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

752 works between 1993 and 2025
All (752) Journal Article (585) Book Chapter (30) Conference Publication (124) Book (4) Other Outputs (8) Edited Outputs (1)

481 - 500 of 752 works

2010

Journal Article

Intramuscular fine-wire electromyography during cycling: Repeatability, normalisation and a comparison to surface electromyography

Chapman, Andrew R., Vicenzino, Bill, Blanch, Peter, Knox, Joanna J. and Hodges, Paul W. (2010). Intramuscular fine-wire electromyography during cycling: Repeatability, normalisation and a comparison to surface electromyography. Journal of Electromyography And Kinesiology, 20 (1), 108-117. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2008.11.013

Intramuscular fine-wire electromyography during cycling: Repeatability, normalisation and a comparison to surface electromyography

2010

Journal Article

Author response: On “Motor control exercise for chronic low back pain…” Costa LOP, Maher CG, Latimer J, et al. Phys Ther. 2009;89:1275–1286

Costa, Leonardo O.P., Maher, Christopher G., Latimer, Jane, Hodges, Paul W., Herbert, Robert D., Refshauge, Kathryn M., McAuley, James H. and Jennings, Matthew D. (2010). Author response: On “Motor control exercise for chronic low back pain…” Costa LOP, Maher CG, Latimer J, et al. Phys Ther. 2009;89:1275–1286. Physical Therapy, 90 (2), 310-311. doi: 10.2522/ptj.2010.90.2.310

Author response: On “Motor control exercise for chronic low back pain…” Costa LOP, Maher CG, Latimer J, et al. Phys Ther. 2009;89:1275–1286

2010

Journal Article

Neuromuscular control and exercise-related leg pain in triathletes

Chapman, Andrew R., Hodges, Paul W., Briggs, Andrew M., Stapley, Paul J. and Vicenzino, Bill (2010). Neuromuscular control and exercise-related leg pain in triathletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 42 (2), 233-243. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181b07e91

Neuromuscular control and exercise-related leg pain in triathletes

2010

Journal Article

Response to letter regarding article, "Motor control exercise for chronic low back pain: a randomized placebo-controlled trial"

Costa, Leonardo O.P., Maher, Christopher G., Latimer, Jane, Hodges, Paul W., Herbert, Robert D., Refshauge, Kathryn M., McAuley, James H. and Jennings, Matthew D (2010). Response to letter regarding article, "Motor control exercise for chronic low back pain: a randomized placebo-controlled trial". Physical Therapy, 90 (2), 307-308. doi: 10.2522/ptj.2010.90.2.307.2

Response to letter regarding article, "Motor control exercise for chronic low back pain: a randomized placebo-controlled trial"

2010

Conference Publication

Behaviour of the lumbar multifidus during lower extremity movements in people with recurrent low back pain during symptom remission

MacDonald, D. A., Dawson, A. P. and Hodges, P. W. (2010). Behaviour of the lumbar multifidus during lower extremity movements in people with recurrent low back pain during symptom remission. World Congress of Low Back and Pelvic Pain, Los Angeles, California, USA., September, 2010.

Behaviour of the lumbar multifidus during lower extremity movements in people with recurrent low back pain during symptom remission

2010

Conference Publication

Corticomotor excitability is differentially modulated by painful, non-painful sensory and motor peripheral electrical stimulation

Chipchase LS, Schabrun SM and Hodges PW (2010). Corticomotor excitability is differentially modulated by painful, non-painful sensory and motor peripheral electrical stimulation. World Congress on Pain, Montreal Canada, 29th August - 2nd September.

Corticomotor excitability is differentially modulated by painful, non-painful sensory and motor peripheral electrical stimulation

2010

Conference Publication

Electrical stimulation for the treatment of pain: are the changes all peripheral?

Chipchase LS, Schabrun SM and Hodges PW (2010). Electrical stimulation for the treatment of pain: are the changes all peripheral?. The Australian Pain Society and New Zealand Pain Society, Brisbane, Australia, 28-31 March.

Electrical stimulation for the treatment of pain: are the changes all peripheral?

2010

Journal Article

A new journal name for a new decade

Bennell, Kim and Hodges, Paul (2010). A new journal name for a new decade. Journal of Physiotherapy, 56 (1), 5-5. doi: 10.1016/S1836-9553(10)70048-5

A new journal name for a new decade

2010

Conference Publication

Pelvic floor muscles have greater central fatigue during voluntary contractions than muscles of the limbs

Hodges, P., Schabrun, S. and Stafford, R. (2010). Pelvic floor muscles have greater central fatigue during voluntary contractions than muscles of the limbs. Joint Meeting of the International Continence Society and the International Urogynecological Association (ICS-IUGA 2010), Toronto, Canada, 23-27 August 2010. Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom: Springer UK.

Pelvic floor muscles have greater central fatigue during voluntary contractions than muscles of the limbs

2010

Conference Publication

Central fatigue of the pelvic floor muscles.

Schabrun SM, Stafford RE and Hodges PW (2010). Central fatigue of the pelvic floor muscles.. Australian Neuroscience Society, Sydney , Australia, January 31st-Feburary 3rd.

Central fatigue of the pelvic floor muscles.

2010

Conference Publication

Amplitude and duration of anticipatory postural adjustments are dependent on acceleration and remain unchanged in Parkinson’s Disease

Hall, L. M., Brauer, S.G. and Hodges, P.W. (2010). Amplitude and duration of anticipatory postural adjustments are dependent on acceleration and remain unchanged in Parkinson’s Disease. 2nd World Parkinson Congress, Glasgow, Scotland, 28 Septemebr-1 October 2010. Hoboken, NJ, U.S.A: Wiley & Sons.

Amplitude and duration of anticipatory postural adjustments are dependent on acceleration and remain unchanged in Parkinson’s Disease

2010

Journal Article

A novel transurethral surface electrode to record male striated urethral sphincter electromyographic activity

Stafford, Ryan E., Sapsford, Ruth, Ashton-Miller, James and Hodges, Paul W. (2010). A novel transurethral surface electrode to record male striated urethral sphincter electromyographic activity. Journal of Urology, 183 (1), 378-385. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2009.08.105

A novel transurethral surface electrode to record male striated urethral sphincter electromyographic activity

2010

Journal Article

Effect of abdominal and pelvic floor tasks on muscle activity, abdominal pressure and bladder neck

Junginger, B., Baessler, K., Sapsford, R. and Hodges, P. W. (2010). Effect of abdominal and pelvic floor tasks on muscle activity, abdominal pressure and bladder neck. International Urogynecology Journal: and pelvic floor dysfunction, 21 (1), 69-77. doi: 10.1007/s00192-009-0981-z

Effect of abdominal and pelvic floor tasks on muscle activity, abdominal pressure and bladder neck

2010

Conference Publication

Short-interval intracortical inhibition is increased following experimentally induced muscle pain.

Schabrun SM and Hodges PW (2010). Short-interval intracortical inhibition is increased following experimentally induced muscle pain.. Society for Neuroscience, San Diago, CA, U.S.A., 13-17th November.

Short-interval intracortical inhibition is increased following experimentally induced muscle pain.

2010

Conference Publication

Pelvic floor muscles have greater central fatigue during voluntary contractions than muscles of the limbs

Hodges, P., Schabrun, S. and Stafford, R. (2010). Pelvic floor muscles have greater central fatigue during voluntary contractions than muscles of the limbs. Joint Meeting of the International Continence Society and the International Urogynecological Association (ICS-IUGA 2010), Toronto, Canada, 23-27 August 2010. Hoboken, NJ, United States: John Wiley & Sons. doi: 10.1002/nau.20973

Pelvic floor muscles have greater central fatigue during voluntary contractions than muscles of the limbs

2010

Conference Publication

Modulation of corticomotor excitability by sensory, motor and noxious stimuli

Chipchase LS, Schabrun SM and Hodges PW (2010). Modulation of corticomotor excitability by sensory, motor and noxious stimuli. Australian Neuroscience Society, Sydney , Australia, January 31st-Feburary 3rd.

Modulation of corticomotor excitability by sensory, motor and noxious stimuli

2009

Journal Article

The effect of therapeutic exercise on activation of the deep cervical flexor muscles in people with chronic neck pain

Jull, G. A., Falla, D., Vicenzino, B. and Hodges, P. W. (2009). The effect of therapeutic exercise on activation of the deep cervical flexor muscles in people with chronic neck pain. Manual Therapy, 14 (6), 696-701. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2009.05.004

The effect of therapeutic exercise on activation of the deep cervical flexor muscles in people with chronic neck pain

2009

Journal Article

Motor control exercise for chronic low back pain: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Costa, L. O. P., Maher, C. G., Latimer, J., Hodges, P. W., Herbert, R. D., Refshauge, K. M., McAuley, J. H. and Jennings, M. D. (2009). Motor control exercise for chronic low back pain: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Physical Therapy, 89 (12), 1275-1286. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20090218

Motor control exercise for chronic low back pain: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

2009

Journal Article

Response to letter regarding article, "Motor control exercise for chronic low back pain: a randomized placebo-controlled trial"

Costa, Leonardo O.P., Maher, Christopher G., Latimer, Jane, Hodges, Paul W., Herbert, Robert D., Refshauge, Kathryn M., McAuley, James H. and Jennings, Matthew D. (2009). Response to letter regarding article, "Motor control exercise for chronic low back pain: a randomized placebo-controlled trial". Physical Therapy, 89 (12), 1289-1291. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20090218.ar

Response to letter regarding article, "Motor control exercise for chronic low back pain: a randomized placebo-controlled trial"

2009

Journal Article

Activity of deep abdominal muscles increase during submaximal flexion and extension efforts but antagonist co-contraction remains unchanged

McCook, Donna T., Vicenzino, Bill and Hodges, Paul W. (2009). Activity of deep abdominal muscles increase during submaximal flexion and extension efforts but antagonist co-contraction remains unchanged. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 19 (5), 754-762. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2007.11.002

Activity of deep abdominal muscles increase during submaximal flexion and extension efforts but antagonist co-contraction remains unchanged

Current funding

  • 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.

Available projects

  • Measurement and rehabilitation of the shoulder and upper limb

    We are seeking up to two PhD candidates eligible for a UQ Graduate School Scholarship, Australia to undertake a PhD in the area of measurement of upper limb motion and use. The project is part of an Industrial Transformation Training Centre (ITTC) funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and led by researchers at Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland. The centre aims to advance personalised surgical treatment of joints by integrating computer tools for pre-surgical planning and decision making, computer simulation systems and robot simulators for surgical training. Understanding the effectiveness of these treatments requires assessment and analysis of functional movements in clinical and real-world environments. The successful PhD candidate will use new sensor and/or robotic assessment technologies in conjunction with advanced motion capture systems to record shoulder and upper limb functional movements.

    Project areas include:

    • developing novel movement & muscle function assessments for the shoulder & upper limb;

    • examining functional movements in people with shoulder or upper limb dysfunction or injury;

    • developing new wearable & robotic technologies to optimise upper limb functional movement;

    • developing new virtual / augmented reality technologies for rehabilitation.

    The project requires a background in movement science, biomechanics, biomedical engineering or a related discipline. Experience in 3D motion analysis and electromyography is highly desirable.

    The PhD student will be supervised by a team that may include Prof Paul Hodges, Prof Sandra Brauer, Dr Alejandro Melendez-Calderon, Dr Antonio Padilha Lanari Bo, Prof Graham Kerr. The PhD students will work in the labs of the UQ Professors as part of an interdisciplinary team with skills spanning rehabilitation, imaging, neurophysiology, physiology, motor control, biomechanics, and computational modelling. The student will collaborate with other students and researchers at Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland and Neuroscience Research Aust.

    Eligible candidates will be supported to apply for a UQ Graduate School Scholarship that provides a 3-year scholarship (with possible extension for 6 months if required) at a rate of $28,597 p.a. tax free. An additional top up of $8,000 p.a. tax free, will be provided for these projects. Due to international border restrictions, this opportunity is most suitable for onshore applicants.

    Essential criteria: An undergraduate degree with first or second class division 1 Honours in movement science, biomechanics, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline; eligibility for admission to the PhD program at The University of Queensland; knowledge of 3D motion analysis; excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English.

    Desirable criteria: Experience in rehabilitation science; biomechanics, and muscle physiology.

  • Real world measurement of spine and body movement

    We are seeking a PhD student with a background in biomedical engineering and/or biomechanics to join our team to contribute to a body of work that aims to analyse movement of the spine and body in the real world. Projects will relate to measurement and analysis of movement to understand the relationship between movement and low back pain and to guide treatment.

    Essential criteria: An undergraduate degree with first or second class division 1 Honours in movement science, biomechanics, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline; eligibility for admission to the PhD program at The University of Queensland; knowledge of 3D motion analysis; experience with Matlab for data analysis; excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English.

  • Applying new methods to understand pelvic floor function in men and women

    We are seeking a PhD student with a background in biomedical engineering and/or biomechanics to join our team to work with our team to study the mechanisms of continence in men and women. We aim to apply new imaging methods and image analysis to better understand how continence is maintained and how this is impacted by surgery (e.g. prostatectomy in men) and ageing. The work will involve a multidisciplinary team to address this challenging issue.

    Essential criteria: An undergraduate degree with first or second class division 1 Honours in movement science, biomechanics, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline; eligibility for admission to the PhD program at The University of Queensland; experience with Matlab for data analysis; excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English.

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

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au