Overview
Background
The research focuses on the evaluation and management of neck pain from a physical therapy perspective
The research in the Cervical Spine and Whiplash Research Unit in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences has an applied clinical focus. Two models of neck pain are being investigated, idiopathic neck pain and neck pain following trauma. The research questions and investigates the possible physical and psychological processes underlying the pain and functional disturbances associated with neck disorders to better identify and quantify the impairments or disturbances in the sensory, muscle, sensorimotor and psychological systems.
Whiplash associated disorders
Processes associated with chronic whiplash associated disorders have been researched, identifying problems in the sensory, motor and postural control systems. A prospective study of prognostic indicators for whiplash from within 4 weeks of injury to recovery or chronicity (6 months post injury) identified sensory, motor and psychological processes associated with recovery and non recovery. A multicentre, international collaborative project is underway to test the sensitivity and specificity of these indicators. This research questions the current classification system for whiplash associated disorders. One RCT of management of chronic whiplash associated disorders has been completed. Currently an RCT is underway to test whether a pragmatic multi-professional management program for acute whiplash will lessen the incidence of transition to chronicity.
Cervicogenic headache
Research into cervicogenic headache has established the physical criteria which characterise cervicogenic headache. A specific pattern of articular and muscle impairment clearly identifies cervicogenic headache from other types of benign intermittent frequent headache with symptomatic overlap (eg tension-type headache and frequent migraine without aura). An RCT has been conducted to investigate the efficacy of physiotherapy treatment methods designed to address these impairments. Current research is investigating cervicogenic headache in the elderly.
Impairment in the neck muscle system and sensorimotor control
The nature of impairments in the cervical muscle system associated with neck pain is being researched. Impairments in the motor control of the deep and superficial neck muscles have been identified in cognitive, functional and automatic tasks. The changes appear to be generic reactions to neck pain syndromes regardless of aetiology. Two randomised controlled trials have been conducted testing the effectiveness of a specific exercise regime developed from this research. The possible physiological mechanisms underlying the effectives of different therapeutic exercise strategies are currently being researched to ensure best evidence-based practice in the field of therapeutic exercise for cervical disorders.
Availability
- Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Postgraduate Diploma, The University of Queensland
- Postgraduate Diploma, University of South Australia
- Masters (Coursework) of Physiotherapy Studies, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Australian College of Physiotherapists, Australian College of Physiotherapists
Works
Search Professor Gwendolen Jull’s works on UQ eSpace
2022
Journal Article
Fat Infiltration of Multifidus Muscle Is Correlated with Neck Disability in Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain
Grondin, Francis, Freppel, Sébastien, Jull, Gwendolen, Gérard, Thomas, Caderby, Teddy and Peyrot, Nicolas (2022). Fat Infiltration of Multifidus Muscle Is Correlated with Neck Disability in Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11 (19) 5522, 1-13. doi: 10.3390/jcm11195522
2022
Journal Article
Clavicular and scapular, but not spinal kinematics vary with scapular dyskinesis type during arm elevation and lowering in persons with neck pain
Wannaprom, Nipaporn, Jull, Gwendolen, Treleaven, Julia, Warner, Martin B., Kamnardsiri, Teerawat and Uthaikhup, Sureeporn (2022). Clavicular and scapular, but not spinal kinematics vary with scapular dyskinesis type during arm elevation and lowering in persons with neck pain. Gait and Posture, 97, 48-55. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.07.236
2022
Journal Article
Covid-19 and implications for future practice
Jull, Gwendolen and Moore, Ann P. (2022). Covid-19 and implications for future practice. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 60 102592, 102592. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102592
2022
Journal Article
A systematic review shows minimal evidence for measurement properties of psychological functioning outcomes in whiplash
Ritchie, Carrie, Andersen, Tonny Elmose, Ravn, Sophie Lykkegaard, Söderlund, Anne, Sterling, Michele, Carroll, Linda, Connelly, Luke B., Cote, Pierre, Curatolo, Michele, Grant, Genevieve, Jull, Gwendolen, Kasch, Helge, MacDermid, Joy, Malmström, Eva Maj, Rebbeck, Trudy, Treleaven, Julia, Walton, David and Westergren, Hans (2022). A systematic review shows minimal evidence for measurement properties of psychological functioning outcomes in whiplash. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 151, 29-44. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2022.07.011
2022
Journal Article
Proprioceptive disturbance in chronic neck pain: discriminate validity and reliability of performance of the clinical cervical movement sense test
Röijezon, Ulrik, Jull, Gwendolen, Blandford, Christian, Daniels, Anna, Michaelson, Peter, Karvelis, Petros and Treleaven, Julia (2022). Proprioceptive disturbance in chronic neck pain: discriminate validity and reliability of performance of the clinical cervical movement sense test. Frontiers in pain research (Lausanne, Switzerland), 3 908414. doi: 10.3389/fpain.2022.908414
2022
Journal Article
Clinical practice guidelines and best practice – A comment
Jull, Gwendolen and Moore, Ann P. (2022). Clinical practice guidelines and best practice – A comment. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 59 102585, 102585. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102585
2022
Journal Article
The temporal behaviour of migraine related neck pain does not inform on the origin of neck pain: an observational study
Liang, Zhiqi, Thomas, Lucy, Jull, Gwendolen and Treleaven, Julia (2022). The temporal behaviour of migraine related neck pain does not inform on the origin of neck pain: an observational study. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 58 102522, 102522. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102522
2022
Journal Article
The Neck Disability Index reflects allodynia and headache disability but not cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction in migraine
Liang, Zhiqi, Thomas, Lucy, Jull, Gwendolen and Treleaven, Julia (2022). The Neck Disability Index reflects allodynia and headache disability but not cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction in migraine. Physical Therapy, 102 (5) pzac027. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzac027
2022
Journal Article
The responsibilities of peer review
Jull, Gwendolen and Moore, Ann P. (2022). The responsibilities of peer review. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 57 102505, 102505. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102505
2022
Journal Article
Defining the scope of your manuscript – Beware of “salami slicing”
Szeto, Grace and Jull, Gwendolen (2022). Defining the scope of your manuscript – Beware of “salami slicing”. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 58 102540, 102540. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102540
2021
Journal Article
Response rate and comparison of clinical features associated with positive or negative responses to a scapular positioning test in patients with neck pain and altered scapular alignment: A cross-sectional study
Wannaprom, Nipaporn, Treleaven, Julia, Jull, Gwen and Uthaikhup, Sureeporn (2021). Response rate and comparison of clinical features associated with positive or negative responses to a scapular positioning test in patients with neck pain and altered scapular alignment: A cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 11 (12) e057459, e057459. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057459
2021
Journal Article
Deep and superficial cervical muscles respond differently to unstable motor skill tasks
Röijezon, U., Jull, G., Djupsjöbacka, M., Salomoni, S. E. and Hodges, P. W. (2021). Deep and superficial cervical muscles respond differently to unstable motor skill tasks. Human Movement Science, 80 102893, 102893. doi: 10.1016/j.humov.2021.102893
2021
Journal Article
Cervical musculoskeletal impairments in migraine
Liang, Zhiqi, Thomas, Lucy, Jull, Gwendolen and Treleaven, Julia (2021). Cervical musculoskeletal impairments in migraine. Archives of Physiotherapy, 11 (1) 27, 27. doi: 10.1186/s40945-021-00123-0
2021
Journal Article
Altered neuromuscular activity and postural stability during standing balance tasks in persons with non-specific neck pain
Sremakaew, Munlika, Treleaven, Julia, Jull, Gwendolen, Vongvaivanichakul, Parinya and Uthaikhup, Sureeporn (2021). Altered neuromuscular activity and postural stability during standing balance tasks in persons with non-specific neck pain. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 61 102608, 102608. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2021.102608
2021
Journal Article
Physiotherapy is not a treatment technique
Jull, Gwendolen and Moore, Ann P. (2021). Physiotherapy is not a treatment technique. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 56 102480, 102480. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102480
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
Patient's perspectives of musculoskeletal science and practice
Moore, Ann P. and Jull, Gwendolen (2021). Patient's perspectives of musculoskeletal science and practice. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 55 102436, 102436. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102436
2021
Journal Article
Neck pain associated with migraine does not necessarily reflect cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction
Liang, Zhiqi, Thomas, Lucy, Jull, Gwendolen, Minto, Joanne, Zareie, Hossein and Treleaven, Julia (2021). Neck pain associated with migraine does not necessarily reflect cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 61 (6), 882-894. doi: 10.1111/head.14136
2021
Journal Article
Curbing the burden of idiopathic neck pain: can a stitch in time save nine?
Gwendolen Jull, Emerita (2021). Curbing the burden of idiopathic neck pain: can a stitch in time save nine?. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 51 102323, 102323. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102323
2020
Journal Article
The COVID year
Moore, Ann and Jull, Gwendolen (2020). The COVID year. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 50 102287, 102287. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2020.102287
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Neck pain in tension type headache and exploring cervical musculoskeletal and sensory features
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Julia Treleaven, Dr Lucy Thomas
Completed supervision
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
The development, implementation and evaluation of a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy Simulation Program
Principal Advisor
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Driving Difficulty and Performance in People with Chronic Whiplash
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Julia Treleaven
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Headache in the elderly: cervical musculoskeletal, sensory and psychological features
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michele Sterling
-
2007
Doctor Philosophy
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Cervical Extensor Musculature in Persistent Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD): Relationship with Signs and Symptoms of Chronic WAD
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Graham Galloway
-
2005
Doctor Philosophy
Dizziness and unsteadiness in persistent whiplash associated disorder - The role of cervical afferent dysfunction
Principal Advisor
-
2005
Doctor Philosophy
Cyclic pneumatic soft tissue compression and fractures of the distal radius.
Principal Advisor
-
2004
Doctor Philosophy
CERVICAL MUSCULOSKELETAL IMPAIRMENT IN FREQUENT INTERMITTENT HEADACHE
Principal Advisor
-
2004
Doctor Philosophy
THE EFFICACY OF INTERNET BASED PHYSIOTHERAPY
Principal Advisor
-
2003
Doctor Philosophy
A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PAIN, DISABILITY, AND PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT IN WHIPLASH ASSOCIATED DISORDERS
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino
-
2003
Doctor Philosophy
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE DEEP CERVICAL FLEXOR MUSCLES IN NECK PAIN DISORDERS
Principal Advisor
-
2021
Doctor Philosophy
The Nature of Neck Pain in Migraine
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Lucy Thomas, Dr Julia Treleaven
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Refining scapulothoracic kinematic measurement and characterising scapulothoracic resting posture in those with and without chronic non-specific neck pain.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Shaun O'Leary
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Whiplash Associated Disorders: A Prospective Investigation of the Effects of Cervical Medial Branch Radiofrequency Neurotomy on Sensory, Motor and Psychological Features
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michele Sterling
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
The Characterisation of Movement-Based Subgroups in Low Back Pain: An Investigation of Overlap, Motor Control and Psychological Considerations
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Hodges
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
The value of neurodynamic techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of nerve-related neck and upper limb pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino
-
2012
Doctor Philosophy
Physical and functional outcomes of total knee arthroplasty: a comparison of two surgical approaches
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trevor Russell
-
2010
Doctor Philosophy
Prevention of back pain in nurses
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Hodges
-
2009
Doctor Philosophy
Somatosensory disturbances following whiplash injury: Relationship with signs and symptoms in both acute and chronic whiplash associated disorders (WAD)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Michele Sterling
-
2007
Doctor Philosophy
Work-Related Neck Pain in Female Office Workers: A Psychosocial and Physiological Profile
Associate Advisor
-
2006
Master Philosophy
THE EFFECT OF CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN ON THE SIZE AND ACTIVATION OF THE LUMBAR MULTIFIDUS MUSCLE
Associate Advisor
-
2005
Doctor Philosophy
DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW METHOD OF MEASUREMENT OF CRANIO-CERVICAL FLEXOR MUSCLE PERFORMANCE
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino
-
2003
Doctor Philosophy
OPIOID AND NON-OPIOID ANALGESIA FOLLOWING SPINAL MANIPULATIVE THERAPY
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino
Media
Enquiries
Contact Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull directly for media enquiries about:
- Cervicogenic headache
- Headache - physiotherapy for
- Muscle dysfunction
- Muscle dysfunction - physiotherapy
- Neck pain - physiotherapy
- Physiotherapy - neck
- Therapeautic treatment for neck pain
- Whiplash - physiotherapy
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