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)

81 - 100 of 123 works

2016

Journal Article

Multivariate analyses of individual variation in soccer skill as a tool for talent identification and development: utilising evolutionary theory in sports science

Wilson, Robbie S., James, Rob S., David, Gwendolyn, Hermann, Ecki, Morgan, Oliver J., Niehaus, Amanda C., Hunter, Andrew, Thake, Doug and Smith, Michelle D. (2016). Multivariate analyses of individual variation in soccer skill as a tool for talent identification and development: utilising evolutionary theory in sports science. Journal of Sports Sciences, 34 (21), 2074-2086. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2016.1151544

Multivariate analyses of individual variation in soccer skill as a tool for talent identification and development: utilising evolutionary theory in sports science

2016

Conference Publication

Proximal lower limb kinematics differ in people with chronic ankle instability compared to controls during treadmill walking

Cook, H., Tucker, K., van den Hoorn, W., Button, D. and Smith, M. (2016). Proximal lower limb kinematics differ in people with chronic ankle instability compared to controls during treadmill walking. IFOMPT 2012 International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists Conference, Glasgow, Scotland, September 2016. London, United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.05.033

Proximal lower limb kinematics differ in people with chronic ankle instability compared to controls during treadmill walking

2016

Journal Article

Balance recovery is compromised and trunk muscle activity is increased in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Smith, Michelle D., Chang, Angela T. and Hodges, Paul W. (2016). Balance recovery is compromised and trunk muscle activity is increased in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Gait and Posture, 43, 101-107. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2015.09.004

Balance recovery is compromised and trunk muscle activity is increased in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

2016

Conference Publication

Relationship between ankle pain/osteoarthritis and patient reported outcomes and quality of life: results of an online survey

Al Mahrouqi, M., Smith, M., MacDonald, D. and Vicenzino, B. (2016). Relationship between ankle pain/osteoarthritis and patient reported outcomes and quality of life: results of an online survey. ASICS Sports Medicine Australia Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 12 - 15 October 2016. Chatswood, NSW, Australia: Elsevier Australia. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.01.079

Relationship between ankle pain/osteoarthritis and patient reported outcomes and quality of life: results of an online survey

2015

Conference Publication

Recovery of balance is impaired and abdominal muscle activity is increased in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Smith, M., Chang, A. and Hodges, P. (2015). Recovery of balance is impaired and abdominal muscle activity is increased in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. World Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress 2015, Singapore, 1-4 May 2015. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2015.03.3406

Recovery of balance is impaired and abdominal muscle activity is increased in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

2015

Journal Article

Functional impairments characterizing mild, moderate, and severe hallux valgus

Hurn, Sheree E., Vicenzino, Bill and Smith, Michelle D. (2015). Functional impairments characterizing mild, moderate, and severe hallux valgus. Arthritis Care and Research, 67 (1), 80-88. doi: 10.1002/acr.22380

Functional impairments characterizing mild, moderate, and severe hallux valgus

2015

Conference Publication

Frontal plane knee and pelvis angles during single leg squat and step down tasks do not differ between people with and without chronic ankle instability

Smith, M. D., Russell, T., Thompson, A., MacIntyre, E., Devane, H., Howe, E. and Tucker, K. (2015). Frontal plane knee and pelvis angles during single leg squat and step down tasks do not differ between people with and without chronic ankle instability. International Ankle Consortium, Dublin, Ireland, September 2015. London, United Kingdom: BMJ Group. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095573.43

Frontal plane knee and pelvis angles during single leg squat and step down tasks do not differ between people with and without chronic ankle instability

2015

Conference Publication

A podiatry survey: how do we treat hallux valgus conservatively?

Hurn, Sheree, Vicenzino, Bill and Smith, Michelle (2015). A podiatry survey: how do we treat hallux valgus conservatively?. Australasian Podiatry Conference 2015, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, 6-8 May 2015. London, United Kingdom: BioMed Central. doi: 10.1186/1757-1146-8-S2-O19

A podiatry survey: how do we treat hallux valgus conservatively?

2014

Journal Article

Correlates of foot pain severity in adults with hallux valgus: a cross-sectional study

Hurn, Sheree E., Vicenzino, Bill T. and Smith, Michelle D. (2014). Correlates of foot pain severity in adults with hallux valgus: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 7 (32) 32, 1-10. doi: 10.1186/1757-1146-7-32

Correlates of foot pain severity in adults with hallux valgus: a cross-sectional study

2014

Journal Article

Senior physiotherapy students as standardised patients for junior students enhances self-efficacy and satisfaction in both junior and senior students

Mandrusiak, Allison M., Isles, Rosemary, Chang, Angela T., Low Choy, Nancy L., Toppenberg, Rowena, McCook, Donna, Smith, Michelle D., O'Leary, Karina and Brauer, Sandra G. (2014). Senior physiotherapy students as standardised patients for junior students enhances self-efficacy and satisfaction in both junior and senior students. BMC Medical Education, 14 (1) 105, 105. doi: 10.1186/1472-6920-14-105

Senior physiotherapy students as standardised patients for junior students enhances self-efficacy and satisfaction in both junior and senior students

2014

Journal Article

The relationship between incontinence, breathing disorders, gastrointestinal symptoms, and back pain in women: a longitudinal cohort study

Smith, Michelle D., Russell, Anne and Hodges, Paul (2014). The relationship between incontinence, breathing disorders, gastrointestinal symptoms, and back pain in women: a longitudinal cohort study. Clinical Journal of Pain, 30 (2), 162-167. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e31828b10fe

The relationship between incontinence, breathing disorders, gastrointestinal symptoms, and back pain in women: a longitudinal cohort study

2014

Journal Article

Does individual quality mask the detection of performance tradeoffs? A test using analyses of human physical performance

Wilson, Robbie S., Niehaus, Amanda C., David, Gwendolyn, Hunter, Andrew and Smith, Michelle (2014). Does individual quality mask the detection of performance tradeoffs? A test using analyses of human physical performance. Journal of Experimental Biology, 217 (4), 545-551. doi: 10.1242/jeb.092056

Does individual quality mask the detection of performance tradeoffs? A test using analyses of human physical performance

2013

Journal Article

Gait parameters associated with hallux valgus: a systematic review

Nix, Sheree E., Vicenzino, Bill T., Collins, Natalie J. and Smith, Michelle D. (2013). Gait parameters associated with hallux valgus: a systematic review. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 6 (9) 9, 1-12. doi: 10.1186/1757-1146-6-9

Gait parameters associated with hallux valgus: a systematic review

2013

Conference Publication

Are gait parameters altered in adults with hallux valgus?

Nix, Sheree, Vicenzino, Bill, Collins, Natalie and Smith, Michelle (2013). Are gait parameters altered in adults with hallux valgus?. Australasian Podiatry Conference 2013, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2-5 June 2013. London, United Kingdom: BioMed Central. doi: 10.1186/1757-1146-6-S1-O29

Are gait parameters altered in adults with hallux valgus?

2013

Journal Article

Helmet use during recreational ice skating in Manitoba

Manitoba Coalition of Active and Safe Kids and Smith, Michelle (2013). Helmet use during recreational ice skating in Manitoba. Municipal Leader, 44-47.

Helmet use during recreational ice skating in Manitoba

2013

Conference Publication

Functional outcomes characterising mild, moderate and severe hallux valgus

Nix, Sheree, Vicenzino, Bill and Smith, Michelle (2013). Functional outcomes characterising mild, moderate and severe hallux valgus. Australasian Podiatry Conference 2013, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2-5 June 2013. London, United Kingdom: BioMed Central. doi: 10.1186/1757-1146-6-s1-o30

Functional outcomes characterising mild, moderate and severe hallux valgus

2012

Journal Article

Foot pain and functional limitation in healthy adults with hallux valgus: a cross-sectional study

Nix, Sheree E., Vicenzino, Bill T. and Smith, Michelle D. (2012). Foot pain and functional limitation in healthy adults with hallux valgus: a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 13 (1) 197, 197.1-197.10. doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-13-197

Foot pain and functional limitation in healthy adults with hallux valgus: a cross-sectional study

2012

Journal Article

Characteristics of foot structure and footwear associated with hallux valgus: a systematic review

Nix, S. E., Vicenzino, B. T., Collins, N. J. and Smith, M. D. (2012). Characteristics of foot structure and footwear associated with hallux valgus: a systematic review. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 20 (10), 1059-1074. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2012.06.007

Characteristics of foot structure and footwear associated with hallux valgus: a systematic review

2012

Journal Article

Validity and reliability of hallux valgus angle measured on digital photographs

Nix, Sheree, Russell, Trevor, Vicenzino, Bill and Smith, Michelle (2012). Validity and reliability of hallux valgus angle measured on digital photographs. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 42 (7), 642-648. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2012.3841

Validity and reliability of hallux valgus angle measured on digital photographs

2011

Book Chapter

The elbow and forearm complex

Vicenzino, Bill, Smith, Michelle and Bisset, Leanne (2011). The elbow and forearm complex. Exercise therapy in the management of musculoskeletal disorders. (pp. 113-128) Oxford, United Kingdom: Blackwell Publishing.

The elbow and forearm complex

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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