Boyd R, Evans J, Gomersall SR, Hardy L, Hesketh K, Lubans DR, Ridgers ND, Straker L, Vella S, Ziviani J,

Tomkinson GR. Results from Australia's 2016 report card on physical activity for children and youth. Journal of Physical Activity

and Health. 2016: 13(11), S87-S94 http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2016-0345

Tampin B, Lind C, Slater H. The role of sensory parameters in predicting clinical outcome after lumbar discectomy.

Physioscience. 2016: 12(1), 30-+ http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0035-1567074

Thorpe A, Hurworth M, O'Sullivan P, Mitchell T, Smith A. Rotator cuff disease: opinion regarding surgical criteria and likely

outcome. ANZ Journal of Surgery. 2017, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ans.13862

Waller R, Straker L, O'Sullivan P, Sterling M, Smith A. Reliability of pressure pain threshold testing in healthy pain free

young adults. Scandinavian Journal of Pain. 2016: 13, 17-17 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sjpain.2016.06.008

Watson C, Puelles L. Developmental gene expression in the mouse clarifies the organization of the claustrum and related en-

dopiriform nuclei. The Journal of comparative neurology. 2017: 525(6), 1499-1508 http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cne.24034

Wild CY, Munro BJ, Steele JR. Higher anterior knee laxity influences the landing biomechanics displayed by pubescent girls.

Journal of Sports Sciences. 2017: 35(2), 159-165 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2016.1159715

Wood J, Jenkins S, Putrino D, Mulrennan S, Morey S, Cecins N, Hill K. A smartphone application for reporting symptoms in

adults with cystic fibrosis has excellent usability and its data is interpreted consistently by clinicians.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2016: 193.

Wood J, Jenkins S, Mulrennan S, Hill K. The impact of cystic fibrosis on work attendance and performance in adults living in

rural and remote Western Australia. Journal of cystic fibrosis. 2017: 16(2), e1-e2 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2017.01.003

19

RESEARCHER

IN PROFILE

Dr Lex De Jong

1. In 25 words or less, tell

us about your research.

My research is going to focus

on falls prevention in older adults .

2. What drove you to this / what motivates you

to carry on?

During my first postdoctoral role at Glasgow

Caledonian University (UK) I was involved in two

falls prevention research projects which opened

up a new world for me after years of doing stroke

research. I like adding new experiences to my life

and topics to my CV, so I was very chuffed that

Anne-Marie Hill chose to offer me this position.

But in all honesty, it’s Perth’s weather that is the

biggest motivator!

3. What is currently in your inbox / a project

you are working on?

Well, I don’t want to reveal too much about it, but

it has to do with actors and actresses….

4. Your best/most memorable/most outstanding

publication and why?

My most memorable publication would be my

first international one, which was the culmination

of a lot of hard work as a clinical physiotherapist

whilst running a multicentre RCT at the same

time.

5. If you weren’t researching, what would you

be doing?

I would probably be trying out several different

water sports on the Swan river.

Kevin Netto

NCC Research Fund

Congratulations to Kevin Netto who,

through collaboration in Singapore was

successful in obtaining $18,900 to fund a

pilot / exploratory project:

“The Impact of Surgical Treatment on Physical Functions and

Quality of Life in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A

Prospective Cohort Study.”

Associate Professor Andrew Briggs

NHMRC TRIP Fellowship

Congratulations to Associate Professor

Andrew Briggs, who was successful in

being awarded a highly prestigious and

competitive NHMRC TRIP (Translation

of Research Into Practice) fellowship for the next two

years. The Fellowship is titled Closing the evidence-

practice gap for non-pharmacologic and non-surgical

osteoarthritis care with an e-health knowledge

translation strategy, and builds strongly on the national

and international work he has been doing in this area for

some time now. The fellowship is funded for $177,197

over two years through Curtin, and will see Andrew

having an 0.5 FTE role with the School over this

period. Associate Professor Helen Slater also has a

role in Andrew’s Fellowship.

On Thursday, 2 February we welcomed Teena Bowman as our ORD Research Support Officer. In her role as a

Research Support Officer, Teena liaises closely with staff and develops relationships with industry partners to

conduct research at Curtin University.

The Research Support Team is the key contact for all non-Category One externally funded research and

consultancy projects, supporting the management of research projects across their life cycle. Her area focuses on

the initiation and application of research projects—they monitor, manage and help with reporting once the project

becomes successful right through to final report and closure of the cost centre. Teena will work within the School

every second Thursday morning to assist research staff with their projects.

Teena Bowman

Research Support Services

Office of Research and

Development

20

2016 Student Awards

The School’s Student Awards Ceremony was held on

Tuesday, 14 February in the Tim Winton Lecture

Theatre. These annual awards recognise the students

who have excelled in various elements of the School’s

courses. This year we were honoured to have Jenny

Edwards, wife of the late Brian Edwards, attend and

present the Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Australia

(WA Chapter) “Brian Edwards” Prize. Congratulations

all our Award winners.

Zoe Jones (below left) was presented the IO Thorburn

Prize for the first year Physiotherapy student with the

highest results in Anatomy.

Juh Sheng (Gary) Koh (above right) was presented

with the Australian Physiotherapy Association (WA

Branch) Prize for the first year Physiotherapy student

with the highest results.

Emily Taylor (below left) was presented the School of

Physiotherapy and Exercise Science Award for the first

year Exercise, Sports and Rehabilitation Science student

with the highest results.

Kellie Reid (above right) was presented the LifeCare

Award for the second year Physiotherapy student

with the highest results in Musculoskeletal Physio-

therapy.

Ingrid Ovrebekk (unable to attend) was presented the

Max Zusman Award for the Postgraduate student with

the highest mark in the unit Advanced Management

of Pain Disorders.

Emily Abbott (below left) was presented with the

Australian Physiotherapy Association (WA Branch)

Prize for the second year Physiotherapy student

with the highest results.

Emily Fernandez (above right) was presented with

the School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science

Award for the second year Exercise, Sports and

Rehabilitation Science student with highest results.

Ella Bracone (unable to attend) won the Women’s,

Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Australia

(WA Chapter) Prize for the third year Physiotherapy

student with the highest results in the Gender Health

Issues subject of Lifespan Health Science.

Raphaelle Bruckmann (below left) was presented

the Cardio-respiratory Physiotherapy Australia

(WA Chapter) “Jane Kinging” Prize for the third

year Physiotherapy student with the highest results

in Cardiopulmonary Science

Ashley Coleman (above right) was presented with

the Musculoskeletal Physio-therapy Australia (WA

Chapter) Prize for the third year student with

highest Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy results.

Tahnee Goodman (unable to attend) won the

National Physiotherapists in Leadership

and Management Group (WA Chapter) Prize for

the student with the highest combined results in

the Leadership Assessments in Integrated Physio-

therapy Management.

21

2016 Student Awards Continued

Cassandra Mangan (below) was presented the APA

Gerontology Physiotherapy Australia (WA Chapter)

Prize for the third year Physiotherapy student with

the highest results in the Gerontology subject of

Neuroscience Physiotherapy

AND

the National Neurology Group (WA Chapter) of the

Physiotherapy Association Prize as third year Physio-

therapy student with highest results in Neuroscience.

Tala Olins-Miller (below left) won the Therapy

Focus Award for the Entry-Level Programs student with

the highest marks in Paediatrics.

Emily Davies (above right) was presented the National

Paediatric Special Group (WA Chapter) Award for the

fourth year Physiotherapy student demonstrating

enthusiasm for paediatric physiotherapy, innovative

practice and a strong theoretical knowledge in the

field of Paediatrics.

Karly Coltman (unable to attend) won the LifeCare

Award for the Master of Physiotherapy graduate with

the highest clinical results.

Brayden Page (right) won the School of Physio-

therapy and Exercise Science Award for the first

year Master of Physiotherapy student with the highest

results.

Stephanie Anderson (below left) won the Thom

Reed Prize for Chronic Disease Management for

the student achieving the highest mark for Chronic

Disease Management assessment in Interprofessional

Practice.

Carryne Teo (above right) was presented with the

Physiotherapy Business Australia (WA Chapter)

Prize for the fourth year physiotherapy student

with the highest results in Physiotherapy Leadership.

Samantha Lee (below) was presented the Physio-

therapy Research Foundation Prize for the Honours

student with the highest overall score

AND

the School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science Prize

for the best Honours presentation for the year for:

“Investigating factors influencing physiotherapy

involvement in the treatment and management of

people with severe and persistent mental illness.”

Supervisors: Dr Robyn Fary, Dr Kathy Briffa and

Professor Flavie Waters

Amy Leiper (below right) won the Emeritus Professor

Joan Cole Prize for the most outstanding Master of

Physiotherapy graduate.

22

Sue Morris (right) accepted the award on

Bernard’s behalf and, in turn, presented it to

Bernard in person later in February.

2016 Student Awards Continued

Phoebe Simpson (below left) and Kelsie Brown

(below right) were joint winners of the Australian

Physiotherapy Association (WA Branch) Marcus

(Joe) Rosen Prize for the graduates with the best

clinical results.

Darren Hickey (below left) and Veronica Solvig

(unable to attend) won the Mona Twomey Prize for

the best post graduate research project for: “Does

Scapular Dyskinesis Increase the Risk of Developing

Shoulder Pain in the General Population? A Proposal

for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”.

Their supervisors were Dr Leanda McKenna, Dr Vin

Cavalheri and Dr Meg Harrold.

Stacey Stockman (above right) was presented the

Sports Physiotherapy Australia (WA Chapter)

“Diana Hopper” Prize for the Master of Clinical

Physiotherapy (Sports Physiotherapy) student with

the best clinical results.

Bernard Liew (unable to attend) won the Elsevier

Book Prize for the Masters or Doctoral student

publishing the best article in a Scientific Journal for

“Joint power and kinematics coordination in load

carriage running: Implications for performance and

injury.” Authors are Bernard Liew, Susan Morris

and Kevin Netto. Published in Gait and Posture:

47(2016), Pages 74—79

Kate Shaw (below left) was presented the

School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science

Award for the second year Master of Physio-

therapy student with the highest results.

Sophie Dunnet (above right) won the Women’s,

Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Australia

(WA Chapter) Prize for the top graduating student

in the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Physiotherapy

(Continence and Women’s Health) Course.

Kayla Pomery (below left) was presented with

the Emeritus Professor Joan Cole Prize for the

most outstanding Bachelor of Science

(Physiotherapy) graduate.

Nicole Ireland (above right) was presented with

the Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapy

Australia (WA Chapter) Prize for being the top

graduating student in the Continence and Women’s

Health Major of the Master of Clinical Physiotherapy

Course.

As Veronica Solvig (below right) was also unable to

attend the event, Rob Waller presented her award in

person when he visited Norway in March.

23

Michael Callan (unable to

attend) won the Musculo-

skeletal Physiotherapy

Australia (WA Chapter)

“Brian Edwards” Prize for

the Master in Manipulative

Therapy student with the

best clinical results. Evan

Coopes (below) accepted the

award on Michael’s behalf

from Jenny Edwards, wife of the late Brian Edwards.

We sincerely thank all our generous sponsors, who

continue to support our students and awards each

year:

Australian Physiotherapy Association

(and special interest groups)

LifeCare

Therapy Focus

Elsevier

Penny Moss and Sara Carroll

Australian Medical Supplies

Worksite Fitness and Rehabilitation.

We would also like to thank the family late Brian

Edwards—his wife Jenny and children, Susie and

Michael, who were able to join us and present the

award in his honour.

Dannie receiving her awards from

(L-R) Sandra Dorshort (Australian

Medical Supplies), Steve Gauci

(Worksite Fitness and Rehabilitation

and Andrew Lavender.

2016 Student Awards Continued

Dannie Kingston scooped the prize pool and was

presented with the following awards:

Australian Medical Supplies Motor Control and Skill

Acquisition Award for the ESRS student with

highest combined mark for Motor Control and Skill

Acquisition over all years

AND

Australian Medical Supplies Motor Exercise

Physiology Award for the ESRS student with highest

combined mark for Exercise Physiology over all years

AND

Australian Medical Supplies Biomechanics Award

for the ESRS student with highest combined mark

for Biomechanics over all years

AND

Worksite Fitness and Rehabilitation Exercise and

Sports Psychology Award for the ESRS student with

the highest combined mark for Psychology over all

years

AND

School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science Award

for the graduating ESRS student whose results,

attitude, knowledge and work practices embodies the

aims and philosophy of the School

24

Above: The feared task masters - Jess Colliver, Sarah

Stearne, Andrew Lavender, Tiffany Grisbrook,

Daniel Gucciardi, Carly Brade, Richard Wright, Sian

Williams and Kevin Netto

Some stretches, then let the games begin!

ESRS Social Sport

What would you do on a beautiful warm WA autumn afternoon? Head to the

beach? Go for a ride or run around the river? Gaze out from the tutorial room

at the lovely weather wishing you were outside? No! You’d participate in the

inaugural ESRS Social Sports Day!

On Friday, 17 March over 60 students and staff were treated to an

afternoon of fun games from yester-year. After an energetic jog

around the oval and obligatory limbering exercises duly conducted

by Sian Williams, chief organiser of the day and exercise guru, an

all-in contest of Scarecrow was conducted to complete warmup

procedures. A round-robin tournament of dodge ball was played

with rules and umpiring by Daniel Gucciardi. After some strate-

gizing, tactical assaults were rampant and clear winners emerged.

A final game of tunnel ball capped off a thoroughly successful

and enjoyable afternoon of ice-breaking, re-acquaintances and

networking.

A short, re-fuelling session

in the Tavern was attended

by many to ensure contacts

made on the day were

cemented over well-earned

refreshments.

More social games are planned throughout the year so stay tuned!

25

Left: Michael, Susie and

Jenny Edwards.

Right: Jenny with Tony

Wright and Keith Hill

Official Unveiling of the

Brian Edwards Gown

On Tuesday, 14 February Jenny Edwards, wife of the late

Brian Edwards, and two of their children – Michael

and Susie – joined us in the official unveiling of Brian’s

honorary doctoral gown, which has been donated to the

School.

The gown was worn when Brian was awarded an

Honorary Doctorate of Science by Curtin University in

1995, in recognition of his significant contributions to the

Physiotherapy profession. The gown has been mounted

in a special display case near the reception area of the

School (3rd floor of building 408) and can be viewed by

visitors to the School. Jenny has also donated a number of

other memorabilia to the School, which are also on

display in the display cabinet area outside the Head of

School’s office.