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
2018
Journal Article
Effects of local treatment with and without sensorimotor and balance exercise in individuals with neck pain: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Sremakaew, Munlika, Jull, Gwendolen, Treleaven, Julia, Barbero, Marco, Falla, Deborah and Uthaikhup, Sureeporn (2018). Effects of local treatment with and without sensorimotor and balance exercise in individuals with neck pain: protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Bmc Musculoskeletal Disorders, 19 (1) 48, 1-12. doi: 10.1186/s12891-018-1964-3
2018
Journal Article
Neck muscle vibration produces diverse responses in balance and gait speed between individuals with and without neck pain
Wannaprom, Nipaporn, Treleaven, Julia, Jull, Gwendolen and Uthaikhup, Sureeporn (2018). Neck muscle vibration produces diverse responses in balance and gait speed between individuals with and without neck pain. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 35, 25-29. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2018.02.001
2018
Journal Article
Clear, professional and accurate communication is key to success in all activities
Moore, Ann P. and Jull, Gwendolen (2018). Clear, professional and accurate communication is key to success in all activities. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 33, III-III. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2018.01.001
2018
Journal Article
Benefits and threats to using social media for presenting and implementing evidence
Cook, Chad E., O'Connell, Neil E., Hall, Toby, George, Steven Z., Jull, Gwendolen, Wright, Alexis A., Girbes, Enrique Lluch, Lewis, Jeremy and Hancock, Mark (2018). Benefits and threats to using social media for presenting and implementing evidence. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 48 (1), 3-7. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2018.0601
2018
Journal Article
Fads and facts
Gwendolen Jull, A. O. (2018). Fads and facts. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 34, III-III. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2018.01.008
2018
Conference Publication
Moderators of strengthening exercise with pain coping skills training for people with knee osteoarthritis: Exploratory analysis of randomised controlled trial
Hall, M., Egerton, T., Keefe, F., Kaszao, J., Ahamed, Y., Jull, G., Hunt, M., Metcalf, B., Kenardy, J., Bryant, C. and Bennell, K. (2018). Moderators of strengthening exercise with pain coping skills training for people with knee osteoarthritis: Exploratory analysis of randomised controlled trial. OARSI World Congress on Osteoarthritis - Promoting Clinical and Basic Research in Osteoarthritis, Liverpool England, 26-29 April 2018. Oxford, United Kingdom: Elsevier .
2017
Journal Article
Complexities of patients and management approaches challenge tests of effectiveness
Moore, Ann P. and Jull, Gwendolen (2017). Complexities of patients and management approaches challenge tests of effectiveness. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 32, iv-iv. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.10.003
2017
Journal Article
Psychological features and their relationship to movement-based subgroups in people living with low back pain
Karayannis, Nicholas V., Jull, Gwendolen A., Nicholas, Michael K. and Hodges, Paul W. (2017). Psychological features and their relationship to movement-based subgroups in people living with low back pain. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 99 (1), 121-128. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.08.493
2017
Journal Article
Musculoskeletal science and practice and social media
Moore, Ann P., Jull, Gwendolen and Hebron, Clair (2017). Musculoskeletal science and practice and social media. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 29, v-vi. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.04.002
2017
Journal Article
Editorial
Moore, Ann and Jull, Gwendolen (2017). Editorial. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 28, iii-III. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.01.010
2017
Journal Article
Biopsychosocial model of disease: 40 years on. Which way is the pendulum swinging?
Jull, Gwendolen (2017). Biopsychosocial model of disease: 40 years on. Which way is the pendulum swinging?. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51 (16), 1187-1188. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-097362
2017
Journal Article
Effectiveness of physiotherapy for seniors with recurrent headaches associated with neck pain and dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial
Uthaikhup, Sureeporn, Assapun, Jenjira, Watcharasaksilp, Kanokwan and Jull, Gwendolen (2017). Effectiveness of physiotherapy for seniors with recurrent headaches associated with neck pain and dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial. Spine Journal, 17 (1), 46-55. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2016.08.008
2016
Journal Article
Discord between approaches to spinal and extremity disorders: is it logical?
Jull, Gwendolen (2016). Discord between approaches to spinal and extremity disorders: is it logical?. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 46 (11), 938-941. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2016.0610
2016
Journal Article
Erratum to x2018;The TIDieR checklist will benefit the physiotherapy profession’ (Manual Therapy (2016) 24C (V–VI))
Yamato, Tie, Maher, Chris, Saragiotto, Bruno, Moseley, Anne, Hoffmann, Tammy, Elkins, Mark, Jull, Gwendolen and Moore, Ann (2016). Erratum to x2018;The TIDieR checklist will benefit the physiotherapy profession’ (Manual Therapy (2016) 24C (V–VI)). Manual Therapy, 26, 158-158. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.06.011
2016
Journal Article
Whiplash contines its challenge
Jull, Gwendolen (2016). Whiplash contines its challenge. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 46 (10), 815-817. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2016.0112
2016
Journal Article
Is tailored treatment superior to non-tailored treatment for pain and disability in women with non-specific neck pain? A randomized controlled trial
Svedmark, Asa, Djupsjobacka, Mats, Hager, Charlotte, Jull, Gwendolen and Bjorklund, Martin (2016). Is tailored treatment superior to non-tailored treatment for pain and disability in women with non-specific neck pain? A randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 17 (408) 408, 1-14. doi: 10.1186/s12891-016-1263-9
2016
Journal Article
Response to Letter to the Editor re: 'Movement-based subgrouping in low back pain: synergy and divergence in approaches
Karayannis, N. V., Jull, G. A. and Hodges, P. W. (2016). Response to Letter to the Editor re: 'Movement-based subgrouping in low back pain: synergy and divergence in approaches. Physiotherapy, 102 (3), E3-E3. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2015.07.003
2016
Journal Article
Does increased superficial neck flexor activity in the craniocervical flexion test reflect reduced deep flexor activity in people with neck pain?
Jull, Gwendolen and Falla, Deborah (2016). Does increased superficial neck flexor activity in the craniocervical flexion test reflect reduced deep flexor activity in people with neck pain?. Manual Therapy, 25, 43-47. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.05.336
2016
Journal Article
Can a professional development workshop with follow-up alter practitioner behaviour and outcomes for neck pain patients? A randomised controlled trial
Chipchase, L. S., Cavaleri, R. and Jull, G. (2016). Can a professional development workshop with follow-up alter practitioner behaviour and outcomes for neck pain patients? A randomised controlled trial. Manual Therapy, 25, 87-93. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.06.010
2016
Journal Article
The TIDieR (Template for Intervention, descriptor and replication) checklist will benefit the physiotherapy profession
Yamato, Tie, Maher, Chris, Saragiotto, Bruno, Moseley, Anne, Hoffmann, Tammy, Elkins, Mark, Jull, Gwendolen and Moore, Ann (2016). The TIDieR (Template for Intervention, descriptor and replication) checklist will benefit the physiotherapy profession. Manual Therapy, 24, v-vi. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.05.002
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull is:
- Available for supervision
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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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