Overview
Background
Dr Natalie Collins is an APA Sports & Exercise Physiotherapist, and Associate Professor in Physiotherapy at The University of Queensland. Her research focuses on improving the lives of people with knee pain conditions across the lifespan. Dr Collins has a particular interest in improving management and preventing persistence and progression of patellofemoral pain and patellofemoral osteoarthritis. She has conducted large, long-term studies on patellofemoral pain and osteoarthritis, including randomised clinical trials and a 5-year longitudinal cohort study on early osteoarthritis in young adults with patellofemoral pain. Dr Collins combines this work with studies evaluating mechanisms of foot orthoses treatment effects, including: (i) biomechanics and lower limb muscle activity (NHMRC Fellowship 2010-14, Mechanical Engineering, The University of Melbourne); and (ii) deep intrinsic foot muscle activity (UQ Fellowship 2015-17), where she developed a novel method of measuring EMG activity of these muscles. Her work has directly resulted in foot orthoses & physiotherapy being recommended interventions for patellofemoral pain, facilitating translation to clinical practice.
Dr Collins is Chair of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) Engagement Committee. She has received invitations to speak at the World Congress on Osteoarthritis, International Patellofemoral Research Retreat, Singapore Physiotherapy Conference and Australian Physiotherapy Association’s national conference, and present her research to international research groups. Dr Collins has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, received more than $4million in competitive funding, and contributed to leading international publications such as Brukner and Khan’s Clinical Sports Medicine. She maintains a clinical role specialising in the management of people with knee pain and injury.
Availability
- Associate Professor Natalie Collins is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Works
Search Professor Natalie Collins’s works on UQ eSpace
2020
Conference Publication
Multi-directional hip strength, physical function and balance in people with unilateral knee osteoarthritis compared to healthy age-matched controls: a cross-sectional study
Hislop, A. C., Collins, N. J., Tucker, K. and Semciw, A. I. (2020). Multi-directional hip strength, physical function and balance in people with unilateral knee osteoarthritis compared to healthy age-matched controls: a cross-sectional study. OARSI World Congress on Osteoarthritis - Promoting Clinical and Basic Research in Osteoarthritis, Vienna, Austria, 30 April - 3 May 2020. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier .
2019
Journal Article
Foot orthoses and footwear for the management of patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a pilot randomized trial
Wyndow, Narelle, Crossley, Kay M., Vicenzino, Bill, Tucker, Kylie and Collins, Natalie J. (2019). Foot orthoses and footwear for the management of patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a pilot randomized trial. Arthritis Care & Research, 73 (2) acr.24098, 240-249. doi: 10.1002/acr.24098
2019
Conference Publication
Intrinsic foot muscle structure and function: Rethinking our approach to managing plantar heel pain
Franettovich Smith, M., Kelly, L., Collins, N. and Vicenzino, B. (2019). Intrinsic foot muscle structure and function: Rethinking our approach to managing plantar heel pain. 2019 ASICS SMA Conference, Sunshine Coast, QLD Australia, 23 – 26 October 2019. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.063
2019
Conference Publication
Can the provision of written information change the natural course of patellofemoral pain?
Maclachlan, L., Collins, N., Hodges, P. and Vicenzino, B. (2019). Can the provision of written information change the natural course of patellofemoral pain?. 2019 ASICS SMA Conference, Sunshine Coast, QLD Australia, 23 – 26 October 2019. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.223
2019
Conference Publication
Intrinsic foot muscle atrophy in individuals with chronic plantar heel pain: a cross-sectional investigation using ultrasound imaging
Franettovich Smith, M., Collins, N. and Vicenzino, B. (2019). Intrinsic foot muscle atrophy in individuals with chronic plantar heel pain: a cross-sectional investigation using ultrasound imaging. 2019 ASICS SMA Conference, Sunshine Coast, QLD Australia, 23 – 26 October 2019. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.163
2019
Conference Publication
Can radiographic osteoarthritis be identified using clinical assessments in individuals with patellofemoral pain?
Tan, J., Menz, H., Collins, N., Munteanu, S. and Crossley, K. (2019). Can radiographic osteoarthritis be identified using clinical assessments in individuals with patellofemoral pain?. 2019 ASICS SMA Conference, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia, 23 – 26 October 2019. Chatswood, NSW, Australia: Elsevier Australia. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.221
2019
Conference Publication
Foot orthoses induce immediate changes in intrinsic foot muscle EMG activity during walking
Collins, N., Salomoni, S., Elgueta Cancino, E., Tucker, K. and Hodges, P. (2019). Foot orthoses induce immediate changes in intrinsic foot muscle EMG activity during walking. 2019 ASICS SMA Conference, Twin Waters, QLD Australia, 23 – 26 October 2019. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.164
2019
Journal Article
Prevalence of radiographic and MRI features of patellofemoral osteoarthritis in young and middle-aged adults with persistent patellofemoral pain
Collins, Natalie J, Oei, Edwin H G, de Kanter, Janneke L, Vicenzino, Bill and Crossley, Kay M (2019). Prevalence of radiographic and MRI features of patellofemoral osteoarthritis in young and middle-aged adults with persistent patellofemoral pain. Arthritis Care & Research, 71 (8) acr.23726, 1068-1073. doi: 10.1002/acr.23726
2019
Conference Publication
Do comfort perception and plantar foot sensitivity change in response to longitudinal exposure to minimal shoe and barefoot running?
Mills, Kathryn Ann Grace, Vicenzino, Bill Guglielmo and Collins, Natalie J. (2019). Do comfort perception and plantar foot sensitivity change in response to longitudinal exposure to minimal shoe and barefoot running?. Fourteenth Footwear Biomechanics Symposium, Kananaskis, Canada, 28-30 July 2019. Abingdon, United Kingdom: Taylor and Francis. doi: 10.1080/19424280.2019.1606105
2019
Journal Article
Influence of an unloader brace on lower limb EMG activity in individuals with predominant lateral osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Hart, Harvi F., Holt, Matthew, Semciw, Adam I., Collins, Natalie J. and Crossley, Kay M. (2019). Influence of an unloader brace on lower limb EMG activity in individuals with predominant lateral osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 24 (4), 342-348. doi: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2019.05.004
2019
Journal Article
The FOOTPATH study: protocol for a multicentre, participant- and assessor-blind, parallel group randomised clinical trial of foot orthoses for patellofemoral osteoarthritis
Collins, Natalie J, Tan, Jade M, Menz, Hylton B, Russell, Trevor G, Smith, Anne J, Vicenzino, Bill, Munteanu, Shannon E, Hinman, Rana S, Haines, Terry P, Hart, Harvi F, Patterson, Brooke E, Cleary, Gearoid, Donnar, Joel W, Maclachlan, Liam R and Crossley, Kay M (2019). The FOOTPATH study: protocol for a multicentre, participant- and assessor-blind, parallel group randomised clinical trial of foot orthoses for patellofemoral osteoarthritis. BMJ Open, 9 (4) e025315, e025315. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025315
2019
Journal Article
OARSI year in review 2018: rehabilitation and outcomes
Collins, Natalie J., Hart, Harvi F. and Mills, Kathryn A.G. (2019). OARSI year in review 2018: rehabilitation and outcomes. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 27 (3), 378-391. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2018.11.010
2019
Journal Article
Neuromotor control during stair ambulation in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis compared to asymptomatic controls
Wyndow, Narelle, Crossley, Kay M., Stafford, Ryan, Vicenzino, Bill, Collins, Natalie J. and Tucker, Kylie (2019). Neuromotor control during stair ambulation in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis compared to asymptomatic controls. Gait and Posture, 71, 92-97. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.03.029
2019
Journal Article
Do the benefits of participation in sport and exercise outweigh the negatives? An academic review
Mills, Kathryn, Dudley, Dean and Collins, Natalie J. (2019). Do the benefits of participation in sport and exercise outweigh the negatives? An academic review. Best Practice and Research: Clinical Rheumatology, 33 (1), 172-187. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2019.01.015
2019
Journal Article
Does adding hip exercises to quadriceps exercises result in superior outcomes in pain, function and quality of life for people with knee osteoarthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Hislop, Andrew Craig, Collins, Natalie J, Tucker, Kylie, Deasy, Margaret and Semciw, Adam Ivan (2019). Does adding hip exercises to quadriceps exercises result in superior outcomes in pain, function and quality of life for people with knee osteoarthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54 (5), bjsports-2018. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-099683
2019
Journal Article
Intrinsic foot muscle size can be measured reliably in weight bearing using ultrasound imaging
Franettovich Smith, Melinda M., Hides, Julie A., Hodges, Paul W. and Collins, Natalie J. (2019). Intrinsic foot muscle size can be measured reliably in weight bearing using ultrasound imaging. Gait & Posture, 68, 369-374. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.12.012
2019
Journal Article
The efficacy of foot orthoses in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis: A randomised feasibility trial
Tan, Jade M., Menz, Hylton B., Crossley, Kay M., Munteanu, Shannon E., Hart, Harvi F., Middleton, Kane J., Smith, Anne J. and Collins, Natalie J. (2019). The efficacy of foot orthoses in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis: A randomised feasibility trial. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 5 (1) 90, 90. doi: 10.1186/s40814-019-0469-7
2019
Conference Publication
Young to middle-aged adults with persistent patellofemoral pain demonstrate similar pain, disability and knee-related quality of life as older adults with patellofemoral osteoarthritis
Collins, N. J. and Crossley, K. M. (2019). Young to middle-aged adults with persistent patellofemoral pain demonstrate similar pain, disability and knee-related quality of life as older adults with patellofemoral osteoarthritis. OARSI World Congress on Osteoarthritis - Promoting Clinical and Basic Research in Osteoarthritis, Toronto, Canada, 2-5 May 2019. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier . doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2019.02.344
2019
Conference Publication
Effect of exercise on psychological well-being in people with knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Hall, M., Nelligan, R. K., Dobson, F. L., Collins, N. J., Smits, E. J., Ross, M. H., Kasza, J. E. and Bennell, K. L. (2019). Effect of exercise on psychological well-being in people with knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. 2019 OARSI World Congress on Osteoarthritis, Toronto, ON, Canada, 2 - 5 May 2019. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2019.02.481
2019
Conference Publication
Foot orthoses and footwear in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a pilot randomised trial
Wyndow, N., Crossley, K. M., Vicenzino, B., Tucker, K. and Collins, N. J. (2019). Foot orthoses and footwear in individuals with patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a pilot randomised trial. OARSI World Congress on Osteoarthritis - Promoting Clinical and Basic Research in Osteoarthritis, Toronto, Canada, 2-5 May 2019. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2019.02.541
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Natalie Collins is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Intrinsic foot muscle function in people with patellofemoral pain, and the effect of footwear interventions
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Exploring biopsychosocial characteristics of adolescents with patellofemoral pain, and mechanisms of foot orthoses effects
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Exploring the effects of strength training on pain, function and physical activity in adolescents with Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Targeted effective treatments for adolescent kneecap pain: ACTIVE KNEECAPs!
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino, Associate Professor Michelle Smith
-
Doctor Philosophy
Patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a radiographic approach to diagnosis, assessment, and management
Principal Advisor
-
Doctor Philosophy
Adolescents with patellofemoral pain: Characteristics, preferences and footwear interventions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino, Dr Melinda Smith, Dr Nathalia Costa
-
Doctor Philosophy
Can Minimal Footwear Alter Patellofemoral Joint Loading, Lower-Limb Muscle Activation and Biomechanics During Walking in Individuals with Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Kylie Tucker, Dr Taylor Dick
-
Master Philosophy
Understanding impairments and management of growth-related injuries in adolescent athletes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino, Associate Professor Michelle Smith
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Hip muscle structure and function in people with knee osteoarthritis.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Kylie Tucker
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
The psychological features and somatosensory characteristics of patellofemoral pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Hodges, Professor Bill Vicenzino
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Patellofemoral osteoarthritis following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Natalie Collins directly for media enquiries about:
- arthritis
- exercise
- footwear
- knee osteoarthritis
- knee pain
- kneecap pain
- osteoarthritis
- physiotherapy
- runner's knee
- shoe insoles
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