Associate Professor Michelle Smith
Associate Professor

Michelle Smith

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+61 7 336 54660

Background

Michelle Smith is a Associate Professor in Physiotherapy and a Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist. She is Program Director for the Masters of Sports Physiotherapy and Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy programs at UQ, Co-director of the International Ankle Consortium, Co-director of the Sports Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention for Health (SIRPH) research unit and Associate Editor of Physical Therapy and Sport.

The overarching theme of Michelle's research is lower limb joint health. Her research focuses on the prevention and management of lower limb joint injuries and pathologies across the lifespan to enable unrestricted participation in sport, physical activity and work. There are three key areas of her research:

  1. To improve understanding of ankle injuries and osteoarthritis across the lifespan: Ankle sprains are the most common injury seen in emergency departments and are a primary cause of ankle osteoarthritis, which in light of its post-traumatic nature, often affects young adults. To optimise outcomes and participation for people with ankle pathologies, my research characterises impairments and participation restrictions in the continuum from ankle injury to osteoarthritis and establishes the efficacy of interventions to manage these conditions.
  2. To understand the effectiveness and implementation of injury prevention strategies: While neuromuscular exercise program and taping/bracing have been shown to decrease injury risk, translation of research into practice is limited. My research investigates the implementation of injury prevention initiatives in adolescent athletes and involves stakeholders to better understand barriers and facilitators.
  3. To evaluate the implementation of lower limb osteoarthritis interventions: Exercise and education for hip and knee osteoarthritis have been shown to improve quality of life and functional outcomes. My research investigates the implementation of such programs in public hospitals and private physiotherapy practices on patient outcomes and service delivery.

Michelle has presented her research and delivered keynote and invited presentations at national and international multi-disciplinary conferences. She teaches across the undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy curriculum in the areas of musculoskeletal health and sports injuries. She has been recognised for her high teaching quality and impact at both School and Faculty levels through receipt of Teaching Excellence Awards. She is the Chair of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences External Engagement Committee and Deputy Chair of the Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy Group of the Austrailan Physiotherapy Association. She is a member of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Foot and Ankle Working Group, International Foot and Ankle Osteoarthritis Consortium, and Australian Foot and Ankle Research Network.

Availability

Associate Professor Michelle Smith is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Clinical sciences Education Education systems Health Sciences Higher education Motor control Oncology and carcinogenesis Sports science and exercise

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Physical Education, University of Manitoba
  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy, University of Manitoba
  • Masters (Coursework) of Sports Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Ankle osteoarthritis

  • Ankle sprains and fractures

  • Injury prevention and optimising sport participation

  • Lower limb osteoarthritis

  • Injuries in adolescent athletes

  • Sports physiotherapy

Search Professor Michelle Smith’s works on UQ eSpace

123 works between 2002 and 2025
All (123) Journal Article (91) Book Chapter (3) Conference Publication (28) Other Outputs (1)

41 - 60 of 123 works

2021

Journal Article

Implementation of an injury prevention programme in community netball: an observational study

Saad, Tess, Davies, Lauren and Smith, Michelle (2021). Implementation of an injury prevention programme in community netball: an observational study. Journal of Sports Sciences, 39 (19), 2180-2188. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1923932

Implementation of an injury prevention programme in community netball: an observational study

2020

Journal Article

Disability, Physical Impairments, and Poor Quality of Life, Rather Than Radiographic Changes, Are Related to Symptoms in Individuals With Ankle Osteoarthritis: A Cross-sectional Laboratory Study

Al-Mahrouqi, Munira M., Vicenzino, Bill, Macdonald, David A. and Smith, Michelle D. (2020). Disability, Physical Impairments, and Poor Quality of Life, Rather Than Radiographic Changes, Are Related to Symptoms in Individuals With Ankle Osteoarthritis: A Cross-sectional Laboratory Study. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 50 (12), 711-722. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2020.9376

Disability, Physical Impairments, and Poor Quality of Life, Rather Than Radiographic Changes, Are Related to Symptoms in Individuals With Ankle Osteoarthritis: A Cross-sectional Laboratory Study

2020

Journal Article

Response profile of fibular repositioning tape on ankle osteokinematics, arthrokinematics, perceived stability and confidence in chronic ankle instability

Smith, Michelle D., Vitharana, Thilina N., Wallis, Gena M. and Vicenzino, Bill (2020). Response profile of fibular repositioning tape on ankle osteokinematics, arthrokinematics, perceived stability and confidence in chronic ankle instability. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 50 102272, 102272. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2020.102272

Response profile of fibular repositioning tape on ankle osteokinematics, arthrokinematics, perceived stability and confidence in chronic ankle instability

2020

Journal Article

Quality of life, function and disability in individuals with chronic ankle symptoms: a cross-sectional online survey

Al Mahrouqi, M. M., MacDonald, D. A., Vicenzino, B. and Smith, M. D. (2020). Quality of life, function and disability in individuals with chronic ankle symptoms: a cross-sectional online survey. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 13 (1) 67, 1-9. doi: 10.1186/s13047-020-00432-w

Quality of life, function and disability in individuals with chronic ankle symptoms: a cross-sectional online survey

2020

Conference Publication

An individualised, supervised exercise program is safe and feasible for patients with multiple myeloma: The MyeEx Study

Nicol, Jennifer L., Hill, Michelle M., Cunningham, Brent, Nunan, Elizabeth, Woodrow, Carmel, Keating, Eliza, Adlard, Kirsten, Smith, Michelle, Mollee, Peter, Weber, Nicholas, Nicol, Andrew J. and Skinner, Tina L. (2020). An individualised, supervised exercise program is safe and feasible for patients with multiple myeloma: The MyeEx Study. COSA's 47th Annual Scientific Meeting, Quality and Safety, Implementation Science, Cardio-Oncology, Virtual, 11–13 November 2020. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1111/ajco.13499

An individualised, supervised exercise program is safe and feasible for patients with multiple myeloma: The MyeEx Study

2020

Journal Article

What psychosocial and physical characteristics differentiate office workers who develop standing-induced low back pain? A cross-sectional study

Rodríguez-Romero, Beatriz, Smith, Michelle D, Quintela-del-Rio, Alejandro and Johnston, Venerina (2020). What psychosocial and physical characteristics differentiate office workers who develop standing-induced low back pain? A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (19) 7104, 7104-14. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17197104

What psychosocial and physical characteristics differentiate office workers who develop standing-induced low back pain? A cross-sectional study

2020

Journal Article

Do women runners report more pelvic floor symptoms than women in CrossFit®? A cross-sectional survey

Forner, Lori B., Beckman, Emma M. and Smith, Michelle D. (2020). Do women runners report more pelvic floor symptoms than women in CrossFit®? A cross-sectional survey. International Urogynecology Journal, 32 (2), 295-302. doi: 10.1007/s00192-020-04531-x

Do women runners report more pelvic floor symptoms than women in CrossFit®? A cross-sectional survey

2020

Journal Article

Experiences of people with cancer who have participated in a hospital-based exercise program: a qualitative study

Ferri, Alessia, Gane, Elise M., Smith, Michelle D., Pinkham, Elizabeth P., Gomersall, Sjaan R. and Johnston, Venerina (2020). Experiences of people with cancer who have participated in a hospital-based exercise program: a qualitative study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 29 (3), 1575-1583. doi: 10.1007/s00520-020-05647-y

Experiences of people with cancer who have participated in a hospital-based exercise program: a qualitative study

2020

Conference Publication

Contemporary methods in patellofemoral joint radiography and grading of patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a systematic review

Hill, J. R., Oei, E. H., Crossley, K. M., Menz, H. B., Macri, E. M., Smith, M. D., Wyndow, N., Maclachlan, L. and Collins, N. J. (2020). Contemporary methods in patellofemoral joint radiography and grading of patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a systematic review. OARSI World Congress on Osteoarthritis - Promoting Clinical and Basic Research in Osteoarthritis, Vienna, Austria, 30 April - 3 May 2020. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2020.02.453

Contemporary methods in patellofemoral joint radiography and grading of patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a systematic review

2020

Journal Article

Is chronic ankle instability associated with impaired muscle strength? Ankle, knee and hip muscle strength in individuals with chronic ankle instability: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Khalaj, Nafiseh, Vicenzino, Bill, Heales, Luke James and Smith, Michelle D (2020). Is chronic ankle instability associated with impaired muscle strength? Ankle, knee and hip muscle strength in individuals with chronic ankle instability: a systematic review with meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54 (14), bjsports-2018. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-100070

Is chronic ankle instability associated with impaired muscle strength? Ankle, knee and hip muscle strength in individuals with chronic ankle instability: a systematic review with meta-analysis

2020

Conference Publication

Radiographic, physical and self-report measures that characterize ankle osteoarthritis

Smith, M. D., Mahrouqi, M., MacDonald, D. and Vicenzino, B. (2020). Radiographic, physical and self-report measures that characterize ankle osteoarthritis. OARSI World Congress on Osteoarthritis - Promoting Clinical and Basic Research in Osteoarthritis, Vienna, Austria, 30 April - 3 May 2020. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier . doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2020.02.624

Radiographic, physical and self-report measures that characterize ankle osteoarthritis

2019

Journal Article

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse in women who lift heavy weights for exercise: a cross-sectional survey

Forner, Lori B., Beckman, Emma M. and Smith, Michelle D. (2019). Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse in women who lift heavy weights for exercise: a cross-sectional survey. International Urogynecology Journal, 31 (8), 1551-1558. doi: 10.1007/s00192-019-04163-w

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse in women who lift heavy weights for exercise: a cross-sectional survey

2019

Journal Article

How much does the talocrural joint contribute to ankle dorsiflexion range of motion during the weight-bearing lunge test? A cross-sectional radiographic validity study

Smith, Michelle D., Lee, Daniel, Russell, Trevor, Matthews, Mark, Macdonald, David and Vicenzino, Bill (2019). How much does the talocrural joint contribute to ankle dorsiflexion range of motion during the weight-bearing lunge test? A cross-sectional radiographic validity study. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 49 (12), 934-941. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.8697

How much does the talocrural joint contribute to ankle dorsiflexion range of motion during the weight-bearing lunge test? A cross-sectional radiographic validity study

2019

Conference Publication

Establishing return to play criteria after acute lateral ankle sprain injuries: An international Delphi study

Smith, M., Vicenzino, B., Bahr, R., Bandholm, T., Cooke, R., Mendonça, L., Fourchet, F., Glasgow, P., Gribble, P., Herrington, L., Hiller, C., Lee, S., Macalusco, A., Meeusen, R., Oweye, O., Reid, D., Tassignon, B., Terada, M., Thorborg, K., Verhagen, E., Verschueren, J., Wang, D., Whiteley, R., Wikstrom, E. and Delahunt, E. (2019). Establishing return to play criteria after acute lateral ankle sprain injuries: An international Delphi study. 2019 ASICS SMA Conference, Noosa, QLD Australia, 23 – 26 October 2019. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.147

Establishing return to play criteria after acute lateral ankle sprain injuries: An international Delphi study

2019

Conference Publication

Radiological, physical and psychological features of ankle OA: A cross sectional study

Smith, M., Al Mahrouqi, M., MacDonald, D. and Vicenzino, B. (2019). Radiological, physical and psychological features of ankle OA: A cross sectional study. 2019 ASICS SMA Conference, Noosa, QLD Australia, 23 – 26 October 2019. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.165

Radiological, physical and psychological features of ankle OA: A cross sectional study

2019

Journal Article

The influence of using a footstool during a prolonged standing task on low back pain in office workers

Smith, Michelle D., Kwan, Chun Shing Johnson, Zhang, Sally, Wheeler, Jason, Sewell, Tennille and Johnston, Venerina (2019). The influence of using a footstool during a prolonged standing task on low back pain in office workers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16 (8) 1405, 1405. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16081405

The influence of using a footstool during a prolonged standing task on low back pain in office workers

2019

Journal Article

Feasibility and impact of sit-stand workstations with and without exercise in office workers at risk of low back pain: a pilot comparative effectiveness trial

Johnston, Venerina, Gane, Elise M., Brown, Wendy, Vicenzino, Bill, Healy, Genevieve N., Gilson, Nicholas and Smith, Michelle D. (2019). Feasibility and impact of sit-stand workstations with and without exercise in office workers at risk of low back pain: a pilot comparative effectiveness trial. Applied Ergonomics, 76, 82-89. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.12.006

Feasibility and impact of sit-stand workstations with and without exercise in office workers at risk of low back pain: a pilot comparative effectiveness trial

2019

Journal Article

Criteria-based return to sport decision-making following lateral ankle sprain injury: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

Tassignon, Bruno, Verschueren, Jo, Delahunt, Eamonn, Smith, Michelle, Vicenzino, Bill, Verhagen, Evert and Meeusen, Romain (2019). Criteria-based return to sport decision-making following lateral ankle sprain injury: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. Sports Medicine, 49 (4), 601-619. doi: 10.1007/s40279-019-01071-3

Criteria-based return to sport decision-making following lateral ankle sprain injury: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

2019

Conference Publication

Hip extension deficits and psychosocial features in tibialis posterior tendinopathy: a cross sectional study

Ross, M., Smith, M. and Vicenzino, B. (2019). Hip extension deficits and psychosocial features in tibialis posterior tendinopathy: a cross sectional study. 2019 ASICS SMA Conference, Novotel Twin Waters, 23-26 October 2019. Chatswood, NSW, Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.182

Hip extension deficits and psychosocial features in tibialis posterior tendinopathy: a cross sectional study

2019

Conference Publication

Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests to diagnose ultrasound-confirmed tibialis posterior tendinopathy in patients presenting with medial foot/ankle pain

Ross, M., Smith, M. and Vicenzino, B. (2019). Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests to diagnose ultrasound-confirmed tibialis posterior tendinopathy in patients presenting with medial foot/ankle pain. 2019 ASICS SMA Conference, Novotel Twin Waters, 23-26 October 2019. Chatswood, NSW, Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.181

Diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests to diagnose ultrasound-confirmed tibialis posterior tendinopathy in patients presenting with medial foot/ankle pain

Current funding

  • 2025
    Foot orthoses plus education compared to usual care for ankle OA: A pilot and feasibility trial
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2022 - 2023
    Education plus exercise versus general advice for ankle osteoarthritis: A pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial
    Arthritis Foundation of Australia
    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
  • 2019 - 2023
    Identifying optimal sit-stand recommendations for the workforce
    Office Ergonomics Research Committee Funding
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    Implementation of GLA:D in Queensland public health services: towards a standardised non-surgical management approach for hip and knee osteoarthritis
    Metro North Hospital and Health Service
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    How is exposure to manganese on Groote Eylandt associated with motor control and cognitive function in school-aged children?
    Anindilyakwa Land Council
    Open grant
  • 2011
    UQ Travel Awards Category 2 - Dr Michelle Dawn Smith
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Deformity, pain and foot function in hallux abducto valgus
    Australian Podiatry Education and Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2009
    UQ Travel Awards Category 2, Dr Michelle Smith
    UQ Travel Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Is the distribution of the pelvic floor muscles to spinal stability altered in people with low back pain?
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2022
    Neurodynamic Based Research Work - Gift
    Neuro Orthopaedic Institute
    Open grant

Availability

Associate Professor Michelle Smith is:
Available for supervision

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

Available projects

  • Improving management, optimising return to sport and preventing re-injury after ankle sprains and fractures

    Ankle sprains are often perceived to be minor injuries, but unfortunately a high proportion of people who sprain or fracture their ankle go onto experience recurrent injury and chronic ankle instability. There is a need for improved understanding and implementation of ankle sprain management, return to sport criteria and uptake of injury prevention strategies.

    Options for PhD projects in this area include:

    • Improving patient outcomes after ankle sprains and fractures
    • Determining optimal outcome measures for acute lateral ankle sprain injuries and chronic ankle instability
    • Establishing return to sport criteria for lateral ankle sprain injuries
    • Understanding and addressing barriers to the use of taping and bracing in preventing ankle injuries

  • Improving management of ankle osteoarthritis

    Unlike hip and knee OA, there are a lack of clinical guidelines to inform the management of ankle osteoarthritis. Few studies have investigated the effect of different treatments for ankle osteoarthritis, and the diverse use of outcomes in ankle osteoarthritis literature makes synthesis of information challenging. There is a need for agreement on core outcome measures to be used in ankle osteoarthritis research and high-quality clinical treatment trials to enable the development of clinical practice guidelines.

    Options for PhD projects in this area include:

    • Developing a core outcome measurement set for ankle osteoarthritis research
    • Determining the effectiveness of treatments in managing symptoms and improving function in people with ankle osteoarthritis
    • Determining the effect of exercise interventions on improving impairments, pain and function in ankle osteoarthritis
    • Early detection and management of ankle osteoarthritis

  • Improving implementation of injury prevention approaches in sport

    Many sports have developed injury prevention programs to try to decrease injury rates and optimise sport participation. There is strong evidence for the efficacy of neuromuscular training program on preventing a range of acute lower limb injuries. However, the implementation of injury prevention initiatives is challenging.

    Options for PhD projects in this area include:

    • Evaluating muscle function and barriers and facilitators to strength training in adolescent female athletes
    • Evaluating the effectiveness of neuromuscular injury prevention programs in improving injury risk factors and preventing injury in sport
    • Improving the implementation of neuromuscular injury prevention programs in sport

  • Managing repetitive use injuries in adolescent athletes

    Adolescents have high rates of sport participation with many playing multiple sports at school and in the community. Apophyseal growth plate conditions, such as Osgood-Schlatter disease, Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome and Sever’s disease, occur in active adolescents but little is known about how best to manage them.

    Options for PhD projects in this area include:

    • Characterising the presentation of Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndromes and/or Sever’s disease in active adolescents
    • Differentiating between pain sources in adolescent athletes that present with anterior knee pain
    • Improving management of Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndromes and/or Sever’s disease in active adolescents

Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Michelle Smith directly for media enquiries about:

  • ankle sprains
  • injury prevention
  • osteoarthritis
  • sports injuries

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