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
2021
Journal Article
Genetic basis to structural grey matter associations with chronic pain
Farrell, Scott F, Campos, Adrián I, Kho, Pik-Fang, de Zoete, Rutger M J, Sterling, Michele, Rentería, Miguel E, Ngo, Trung Thanh and Cuéllar-Partida, Gabriel (2021). Genetic basis to structural grey matter associations with chronic pain. Brain, 144 (12), 3611-3622. doi: 10.1093/brain/awab334
2021
Journal Article
Implementation of a novel stratified PAthway of CarE for common musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in primary care: protocol for a multicentre pragmatic randomised controlled trial (the PACE MSK trial)
Rebbeck, Trudy, Evans, Kerrie, Ferreira, Paulo, Beales, Darren, Sterling, Michele, Bennell, Kim L, Cameron, Ian, Nicholas, Michael, Ritchie, Carrie, Jull, Gwen, Treleaven, Julia, Trevena, Lyndal, Refshauge, Kathryn, Connelly, Luke, Foster, Nadine, Black, Deborah, Hodges, Paul, Ferreira, Manuela, Shaw, Tim J and Simic, Milena (2021). Implementation of a novel stratified PAthway of CarE for common musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in primary care: protocol for a multicentre pragmatic randomised controlled trial (the PACE MSK trial). BMJ Open, 11 (12) e057705, e057705. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057705
2021
Journal Article
Chronic nociplastic pain affecting the musculoskeletal system: clinical criteria and grading system
Kosek, Eva, Clauw, Daniel, Nijs, Jo, Baron, Ralf, Gilron, Ian, Harris, Richard E., Mico, Juan-Antonio, Rice, Andrew Sc and Sterling, Michele (2021). Chronic nociplastic pain affecting the musculoskeletal system: clinical criteria and grading system. Pain, 162 (11), 2629-2634. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002324
2021
Journal Article
Physical rehabilitation research and pain science
Sterling, Michele and Keefe, Francis J. (2021). Physical rehabilitation research and pain science. Pain, 162 (11), 2621-2624. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002326
2021
Journal Article
Modernising tactile acuity assessment; clinimetrics of semi-automated tests and effects of age, sex and anthropometry on performance
Olthof, Nick A., Coppieters, Michel W., Moseley, G. Lorimer, Sterling, Michele, Chippindall, Dylan J. and Harvie, Daniel S. (2021). Modernising tactile acuity assessment; clinimetrics of semi-automated tests and effects of age, sex and anthropometry on performance. PeerJ, 9 e12192, e12192. doi: 10.7717/peerj.12192
2021
Journal Article
Evaluation of a physical activity promotion intervention for adults with whiplash associated disorders: a single-case experimental design study
Ritchie, Carrie, Clanchy, Kelly, Sterling, Michele, Tate, Robyn, Smits, Esther J., Day, Melissa, Nikles, Jane, Liimatainen, Jenna and Tweedy, Sean M. (2021). Evaluation of a physical activity promotion intervention for adults with whiplash associated disorders: a single-case experimental design study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44 (23), 1-14. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1989062
2021
Journal Article
Virtual reality-based psychological therapy for the treatment of driving anxiety
Vaezipour, Atiyeh, Fowler, James A., Russell, Trevor, Sterling, Michele and Elphinston, Rachel A. (2021). Virtual reality-based psychological therapy for the treatment of driving anxiety. Journal of Transport and Health, 22 (s1) 101157, 5-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jth.2021.101157
2021
Journal Article
Injury perceptions and their association with recovery outcomes in adults with traumatic orthopaedic injuries: a scoping review
Butler, Prudence, Nguyen, Thi, Giummarra, Melita J., O’Leary, Shaun and Sterling, Michele (2021). Injury perceptions and their association with recovery outcomes in adults with traumatic orthopaedic injuries: a scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44 (24), 1-16. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1988732
2021
Journal Article
Clinimetric properties of self-reported disability scales for whiplash: A systematic review for the whiplash core outcome set (CATWAD)
Griffin, Alexandra R., Leaver, Andrew M., Arora, Mohit, Walton, David M., Peek, Aimie, Bandong, Aila N., Sterling, Michele and Rebbeck, Trudy (2021). Clinimetric properties of self-reported disability scales for whiplash: A systematic review for the whiplash core outcome set (CATWAD). Clinical Journal of Pain, 37 (10), 766-787. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000968
2021
Journal Article
Soft-collar use in rehabilitation of whiplash-associated disorders - a systematic review and meta-analysis
Christensen, Steffan Wittrup McPhee, Rasmussen, Michael Bo, Jespersen, Christoffer Lund, Sterling, Michele and Skou, Søren Thorgaard (2021). Soft-collar use in rehabilitation of whiplash-associated disorders - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 55 102426, 102426. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102426
2021
Conference Publication
A systematic review of N-of-1 studies in musculoskeletal physiotherapy
Hams, A., Evans, K., Sterling, M. and Nikles, J. (2021). A systematic review of N-of-1 studies in musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Australian Physiotherapy Association conference , Brisbane, Australia, October 2021.
2021
Journal Article
Corrigendum to “Exploring translational gaps between basic scientists, clinical researchers, clinicians, and consumers: Proceedings and recommendations arising from the 2020 mine the gap online workshop” [Osteoarthritis Cartilage Open 29 (2021) 100163](S2665913121000261)(10.1016/j.ocarto.2021.100163)
Duong, Vicky, Bennell, Kim L., Clifton-Bligh, Roderick, Deveza, Leticia A., Elliott, James M., Guilak, Farshid, Hall, Michelle, Henderson, Luke A., Hodges, Paul, Johnstone, Brian, Linklater, James, Little, Christopher B., Lohmander, L. Stefan, Maclachlan, Liam, Mudge, Anita, O'Leary, Shaun, Ravi, Varshini, Sterling, Michele, Vicenzino, Bill, Yu, Shirley P., Zaki, Sanaa and Hunter, David J. (2021). Corrigendum to “Exploring translational gaps between basic scientists, clinical researchers, clinicians, and consumers: Proceedings and recommendations arising from the 2020 mine the gap online workshop” [Osteoarthritis Cartilage Open 29 (2021) 100163](S2665913121000261)(10.1016/j.ocarto.2021.100163). Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, 3 (3) 100196. doi: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2021.100196
2021
Journal Article
Central sensitisation: causes, therapies, and terminology – Authors' reply
Nijs, Jo, George, Steven Z, Clauw, Daniel J, Fernández-de-las-Peñas, César, Kosek, Eva, Ickmans, Kelly, Carnero, Josué Fernández, Polli, Andrea, Kapreli, Eleni, Huysmans, Eva, Cuesta-Vargas, Antonio I, Mani, Ramakrishnan, Lundberg, Mari, Leysen, Laurence, Rice, David, Sterling, Michele and Curatolo, Michele (2021). Central sensitisation: causes, therapies, and terminology – Authors' reply. The Lancet Rheumatology, 3 (8), e548-e549. doi: 10.1016/S2665-9913(21)00182-X
2021
Journal Article
Improvement in pain interference and function by an allied health pain management program: results of a randomized trial
Vandermost, Margaret, Bagraith, Karl S., Kennedy, Hannah, Doherty, Darren, Kilner, Simon, Sterling, Michele, Henry, David and Jones, Mark (2021). Improvement in pain interference and function by an allied health pain management program: results of a randomized trial. European Journal of Pain , 25 (10) ejp.1836, 2226-2241. doi: 10.1002/ejp.1836
2021
Journal Article
Combining stress management with pain neuroscience education and exercise therapy in people with whiplash-associated disorders: a clinical perspective
Willaert, Ward, Leysen, Laurence, Lenoir, Dorine, Meeus, Mira, Cagnie, Barbara, Nijs, Jo, Sterling, Michele and Coppieters, Iris (2021). Combining stress management with pain neuroscience education and exercise therapy in people with whiplash-associated disorders: a clinical perspective. Physical Therapy, 101 (7) pzab105, 1-10. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzab105
2021
Journal Article
Development and use of mobile messaging for individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions: a scoping review protocol
Scotti Requena, Simone, Sterling, Michele, Elphinston, Rachel A., Ritchie, Carrie, Robins, Sarah and R Armfield, Nigel (2021). Development and use of mobile messaging for individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open, 11 (7) 048964, e048964. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048964
2021
Journal Article
Exploring translational gaps between basic scientists, clinical researchers, clinicians, and consumers: Proceedings and recommendations arising from the 2020 mine the gap online workshop
Duong, Vicky, Bennell, Kim L., Clifton-Bligh, Roderick, Deveza, Leticia A., Elliott, James M., Guilak, Farshid, Hall, Michelle, Henderson, Luke A., Hodges, Paul, Johnstone, Brian, Linklater, James, Little, Christopher B., Lohmander, L. Stefan, Maclachlan, Liam, Mudge, Anita, O'Leary, Shaun, Ravi, Varshini, Sterling, Michele, Vicenzino, Bill, Yu, Shirley P., Zaki, Sanaa and Hunter, David J. (2021). Exploring translational gaps between basic scientists, clinical researchers, clinicians, and consumers: Proceedings and recommendations arising from the 2020 mine the gap online workshop. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, 3 (2) 100163, 1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2021.100163
2021
Journal Article
“I’ve learned to look at things in a different way”: exploring patients’ perspectives on participation in physiotherapist delivered integrated stress inoculation training and exercise for acute whiplash
Silva Guerrero, Alma Viviana, Setchell, Jenny, Maujean, Annick and Sterling, Michele (2021). “I’ve learned to look at things in a different way”: exploring patients’ perspectives on participation in physiotherapist delivered integrated stress inoculation training and exercise for acute whiplash. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44 (18), 1-8. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1931480
2021
Journal Article
A randomised controlled trial of implementation of a guideline-based clinical pathway of care to improve health outcomes following whiplash injury (Whiplash ImPaCT): Statistical analysis plan
Sterling, Michele, Rebbeck, Trudy, Connelly, Luke B., Leaver, Andrew, Ritchie, Carrie, Bandong, Aila, Mackey, Martin, Cameron, Ian D., Mitchell, Geoffrey, Arora, Mohit and Armfield, Nigel R. (2021). A randomised controlled trial of implementation of a guideline-based clinical pathway of care to improve health outcomes following whiplash injury (Whiplash ImPaCT): Statistical analysis plan. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 25 (4), 471-480. doi: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2021.05.004
2021
Journal Article
Central sensitisation in chronic pain conditions: latest discoveries and their potential for precision medicine
Nijs, Jo, George, Steven Z, Clauw, Daniel J, Fernández-de-las-Peñas, César, Kosek, Eva, Ickmans, Kelly, Fernández-Carnero, Josué, Polli, Andrea, Kapreli, Eleni, Huysmans, Eva, Cuesta-Vargas, Antonio I, Mani, Ramakrishnan, Lundberg, Mari, Leysen, Laurence, Rice, David, Sterling, Michele and Curatolo, Michele (2021). Central sensitisation in chronic pain conditions: latest discoveries and their potential for precision medicine. The Lancet Rheumatology, 3 (5), e383-e392. doi: 10.1016/S2665-9913(21)00032-1
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
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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
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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
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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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