The Musculoskeletal & Sports Node focuses on improving knowledge and clinical outcomes in preventing, managing, and rehabilitating musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions. Our work addresses critical challenges faced by athletes and individuals including musculoskeletal and women’s health conditions. We collaborate nationally and internationally to translate evidence into impactful interventions for diverse populations, with a strong focus on intervention trials of various designs including expertise in randomised controlled trials and mixed-methods research exploring the lived experience of athletes.
We conduct research focused on advancing treatment of tendinopathy through studies on understanding impairments in people with tendinopathy, rehabilitation strategies, and behavior change interventions. The overall aim of our tendinopathy research is to optimise recovery and patient outcomes by developing self-management strategies that are evidence-based and individualised.
Conducting randomised controlled and feasibility trials to evaluate exercise, education and interventions for conditions such as tendinopathy, pelvic floor disorders and related musculoskeletal conditions. We aim to translate research into practice collaborating with partners to embed education and intervention within sports and exercise settings.
Our research focuses on injury epidemiology/prevention, screening practices and interventions in sport and exercise, aiming to improve overall athletic performance and well-being - from recreational to elite levels of participation. We specialize in women’s health conditions that impact athletes in particular pelvic health and preconception, pregnancy and post-natal health We collaborate with international and national sports organisations and governing bodies to investigate and implement health education initiatives and interventions to enhance awareness and promote better care for female athletes across the lifespan.
We investigate movement patterns and loading strategies using advanced imaging, biomechanics, and sensor technology to optimise rehabilitation outcomes. We use 3D movement analysis, dynamometry, electromyography, diagnostic ultrasound and inertial measurement units to understand mechanisms of common musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendinopathy and joint injuries. We are also investigating the use of digital voice assistant based care in the context of rotator cuff related shoulder pain. Our research is clinically focused and we collaborate with international and national experts in biomechanics, virtual reality and wearable technology to conduct high-quality impactful research.
