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
2018
Journal Article
Exploring patients' experiences of the whiplash injury-recovery process - a meta-synthesis
Söderlund, Anne, Nordgren, Lena, Sterling, Michele and Stålnacke, Britt-Marie (2018). Exploring patients' experiences of the whiplash injury-recovery process - a meta-synthesis. Journal of Pain Research, 11, 1263-1271. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S158807
2018
Journal Article
Evidence of generalised mechanical hyperalgesia in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty
Jaber, Khalid, O'Leary, Shaun, Pedler, Ashley, Sterling, Michele and McAuliffe, Michael (2018). Evidence of generalised mechanical hyperalgesia in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The Knee, 25 (3), 459-465. doi: 10.1016/j.knee.2018.03.002
2018
Journal Article
Intramuscular fat is present in cervical multifidus but not soleus in patients with chronic whiplash associated disorders
Pedler, Ashley, McMahon, Katie, Galloway, Graham, Durbridge, Gail and Sterling, Michele (2018). Intramuscular fat is present in cervical multifidus but not soleus in patients with chronic whiplash associated disorders. PloS one, 13 (5) e0197438, e0197438. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197438
2018
Journal Article
What information do patients need following a whiplash injury? The perspectives of patients and physiotherapists
Maujean, Annick, Sterling, Joanna and Sterling, Michele (2018). What information do patients need following a whiplash injury? The perspectives of patients and physiotherapists. Disability and Rehabilitation, 40 (10), 1135-1141. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1289253
2018
Journal Article
Do findings identified on magnetic resonance imaging predict future neck pain? a systematic review
Hill, Laura, Aboud, David, Elliott, James, Magnussen, John, Sterling, Michele, Steffens, Daniel and Hancock, Mark (2018). Do findings identified on magnetic resonance imaging predict future neck pain? a systematic review. The Spine Journal : Official Journal of the North American Spine Society, 18 (5), 880-891. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2018.01.025
2018
Journal Article
Reciprocal associations of pain and post-traumatic stress symptoms after whiplash injury: a longitudinal, cross-lagged study
Ravn, S. L., Sterling, M., Lahav, Y. and Andersen, T. E. (2018). Reciprocal associations of pain and post-traumatic stress symptoms after whiplash injury: a longitudinal, cross-lagged study. European Journal of Pain, 22 (5), 926-934. doi: 10.1002/ejp.1178
2018
Journal Article
Do pain-associated contexts increase pain sensitivity? An investigation using virtual reality
Harvie, Daniel S., Sterling, Michele and Smith, Ashley D. (2018). Do pain-associated contexts increase pain sensitivity? An investigation using virtual reality. Scandinavian Journal of Pain, 18 (3), 525-532. doi: 10.1515/sjpain-2017-0165
2018
Journal Article
Referral to specialist physiotherapists in the management of whiplash associated disorders: Perspectives of healthcare practitioners
Bandong, Aila Nica, Leaver, Andrew, Mackey, Martin, Sterling, Michele, Kelly, Joan, Ritchie, Carrie and Rebbeck, Trudy (2018). Referral to specialist physiotherapists in the management of whiplash associated disorders: Perspectives of healthcare practitioners. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 34, 14-26. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.11.006
2018
Journal Article
The influence of isometric exercise on endogenous pain modulation: comparing exercise-induced hypoalgesia and offset analgesia in young, healthy adults
Harris, Samuel, Sterling, Michele, Farrell, Scott F., Pedler, Ashley and Smith, Ashley D. (2018). The influence of isometric exercise on endogenous pain modulation: comparing exercise-induced hypoalgesia and offset analgesia in young, healthy adults. Scandinavian Journal of Pain, 18 (3), 513-523. doi: 10.1515/sjpain-2017-0177
2018
Journal Article
Individual variation in pain sensitivity and conditioned pain modulation in acute low back pain: impact of stimulus type, sleep, psychological and lifestyle factors
Klyne, David M., Moseley, G. Lorimer, Sterling, Michele, Barbe, Mary F. and Hodges, Paul W. (2018). Individual variation in pain sensitivity and conditioned pain modulation in acute low back pain: impact of stimulus type, sleep, psychological and lifestyle factors. The Journal of Pain, 19 (8), 942.e1-942.e18. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2018.02.017
2018
Journal Article
A Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of psychological interventions delivered by physiotherapists on pain, disability and psychological outcomes in musculoskeletal pain conditions
Guerrero Silva, Viviana Alma, Maujean, Annick, Campbell, Letitia and Sterling, Michele (2018). A Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of psychological interventions delivered by physiotherapists on pain, disability and psychological outcomes in musculoskeletal pain conditions. Clinical Journal of Pain , 34 (9), 1-857. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000601
2018
Journal Article
Psychological factors and the development of chronic whiplash associated disorder(s): A systematic review
Campbell, Letitia, Smith, Ashley, McGregor, Leanne and Sterling, Michele (2018). Psychological factors and the development of chronic whiplash associated disorder(s): A systematic review. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 34 (8), 1-768. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000597
2018
Journal Article
Information needs of patients with whiplash associated disorders: a Delphi study of patient beliefs
Sterling, Joanna, Maujean, Annick and Sterling, Michele (2018). Information needs of patients with whiplash associated disorders: a Delphi study of patient beliefs. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 33, 29-34. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.10.009
2018
Journal Article
Pregabalin versus placebo in targeting pro-nociceptive mechanisms to prevent chronic pain after whiplash injury in at-risk individuals - a feasibility study for a randomised controlled trial
Nikles, J., Keijzers, G., Mitchell, G., Schug, S., Ware, R., McLean, S. A., Connelly, L., Gibson, S., Farrell, S. F. and Sterling, M. (2018). Pregabalin versus placebo in targeting pro-nociceptive mechanisms to prevent chronic pain after whiplash injury in at-risk individuals - a feasibility study for a randomised controlled trial. Trials, 19 (1) 44, 1-11. doi: 10.1186/s13063-018-2450-9
2018
Journal Article
Investigating the fear avoidance model in people with whiplash the association between fear of movement and in vivo activity
Pedler, Ashley, Kamper, Steven J., Maujean, Annick and Sterling, Michele (2018). Investigating the fear avoidance model in people with whiplash the association between fear of movement and in vivo activity. Clinical Journal of Pain, 34 (2), 130-137. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000524
2018
Conference Publication
A retrospective descriptive study of patients who presented to an Australian hospital emergency department with neck soft tissue injury
Nikles, J., Khan, S., Leou, J., Keijzers, G., Ng, J., Bond, C., Nakamura, G., Le, R. and Sterling, M. (2018). A retrospective descriptive study of patients who presented to an Australian hospital emergency department with neck soft tissue injury. BrisPain Multidisciplinary conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 6 December 2018.
2017
Journal Article
Management of whiplash associated disorders in Australian general practice
Nikles, Jane, Yelland, Michael, Bayram, Clare, Miller, Graeme and Sterling, Michele (2017). Management of whiplash associated disorders in Australian general practice. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 18 (1) 551, 551. doi: 10.1186/s12891-017-1899-0
2017
Journal Article
Living with ongoing whiplash associated disorders: a qualitative study of individual perceptions and experiences
Ritchie, Carrie, Ehrlich, Carolyn and Sterling, Michele (2017). Living with ongoing whiplash associated disorders: a qualitative study of individual perceptions and experiences. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 18 (1) 531, 531. doi: 10.1186/s12891-017-1882-9
2017
Journal Article
Multivariate pattern analysis utilizing structural or functional MRI-In individuals with musculoskeletal pain and healthy controls: a systematic review
Smith, Ashley, López-Solà, Marina, McMahon, Katie, Pedler, Ashley and Sterling, Michele (2017). Multivariate pattern analysis utilizing structural or functional MRI-In individuals with musculoskeletal pain and healthy controls: a systematic review. Seminars in arthritis and rheumatism, 47 (3), 418-431. doi: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2017.06.005
2017
Journal Article
Reliability of pressure pain threshold testing in healthy pain free young adults
Waller, Robert, Straker, Leon, O'Sullivan, Peter, Sterling, Michele and Smith, Anne (2017). Reliability of pressure pain threshold testing in healthy pain free young adults. Scandinavian Journal of Pain, 9 (1), 38-41. doi: 10.1016/j.sjpain.2015.05.004
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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