Overview
Background
Dr Melinda Smith (nee Franettovich) is a Lecturer in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. She also works part-time as a Physiotherapist at Clem Jones Centre Physio & Rehab and delivers online and face to face professional development workshops for health professionals. Her research, teaching and clinical focus is lower limb musculoskeletal function and health, with a special interest in the foot and ankle. Melinda's aim is to enrich people's lives by facilitating physical activity and sport participation through improving the prevention, assessment and treatment of lower limb musculoskeletal pain and injury.
Her research publications extend across several areas including lower limb function, sports and running related injuries, taping, foot orthoses, footwear, measurement of foot posture and mobility, gait-retraining and musculoskeletal imaging. She has contributed to three book chapters including neuromuscular control of the foot and ankle, advances in magnetic resonance imaging, and sports medicine (foot). Melinda has presented her research at international and national conferences across several fields including Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Sports Medicine. The impact of her research in the clinical setting is evidenced by invitations from professional organisations, private practices and hospital departments to deliver professional development for their health professionals. Through her research she has collaborated with school, community and elite level sporting clubs and associations, physiotherapy private practices and footwear manufacturers. Melinda's mission is to conduct high quality, innovative research that engages with community and industry partners to deliver impactful outcomes.
Availability
- Dr Melinda Smith is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Qualifications
- Bachelor, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Works
Search Professor Melinda Smith’s works on UQ eSpace
2012
Conference Publication
Medio-lateral knee position during knee flexion tests is predictive of hip kinematics during running
LeRossignol, S., Ageberg, E., Smith, M. and Creaby, M. (2012). Medio-lateral knee position during knee flexion tests is predictive of hip kinematics during running. Be Active 2012, Sydney, NSW Australia, December 2012. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier Australia. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2012.11.239
2012
Conference Publication
The relationship between lumbar multifidus muscle function and performance on the single-leg squat task
Neill, S., Creaby, M., Hides, J., Crowley, G. and Smith, M. (2012). The relationship between lumbar multifidus muscle function and performance on the single-leg squat task. Be Active 2012, Sydney, NSW Australia, December 2012. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2012.11.815
2012
Journal Article
A comparison of augmented low-Dye taping and ankle bracing on lower limb muscle activity during walking in adults with flat-arched foot posture
Franettovich, Melinda M., Murley, George S., David, Bianca S. and Bird, Adam R. (2012). A comparison of augmented low-Dye taping and ankle bracing on lower limb muscle activity during walking in adults with flat-arched foot posture. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 15 (1), 8-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2011.05.009
2012
Conference Publication
Altered neuromotor control of the Gluteus Medius and Gluteus Maximus in male runners with Achilles Tendinopathy
Honeywill, C., Creaby, M., Smith, M., Wyndow, N. and Crossley, K. (2012). Altered neuromotor control of the Gluteus Medius and Gluteus Maximus in male runners with Achilles Tendinopathy. Be Active 2012 , Sydney NSW Australia, 2012. Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2012.11.156
2011
Journal Article
Plyometric training as an intervention to correct altered neuromotor control during running after cycling in triathletes: A preliminary randomised controlled trial
Bonacci, J, Green, D, Saunders, PU, Franettovich, M, Blanch, P and Vicenzino, B (2011). Plyometric training as an intervention to correct altered neuromotor control during running after cycling in triathletes: A preliminary randomised controlled trial. Physical Therapy in Sport, 12 (1), 15-21. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2010.10.005
2011
Conference Publication
Muscle imbalance among elite athletes
Franettovich, M., Hides, J., Mendis, M. D. and Littleworth, H. (2011). Muscle imbalance among elite athletes. IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport, Monaco, 7-11 April 2011. London, United Kingdom: BMJ Group. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2011.084038.109
2011
Journal Article
Initial neuromotor and postural effects of augmented low-dye taping
Franettovich, Melinda, Blanch, Peter and Vicenzino, Bill (2011). Initial neuromotor and postural effects of augmented low-dye taping. Athletic Training and Sports Health Care, 3 (1), 21-28. doi: 10.3928/19425864-20100730-03
2010
Journal Article
Change in running kinematics after cycling are related to alterations in running economy in triathletes
Bonacci, Jason, Green, Daniel, Saunders, Philo U., Blanch, Peter, Franettovich, Melinda, Chapman, Andrew R. and Vicenzino, Bill (2010). Change in running kinematics after cycling are related to alterations in running economy in triathletes. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 13 (4), 460-464. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2010.02.002
2010
Journal Article
Altered neuromuscular control in individuals with exercise-related leg pain
Franettovich, Melinda, Chapman, Andrew R., Blanch, Peter and Vicenzino, Bill (2010). Altered neuromuscular control in individuals with exercise-related leg pain. Medicine and Science in Sports and Excercise, 42 (3), 546-555. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181b64c62
2010
Journal Article
Augmented low-Dye tape alters foot mobility and neuromotor control of gait in individuals with and without exercise related leg pain
Franettovich, Melinda, Chapman, Andrew R., Blanch, Peter and Vicenzino, Bill (2010). Augmented low-Dye tape alters foot mobility and neuromotor control of gait in individuals with and without exercise related leg pain. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 3 (1 Article # 5) 5, 5. doi: 10.1186/1757-1146-3-5
2010
Journal Article
Continual use of augmented low-Dye taping increases arch height in standing but does not influence neuromotor control of gait
Franettovich, M, Chapman, A, Blanch, P and Vicenzino, B (2010). Continual use of augmented low-Dye taping increases arch height in standing but does not influence neuromotor control of gait. Gait & Posture, 31 (2), 247-250. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2009.10.015
2010
Conference Publication
Effect of augmented low-dye taping and ankle bracing on lower limb muscle activity during walking in young adults with flat-arched foot posture
David, B., Murley, G., Franettovich, M. and Bird, A. (2010). Effect of augmented low-dye taping and ankle bracing on lower limb muscle activity during walking in young adults with flat-arched foot posture. 2009 Australia Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, Seventh National Physical Activity Conference, Sixth National Sports Injury Prevention Conference, Be Active '09, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 14-17 October 2009. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier Australia. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.447
2010
Conference Publication
Does repeated application of augmented low-dye taping alter neuromotor control of lower limb gait or foot posture and mobility?
Franettovich, M., Chapman, A., Blanch, P. and Vicenzino, B. (2010). Does repeated application of augmented low-dye taping alter neuromotor control of lower limb gait or foot posture and mobility?. 2009 Australia Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, Seventh National Physical Activity Conference, Sixth National Sports Injury Prevention Conference, Be Active '09, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 14-17 October 2009. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier Australia. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.446
2010
Conference Publication
Repeated exposure does not alter the immediate effects of augmented low-dye taping on foot posture, foot mobility and neuromotor control of gait
Franettovich, M., Chapman, A., Blanch, P. and Vicenzino, B. (2010). Repeated exposure does not alter the immediate effects of augmented low-dye taping on foot posture, foot mobility and neuromotor control of gait. 2009 Australia Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, Seventh National Physical Activity Conference, Sixth National Sports Injury Prevention Conference, Be Active '09, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 2009. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier Australia. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.448
2010
Conference Publication
Is plyometric training effective for correcting altered running neuromotor control post-cycling in triathletes?
Bonacci, J., Green, D., Saunders, P., Franettovich, M., Chapman, A., Blanch, P. and Vicenzino, B. (2010). Is plyometric training effective for correcting altered running neuromotor control post-cycling in triathletes?. 2010 Asics Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport ''Hot topics in the tropics'', Port Douglas, QLD, Australia, 3-6 November 2010. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier Australia. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2010.10.633
2009
Other Outputs
Anti-pronation tape: Initial effects on neuromotor control of gait, foot posture and foot mobility and the influence of continual use
Franettovich, Melinda (2009). Anti-pronation tape: Initial effects on neuromotor control of gait, foot posture and foot mobility and the influence of continual use. PhD Thesis, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland.
2009
Conference Publication
A pilot investigation of muscle activation patterns in individuals with exercise-related leg pain compared to uninjured individuals
Blanch, R., Chapman, A., Franettovich, M. and Vicenzino, B. (2009). A pilot investigation of muscle activation patterns in individuals with exercise-related leg pain compared to uninjured individuals. ASICS Conference of science and medicine in sport 2008, Hamilton Island, Australia, 16-18 October 2008. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2008.12.109
2008
Journal Article
A physiological and psychological basis for anti-pronation taping from a critical review of the literature
Franettovich, Melinda, Chapman, Andrew, Blanch, Peter and Vicenzino, Bill (2008). A physiological and psychological basis for anti-pronation taping from a critical review of the literature. Sports Medicine, 38 (8), 617-631. doi: 10.2165/00007256-200838080-00001
2008
Journal Article
Tape that increases medial longitudinal arch height also reduces leg muscle activity: A preliminary study
Franettovich, Melinda, Chapman, Andrew and Vicenzino, Bill (2008). Tape that increases medial longitudinal arch height also reduces leg muscle activity: A preliminary study. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 40 (4), 593-600. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e318162134f
2007
Journal Article
Differential Activation Of Medial And Lateral Hamstring Muscles In Loading Challenges : A Pilot Study 1615 Board #105 May 30 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Purdam, Craig, Chapman, Andrew R. and Franettovich, Melinda (2007). Differential Activation Of Medial And Lateral Hamstring Muscles In Loading Challenges : A Pilot Study 1615 Board #105 May 30 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 39 (5), S255. doi: 10.1249/01.mss.0000273974.13541.1b
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Melinda Smith is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Adolescents with patellofemoral pain: characteristics, preferences and footwear interventions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino, Dr Nathalia Costa, Associate Professor Natalie Collins
-
Doctor Philosophy
Adolescents with patellofemoral pain: characteristics, preferences and footwear interventions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino, Associate Professor Natalie Collins, Dr Nathalia Costa
Completed supervision
-
2025
Doctor Philosophy
Adolescents with patellofemoral pain: characteristics, preferences and footwear interventions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino, Dr Nathalia Costa, Associate Professor Natalie Collins
Media
Enquiries
Contact Dr Melinda Smith directly for media enquiries about:
- foot muscles
- foot pain
- heel pain
- plantar fasciitis
- shin pain
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