
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
2019
Journal Article
Essential key messages about diagnosis, imaging, and self-care for people with low back pain: a modified Delphi study of consumer and expert opinions
French, Simon D., Nielsen, Mandy, Hall, Leanne, Nicolson, Philippa J. A., van Tulder, Maurits, Bennell, Kim L., Hinman, Rana S., Maher, Chris G., Jull, Gwendolen and Hodges, Paul W. (2019). Essential key messages about diagnosis, imaging, and self-care for people with low back pain: a modified Delphi study of consumer and expert opinions. Pain, 160 (12), 1-2797. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001663
2019
Journal Article
State-of-the-art exercise concepts for lumbopelvic and spinal muscles - transferability to microgravity
Hides, Julie, Hodges, Paul and Lambrect, Gunda (2019). State-of-the-art exercise concepts for lumbopelvic and spinal muscles - transferability to microgravity. Frontiers in Physiology, 10 837, 837. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00837
2019
Journal Article
Sensorimotor cortical activity in acute low back pain: a cross-sectional study
Chang, Wei-Ju, Buscemi, Valentina, Liston, Matthew B., McAuley, James H., Hodges, Paul W. and Schabrun, Siobhan M. (2019). Sensorimotor cortical activity in acute low back pain: a cross-sectional study. The Journal of Pain, 20 (7), 819-829. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.01.006
2019
Journal Article
The nociceptive withdrawal reflex of the trunk is organized with unique muscle receptive fields and motor strategies
Massé-Alarie, Hugo, Salomoni, Sauro E. and Hodges, Paul W. (2019). The nociceptive withdrawal reflex of the trunk is organized with unique muscle receptive fields and motor strategies. European Journal of Neuroscience, 50 (2), 1932-1947. doi: 10.1111/ejn.14369
2019
Journal Article
Electrical stimulation of back muscles does not prime the corticospinal pathway: PES does not prime back corticospinal pathway
Elgueta-Cancino, Edith, Massé-Alarie, Hugo, Schabrun, Siobhan M. and Hodges, Paul W. (2019). Electrical stimulation of back muscles does not prime the corticospinal pathway: PES does not prime back corticospinal pathway. Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface, 22 (5), 555-563. doi: 10.1111/ner.12978
2019
Journal Article
Comparison of weight bearing functional exercise and non-weight bearing quadriceps strengthening exercise on pain and function for people with knee osteoarthritis and obesity: protocol for the TARGET randomised controlled trial
Bennell, Kim L., Nelligan, Rachel K., Kimp, Alexander J., Wrigley, Tim V., Metcalf, Ben, Kasza, Jessica, Hodges, Paul W. and Hinman, Rana S. (2019). Comparison of weight bearing functional exercise and non-weight bearing quadriceps strengthening exercise on pain and function for people with knee osteoarthritis and obesity: protocol for the TARGET randomised controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 20 (1) 291, 1-10. doi: 10.1186/s12891-019-2662-5
2019
Journal Article
Motor cortex representation of deep and superficial neck flexor muscles in individuals with and without neck pain
Elgueta-Cancino, Edith, Marinovic, Welber, Jull, Gwendolen and Hodges, Paul W. (2019). Motor cortex representation of deep and superficial neck flexor muscles in individuals with and without neck pain. Human Brain Mapping, 40 (9), 2759-2770. doi: 10.1002/hbm.24558
2019
Journal Article
Changes in structure and function of the back muscles in low back pain: different time points, observations, and mechanisms
Hodges, Paul W. and Danneels, Lieven (2019). Changes in structure and function of the back muscles in low back pain: different time points, observations, and mechanisms. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 49 (6), 464-476. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.8827
2019
Journal Article
Motor control changes in low-back pain: divergence in presentations and mechanisms
van Dieën, Jaap H., Reeves, N. Peter, Kawchuk, Greg, van Dillen, Linda and Hodges, Paul W. (2019). Motor control changes in low-back pain: divergence in presentations and mechanisms. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 49 (6), 370-379. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.7917
2019
Journal Article
Diverse role of biological plasticity in low back pain and its impact on sensorimotor control of the spine
Hodges, Paul W., Barbe, Mary F., Loggia, Marco L., Nijs, Jo and Stone, Laura S. (2019). Diverse role of biological plasticity in low back pain and its impact on sensorimotor control of the spine. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 49 (6), 389-401. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.8716
2019
Journal Article
Neuroplasticity of sensorimotor control in low back pain
Brumagne, Simon, Diers, Martin, Danneels, Lieven, Moseley, G. Lorimer and Hodges, Paul W. (2019). Neuroplasticity of sensorimotor control in low back pain. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 49 (6), 402-414. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.8489
2019
Journal Article
Can biomechanics research lead to more effective treatment of low back pain? A point-counterpoint debate
Cholewicki, Jacek, Breen, Alan, Popovich, John M., Reeves, N. Peter, Sahrmann, Shirley A., van Dillen, Linda R., Vleeming, Andry and Hodges, Paul W. (2019). Can biomechanics research lead to more effective treatment of low back pain? A point-counterpoint debate. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 49 (6), 425-436. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.8825
2019
Journal Article
Are stability and instability relevant concepts for back pain?
Peter Reeves, N., Cholewicki, Jacek, Van Dieën, Jaap H., Kawchuk, Greg and Hodges, Paul W. (2019). Are stability and instability relevant concepts for back pain?. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 49 (6), 415-424. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.8144
2019
Journal Article
Convergence and Divergence of Exercise-Based Approaches That Incorporate Motor Control for the Management of Low Back Pain
Hides, Julie A., Donelson, Ronald, Lee, Diane, Prather, Heidi, Sahrmann, Shirley A. and Hodges, Paul W. (2019). Convergence and Divergence of Exercise-Based Approaches That Incorporate Motor Control for the Management of Low Back Pain. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 49 (6), 437-452. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.8451
2019
Journal Article
Development of a collaborative model of low back pain: report from the 2017 NASS consensus meeting
Cholewicki, Jacek, Popovich, John M., Aminpour, Payam, Gray, Steven A., Lee, Angela S. and Hodges, Paul W. (2019). Development of a collaborative model of low back pain: report from the 2017 NASS consensus meeting. Spine Journal, 19 (6), 1029-1040. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2018.11.014
2019
Journal Article
Hybrid approach to treatment tailoring for low back pain: a proposed model of care
Hodges, Paul W. (2019). Hybrid approach to treatment tailoring for low back pain: a proposed model of care. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 49 (6), 453-463. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.8774
2019
Journal Article
Time to reflect on the role of motor control in low back pain
Hodges, Paul W., Van Dieën, Jaap H. and Cholewicki, Jacek (2019). Time to reflect on the role of motor control in low back pain. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 49 (6), 367-369. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.0104
2019
Journal Article
MyBackPain - evaluation of an innovative consumer-focused website for low back pain: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Hall, Leanne M., Ferreira, Manuela, Setchell, Jenny, French, Simon, Kasza, Jessica, Bennell, Kim L., Hunter, David, Vicenzino, Bill, Dickson, Chris and Hodges, Paul (2019). MyBackPain - evaluation of an innovative consumer-focused website for low back pain: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 9 (5) e027516, e027516. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027516
2019
Journal Article
Task-specific differences in respiration-related activation of deep and superficial pelvic floor muscles
Aljuraifani, Rafeef, Stafford, Ryan E., Hall, Leanne M., van den Hoorn, Wolbert and Hodges, Paul W. (2019). Task-specific differences in respiration-related activation of deep and superficial pelvic floor muscles. Journal of Applied Physiology, 126 (5), 1343-1351. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00704.2018
2019
Journal Article
Efficacy of a personalised pelvic floor muscle training programme on urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy (MaTchUP): protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Hodges, Paul, Stafford, Ryan, Coughlin, Geoff D., Kasza, Jessica, Ashton-Miller, James, Cameron, Anne P., Connelly, Luke and Hall, Leanne M. (2019). Efficacy of a personalised pelvic floor muscle training programme on urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy (MaTchUP): protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 9 (5) e028288, e028288. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028288
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
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
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
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
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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
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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