Research program: Improving health outcomes after musculoskeletal injury

Project description:

Recent research by our group has shown that opioids are inappropriately prescribed for people with musculoskeletal pain after a road traffic crash. This project will explore this issue by longitudinal investigation of opioid use after injury and by using qualitative methods to explore reasons underlying opioid use in injured people and health care providers. It will also explore the physiotherapists’ role in preventing opioid misuse.

Advisers:

Professor Michele Sterling

Email m.sterling@uq.edu.au

A/Prof Jane Nikles

Email j.nikles@uq.edu.au

Preferred educational background:

Clinical sciences

Project description:

We have recently shown that addressing early stress symptoms after injury can prevent the development of later chronic pain. This project will explore the development of brief interventions using innovative methods that will be efficient and cost-effective. It will also explore biological stress markers as moderators of any treatment effects.

Advisers:

Professor Michele Sterling

m.sterling@uq.edu.au

Preferred educational background:

Clinical sciences

Project description:

This project investigates the underlying biological (immune, structural, biochemical, and functional characteristics of the brain, descending inhibitory influences) effects of exercise in individuals with chronic neck pain, informing on the usefulness of exercise as an intervention for individuals with chronic pain.

Advisers:

Professor Michele Sterling

Email m.sterling@uq.edu.au

Dr Rutger deZoete

Email r.dezoete@uq.edu.au

Preferred educational background:

Clinical, biomedical sciences

Project description:

For individuals with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD), who often experience symptoms such as dizziness, unsteadiness, and impaired balance, the importance of cervical sensorimotor control appears imperative. This project investigates whether cervical sensorimotor control is impaired in individuals with acute WAD, and whether these outcomes can predict chronicity.

Advisers:

Dr Rutger deZoete

Email r.dezoete@uq.edu.au

Professor Michele Sterling

Email m.sterling@uq.edu.au

Preferred educational background:

Clinical sciences

Project description:

This project is designed to explore the effects of physical activity and exercise (e.g. non-therapeutic) on functional, biological, occupational and social outcomes in individuals with on-going pain and disability from a whiplash injury.

Adviser:

Professor Michele Sterling

Email m.sterling@uq.edu.au

Preferred educational background:

Exercise science

Project description:

People with chronic whiplash neck pain can develop changes in sensory processing, which may be related to sensory nerve fibre dysfunction and/or degeneration. This project explores the structure and function of small nerve fibres, to improve understanding of mechanisms underpinning poor recovery after a whiplash injury.

Advisers:

Dr Scott Farrell

Email scott.farrell@uq.edu.au

Preferred educational background:

Clinical sciences

Project description:

Across a variety of pain conditions, including chronic whiplash, degeneration and dysfunction of small sensory nerve fibres has been observed. This project explores factors associated with small fibre pathology, including inflammation and stress, in order to improve understanding of underpinning pathophysiology.

Advisers:

Dr Scott Farrell

Email scott.farrell@uq.edu.au

Preferred educational background:

Clinical sciences

Project description:

This project will explore using Single Case Designs (SCD), which are individual clinical trials using a patient as their own control, to assist individuals with chronic pain to work out which interventions help them to function best in their daily life. The SCDs will be co-designed with people with chronic pain. The project will involve working with consumers, clinicians and digital health specialists.

Preferred educational background:

Clinical sciences

Advisors

Associate Professor Jane Nikles

Email catherine.nikles@uq.edu.au

Professor Michele Sterling

Email m.sterling@uq.edu.au