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
2008
Journal Article
Course and prognostic factors of whiplash: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Kamper, Steven J., Rebbeck, Trudy J., Maher, Christopher G., McAudley, James H. and Sterling, Michele (2008). Course and prognostic factors of whiplash: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain, 138 (3), 617-629. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2008.02.019
2008
Book Chapter
Neurophysiologic Effects of Spinal Manipulation
Vicenzino, B., Souvlis, T. and Sterling, M. (2008). Neurophysiologic Effects of Spinal Manipulation. Tension-Type and Cervicogenic Headache. Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Management. (pp. 213-220) edited by Huijbregts, P. A., Fernadez-de-las-penas, C., Arendt-Nielsen, L. and Gerwin, R. D.. United State of America: Jones and Bartlett.
2008
Book Chapter
Whiplash-associated disorders
Jull, Gwendolen, Sterling, Michele, Falla, Deborah, Treleaven, Julia and O'Leary, Shaun (2008). Whiplash-associated disorders. Whiplash, headache, and neck pain. (pp. 101-115) Chatswood, NSW, Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-443-10047-5.50012-6
2008
Journal Article
Hypoesthesia occurs in acute whiplash irrespective of pain and disability levels and the presence of sensory hypersensitivity
Chien, Andy, Eliav, Eli and Sterling, Michele (2008). Hypoesthesia occurs in acute whiplash irrespective of pain and disability levels and the presence of sensory hypersensitivity. Clinical Journal of Pain, 24 (9), 759-766. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e3181773b95
2008
Journal Article
The effect of 300mW, 830nm laser on chronic neck pain: Comment no. 1 L'impact du laser 830 nm, 300 mW sur la cervicalgie chronique
Sterling, Michèle (2008). The effect of 300mW, 830nm laser on chronic neck pain: Comment no. 1 L'impact du laser 830 nm, 300 mW sur la cervicalgie chronique. Kinesitherapie, 8 (74), 17-18. doi: 10.1016/s1779-0123(08)70029-9
2008
Book Chapter
Factores fisicos y psicologicos implicados en el latigzo cervical
Sterling, M.M. (2008). Factores fisicos y psicologicos implicados en el latigzo cervical. La Columna Cervical: Sindromes Clinicos y su Tratamiento Manipulative. (pp. 373-388) edited by Rafael Torres Cueco. Spain: La Columna Panamericana de Fisioterapia.
2008
Journal Article
Self-administered leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs
Sterling, Michele (2008). Self-administered leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs. The Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 54 (4), 285-285. doi: 10.1016/S0004-9514(08)70012-6
2008
Book
Whiplash, headache, and neck pain: Research-based directions for physical therapies
Jull, Gwendolen A., Sterling, Michele, Falla, Deborah, Treleaven, Julia and O'Leary, Shaun (2008). Whiplash, headache, and neck pain: Research-based directions for physical therapies. 1st ed. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-443-10047-5.X5001-2
2008
Conference Publication
Psychological, cognitive, and quality of life features in elders with headache
Uthaikhup, S., Sterling, M. and Jull, G. (2008). Psychological, cognitive, and quality of life features in elders with headache. 7th World Congress on Aging and Physical Activity, Tsukuba, Japan, 26-29 July 2008. CHAMPAIGN: HUMAN KINETICS PUBL INC.
2007
Journal Article
Total cervical translation as a function of Impact Vector as measured by Flexion-Extension Radiography
Centeno, Christopher J., Elkins, Whitney, Freeman, Michael, Elliott, James, Sterling, Michele M. and Katz, Evan (2007). Total cervical translation as a function of Impact Vector as measured by Flexion-Extension Radiography. Pain Physician Journal, 10 (5), 667-672.
2007
Journal Article
Does the presence of sensory hypersensitivity influence outcomes of physical rehabilitation for chronic whiplash? A preliminary RCT
Jull, Gwendolen A., Sterling, Michele M., Kenardy, Justin A. and Beller, Elaine (2007). Does the presence of sensory hypersensitivity influence outcomes of physical rehabilitation for chronic whiplash? A preliminary RCT. Pain, 129 (1-2), 28-34. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2006.09.030
2007
Journal Article
Dr. Sterling replies
Sterling, M. (2007). Dr. Sterling replies. Journal of Rheumatology, 34 (2), 450-451.
2007
Journal Article
Patient specific functional scale
Sterling, Michele and Brentnall, David (2007). Patient specific functional scale. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 53 (1), 65. doi: 10.1016/S0004-9514(07)70066-1
2007
Journal Article
Whiplash Injury Pain: Basic Science and Current/Future Therapeutics
Sterling, Michele M. (2007). Whiplash Injury Pain: Basic Science and Current/Future Therapeutics. Reviews in Analgesia, 9 (2), 105-116. doi: 10.3727/000000007783992825
2006
Journal Article
Balancing the 'bio' with the psychosocial in whiplash associated disorders
Sterling, Michele (2006). Balancing the 'bio' with the psychosocial in whiplash associated disorders. Manual Therapy, 11 (3), 180-181. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2006.02.001
2006
Journal Article
Physical and psychological factors maintain long-term predictive capacity post-whiplash injury
Sterling, Michele, Jull, Gwendolen and Kenardy, Justin A. (2006). Physical and psychological factors maintain long-term predictive capacity post-whiplash injury. Pain, 122 (1-2), 102-108. doi: 10.1016/j.pain.2006.01.014
2006
Journal Article
Relationship Between Self Reported Pain and Disability and Physical Measures in Chronic Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD)
Rikard, Ben and Sterling, Michele (2006). Relationship Between Self Reported Pain and Disability and Physical Measures in Chronic Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD). Journal of Whiplash & Related Disorders, 4 (2), 11-22. doi: 10.1300/J180v04n02_03
2006
Journal Article
Identifying those at risk of developing persistent pain following a motor vehicle collision
Sterling, M M (2006). Identifying those at risk of developing persistent pain following a motor vehicle collision. Journal Of Rheumatology, 33(5) (-), 838-839.
2006
Journal Article
The relationship between sensory and sympathetic nervous system changes and posttraumatic stress reaction following whiplash injury - a prospective study
Sterling, Michele and Kenardy, Justin (2006). The relationship between sensory and sympathetic nervous system changes and posttraumatic stress reaction following whiplash injury - a prospective study. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 60 (4), 387-393. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2005.08.016
2006
Journal Article
The effect of 300 mW, 830 nm laser on chronic neck pain
Sterling, Michele and Maher, Chris (2006). The effect of 300 mW, 830 nm laser on chronic neck pain. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 52 (4), 302-303. doi: 10.1016/S0004-9514(06)70012-5
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
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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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