SPEX Research Group
(Sport and Exercise Research Group)
“Promoting the health and wellbeing of the exercising populations within Aotearoa - New Zealand.”
Our group is committed to generating research in the area of exercise, health and sport, relevant to the needs of New Zealand’s diverse population, national goals and the international sports and exercise medicine community.
Our research includes projects focused on: injury mechanisms; injury screening and prevention; rehabilitation strategies of sport and exercise injuries; learning and re-learning sports skills; exercise for health and healthy lifestyle across the entire lifespan.
Through our networks, collaborators, students and outputs our research makes a meaningful international contribution.
Group Members
The Team, with backgrounds in physical education and exercise science, physiotherapy and medicine offer a wide range of clinical and research skills which contribute to the multidisciplinary focus of the team.
Team Leader:
Team Members:
Research Fellows:
- Dr Anna Muendermann
Collaborations
The group has built and enjoys collaborations with key local, national and international researchers and clinicians.
Collaboration within the University of Otago
- Dr Hamish Osborne, Dunedin School of Medicine (Sports Medicine)
- Dr Chris Button, School of Physical Education
- Dr Phil Handcock, School of Physical Education
- Dr Graeme Hammond-Tooke, Dunedin School of Medicine (Neurology)
- Dr Brendan Hokowhitu, Te Tumu (School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies)
- Andrew Gray, Dunedin School of Medicine, (Biostatistician)
- Dr David Gerrard, Dunedin School of Medicine(Sports Medicine)
- Dr Lynley Anderson, Dunedin School of Medicine (Bioethics)
- Dr Jose Garcia, Dunedin School of Medicine (Biostatistician)
- Dr Simon Stebbings (Rheumatology)
- Dr Mike Sam, School of Physical Education
National Collaboration
- Dr Wayne Hing, School of Rehabilitation and Occupational Studies, AUT
- Dr Duncan Reid, School of Rehabilitation and Occupational Studies, AUT
- Emeritus Professor Les R. T Williams, University of Auckland
- Professor Steve La Grow, School of Health and Social Services, Massey University
- Dr Joanna Smith, Centre for Massage Therapy Research, Southern Institute of Technology
International Collaboration
- Associate Professor Paul McCrory, University of Melbourne, Australia
- Professor Peter Milburn - Griffith University, Australia
- Dr Richard Newsham-West, Griffith University, Australia
- Professor Guy Simoneau, Marquette University, USA
- Professor Stephen Marshall, University of North Carolina, USA
- Professor Bonnie Swaine, University of Montreal, Canada
- Dr Anne Muendermann, University of Konstanz, Germany
We maintain links with selected sports bodies and organisations in order to facilitate our research, expose our students to and contribute to their research activities. These include:
- New Zealand Sports Academy –South Island
- Research Advisory Committee, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand
- Sports Medicine Otago
- Sport Physiotherapy New Zealand Otago
- Sports Injury Clinic, New Zealand
Clinical Associates
Research conducted within the Group is directed at informing national and sporting body policy as well as promoting health and wellbeing within the active community through the practices of the professionals involved in this area of health. To achieve this we have established associations with a diverse group of clinicians who contribute to our research activities.
- Peter Gallagher, All Black Physiotherapist
- Dayle Shackle, NZ Blackcaps Physiotherapist
- Gary Sye, Physiotherapist to NZ Secondary Schools Rugby and Hawkes bay NPC Rugby
- Jon Warren Hawkes Bay Basketball
- Graeme Harvey – Coordinator of Otago Sports Injury Clinic
PhD & Higher Degrees Research Students
Members of the SPEX group are actively involved in the research supervision of PhD and masters students (physiotherapy and non Physio graduates). Our current students come from: New Zealand, Canada, India and the United Kingdom.
Current PhD Candidates:
- Sridhar Alla
- Kim Hebert-Losier
- Chris Sole
- Osman Ahmed
Current Masters Students:
- Sonya White
- Nezar Al Nezari
- Ho-Pin Lee
- Yuri Hynson
Recent Graduates:
PhD:
- Neetu Rishiraj
- Jo Smith
- Gisela Sole
Masters:
- Abdullah Alqarni
- Anthony Chapman
- Chris Greg
- Rebecca Nelson
- Dayle Shackle
- Charlotte Walker
- Brett Woodley
For more information about possible Doctoral projects, please see
the:
Doctorate (PhD) page
or contact:
Dr Tony
Schneiders
For any enquires regarding the PhD admissions process please
contact:
Emma
Tumilty
Administrator (Research).
Current Projects
Development of a pre-hospital neurological screening tool for use in concussive brain injury: sensitivity, specificity and reliability
Investigators: Prof John Sullivan, Assoc Prof Paul McCrory, Dr Graeme Hammond-Tooke, Dr Tony Schneiders, Dr. Andrew Gray
To develop a brief quantitative sideline assessment tool for use by sports-physiotherapists to screen for concussion. Prospective validation and reliability of a clinical tool
Does musculoskeletal screening predict injury in elite athletes?
Investigators: Dr Tony Schneiders, Dr Richard Newsham-West, Dr Wayne Hing, Duncan Reid Dr. Andrew Gray
Screening athletes prior to competition and training is increasingly being undertaken as part of comprehensive injury prevention strategies. Acute, indirect and overuse injuries are all theoretically considered to be preventable during sports and recreation participation. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the NZAS MSP in identifying risk factors associated with subsequent injury in elite athletes. Specifically, the study aims to identify which components (if any) of the MSP are most useful in predicting subsequent injury in a cohort of carded (elite) New Zealand athletes.
Sports Concussion
A range of leading edge projects focused on the development of return-to-play guidelines, measurement of dynamic balance, quantification of the neurological assessment, exercise interventions, symptomology and the role of social networking sites in promoting concussion awareness.
Musculoskeletal Screening
Acute, indirect and overuse injuries are all theoretically considered to be preventable during sports and recreation participation. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the NZAS Musculoskeletal Screening Programme in identifying risk factors associated with subsequent injury in elite athletes. Specifically, the study aims to identify which components of the MSP are most useful in predicting subsequent injury in a cohort of elite New Zealand athletes.
Mobility and Healthy Ageing
Being mobile is a prerequisite for healthy ageing, and we are working towards understanding how mobility patterns change with age, factors underlying the decision to adopt a mobility scooter, and the advantages/disadvantages of using mobility scooters and whether it facilitates participation in structured physical activity or results in de-conditioning.
Laterality
As a general descriptor of the behavioural or functional asymmetry that exists in humans, the determination of laterality is important to clinicians for efficient rehabilitation following trauma or disease, understanding neurodevelopmental processes, gait re-education and the design of efficient human machine interfaces. The purpose of our research in this field is to select, test and validate an inventory of functional limb performance tasks.
Sports Massage
The emerging field of sports massage is in need of quality research and we are looking to fill this gap. We expect to begin a number of projects in the coming years including; understanding the role of the therapist-client interaction in the sports environment; the efficacy of specific sports massage techniques; and the role of massage therapy/therapist in the sports team structure.
In addition we supervise a selection of smaller one-off projects to maximise; opportunities, student backgrounds and research team interests.
If you are intrigued by these areas of study, or if you have an interesting sports and exercise related question that sits within our research scope, then do not hesitate to contact us for more advice or information.
Peer Reviewed Publications
Alla, S., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2010). "Does exercise evoke neurological symptoms in healthy subjects?" Journal of Science & Medicine in Sport 13: 24-26.
Munn, J., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2010). "Evidence of sensorimotor deficits in functional ankle instability." Journal of Science & Medicine in Sport 13(1): 2-12.
Newsham-West, R., J. Marley, et al. (2010). "Pre-race health status and medical events during the 2005 World Adventure Racing Championships." Journal of Science & Medicine in Sport 13: 27-31.
Schneiders, A. G., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2010). "Visual acuity in young elite motorsport athletes: A preliminary report." Physical Therapy in Sport 11: 47-49.
Schneiders, A. G., M. Takemura, et al. (2009). "A prospective epidemiological study of injuries to New Zealand premier club rugby union players." Physical Therapy in Sport 10: 85-90.
Muendermann, A., K. B. King, et al. (2009). "Change in Serum COMP Concentration Due to Ambulatory Load Is Not Related to Knee OA Status." Journal of Orthopaedic Research.
Newsham-West, R., C. Button, et al. (2009). "Training habits and injuries of Masters' level football players: A preliminary report." Physical Therapy in Sport 10: 63-66.
Nigg, B. M., D. J. Stefanyshyn, et al. (2009). "Resultant knee joint moment for lateral movement tasks on sliding and non-sliding sports surfaces." Journal of Sports Sciences 27(5): 427-435.
Alla, S., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2009). "Self-report scales/checklists for the measurement of concussion symptoms: a systematic review." British Journal of Sports Medicine 43(Supplement 1): i3-i12.
Asay, J. L., A. Muendermann, et al. (2009). "Adaptive patterns of movement during stair climbing in patients with knee osteoarthritis." Journal of Orthopaedic Research 27(3): 325-329.
Gregg, C. D., S. Dean, et al. (2009). "Variables associated with active spondylolysis." Physical Therapy in Sport 10: 121-124.
Hebert-Losier, K., R. Newsham-West, et al. (2009). "Raising the standards of the calf-raise test: a systematic review." Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 12: 594-602.
Hebert-Losier, K., R. Newsham-West, et al. (2009). "Testing the calf-raise tests: a systematic review." Physical Therapy Reviews 14 (1): 5.
Hebert-Losier, K., A. G. Schneiders, et al. (2009). "Scientific bases and clinical utilisation of the calf-raise test." Physical Therapy in Sport 10: 142-149.
Liphardt, A. M., A. Muendermann, et al. (2009). "Vibration training intervention to maintain cartilage thickness and serum concentrations of cartilage oligometric matrix protein (COMP) during immobilisation." Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 17: 1598-1603.
Smith, C., L. Hale, et al. (2009). "How does exercise influence fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis?" Disability and Rehabilitation 31(9): 685-692.
Smith, C., L. A. Hale, et al. (2009). How does fatigue influence community-based exercise choices in people with multiple sclerosis? Australian Physiotherapy Association Conference Week e.-A. J. o. Physiotherapy. Sydney Convention Centre, Sydney, Australia, e-Australian Journal of Physiotherapy. 55:4, Supplement: 21.
Smith, J., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2009). What do clients value most in our Massage Therapy Services? Broadening Your Stroke. M. N. Zealand. Invercargill, New Zealand.
Smith, J. M., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2009). "The culture of massage therapy: valued elements and the role of comfort, contact, connection, and caring." Complementary Therapies in Medicine 17: 181-189.
Smith, J. M., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2009). "Massage therapy services for healthcare: a telephone focus group study of drivers for clients' continued use of services." Complementary Therapies in Medicine 17: 281-291.
Smith, J. M., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2009). A snapshot of the practice of massage therapy by MNZ practitioners. Broadening Your Stroke. M. N. Zealand. Invercargill, New Zealand.
Smith, J. M., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2009). "Telephone focus groups in physiotherapy research: Potential use and recommendations." Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 25(4): 241-256.
Sullivan, S. J., S. Alla, et al. (2009). Does exercise evoke neurological symptoms in healthy subjects. 3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport 2008 British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Sullivan, S. J., L. Bourne, et al. (2009). "Understanding of sport concussion by the parents of young rugby players: A pilot study." Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine 19(3): 228-230.
Sullivan, S. J., J. M. Smith, et al. (2009). What's in a name? - Messages revealed in the marketing of Massage Therapy. Broadening Your Stroke. M. N. Zealand. Invercargill, New Zealand.
Sullivan, S. J., B. Hokowhitu, et al. (2008). High school rugby players' attitudes and practices in seeking medical advice following concussion. New Zealand Sports Medicine + Science Conference Dunedin, New Zealand, Sports Medicine New Zealand Inc.
Sullivan, S. J., G. Johnson, et al. (2008). The 7 Learning Challenges of PHTX544: Spicing up the Distance Learning Curriculum. Spotlight on Tertiary Teaching and Learning: Colloquium for the Southern Region, Dunedin, New Zealand, University of Otago.
Sullivan, S. J., A. G. Schneiders, et al. (2008). "Physiotherapists' use of information in identifying a concussion: an extended Delphi approach." British Journal of Sports Medicine 42: 175-177.
Sherborne, H., J. Laing, et al. (2008). Does creatine have a neuroprotective role in reducing the effects of sports concussion? New Zealand Sports Medicine + Science Conference, Dunedin, New Zealand, Sports Medicine New Zealand Inc.
Smith, C. M., L. A. Hale, et al. (2008). How does the experience of fatigue in people with Multiple Sclerosis change during an eight week exercise programme? NZSP - Physiotherapy Keeps you Moving, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Erhart, J. C., A. Muendermann, et al. (2008). "A variable-stiffness shoe lowers the knee adduction moment in subjects with symptoms of medical compartment knee osteoarthritis." Journal of Biomechanics 41: 2720-2725.
Erhart, J. C., A. Muendermann, et al. (2008). "Predicting changes in knee adduction moment due to load-altering interventions from pressure distribution at the foot in healthy subjects." Journal of Biomechanics 41(14): 2989-2994.
Hebert-Losier, K., R. Newsham-West, et al. (2008). Putting the calf-raise test to the test: a systematic review. New Zealand Sports Medicine and Science Conference Dunedin, New Zealand: 43.
Alla, S., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2008). The role of symptom assessment in determining return to play following concussion. 3rd International Conference on Concussion in Sport 2008, Zurich, Switzerland, British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Alla, S., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2008). The influence of exercise on concussion symptom reporting New Zealand Sports Medicine + Science Conference, Dunedin, New Zealand, Sports Medicine New Zealand Inc.
Newsham-West, R., C. Button, et al. (2008). Football players at the New Zealand Masters Games: a profile of training and injuries. 2008 ASICS Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport, Hamilton Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Sports Medicine Australia.
Muendermann, A., J. L. Asay, et al. (2008). "Implications of increased medio-lateral trunk sway for ambulatory mechanics." Journal of Biomechanics 41: 165-170.
Muendermann, A., C. O. Dyrby, et al. (2008). "A comparison of measuring mechanical axis alignment using three-dimensional position capture with skin markers and radiographic measurements in patients with bilateral medial compartment knee osteoarthritis." The Knee 15(6): 480-485.
Muendermann, A., C. O. Dyrby, et al. (2008). "In Vivo Knee Loading Characteristics during Activities of Daily Living as Measured by an Instrumented Total Knee Replacement." Journal of Orthopaedic Research 26(9): 1167-1172.
Schneiders, A. G., P. McCrory, et al. (2008). "The effect of exercise on motor performance tasks used in the neurological assessment of sports-related concussion." British Journal of Sports Medicine 42: 1011-1013.
Schneiders, A. G., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2008). "Development of a clinical measure lower limb lateral preference. The Otago footedness inventory." Physical Therapy Reviews 14(1): 10.
Schneiders, A. G., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2008). The development of normative data for three measures of motor performance used in the identification of sport-related concussion. NZSP - Physiotherapy Keeps you Moving, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Schneiders, A. G., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2008). Evidence of sensorimotor deficits in functional ankle instability: a systematic review with meta-analysis. New Zealand Sports Medicine and Science Conference. Dunedin, New Zealand: 60.
Schneiders, A. G., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2008). Putting your best foot forward: The development of a clinical measurement of footedness. New Zealand Sports Medicine and Science Conference. Dunedin, New Zealand: 61
Sole, G., S. Milosavljevic, et al. (2008). Neuromuscular control during transition from double- to single-leg stance in athletes with hamstrings injuries. NZSP - Physiotherapy Keeps you Moving, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Sole, G., S. Milosavljevic, et al. (2008). "Running-related hamstring injuries: a neuromuscular approach." Physical Therapy Reviews 13(2): 102-110.
Sole, G., H. Nicholson, et al. (2008). Clinical assessment of the isokinetic. New Zealand Sports Medicine + Science Conference, Dunedin, New Zealand, Sports Medicine New Zealand.
Sullivan, S. J. (2008). Is it really just a "Head Knock"? Understanding the implications of a sports concussion the school setting. Physical Education NZ 2008: Physically Educating the Future, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Alla, S., S. J. Sullivan, et al. (2007). How safe are we in returning players to full participation following a sports related concussion: a Delphi approach. The New Zealand Society of Physiotherapy Neurology Group Neurosymposium, Nelson, New Zealand.
Milosavljevic, S., A. B. Carman, et al. (2007). "Three-dimensional spinal motion and risk of low back injury during sheep shearing." Applied Ergonomics 38(3): 299-306.
Schneiders, A. G., S. Milosavljevic, et al. (2007). The influence of a back-support harness on the three dimensional kinematics and electromyography of the trunk in sheep shearers. World Confederation of Physical Therapy Congress, Canada, Physiotherapy (Elsevier).
Sole, G., A. Gray, et al. (2007). Altered muscle activation during a weigh-bearing task following hamstring injuries. 188th Scientific Meeting of the Otago Medical School Research Society, Dunedin New Zealand.
Sole, G., A. Gray, et al. (2007). Altered muscle activation of hamstring muscles following posterior thigh injury. 6th Interdisciplinary World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Pain, Barcelona, Spain.
Sole, G., J. Hamren, et al. (2007). "Test-Retest Reliability of Isokinetic Knee Extension and Flexion." Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 88: 626-631.
Sullivan, S. J., O. Ahmed, et al. (2007). Putting "Massage" back into massage therapy research. Connective Issues. Wellington, New Zealand: 6.
Takemura, M., A. G. Schneiders, et al. (2007). "Association of ground hardness with injuries in rugby union." British Journal of Sports Medicine 41: 582-587.
Grants >2005
Development of pre-hospital neurological screening tool for use in concussive brain injury: sensitivity, specificity and reliability. University of Otago Research Grant - $31,165.00 (2005) Professor S. J. Sullivan, Dr G. Hammond-Tooke, Mr A. Gray & Dr A. G. Schneiders
Spinal Shrinkage – a novel approach using surface back counter analysis stereophotogrammertry. University of Otago Research Grant - $10,000.00 (2005) Dr R. Newsham-West, Associate Professor P. Milburn, Dr A. Chong
Cumulative loads on the body in wool harvesting. Vernon Willey Trust Fellowship - $60,000.00 (2005) Associate Professor S. Milosavljevic, Associate Professor P. Milburn & Dr A. Carman
The development of norms for three measures of motor performance. New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists’ Trust - $5,169.00 (2005) Dr A. G. Schneiders & Professor S. J. Sullivan
Telemetry electromyography for neuromuscular testing in clinical research. Lottery Health Research Grant - $48,622.00 (2006) Dr A. Carman, Professor S. J. Sullivan; Associate Professor P. Milburn; Dr A. G. Schneiders & Dr G. Sole
Knowledge and reporting of a concussion by young sports persons: cultural, education and health perspectives. CoRE Nga Pae o te Maramatanga - $30,764.00 (2006) Professor S. J. Sullivan, Mr B. Hokowhitu & Mr A. Gray
Spinal symmetry and laterality and the risk of injury in cricketers. SPARC - $9,086.00 (2006) Professor P. Milburn, Dr R. Newsham-West & Mr P. Hendrick;
Postural stability and gait patterns of elderly people on impact absorbing flooring material. University of Otago Research Grant - $28,392.00 (2006) Associate Professor C. Robertson, Professor J. Campbell & Associate Professor P. Milburn;
Does exercise affect the performance of selected neurological screening test items for sports related concussion? University of Otago Research Grants - $23,927.00 (2006) Dr A. Schneiders, Professor S. J. Sullivan, Mr A. Gray & Dr P. Handcock
The inter-rater reliability of musculoskeletal screening assessment items used to identify injury risk in athletes Mark Steptoe Memorial Trust - $2000 (2007) Dr A. G. Schneiders
Does musculoskeletal screening predict injury in elite athletes? SPARC - $22,014 (2007) Dr A. G. Schneiders, Dr R. Newsham-West, Dr W. Hing, Dr Duncan Reid, Dr Andrew Gray
Equipment Grant – CRS Smart Equitest® Lottery Health Grant - $155,000 (2007) Professor S. J. Sullivan, Associate Professor S. Milosavljevic, Dr J. Haxby Abbott & Associate Professor P. Milburn
Equipment Grant – CRS Smart Equitest® University of Otago Major Equipment Grant - $245,901 (2007) Professor G. D. Baxter & Professor S. J. Sullivan
Travel Grant Maurice & Phyllis Paykel Trust - $1000 (2008) Professor John Sullivan
Reliability and precision of assessing shoulder proprioception using an isokinetic device Research and Disability Research Theme Awards - $1996 (2008) Dr C. Wassinger & Dr Gisela Sole
Validation of the heel-raise test as an outcome measure for Achilles tendon tibial injuries or stress injuries Mark Steptoe Trust - Physiotherapy Research Award - $2000 (2008) K. Hébert-Losier
Reliability and validity of proprioceptive testing of the shoulder joint using the Biodex™ isokinetic dynamometer New Zealand Association of Manipulative Physiotherapy Fund - $2471 (2008) Dr G. Sole & Dr C. Wassinger
Reliability and validity of proprioceptive testing of the shoulder joint using the Biodex™ isokinetic dynamometer New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists Trust Fund - $4190 (2008) Dr G. Sole & Dr C. Wassinger
Does musculoskeletal screening predict injury in athletes? Emerging Researcher Awards – Centre for Physiotherapy Research - $5000 (2008) Dr A. G. Schneiders
Concussion, mobility scooters and research outputs Research Development Awards – Centre for Physiotherapy Research - $5000 (2008) Professor S. J. Sullivan
A reliable inventory to determine footEditioness New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists – $10,790 Dr A. G. Schneiders
The relationship between subacromial pain and function Emerging Researcher Awards – Centre for Physiotherapy Research - $21,945 (2008) Dr C. Wassinger
An investigation of the effects of curricula change on physiotherapy student performance NZSP - $9015 (2009) P. Hendrick, Dr L. Claydon, Dr G. Sole, Dr C. Wassinger & J. Conroy
Learning resources to support undergraduate physiotherapy students CALT - $12,000 (2009) Dr G. Sole, Dr T. Schneiders & M. Perry
Travel Grant Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust - $444 (2010) Professor S. J. Sullivan
In it for Life: Understanding the culture of volunteerism in surf life saving University of Otago Research Grant - $10,889 (2010) Dr A. G. Schneiders, Prof. S. J. Sullivan, Dr M. Sam & A. Gray
Towards an understanding of the role of mobility scooters in community activities University of Otago Research Grant - $24,347 (2010) Professor S. J. Sullivan & Dr A. G. Schneiders
