
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
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
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
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
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
2016
Journal Article
Writing integrity
Jull, Gwendolen and Moore, Ann (2016). Writing integrity. Manual Therapy, 23, 56-56. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.04.001
2016
Journal Article
International consensus on the most useful physical examination tests used by physiotherapists for patients with headache: a Delphi study
Luedtke, K., Boissonnault, W., Caspersen, N., Castien, R., Chaibi, A., Falla, D., Fernandez-de-las-Penas, C., Hall, T., Hirsvang, J. R., Horre, T., Hurley, D., Jull, G., Kroll, L. S., Madsen, B. K., Mallwitz, J., Miller, C., Schafer, B., Schottker-Koniger, T., Starke, W., von Piekartz, H., Watson, D., Westerhuis, P. and May, A. (2016). International consensus on the most useful physical examination tests used by physiotherapists for patients with headache: a Delphi study. Manual Therapy, 23, 17-24. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.02.010
2016
Journal Article
Physical therapist-delivered pain coping skills training and exercise for knee osteoarthritis: randomized controlled trial
Bennell, Kim L., Ahamed, Yasmin, Jull, Gwendolen, Bryant, Christina, Hunt, Michael A., Forbes, Andrew B., Kasza, Jessica, Akram, Muhammed, Metcalf, Ben, Harris, Anthony, Egerton, Thorleme, Kenardy, Justin A., Nicholas, Michael K. and Keefe, Francis J. (2016). Physical therapist-delivered pain coping skills training and exercise for knee osteoarthritis: randomized controlled trial. Arthritis Care and Research, 68 (5), 590-602. doi: 10.1002/acr.22744
2016
Journal Article
Mechanical properties of the trapezius during scapular elevation in people with chronic whiplash associated disorders - A case-control ultrasound speckle tracking analysis
Landen Ludvigsson, Maria, Peterson, Gunnel, Jull, Gwendolen, Trygg, Johan and Peolsson, Anneli (2016). Mechanical properties of the trapezius during scapular elevation in people with chronic whiplash associated disorders - A case-control ultrasound speckle tracking analysis. Manual Therapy, 21, 177-182. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2015.07.009
2015
Journal Article
Morphological changes in the cervical muscles of women with chronic whiplash can be modified with exercise-A pilot study
O'leary, Shaun., Jull, Gwendolen., Van Wyk, Luke., Pedler, Ashely. and Elliott, James. (2015). Morphological changes in the cervical muscles of women with chronic whiplash can be modified with exercise-A pilot study. Muscle and Nerve, 52 (5), 772-779. doi: 10.1002/mus.24612
2015
Journal Article
Special issue: therapeutic exercise for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and function
Sogaard, Karen and Jull, Gwendolen (2015). Special issue: therapeutic exercise for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and function. Manual Therapy, 20 (5), 631-632. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2015.08.005
2015
Journal Article
Inter-and intra-tester reliability of a battery of cervical movement control dysfunction tests
Segarra, V., Duenas, L., Torres, R., Falla, D., Jull, G. and Lluch, E. (2015). Inter-and intra-tester reliability of a battery of cervical movement control dysfunction tests. Manual Therapy, 20 (4), 570-579. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2015.01.007
2015
Journal Article
Movement-based subgrouping in low back pain: synergy and divergence in approaches
Karayannis, N. V., Jull, G. A. and Hodges, P. W. (2015). Movement-based subgrouping in low back pain: synergy and divergence in approaches. Physiotherapy (United Kingdom), 102 (2), 159-169. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2015.04.005
2015
Journal Article
Trial registration is required for any human intervention study
Jull, Gwendolen and Moore, Ann (2015). Trial registration is required for any human intervention study. Manual Therapy, 20 (3), 367-367. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2015.04.008
2015
Journal Article
Implementing a self-management intervention for people with a chronic compensable musculoskeletal injury in a workers compensation context: a process evaluation
Sheppard, Dianne M., Gargett, Susan, MacKenzie, Alison, Jull, Gwendolen, Johnston, Venerina, Strong, Jennifer, Battersby, Malcolm and Ellis, Niki (2015). Implementing a self-management intervention for people with a chronic compensable musculoskeletal injury in a workers compensation context: a process evaluation. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 25 (2) 17, 412-422. doi: 10.1007/s10926-014-9551-4
2015
Journal Article
Comprehensive physiotherapy exercise programme or advice for chronic whiplash (PROMISE): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Michaleff, Z., Maher, C., Lin, C.-W.C., Rebbeck, T., Jull, G., Latimer, J., Connelly, L. and Sterling, M. (2015). Comprehensive physiotherapy exercise programme or advice for chronic whiplash (PROMISE): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial. Physiotherapy, 101. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2015.03.1865
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: Associate Professor 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: Associate Professor 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
-
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, Associate Professor 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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