Overview
Background
Michele Sterling is a NHMRC Leadership Fellow (leadership level 2), Professor in the Recover Injury Research Centre, Program Lead of the Musculoskeletal Injury research program and Director of the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) in Better Health Outcomes for Compensable Injury. She is a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists. She is internationally recognised for her research on whiplash-associated disorders. Michele’s research focusses on the mechanisms underlying the development of chronic pain after injury, predictive algorithms for outcomes and developing effective interventions for musculoskeletal injury and pain. She has received over $50M in research funding from the NHMRC, MRFF, ARC and industry partners, including 7 NHMRC project grants, and 2 Centres of Research Excellence. Michele holds editorial roles with several leading journals and textbooks, including being a Section Editor of PAIN and co-editors of the 4th and 5th editions of the seminal physiotherapy textbook 'Grieve's Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy). Michele has published over 325 scientific works and has received numerous awards for her research including the Research Australia Research Translation award in 2023. Examples of recognition as a national and international leader in the field include:
2024- Secretary of the Executive Council - International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)
2022-2024 Chair Scientific Program Committee World Pain Congress, Amsterdam 2024
2023-2027 NHMRC Leadership Fellow (Level 2) for research of road traffic injury.
2023 Research Australia Research Translation award
2016-2022 Council member International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP)
Availability
- Professor Michele Sterling is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Postgraduate Diploma, Curtin University of Technology
- Masters (Coursework), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland
Research impacts
Professor Sterling’s research program on the discovery of novel prognostic indicators and treatments to improve recovery led transformational change in clinical practice and compensation systems. Based on seminal research on the phenotyping of whiplash over many years, CI Sterling developed and tested the StressModex intervention for acute whiplash. StressModex is recommended by Australian Guidelines for management of Acute Whiplash (2024), is included in the physiotherapy curriculum at Australian universities and has been adapted for use internationally (e.g. Denmark). It has been taken up by insurance stakeholders (Suncorp, Allianz) resulting in improve health outcomes for injured people. To enhance translation of research, CI Sterling, in partnership with MAIC, SIRA and Allianz, co-led the establishment of MyWhiplashNavigator, a one-stop on-line resource for people with whiplash injury, training opportunities for health care providers and insurers. Sterling’s strong collaboration with key industry and government regulators in 5 states, peak professional bodies and consumers informed 2 NHMRC CRE’s [CIA] which have translated prognostic and RCT data into practice and policy via education (>2000 participants, >25 countries). CI Sterling’s research has improved management of musculoskeletal injury worldwide, cited in Clinical & Medico-legal Guidelines that are endorsed by > 10 international peak bodies and was used by the UK House of Commons Recommendations to avert escalating costs associated with fraudulent whiplash claims. Subsequently, the UK govt. established an on-line educational platform based on CI Sterling’s research to accredit medical examiners in evidence-based assessment.
Works
Search Professor Michele Sterling’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Journal Article
Applying patient and health professional preferences as part of co-designing a new digital brief intervention to reduce risk of prescription opioid harm: a qualitative analysis
Elphinston, Rachel A., Pager, Sue, Fatehi, Farhad, Sterling, Michele, Brown, Kelly, Gray, Paul, Hipper, Linda, Cahill, Lauren, Ziadni, Maisa, Worthy, Peter and Connor, Jason P. (2024). Applying patient and health professional preferences as part of co-designing a new digital brief intervention to reduce risk of prescription opioid harm: a qualitative analysis. JMIR Formative Research, 9 e57212, e57212. doi: 10.2196/57212
2024
Journal Article
C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with chronic pain independently of biopsychosocial factors
Farrell, Scott F., Armfield, Nigel R., Cabot, Peter J., Elphinston, Rachel A., Gray, Paul, Minhas, Gunjeet, Collyer, Martin R. and Sterling, Michele (2024). C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with chronic pain independently of biopsychosocial factors. The Journal of Pain, 25 (2), 476-496. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.09.008
2024
Book Chapter
N-of-1 research designs
Nikles, Jane, Hams, Andrea, Sterling, Michele and Evans, Kerrie (2024). N-of-1 research designs. Grieve's modern musculoskeletal physiotherapy. (pp. 95-101) edited by Deborah Falla, Jeremy Lewis, Christopher McCarthy, Chad E. Cook and Michele Sterling. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7020-8089-0.00016-1
2024
Journal Article
Longitudinal changes and associations between quantitative sensory testing and psychological factors in whiplash-associated disorders: a systematic review and meta-analyses-based data synthesis
Bellosta-López, Pablo, Doménech-García, Víctor, Ortiz-Lucas, María, Lluch-Gibes, Enrique, Herrero, Pablo, Sterling, Michele and Christensen, Steffan W.M. (2024). Longitudinal changes and associations between quantitative sensory testing and psychological factors in whiplash-associated disorders: a systematic review and meta-analyses-based data synthesis. The Journal of Pain, 25 (1), 12-30. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.07.021
2024
Journal Article
Patient experiences of referral practices and primary care physiotherapy for chronic nonspecific low back pain
Boyle, Eileen M, Evans, Kerrie, Coates, Sonia, Fary, Robyn E, Bennell, Kim, Sterling, Michele, Rebbeck, Trudy and Beales, Darren J (2024). Patient experiences of referral practices and primary care physiotherapy for chronic nonspecific low back pain. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 40 (6), 1326-1342. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2141599
2024
Journal Article
Nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic low back pain? The low back pain phenotyping (BACPAP) consortium's international and multidisciplinary consensus recommendations
Nijs, Jo, Kosek, Eva, Chiarotto, Alessandro, Cook, Chad, Danneels, Lieven A, Fernández-de-las-Peñas, César, Hodges, Paul W, Koes, Bart, Louw, Adriaan, Ostelo, Raymond, Scholten-Peeters, Gwendolyne G M, Sterling, Michele, Alkassabi, Othman, Alsobayel, Hana, Beales, Darren, Bilika, Paraskevi, Clark, Jacqui R, De Baets, Liesbet, Demoulin, Christophe, de Zoete, Rutger M J, Elma, Ömer, Gutke, Annelie, Hanafi, Rikard, Hotz Boendermaker, Sabina, Huysmans, Eva, Kapreli, Eleni, Lundberg, Mari, Malfliet, Anneleen, Meziat Filho, Ney ... George, Steven Z (2024). Nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic low back pain? The low back pain phenotyping (BACPAP) consortium's international and multidisciplinary consensus recommendations. The Lancet Rheumatology, 6 (3), e178-e188. doi: 10.1016/S2665-9913(23)00324-7
2024
Journal Article
Development and use of mobile messaging for individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions: a scoping review
Armfield, Nigel, Elphinston, Rachel, Liimatainen, Jenna, Scotti Requena, Simone, Eather, Chloe-Emily, Edirippulige, Sisira, Ritchie, Carrie, Robins, Sarah and Sterling, Michele (2024). Development and use of mobile messaging for individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions: a scoping review. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 12 e55625, e55625. doi: 10.2196/55625
2024
Book
Grieve's Modern Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Fifth Edition
Falla, Deborah, Cook, Chad E., Lewis, Jeremy, McCarthy, Chris and Sterling, Michele (2024). Grieve's Modern Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Fifth Edition. Elsevier.
2023
Conference Publication
Ethical considerations are poorly reported in individual participant data meta-analyses (IPD-MA)
Armfield, N.R., Finnane, A.R., Carstensen, T., Liimatainen, J. and Sterling, M. (2023). Ethical considerations are poorly reported in individual participant data meta-analyses (IPD-MA). 4th National HREC Conference, Online, 29 November - 1 December 2023.
2023
Journal Article
Objectively and subjectively measured physical activity levels in individuals with whiplash associated disorder and aged-matched healthy controls
Ritchie, Carrie, Smits, Esther, Armfield, Nigel and Sterling, Michele (2023). Objectively and subjectively measured physical activity levels in individuals with whiplash associated disorder and aged-matched healthy controls. PLoS One, 18 (10) e0292629, 1-13. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292629
2023
Journal Article
Implementation of a risk-stratified, guideline-based clinical pathway of care to improve health outcomes following whiplash injury (Whiplash ImPaCT): a multicentre, randomized, controlled trial
Rebbeck, Trudy, Bandong, Aila Nica, Leaver, Andrew, Ritchie, Carrie, Armfield, Nigel, Arora, Mohit, Cameron, Ian D., Connelly, Luke B., Daniell, Roy, Gillett, Mark, Ingram, Rodney, Jagnoor, Jagnoor, Kenardy, Justin, Mitchell, Geoffrey, Refshauge, Kathryn, Scotti Requena, Simone, Robins, Sarah and Sterling, Michele (2023). Implementation of a risk-stratified, guideline-based clinical pathway of care to improve health outcomes following whiplash injury (Whiplash ImPaCT): a multicentre, randomized, controlled trial. Pain, 164 (10), 2216-2227. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002940
2023
Book Chapter
N-of-1 research designs
Nikles, J., Hams, A., Sterling, M. and Evans, K. (2023). N-of-1 research designs. Grieve's modern musculoskeletal physiotherapy. (pp. 1-20) London, United Kingdom: Elsevier.
2023
Journal Article
The effects of physical exercise on structural, functional, and biochemical brain characteristics in individuals with chronic whiplash‐associated disorder: a pilot randomized clinical trial
de Zoete, Rutger M. J., McMahon, Katie L., Coombes, Jeff S. and Sterling, Michele (2023). The effects of physical exercise on structural, functional, and biochemical brain characteristics in individuals with chronic whiplash‐associated disorder: a pilot randomized clinical trial. Pain Practice, 23 (7), 759-775. doi: 10.1111/papr.13240
2023
Journal Article
Recommendations for a core outcome measurement set for clinical trials in whiplash associated disorders
Sterling, Michele, Andersen, Tonny, Carroll, Linda, Connelly, Luke, Côté, Pierre, Curatolo, Michele, Grant, Genevieve, Jull, Gwendolen, Kasch, Helge, Ravn, Sophie Lykkegaard, MacDermid, Joy, Malmström, Eva-Maj, Rebbeck, Trudy, Söderlund, Anne, Treleaven, Julia, Walton, David M. and Westergren, Hans (2023). Recommendations for a core outcome measurement set for clinical trials in whiplash associated disorders. Pain, 164 (10), 2265-2272. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002926
2023
Journal Article
Effectiveness of psychological interventions delivered by physiotherapists in the management of neck pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Farrell, Scott F., Edmunds, Devon, Fletcher, John, Martine, Harry, Mohamed, Hashem, Liimatainen, Jenna and Sterling, Michele (2023). Effectiveness of psychological interventions delivered by physiotherapists in the management of neck pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis. PAIN Reports, 8 (3) e1076, 1-18. doi: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000001076
2023
Journal Article
Genetic impact of blood C-reactive protein levels on chronic spinal and widespread pain
Farrell, Scott F., Sterling, Michele, Klyne, David M., Mustafa, Sanam, Campos, Adrián I., Kho, Pik-Fang, Lundberg, Mischa, Rentería, Miguel E., Ngo, Trung Thanh and Cuéllar-Partida, Gabriel (2023). Genetic impact of blood C-reactive protein levels on chronic spinal and widespread pain. European Spine Journal, 32 (6), 2078-2085. doi: 10.1007/s00586-023-07711-7
2023
Journal Article
Interest in digital peer-delivered interventions and preferences to improve pain self-efficacy and reduce loneliness amongst patients with chronic pain: a mixed methods co-design study
Yates, Eloise, Buckley, Lisa, Sterling, Michele, Cruwys, Tegan, Ashton-James, Claire, Rankin, Renee and Elphinston, Rachel (2023). Interest in digital peer-delivered interventions and preferences to improve pain self-efficacy and reduce loneliness amongst patients with chronic pain: a mixed methods co-design study. JMIR Formative Research, 7 e41211, e41211. doi: 10.2196/41211
2023
Journal Article
A shared genetic signature for common chronic pain conditions and its impact on biopsychosocial traits
Farrell, Scott F., Kho, Pik-Fang, Lundberg, Mischa, Campos, Adrián I., Rentería, Miguel E., de Zoete, Rutger M.J., Sterling, Michele, Ngo, Trung Thanh and Cuéllar-Partida, Gabriel (2023). A shared genetic signature for common chronic pain conditions and its impact on biopsychosocial traits. The Journal of Pain, 24 (3), 369-386. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.10.005
2023
Journal Article
Implementation of the “clinical framework for the delivery of health services” by treating healthcare professionals: perspectives of regulators and insurers
Adalja, Bhavya, Aplin, Tammy, Sterling, Michele and Johnston, Venerina (2023). Implementation of the “clinical framework for the delivery of health services” by treating healthcare professionals: perspectives of regulators and insurers. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46 (3), 1-9. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2171496
2023
Journal Article
Chronic pain experience through COVID-19: a comparison of reports prior and during the early stages of the pandemic
Buckley, Lisa, Sterling, Michele and Elphinston, Rachel A. (2023). Chronic pain experience through COVID-19: a comparison of reports prior and during the early stages of the pandemic. Pain, 164 (2), 435-442. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002724
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Michele Sterling is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Neurological factors underlying chronic pain after road traffic injury
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Scott Farrell
-
Doctor Philosophy
Early biopsychosocial intervention for people experiencing traumatic injuries
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Shaun O'Leary, Dr Nigel Armfield
-
Doctor Philosophy
Multidimensional recovery after road traffic injury.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nigel Armfield
-
Doctor Philosophy
Psychologically informed physiotherapy for chronic pain after trauma.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Rachel Elphinston
-
Doctor Philosophy
Early interventions to prevent chronic pain after road traffic injury
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Scott Farrell
-
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing engagement in digital psychological interventions for patients with chronic non-cancer pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Rachel Elphinston
-
Doctor Philosophy
Quantifying the public health burden of road traffic injury.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nigel Armfield
Completed supervision
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
The Effectiveness and Nature of Psychological Interventions Delivered by Physiotherapists for Musculoskeletal Conditions
Principal Advisor
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Whiplash Associated Disorders: A Prospective Investigation of the Effects of Cervical Medial Branch Radiofrequency Neurotomy on Sensory, Motor and Psychological Features
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Whiplash-associated disorders: a cross-cultural comparison between Australia and Singapore
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino
-
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Somatosensory disturbances following whiplash injury: Relationship with signs and symptoms in both acute and chronic whiplash associated disorders (WAD)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull
-
2018
Master Philosophy
Are mechanical pain thresholds useful in defining symptoms of advanced knee osteoarthritis and predicting patient satisfaction following total knee replacement?
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Shaun O'Leary
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Towards a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying lateral epicondylalgia and its management
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino
-
2011
Doctor Philosophy
An Investigation of the Relationship between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Chronic Pain due to Whiplash Injury.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Justin Kenardy
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Headache in the elderly: cervical musculoskeletal, sensory and psychological features
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Michele Sterling directly for media enquiries about:
- musculoskeletal pain
- phyiotherapy
- road traffic injury
- whiplash injury
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