Professor Paul Hodges
Professor

Paul Hodges

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 52008

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

Biological Sciences Biomechanics Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Clinical sciences Health Sciences Motor control Neurosciences Pain Sports science and exercise

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

  • Pain

    Matching the right patient to the right treatment at the right time Discrimination between pain mechanisms Rehabilitation of pain

  • Motor control

  • Rehabilitation

  • Continence

  • 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.

Search Professor Paul Hodges’s works on UQ eSpace

754 works between 1993 and 2025
All (754) Journal Article (588) Book Chapter (30) Conference Publication (124) Book (4) Other Outputs (7) Edited Outputs (1)

461 - 480 of 754 works

2011

Conference Publication

Changes in regional activity of the psoas major and quadratus lumborum with different trunk and hip tasks and spinal curvatures in sitting

Park, Rachel, Tsao, Henry, Claus, Andrew, Cresswell, Andrew and Hodges, Paul (2011). Changes in regional activity of the psoas major and quadratus lumborum with different trunk and hip tasks and spinal curvatures in sitting. XXIIIrd Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics, Brussels, Belgium, 3-7 July 2011.

Changes in regional activity of the psoas major and quadratus lumborum with different trunk and hip tasks and spinal curvatures in sitting

2011

Journal Article

Anal sphincter fatigue: Is the mechanism peripheral or central?

Schabrun, Siobhan M., Stafford, Ryan E. and Hodges, Paul W. (2011). Anal sphincter fatigue: Is the mechanism peripheral or central?. Neurourology and Urodynamics, 30 (8), 1550-1556. doi: 10.1002/nau.21162

Anal sphincter fatigue: Is the mechanism peripheral or central?

2011

Conference Publication

The effect of muscle pain on intra-cortical inhibitory and facilitatory networks in primary motor cortex

Schabrun, S. M. and Hodges, P. W. (2011). The effect of muscle pain on intra-cortical inhibitory and facilitatory networks in primary motor cortex. Australian Neuroscience Society Annual Meeting, Auckland, New Zealand, 30 January - 3 February 2011.

The effect of muscle pain on intra-cortical inhibitory and facilitatory networks in primary motor cortex

2011

Journal Article

Changes in lumbar movement in people with low back pain are related to compromised balance

Mok, Nicola W., Brauer, Sandra G. and Hodges, Paul W. (2011). Changes in lumbar movement in people with low back pain are related to compromised balance. Spine, 36 (1), E45-E52. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181dfce83

Changes in lumbar movement in people with low back pain are related to compromised balance

2011

Conference Publication

Voluntary activation declines rapidly during pelvic floor muscle fatigue

Schabrun, S., Stafford, R. and Hodges, P. (2011). Voluntary activation declines rapidly during pelvic floor muscle fatigue. World congress on Physical Therapy, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 20 - 23rd June 2011. Oxford, England, U. K.: Elseiver. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2011.04.002

Voluntary activation declines rapidly during pelvic floor muscle fatigue

2011

Conference Publication

The effect of electrical stimulation on excitability of the corticomotor pathway

Chipchase, L., Schabrun, S. M. and Hodges, P. W. (2011). The effect of electrical stimulation on excitability of the corticomotor pathway. World Physical Therapy 2011, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 20-23 June 2011. Elsevier.

The effect of electrical stimulation on excitability of the corticomotor pathway

2010

Journal Article

Changes in recruitment of transversus abdominis correlate with disability in people with chronic low back pain

Ferreira, P. H., Ferreira, M. L., Maher, C. G., Refshauge, K., Herbert, R. D and Hodges, P. W. (2010). Changes in recruitment of transversus abdominis correlate with disability in people with chronic low back pain. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 44 (16), 1166-1172. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2009.061515

Changes in recruitment of transversus abdominis correlate with disability in people with chronic low back pain

2010

Journal Article

Motor training of the lumbar paraspinal muscles induces immediate changes in motor coordination in patients with recurrent low back pain

Tsao, H, Druitt, TR, Schollum, TM and Hodges, PW (2010). Motor training of the lumbar paraspinal muscles induces immediate changes in motor coordination in patients with recurrent low back pain. Journal of Pain, 11 (11), 1120-1128. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2010.02.004

Motor training of the lumbar paraspinal muscles induces immediate changes in motor coordination in patients with recurrent low back pain

2010

Journal Article

Osseous spinal pathology and epaxial muscle ultrasonography in Thoroughbred racehorses

Stubbs, N. C., Riggs, C. M., Hodges, P. W., Jeffcott, L. B., Hodgson, D. R., Clayton, H. M. and McGowan, C. M. (2010). Osseous spinal pathology and epaxial muscle ultrasonography in Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Veterinary Journal, 42 (s38), 654-661. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00258.x

Osseous spinal pathology and epaxial muscle ultrasonography in Thoroughbred racehorses

2010

Journal Article

Changes in motor unit recruitment strategy during pain alters force direction

Tucker, Kylie J. and Hodges, Paul W. (2010). Changes in motor unit recruitment strategy during pain alters force direction. European Journal of Pain, 14 (9), 932-938. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpain.2010.03.006

Changes in motor unit recruitment strategy during pain alters force direction

2010

Journal Article

Driving plasticity in the motor cortex in recurrent low back pain

Tsao, Henry, Galea, Mary P. and Hodges, Paul W. (2010). Driving plasticity in the motor cortex in recurrent low back pain. European Journal of Pain, 14 (8), 832-839. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpain.2010.01.001

Driving plasticity in the motor cortex in recurrent low back pain

2010

Journal Article

Changes in paraspinal muscles and their association with low back pain and spinal degeneration: CT study

Kalichman, Leonid, Hodges, Paul, Ling, Li, Guermazi, Ali and Hunter, David J. (2010). Changes in paraspinal muscles and their association with low back pain and spinal degeneration: CT study. European Spine Journal, 19 (7), 1136-1144. doi: 10.1007/s00586-009-1257-5

Changes in paraspinal muscles and their association with low back pain and spinal degeneration: CT study

2010

Journal Article

Experimentally-induced low back pain from hypertonic saline injections into lumbar interspinous ligament and erector spinae muscle

Tsao, H, Tucker, KJ, Coppieters, MW and Hodges, PW (2010). Experimentally-induced low back pain from hypertonic saline injections into lumbar interspinous ligament and erector spinae muscle. Pain, 150 (1), 167-172. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2010.04.023

Experimentally-induced low back pain from hypertonic saline injections into lumbar interspinous ligament and erector spinae muscle

2010

Journal Article

Systematic review: Abdominal or pelvic floor muscle training

Sapsford, R, Hodges, P and Smith, M (2010). Systematic review: Abdominal or pelvic floor muscle training. Neurourology and Urodynamics, 29 (5), 800-801. doi: 10.1002/nau.20861

Systematic review: Abdominal or pelvic floor muscle training

2010

Journal Article

Utility of the Oswestry Disability Index for studies of back pain related disability in nurses: Evaluation of psychometric and measurement properties

Dawson, Anna P., Steele, Emily J., Hodges, Paul W. and Stewart, Simon (2010). Utility of the Oswestry Disability Index for studies of back pain related disability in nurses: Evaluation of psychometric and measurement properties. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 47 (5), 604-607. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2009.10.013

Utility of the Oswestry Disability Index for studies of back pain related disability in nurses: Evaluation of psychometric and measurement properties

2010

Journal Article

Hip strengthening reduces symptoms but not knee load in people with medial knee osteoarthritis and varus malalignment: A randomised controlled trial

Bennell, K. L., Hunt, M. A., Wrigley, T. V., Hunter, D. J., McManus, F. J., Hodges, P. W., Li, L. and Hinman, R. S. (2010). Hip strengthening reduces symptoms but not knee load in people with medial knee osteoarthritis and varus malalignment: A randomised controlled trial. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 18 (5), 621-628. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2010.01.010

Hip strengthening reduces symptoms but not knee load in people with medial knee osteoarthritis and varus malalignment: A randomised controlled trial

2010

Journal Article

Effects of vastus medialis oblique retraining versus general quadriceps strengthening on vasti onset

Bennell, Kim, Duncan, Margaret, Cowan, Sallie, McConnell, Jenny, Hodges, Paul and Crossley, Kay (2010). Effects of vastus medialis oblique retraining versus general quadriceps strengthening on vasti onset. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 42 (5), 856-864. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181c12771

Effects of vastus medialis oblique retraining versus general quadriceps strengthening on vasti onset

2010

Journal Article

People with recurrent LBP respond differently to trunk loading despite remission from symptoms

MacDonald, David, Moseley, G. Lorimer and Hodges. Paul W. (2010). People with recurrent LBP respond differently to trunk loading despite remission from symptoms. Spine, 35 (7), 818-824. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181bc98f1

People with recurrent LBP respond differently to trunk loading despite remission from symptoms

2010

Journal Article

Balance is impaired in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Smith, Michelle D., Chang, Angela T., Seale, Helen E., Walsh, James R. and Hodges, Paul W. (2010). Balance is impaired in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Gait and Posture, 31 (4), 456-460. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2010.01.022

Balance is impaired in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

2010

Journal Article

Changes in sitting posture induce multiplanar changes in chest wall shape and motion with breathing

Lee, Linda-Joy, Chang, Angela T., Coppieters, Michel W. and Hodges, Paul W. (2010). Changes in sitting posture induce multiplanar changes in chest wall shape and motion with breathing. Respiratory Physiology and Neurobiology, 170 (3), 236-245. doi: 10.1016/j.resp.2010.01.001

Changes in sitting posture induce multiplanar changes in chest wall shape and motion with breathing

Current funding

  • 2026 - 2030
    Addressing the critical questions in chronic pain
    NHMRC Investigator Grants
    Open grant
  • 2025 - 2026
    Uncovering the role of sleep in back pain in the real world
    The International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine
    Open grant
  • 2025 - 2028
    A quantum exoGarment for unrivalled measurement of muscle function in sport
    Quantum 2032 Challenge Program
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2028
    Comparative effectiveness of exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy, and their combination for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain and poor sleep
    United States Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs - Chronic Pain Management Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2028
    DISCERN - Disciplinary Integration to Solve the Enigma of Chronic Pain: Evaluating Personalised Care and its Impact with Innovative Clinical Trials and Research in Neurobiology, Psychology and Society
    NHMRC Synergy Grants
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2028
    PRioRTI: PReventing chronic pain after whiplash Road Traffic Injury
    NHMRC MRFF CTA - Clinical Trials Activity
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2028
    The clinical and cost-effectiveness of lumbar fusion surgery for patients with persistent, severe low back pain: FusiOn veRsus bEst coNServative Care (the FORENSIC trial)
    NHMRC-National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaborative Research Grants
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    Australia and New Zealand Musculoskeletal (ANZMUSC) Clinical Trials Network (NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence Grant administered by Monash University)
    Monash University
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2027
    What causes low back pain to flare: Has a major opportunity to understand back pain been missed?
    United States National Institutes of Health
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2025
    From understanding the mechanisms to implementing conservative management of musculoskeletal conditions
    NHMRC Investigator Grants
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2026
    ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Joint Biomechanics (ITRP led by Queensland University of Technology)
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2023 - 2024
    Planting the CEDE: Co-designing and co-developing knowledge translation strategies to implement current expert-based rec
    UQ Knowledge Exchange & Translation Fund
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2023
    Assessing the impact of targeted multifidus activation, using Reactiv8, on its structure in a model of low back pain
    Mainstay Medical Limited
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Understanding the effects of heavy weightlifting on pelvic organ support in vaginally parous premenopausal women: a cross-sectional study
    Physiotherapy Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Understanding Acute to Chronic Back Pain Pathways and Testing New Solutions
    United States Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs - Chronic Pain Management Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2024
    Structural and neural determinants of stress and strain in human muscle
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2021
    Improving delivery of the biopsychosocial approach: enhancing low back pain healthcare practice.
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2022
    The role of neuroimmune response on sensorimotor function in different classes of chronic low back pain
    The International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2022
    Targeted pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: A randomised controlled trial with embedded physiological studies
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Translating low back pain research: Identifying potential hidden harms in health messaging
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    "MyBackPain": An innovative consumer focused website for low back pain
    Medibank Private Limited
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2020
    Efficacy of a state-of-the-art pelvic floor muscle training program on urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: A randomised clinical trial with embedded physiological studies
    Physiotherapy Research Fellowships
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2021
    Musculoskeletal pain and disability: improving outcomes through conservative interventions
    NHMRC Program Grant
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2020
    Physiology and pathophysiology of disorders of the musculoskelatal system
    NHMRC Research Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Muscle function in people with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
    Queensland Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Network
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2020
    Centre of Research Excellence in Translation of Research into Improved OUtcomes in Musculoskeletal Pain & Health (CRE TRIUMPH) (NHMRC CRE administered by the University of Melbourne)
    University of Melbourne
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Using fine wire electromyography for the assessment of lumbopelvic muscle function of individuals when exercising on the Functional Readaptive Exercise Device (FRED)
    University of Northumbria at Newcastle
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Insight into the motor adaptation to musculoskeletal pain
    RL Cooper Medical Research Foundation Limited
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Quantification of muscle mechanical properties by an innovative shear wave elastographic technique for basic and clinical science.
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Gait analysis for clinical research
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Urinary continence and incontinence in men: New insight through new technologies
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    A virtual environment for the study of multisensory learning, adaptation and control
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2015
    Musculoskeletal pain, injury and health: improving outcomes through conservative management
    NHMRC Program Grant
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Neuro-navigation for basic and clinical research
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2015
    NHMRC Research Fellowship (SPRF): Physiology and pathophysiology of disorders of the musculoskeletal system
    NHMRC Research Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2012
    Priming the brain to learn
    UWA-UQ Bilateral Research Collaboration Award
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2013
    ResTeach 2011 0.2 FTE School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
    UQ ResTeach
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2014
    Why do people keep hurting their back: A longitudinal study of biological, psychological and social predictors
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2012
    Reconsideration of the motor adaptation to pain
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2009
    A 3.0 Tesla MRI system for human cognitive neuroscience research
    ARC Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2011
    Clinical efficacy and physiological mechanisms of nerve and tendon gliding exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome.
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2008
    State of the art wireless electromyography system for clinical research
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    Reducing knee load and slowing disease progression with conservative interventions in knee osteoarthritis
    University of Melbourne
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2010
    Which exercise for chronic low back pain? (NHMRC Project Grant administered by the University of Sydney)
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2011
    An investigation of the differential control of the cervical extensor muscles during active and automatic cervical extension tasks
    Physiotherapy Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2012
    CCRE in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health
    NHMRC Centres of Clinical Research Excellence
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Dynamic postural stability and falls prediction in older people during walking in real-world environments
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2007
    State-of-the-art Three Dimensional Movement Analysis System
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    The contribution of dopamine to regulation of orofacial, limb and trunk control: System or function specific effects?
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2007
    UQ Travel Award - Paul Hodges
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2007
    Physiology and Epidemiology of changes in muscle size and activity measured with ultrasound imaging in low back pain
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2009
    Neuromuscular adaptations to training, cross training and passive physical interventions: A neurophysiological approach to understanding human performance and musculoskeletal injury
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Competing demands on the axial muscles: Effects, consequences, compensations and mechanisms
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2009
    Low Back Pain In Nurses: Investigating Causes in order to identify a solution
    Queensland Nursing Council
    Open grant
  • 2006
    NHMRC_Infrastructure Item_Pedar-x/Expert System: Portable in-shoe measuring pedography system
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    Pain and trunk muscle control: Effects, mechanisms and consequences
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2010
    PRINCIPAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
    NHMRC Research Fellowship
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2006
    ESEG_Coordination of competing demands on the trunk muscles: Consequence compensation and mechanism
    UQ External Support Enabling Grant
    Open grant
  • 2005
    NHMRC_Equipment Grant = Ultrasound Imaging for Musculoskeletal Research
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003
    Electromyography (EMG) Amplifier
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2005
    NHMRC Senior Research Fellow
    NHMRC Fellowship Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2005
    Physiological Mechanisms Of Efficacy Of Cervical Flexor Muscle Retraining
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2003
    Task Conflict as a Risk Factor for Musculoskeletal Pain and Injury
    UQ Foundation Research Excellence Awards - DVC(R) Funding
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Postural compensation for respiration: A physiological factor in low back pain
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2005
    NHMRC SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
    NHMRC Fellowship Grant
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2005
    Physiology and pathophysiology of trunk control mechanisms
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 1995
    Investigations into the neuromotor control of background stabilisation of the trunk during voluntary limb movement
    Physiotherapy Research Foundation
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Paul Hodges is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

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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