Centre for Physiotherapy Research
Te Pokapū Rakahau Kōmiri
The Centre for Physiotherapy Research is based at the School of Physiotherapy at the University of Otago, and is the leading institution for research in the profession in New Zealand.
The Centre comprises an enthusiastic and skilled team of staff and research students involved in a variety of research programmes. In addition to a new Clinical Research Suite, the Centre boasts a range of facilities to support research, including a new Balance Laboratory equipped with a CRS Smart Equitest™: the only one of its kind in the country and a state of the art motion analysis system.
Since 2007, the Centre has established a structure of recognised research groups to better support the development of research and provide a more strategic focus for the Centre and for the profession. These groups comprise academic and clinical staff, and research students working in one of three themed areas:
- AMOCK Research Group (Advancement of Musculoskeletal, Occupational Health and Clinical Knowledge)
- REAL Neurological Research Group (Rehabilitative Exercise and Activity for Life)
- SPEX Research Group (Sport and Exercise Group)
The Centre has a well-developed network of research collaborators and maintains close links to other Health Science research groups at Otago (No. 1 ranked University in New Zealand based on 2006 PBRF round), as well as maintaining relationships with other centres of research excellence within New Zealand and internationally.
An International Advisory Board supports the Centre for Physiotherapy Research and is comprised of international experts in relevant research fields They aid the Centre through staff and student exchanges, contributing to PhD programmes through supervisory or advisory roles, reviewing grants/publications, and networking on research developments at the international level.
The University of Otago Rehabilitation and Disability Research Theme is closely aligned with the Centre with several key staff from the Centre involved in the Theme’s Management Group: the Dean directs the Theme and the Centre hosts the Theme’s annual colloquium in Dunedin.
For further information, or enquiries regarding research projects at the School, please see our group pages or contact:
