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
2017
Journal Article
Tactile acuity testing at the neck: a comparison of methods
Harvie, Daniel S., Kelly, Joan, Buckman, Hayden, Chan, Jonathan, Sutherland, Grace, Catley, Mark, Novak, James, Tuttle, Neil and Sterling, Michele (2017). Tactile acuity testing at the neck: a comparison of methods. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, 32, 23-30. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.07.007
2017
Journal Article
Lateral atlantoaxial joint meniscoid volume in individuals with whiplash associated disorder: A case-control study
Farrell, Scott F., Khan, Subaat, Osmotherly, Peter G., Sterling, Michele, Cornwall, Jon and Rivett, Darren A. (2017). Lateral atlantoaxial joint meniscoid volume in individuals with whiplash associated disorder: A case-control study. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, 33, 46-52. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.11.004
2017
Journal Article
Post-traumatic stress symptom clusters in acute whiplash associated disorder and their prediction of chronic pain-related disability
Maujean, Annick, Gullo, Matthew J., Andersen, Tonny Elmose, Ravn, Sophie Lykkegaard and Sterling, Michele (2017). Post-traumatic stress symptom clusters in acute whiplash associated disorder and their prediction of chronic pain-related disability. Pain Reports, 2 (6) e631, 1-7. doi: 10.1097/PR9.0000000000000631
2017
Journal Article
Chronic Lateral Epicondylalgia Does Not Exhibit Mechanical Pain Modulation in Response to Noxious Conditioning Heat Stimulus
Lim, Edwin Choon Wyn, Sterling, Michele and Vicenzino, Bill (2017). Chronic Lateral Epicondylalgia Does Not Exhibit Mechanical Pain Modulation in Response to Noxious Conditioning Heat Stimulus. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 33 (10), 932-938. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000475
2017
Journal Article
WAD: assessment und management
Sterling, Michele and Smith, Ashley (2017). WAD: assessment und management. manuelletherapie, 21 (04), 161-169. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-116683
2017
Journal Article
'De-pathologising' the psychological responses to injury and pain
Maujean, Annick and Sterling, Michele (2017). 'De-pathologising' the psychological responses to injury and pain. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 30, VII-VIII. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.06.005
2017
Journal Article
Health practitioners' perceptions of adopting clinical prediction rules in the management of musculoskeletal pain: a qualitative study in Australia
Kelly, Joan, Sterling, Michele, Rebbeck, Trudy, Bandong, Aila Nica, Leaver, Andrew, Mackey, Martin and Ritchie, Carrie (2017). Health practitioners' perceptions of adopting clinical prediction rules in the management of musculoskeletal pain: a qualitative study in Australia. BMJ Open, 7 (8) e015916, e015916. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-015916
2017
Journal Article
Cluster analysis of an international pressure pain threshold database identifies 4 meaningful subgroups of adults with mechanical neck pain
Walton, David M., Kwok, Timothy S. H., Mehta, Swati, Loh, Eldon, Smith, Ashley, Elliott, James, Kamper, Steven J., Kasch, Helge and Sterling, Michele (2017). Cluster analysis of an international pressure pain threshold database identifies 4 meaningful subgroups of adults with mechanical neck pain. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 33 (5), 422-428. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000421
2017
Journal Article
Exercise induced hypoalgesia is elicited by isometric, but not aerobic exercise in individuals with chronic whiplash associated disorders
Smith, Ashley, Ritchie, Carrie, Pedler, Ashley, McCamley, Kaitlin, Roberts, Kathryn and Sterling, Michele (2017). Exercise induced hypoalgesia is elicited by isometric, but not aerobic exercise in individuals with chronic whiplash associated disorders. Scandinavian Journal of Pain, 15 (1), 14-21. doi: 10.1016/j.sjpain.2016.11.007
2017
Journal Article
The rapid and progressive degeneration of the cervical multifidus in whiplash: A MRI study of fatty infiltration
Elliott, J., Courtney, D.M., Rademaker, A., Pinto, D., Sterling, M. and Parrish, T. (2017). The rapid and progressive degeneration of the cervical multifidus in whiplash: A MRI study of fatty infiltration. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 28. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.10.051
2017
Journal Article
Cervical spine meniscoids: an update on their morphological characteristics and potential clinical significance
Farrell, S. F. , Osmotherly, P. G. , Cornwall, J. , Sterling, M. and Rivett, D. A. (2017). Cervical spine meniscoids: an update on their morphological characteristics and potential clinical significance. European Spine Journal, 26 (4), 939-947. doi: 10.1007/s00586-016-4915-4
2017
Journal Article
Using visuo-kinetic virtual reality to induce illusory spinal movement: the MoOVi illusion
Harvie, Daniel S., Smith, Ross T., Hunter, Estin V., Davis, Miles G., Sterling, Michele and Moseley, G. Lorimer (2017). Using visuo-kinetic virtual reality to induce illusory spinal movement: the MoOVi illusion. PeerJ, 5 (2) e3023, 1-16. doi: 10.7717/peerj.3023
2017
Journal Article
Clinical prediction rules for prognosis and treatment prescription in neck pain: a systematic review
Kelly, Joan, Ritchie, Carrie and Sterling, Michele (2017). Clinical prediction rules for prognosis and treatment prescription in neck pain: a systematic review. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 27, 155-164. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.10.066
2017
Conference Publication
A web based version of the cervical joint position error test: Reliability of measurements from face tracking software
Basteris, Angelo, Hickey, Luke, Burgess-Gallop, Ebony, Pedler, Ashley and Sterling, Michele (2017). A web based version of the cervical joint position error test: Reliability of measurements from face tracking software. 6th International Conference on Wireless Mobile Communication and Healthcare, MobiHealth 2016, Milan, Italy, 14-16 November 2016. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-58877-3_38
2016
Journal Article
Evaluating the neck joint position sense error with a standard computer and a webcam
Basteris, Angelo, Pedler, Ashley and Sterling, Michele (2016). Evaluating the neck joint position sense error with a standard computer and a webcam. Manual Therapy, 26, 231-234. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.04.008
2016
Conference Publication
Risk Stratification and Targeted Treatment in Early Whiplash to Improve Health Outcomes
Kenardy, J., Sterling, M. and Proctor, R. (2016). Risk Stratification and Targeted Treatment in Early Whiplash to Improve Health Outcomes. NEW YORK: SPRINGER.
2016
Conference Publication
Whiplash-Associated Injury and Risk: New Directions in Intervention
Sullivan, M., Sterling, M., Kenardy, J. and Crombez, G. (2016). Whiplash-Associated Injury and Risk: New Directions in Intervention. NEW YORK: SPRINGER.
2016
Journal Article
Pressure and cold pain threshold reference values in a large, young adult, pain-free population
Waller, Robert, Smith, Anne Julia, O'Sullivan, Peter Bruce, Slater, Helen, Sterling, Michele, McVeigh, Joanne Alexandra and Straker, Leon Melville (2016). Pressure and cold pain threshold reference values in a large, young adult, pain-free population. Scandinavian Journal of Pain, 13 (1), 114-122. doi: 10.1016/j.sjpain.2016.08.003
2016
Journal Article
Recovery Pathways and Prognosis After Whiplash Injury
Ritchie, Carrie and Sterling, Michele (2016). Recovery Pathways and Prognosis After Whiplash Injury. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 46 (10), 851-861. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2016.6918
2016
Journal Article
Addition of posttraumatic stress and sensory hypersensitivity more accurately estimates disability and pain than fear avoidance measures alone after whiplash injury
Pedler, Ashley, Kamper, Steven J. and Sterling, Michele (2016). Addition of posttraumatic stress and sensory hypersensitivity more accurately estimates disability and pain than fear avoidance measures alone after whiplash injury. Pain, 157 (8), 1645-1654. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000564
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
Quantifying the public health burden of road traffic injury.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Nigel Armfield
-
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing engagement in digital psychological interventions for patients with chronic non-cancer pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Rachel Elphinston
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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