
Overview
Background
Paul W. Hodges DSc MedDr PhD BPhty(Hons) FAA FACP APAM(Hon) is an National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Leadership Fellow (Level 3), Professor and Director of the Centre for Innovation in Pain and Health Research (CIPHeR) at The University of Queensland (UQ). He is lead chief investigator on an NHMRC Synergy Grant that includes colleagues from the Universities of Queensland, Adelaide and South Australia, and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute. Paul is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, which is a Fellowship of the nation’s most distinguished scientists, elected by their peers for outstanding research that has pushed back the frontiers of knowledge. He is also a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists, the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Science, and was made an Honoured member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, their highest honour.
Paul is a recognised world leader in movement control, pain and rehabilitation. His unique comprehensive research approach from molecular biology to brain physiology and human function has led to discoveries that have transformed understanding of why people move differently in pain. His innovative research has also led to discoveries of changes in neuromuscular function across a diverse range of conditions from incontinence to breathing disorders. These observations have been translated into effective treatments that have been tested and implemented internationally.
Paul has received numerous national and international research awards that span basic and clinical science. These include the premier international award for spine research (ISSLS Prize) on five occasions; three times in Basic Science (2006, 2011, 2019) and twice in Clinical Science (2018, 2021). International awards in basic science include the SusanneKlein-Vogelbach Award (2010) and the Delsys Prize for Innovation in Electromyography (2009). National medical research awards include the NHMRC Achievement Award (2011). He has also received national community-based leadership awards including the Young Australian of the Year Award in Science and Technology (1997), Future Summit Australian Leadership Award (2010), and Emerging Leader Award (Next 100 Awards, 2009).
Paul is the Chair of the Terminology Task Force for the International Association for the Study of Pain, Chair of the Consensus for Experimental Design in Electromypgraphy for the International Society for Electrophysiology and Kinesiology and has been the Chair/Co-Chair for several major international conferences. He has led major international consortia to bring together leaders from multiple disciplines to understand pain.
Availability
- Professor Paul Hodges is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, Karolinska Mediko Kirurgiska Institutet
- Doctoral Diploma of Science (Advanced), The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Pain
Matching the right patient to the right treatment at the right time Discrimination between pain mechanisms Rehabilitation of pain
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Motor control
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Rehabilitation
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Continence
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Low back pain
Research impacts
Paul has four doctorates; one in Physiotherapy (Uni Qld), two in Neuroscience (Karolinska Inst, Uni Qld) and an honorary doctorate in Medicine (Ghent Uni). His work aims to blend these skills to understand the mechanisms underpinning pain and movement, and use that knowledge to develop and refine interventions. His diverse expertise enables him to solve complex problems using a comprehensive multi-scale approach from molecular biology to brain physiology and human function, using innovative experimental methods. His comprehensive research approach has led to discoveries that have transformed understanding of why people move differently in pain. Translation of this work into treatments for people in pain have changed rehabilitation and improved outcomes, particularly for back pain; the world’s leading cause of disability. In addition to his work in pain his unique approach has led to breakthroughs in other areas such as management of continence and breathing disorders.
Works
Search Professor Paul Hodges’s works on UQ eSpace
2015
Journal Article
Neck muscle function in violinists/violists with and without neck pain
Steinmetz, Anke, Claus, Andrew, Hodges, Paul W. and Jull, Gwendolen A. (2015). Neck muscle function in violinists/violists with and without neck pain. Clinical Rheumatology, 35 (4), 1045-1051. doi: 10.1007/s10067-015-3000-4
2015
Journal Article
Validity of estimation of pelvic floor muscle activity from transperineal ultrasound imaging in men
Stafford, Ryan E., Coughlin, Geoff, Lutton, Nicholas J. and Hodges, Paul W. (2015). Validity of estimation of pelvic floor muscle activity from transperineal ultrasound imaging in men. PLoS One, 10 (12) A526, e0144342.1-e0144342.12. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144342
2015
Book Chapter
Low back pain characteristics and changes in lumbar muscle structure
Danneels, L. and Hodges, P. W. (2015). Low back pain characteristics and changes in lumbar muscle structure. Musculoskeletal pain: basic mechanisms and implications. (pp. 1-1) edited by Thomas Graven-Nielsen and Lars Arendt-Nielsen. Washington, DC, United States: Wolters Kluwer Health Adis (ESP).
2015
Conference Publication
How accurate are surface measures for change in spinal posture? a novel approach that quantified skin artefact with ultrasound imaging
Hu, E., Claus, A. and Hodges, P. (2015). How accurate are surface measures for change in spinal posture? a novel approach that quantified skin artefact with ultrasound imaging. Australian Physiotherapy Association, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 3-6 October 2015.
2014
Journal Article
Trunk dynamics are impaired in ballet dancers with back pain but improve with imagery
Gildea, Jan E., van den Hoorn, Wolbert, Hides, Julie A. and Hodges, Paul W. (2014). Trunk dynamics are impaired in ballet dancers with back pain but improve with imagery. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 47 (8), 1665-1671. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000594
2014
Journal Article
Deloading tape reduces muscle stress at rest and during contraction
Hug, Francois, Ouellette, Adam, Vicenzino, Bill, Hodges, Paul W. and Tucker, Kylie (2014). Deloading tape reduces muscle stress at rest and during contraction. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 46 (12), 2317-2325. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000363
2014
Conference Publication
The immediate effects of foot orthoses on lower limb neuromotor control in patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis: A pilot study
Wyndow, N., Crossley, K., Hodges, P., Tsao, H., Ozturk, H., Hart, H., Vicenzino, B. and Collins, N. (2014). The immediate effects of foot orthoses on lower limb neuromotor control in patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis: A pilot study. Be Active 2014, Canberra, ACT Australia, 15 - 18 October 2014. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2014.11.066
2014
Journal Article
Between-muscle differences in the adaptation to experimental pain
Hug, François, Hodges, Paul W., Van Den Hoorn, Wolbert and Tucker, Kylie (2014). Between-muscle differences in the adaptation to experimental pain. Journal of Applied Physiology, 117 (10), 1132-1140. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00561.2014
2014
Journal Article
Diagnostic ultrasound imaging for lateral epicondylalgia: a case control study
Heales, Luke James, Broadhurst, Nathan, Mellor, Rebecca, Hodges, Paul William and Vicenzino, Bill (2014). Diagnostic ultrasound imaging for lateral epicondylalgia: a case control study. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 46 (11), 2070-2076. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000345
2014
Journal Article
Effects of two physiotherapy booster sessions on outcomes with home exercise in people with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial
Bennell, Kim L., Kyriakides, Mary, Hodges, Paul W. and Hinman, Rana S. (2014). Effects of two physiotherapy booster sessions on outcomes with home exercise in people with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Care and Research, 66 (11), 1680-1687. doi: 10.1002/acr.22350
2014
Journal Article
Predicting response to motor control exercises and graded activity for patients with low back pain: preplanned secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Macedo, Luciana Gazzi, Maher, Christopher G., Hancock, Mark J., Kamper, Steve J., McAuley, James H., Stanton, Tasha R., Stafford, Ryan and Hodges, Paul W. (2014). Predicting response to motor control exercises and graded activity for patients with low back pain: preplanned secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Physical Therapy, 94 (11), 1543-1554. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20140014
2014
Journal Article
Manual handling: differences in perceived effort, success rate and kinematics between three different pushing techniques
Varcin, Lynn, Claus, Andrew, Van Den Hoorn, Wolbert and Hodges, Paul (2014). Manual handling: differences in perceived effort, success rate and kinematics between three different pushing techniques. Ergonomics, 58 (2), 268-277. doi: 10.1080/00140139.2014.970586
2014
Journal Article
Trunk muscle activity is modified in osteoporotic vertebral fracture and thoracic kyphosis with potential consequences for vertebral health
Greig, Alison M., Briggs, Andrew M., Bennell, Kim L. and Hodges, Paul W. (2014). Trunk muscle activity is modified in osteoporotic vertebral fracture and thoracic kyphosis with potential consequences for vertebral health. PLoS ONE, 9 (10) e109515, 1-9. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109515
2014
Journal Article
A clinical test of lumbopelvic control: development and reliability of a clinical test of dissociation of lumbopelvic and thoracolumbar motion
Elgueta-Cancino, Edith, Schabrun, Siobhan, Danneels, Lieven and Hodges, Paul (2014). A clinical test of lumbopelvic control: development and reliability of a clinical test of dissociation of lumbopelvic and thoracolumbar motion. Manual Therapy, 19 (5), 418-424. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2014.03.009
2014
Journal Article
Insight into the function of the obturator internus muscle in humans: observations with development and validation of an electromyography recording technique
Hodges, Paul W., McLean, Linda and Hodder, Joanne (2014). Insight into the function of the obturator internus muscle in humans: observations with development and validation of an electromyography recording technique. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 24 (4), 489-496. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2014.03.011
2014
Journal Article
Neuromuscular Exercise Post Partial Medial Meniscectomy: Randomized Controlled Trial
Hall, Michelle, Hinman, Rana S., Wrigley, Tim V., Roos, Ewa M., Hodges, Paul W., Staples, Margaret P. and Bennell, Kim L. (2014). Neuromuscular Exercise Post Partial Medial Meniscectomy: Randomized Controlled Trial. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 47 (8), 1557-1566. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000596
2014
Journal Article
Postural response to vibration of triceps surae, but not quadriceps muscles, differs between people with and without knee osteoarthritis
Shanahan, Camille J., Wrigley, Tim V., Farrell, Michael J., Bennell, Kim L. and Hodges, Paul W. (2014). Postural response to vibration of triceps surae, but not quadriceps muscles, differs between people with and without knee osteoarthritis. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 32 (8), 989-996. doi: 10.1002/jor.22637
2014
Journal Article
Task dependency of motor adaptations to an acute noxious stimulation
Hug, Francois, Hodges, Paul W. and Tucker, Kylie (2014). Task dependency of motor adaptations to an acute noxious stimulation. Journal of Neurophysiology, 111 (11), 2298-2306. doi: 10.1152/jn.00911.2013
2014
Journal Article
Can proinflammatory cytokine gene expression explain multifidus muscle fiber changes after an intervertebral disc lesion?
Hodges, Paul W., James, Gregory, Blomster, Linda, Hall, Leanne, Schmid, Annina B., Shu, Cindy, Little, Chris and Melrose, James (2014). Can proinflammatory cytokine gene expression explain multifidus muscle fiber changes after an intervertebral disc lesion?. Spine, 39 (13), 1010-1017. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000000318
2014
Journal Article
Concurrent validity of accelerations measured using a tri-axial inertial measurement unit while walking on firm, compliant and uneven surfaces
Cole, Michael H., Van Den Hoorn, Wolbert, Kavanagh, Justin K., Morrison, Steven, Hodges, Paul W., Smeathers, James E. and Kerr, Graham K. (2014). Concurrent validity of accelerations measured using a tri-axial inertial measurement unit while walking on firm, compliant and uneven surfaces. PLoS One, 9 (5) e98395, e98395.1-e98395.12. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098395
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Paul Hodges is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Neural control of the shoulder
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Wolbert van den Hoorn
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Doctor Philosophy
The influence of pelvic floor muscle training on tumescence in post-prostatectomy erectile dysfunction
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the relationship between the pelvic floor and the hip
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Michelle Smith, Dr Marie-Pierre Cyr
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the mechanisms of recovery from back pain
Principal Advisor
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Master Philosophy
Ultrasonographic study on bladder and pelvic floor muscle tone in voiding dysfunction
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Eric Chung
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Doctor Philosophy
Advancing the understanding and psychological treatment of pain and burnout prevention in athletes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Melissa Day
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Doctor Philosophy
The role of sleep and physical activity in pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall, Dr David Klyne
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Doctor Philosophy
Exploiting the complement system to understand and treat pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Felicity Han, Dr David Klyne
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Doctor Philosophy
Disentangling the relationship between sleep, stress and pain.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Manuela Besomi Molina, Dr David Klyne
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Relationship Between Trunk Postural Control And Low Back Pain
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr David Klyne, Dr Wolbert van den Hoorn
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2023
Master Philosophy
Exploring activation strategies of the multifidus and longissimus muscles in healthy individuals
Principal Advisor
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding chronic pain mechanisms: Towards methods to discriminate between pain categories
Principal Advisor
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Towards the investigation of the tensor fascia lata muscle and iliotibial band function in runners: The relevance of the why and the how
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding low back pain (LBP) flares: identifying definitions, features and risk-factors
Principal Advisor
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
New insight into the function of pelvic floor muscles in women in relation to organ support
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Michelle Smith
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Organisation of Motor Regions of the Brain and Sensory-motor Function in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Principal Advisor
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluation of the Dynamical Structures of Postural Control: New Insights into Motor Adaptation in Ageing and Pain
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Honorary Professor Francois Hug
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
Biological factors in the transition from acute to persistent low back pain
Principal Advisor
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Physiology and pathophysiology of low back pain in ballet dancers
Principal Advisor
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2013
Master Philosophy
Development of a clinical test of motor control of thoraco-lumbo-pelvic regions
Principal Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
The Function of the Male Pelvic Floor: Old Questions Investigated Through New Methods
Principal Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
The Characterisation of Movement-Based Subgroups in Low Back Pain: An Investigation of Overlap, Motor Control and Psychological Considerations
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Motor Control & Kinematics of the Thorax in Pain-free Function
Principal Advisor
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Basal ganglia control of anticipatory postural adjustments: Effects of Parkinson's disease and its treatments
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sandy Brauer
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
The Behaviour of the Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles in People with Recurrent Low Back Pain During Symptom Remission
Principal Advisor
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2010
Doctor Philosophy
Prevention of back pain in nurses
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
The organisation and plasticity of the motor system in people with and without chronic low back pain
Principal Advisor
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2007
Doctor Philosophy
Lumbo-pelvic control during human bipedal locomotion: contribution of the abdominal and paraspinal muscles in individuals with and without low back pain
Principal Advisor
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2006
Doctor Philosophy
POINTING, PERCEPTION AND PAIN: THE EFFECT OF CHANGES IN HEAD POSITION ON UPPER LIMB MOVEMENT
Principal Advisor
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2005
Doctor Philosophy
MOTOR UNIT SYNCHRONIZATION BETWEEN THE VASTI MUSCLES: PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PLASTICITY
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino
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2005
Doctor Philosophy
PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTION IN THE LONG-TERM INTENSIVE CARE STAY PATIENT: Use of head-up tilt and inspiratory muscle training
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Robert Boots
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Doctor Philosophy
COMPETING DEMANDS ON THE TRUNK MUSCLES - EFFECTS, CONSEQUENCES, AND MECHANISMS
Principal Advisor
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing low back pain care: Thinking and practising critically beyond the biopsychosocial model
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Rebecca Olson
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Towards better understanding of pelvic organ support in women who engage in recreational exercise: The effects of heavy lifting on the pelvic floor
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Emma Beckman, Dr Marie-Pierre Cyr, Associate Professor Michelle Smith
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Lateral elbow tendinopathy: towards a better understanding of its multifactorial nature and the role of isometric exercise
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the clinical presentation of tibialis posterior tendinopathy
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino, Associate Professor Michelle Smith
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Muscle activity and morphology in hip-related pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
The psychological features and somatosensory characteristics of patellofemoral pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Natalie Collins, Professor Bill Vicenzino
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2018
Doctor Philosophy
The refinement and validity evaluation of a 2-Dimensional motion capture method to quantify lumbo-pelvic-hip complex motion in chronic low back pain.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trevor Russell, Professor Kylie Tucker, Professor Shaun O'Leary
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Movement variability and pain: Searching for a solution
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino, Professor Kylie Tucker
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Insights into the mechanisms that underlie neuromuscular adaptation to pain using postural and volitional focused motor tasks
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Kylie Tucker
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
The Compensation Hypothesis: An Examination of the Argument that Injury Compensation Negatively Affects Health Outcomes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Luke Connelly
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Epaxial musculature and its relationship with back pain in the horse
Associate Advisor
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Implications of mild peripheral nerve compression beyond the lesion site - Mechanisms and interventions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Marc Ruitenberg
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
SENSORIMOTOR AND FUNCTIONAL DEFICITS FOLLOWING ACUTE LATERAL ANKLE SPRAINS
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Postural stability and spinal movement in chronic low back pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sandy Brauer
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Regional variation in the function of the deep ventrolateral muscles of the trunk in people with and without low back pain
Joint Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Andrew Cresswell
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2006
Doctor Philosophy
NEUROMUSCULAR CONTROL OF THE LEG DURING CYCLING AND RUNNING IN TRIATHLETES
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Paul Hodges directly for media enquiries about:
- back pain
- balance control
- Electromyography
- motor control
- Multifidus
- musculoskeletal pain
- nociplastic pain
- Pain
- rehabilitation
- Spine control
- Ultrasound imaging
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