OR

Browse By

Professor Paul Hodges

Prof. & NHMRC Leadership Fellow(L3)

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
p.hodges@uq.edu.au
+61 7 336 52008

Overview

Paul W. Hodges DSc MedDr PhD BPhty(Hons) FAA FACP APAM(Hon) is an National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Senior Principal Research Fellow, Professor and Director of the NHMRC Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health at The University of Queensland (UQ). He is lead chief investigator on an NHMRC Program Grant that includes colleagues from the Universities of Melbourne and Sydney. Paul is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, which is a Fellowship of the nation’s most distinguished scientists, elected by their peers for outstanding research that has pushed back the frontiers of knowledge. He is also a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists and was made an Honoured member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, their highest honour.

Paul is a recognised world leader in movement control, pain and rehabilitation. His unique comprehensive research approach from molecular biology to brain physiology and human function has led to discoveries that have transformed understanding of why people move differently in pain. His innovative research has also led to discoveries of changes in neuromuscular function across a diverse range of conditions from incontinence to breathing disorders. These observations have been translated into effective treatments that have been tested and implemented internationally.

Paul has received numerous national and international research awards that span basic and clinical science. These include the premier international award for spine research (ISSLS Prize) on four occasions; three times in Basic Science (2006, 2011, 2019) and once in Clinical Science (2018). International awards in basic science include the SusanneKlein-Vogelbach Award (2010) and the Delsys Prize for Innovation in Electromyography (2009). National medical research awards include the NHMRC Achievement Award (2011). He has also received national community-based leadership awards including the Young Australian of the Year Award in Science and Technology (1997), Future Summit Australian Leadership Award (2010), and Emerging Leader Award (Next 100 Awards, 2009).

Paul is a past president of the International Society for Electrophysiology and Kinesiology and has been the Chair/Co-Chair for several major international conferences. He has led major international consortia to bring together leaders from multiple disciplines to understand pain.

Research Interests

  • Motor control
  • Pain
  • Rehabilitation
  • Continence
  • Low back pain

Research Impacts

Paul has three doctorates; one in Physiotherapy and two in Neuroscience. His work aims to blend these skills to understand mechanisms, and use that knowledge to develop and refine interventions. His diverse expertise enables him to solve complex problems using a comprehensive multi-scale approach from molecular biology to brain physiology and human function, using innovative experimental methods. His comprehensive research approach has led to discoveries that have transformed understanding of why people move differently in pain. Translation of this work into treatments for people in pain have changed rehabilitation and improved outcomes, particularly for back pain; the world’s leading cause of disability. In addition to his work in pain his unique approach has led to breakthroughs in other areas such as management of continence and breathing disorders.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Science, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Medicine, Karolinska Mediko kirurgiska Institutet
  • PhD, The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland

Publications

View all Publications

Grants

View all Grants

Supervision

View all Supervision

Available Projects

  • Measurement and rehabilitation of the shoulder and upper limb

    We are seeking up to two PhD candidates eligible for a UQ Graduate School Scholarship, Australia to undertake a PhD in the area of measurement of upper limb motion and use. The project is part of an Industrial Transformation Training Centre (ITTC) funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and led by researchers at Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland. The centre aims to advance personalised surgical treatment of joints by integrating computer tools for pre-surgical planning and decision making, computer simulation systems and robot simulators for surgical training. Understanding the effectiveness of these treatments requires assessment and analysis of functional movements in clinical and real-world environments. The successful PhD candidate will use new sensor and/or robotic assessment technologies in conjunction with advanced motion capture systems to record shoulder and upper limb functional movements.

    Project areas include:

    • developing novel movement & muscle function assessments for the shoulder & upper limb;

    • examining functional movements in people with shoulder or upper limb dysfunction or injury;

    • developing new wearable & robotic technologies to optimise upper limb functional movement;

    • developing new virtual / augmented reality technologies for rehabilitation.

    The project requires a background in movement science, biomechanics, biomedical engineering or a related discipline. Experience in 3D motion analysis and electromyography is highly desirable.

    The PhD student will be supervised by a team that may include Prof Paul Hodges, Prof Sandra Brauer, Dr Alejandro Melendez-Calderon, Dr Antonio Padilha Lanari Bo, Prof Graham Kerr. The PhD students will work in the labs of the UQ Professors as part of an interdisciplinary team with skills spanning rehabilitation, imaging, neurophysiology, physiology, motor control, biomechanics, and computational modelling. The student will collaborate with other students and researchers at Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland and Neuroscience Research Aust.

    Eligible candidates will be supported to apply for a UQ Graduate School Scholarship that provides a 3-year scholarship (with possible extension for 6 months if required) at a rate of $28,597 p.a. tax free. An additional top up of $8,000 p.a. tax free, will be provided for these projects. Due to international border restrictions, this opportunity is most suitable for onshore applicants.

    Essential criteria: An undergraduate degree with first or second class division 1 Honours in movement science, biomechanics, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline; eligibility for admission to the PhD program at The University of Queensland; knowledge of 3D motion analysis; excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English.

    Desirable criteria: Experience in rehabilitation science; biomechanics, and muscle physiology.

  • Real world measurement of spine and body movement

    We are seeking a PhD student with a background in biomedical engineering and/or biomechanics to join our team to contribute to a body of work that aims to analyse movement of the spine and body in the real world. Projects will relate to measurement and analysis of movement to understand the relationship between movement and low back pain and to guide treatment.

    Essential criteria: An undergraduate degree with first or second class division 1 Honours in movement science, biomechanics, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline; eligibility for admission to the PhD program at The University of Queensland; knowledge of 3D motion analysis; experience with Matlab for data analysis; excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English.

  • Applying new methods to understand pelvic floor function in men and women

    We are seeking a PhD student with a background in biomedical engineering and/or biomechanics to join our team to work with our team to study the mechanisms of continence in men and women. We aim to apply new imaging methods and image analysis to better understand how continence is maintained and how this is impacted by surgery (e.g. prostatectomy in men) and ageing. The work will involve a multidisciplinary team to address this challenging issue.

    Essential criteria: An undergraduate degree with first or second class division 1 Honours in movement science, biomechanics, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline; eligibility for admission to the PhD program at The University of Queensland; experience with Matlab for data analysis; excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English.

View all Available Projects

Publications

Book

Book Chapter

  • Lumbar spine: treatment of motor control disorders

    Hodges, Paul W., Ferreira, Paulo H. and Ferreira, Manuela L. (2016). Lumbar spine: treatment of motor control disorders. Pathology and intervention in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. (pp. 520-560) edited by David J. Magee, William S. Quillen, James E. Zachazewski and Robert C. Manske. Maryland Heights, MO, United States: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-31072-7.00014-2

  • Motor control and pain

    Hodges, Paul W. (2016). Motor control and pain. Mechanisms and management of pain for the physical therapist. (pp. 67-82) edited by Kathleen A. Sluka. Philadelphia, United States: Wolters Kluwer Health Adis (ESP).

  • Low back pain characteristics and changes in lumbar muscle structure

    Danneels, L. and Hodges, P. W. (2015). Low back pain characteristics and changes in lumbar muscle structure. Musculoskeletal pain: basic mechanisms and implications. (pp. 1-1) edited by Thomas Graven-Nielsen and Lars Arendt-Nielsen. Washington, DC, United States: Wolters Kluwer Health Adis (ESP).

  • Reorganized motor control at cortical, subcortical, and spinal levels in neck and low back pain

    Hodges, Paul W. , Falla, Deborah and Schabrun, Siobhan (2015). Reorganized motor control at cortical, subcortical, and spinal levels in neck and low back pain. Musculoskeletal pain: basic mechanisms and implications. (pp. 1-1) edited by Thomas Graven-Nielsen and Lars Arendt-Nielsen. Washington, DC, United States: IASP Press.

  • Adaptation and rehabilitation: from motoneurones to motor cortex and behaviour

    Hodges, Paul W. (2013). Adaptation and rehabilitation: from motoneurones to motor cortex and behaviour. The Rehabilitation of Back Pain. (pp. 59-73) edited by Paul W. Hodges, Jacek Cholewicki and Jaap H. van Dieën. UK: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7020-4356-7.00006-9

  • Integrated clinical approach to motor control interventions in low back and pelvic pain

    Hodges, Paul W., van Dillen, Linda R., McGill, Stuart, Brumagne, Simon, Hides, Julie A. and Moseley, G. Lorimer (2013). Integrated clinical approach to motor control interventions in low back and pelvic pain. Spinal Control: The Rehabilitation of Back Pain. (pp. 243-310) edited by Paul W. Hodges, Jacek Cholewicki and Jaap H. van Dieën. UK: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7020-4356-7.00021-5

  • Introduction: convergence and divergence of opinions on spinal control

    Hodges, Paul W., van Dieën, Jaap H. and Cholewicki, Jacek (2013). Introduction: convergence and divergence of opinions on spinal control. Spinal control: the rehabilitation of back pain. (pp. 1-4) edited by Paul W. Hodges, Jacek Cholewicki and Jaap H. van Dieën. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7020-4356-7.00001-X

  • Motor control changes and low back pain: cause or effect?

    van Dieën, Jaap H., Moseley, G. Lorimer and Hodges, Paul W. (2013). Motor control changes and low back pain: cause or effect?. Spinal Control: The Rehabilitation of Back Pain. (pp. 207-217) edited by Paul W. Hodges, Jacek Cholewicki and Jaap H. van Dieën. UK: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7020-4356-7.00018-5

  • Motor control of the spine and changes in pain: debate about the extrapolation from research observations of motor control strategies to effective treatments for back pain

    Hodges, Paul W., McGill, Stuart and Hides, Julie A. (2013). Motor control of the spine and changes in pain: debate about the extrapolation from research observations of motor control strategies to effective treatments for back pain. Spinal Control: The Rehabilitation of Back Pain. (pp. 231-242) edited by Paul W. Hodges, Jacek Cholewicki and Jaap H. van Dieën. UK: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7020-4356-7.00020-3

  • Preface: a meeting of minds on spine control

    Hodges, Paul W., van Dieën, Jaap H. and Cholewicki, Jacek (2013). Preface: a meeting of minds on spine control. Spinal Control: The Rehabilitation of Back Pain: State of the art and science. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7020-4356-7.00024-0

  • Motor and sensorimotor deficits and likely impact of Mobilisation with Movement

    Hodges, Paul and Vicenzino, Bill (2011). Motor and sensorimotor deficits and likely impact of Mobilisation with Movement. Mobilisation with Movement: The art and the science. (pp. 93-100) Chatswood, NSW, Australia: Elsevier Australia.

  • Lumbar Spine: Treatment of instability and disorders of movement control

    Hodges, P., Ferreira, P. H. and Ferreira, M. L. (2009). Lumbar Spine: Treatment of instability and disorders of movement control. Pathology and Intervention in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. (pp. 389-425) edited by Magee, D. J., Zachazewski, J. E. and Quillen, W. S.. United States: Elsevier.

  • Changes in Sensorimotor Control in Low Back Pain

    Hodges, P. W. (2008). Changes in Sensorimotor Control in Low Back Pain. Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Pain. (pp. 445-459) edited by Graven-Nielsen, T., Arendt-Nielsen, L. and Mense, S.. Seattle, USA: IASP Press.

  • Clinical anatomy of the anterolateral abdominal muscles

    Urquhart, Donna M. and Hodges, Paul W. (2007). Clinical anatomy of the anterolateral abdominal muscles. Movement, Stability & Lumbopelvic Pain. (pp. 75-84) Elsevier Ltd. doi: 10.1016/B978-044310178-6.50006-2

  • Clinical anatomy of the anterlateral abdominal muscles

    Urquhart, D. and Hodges, P. W. (2007). Clinical anatomy of the anterlateral abdominal muscles. Movement, Stability and Lumbopelvic Pain: Integration of Research and Therapy. (pp. 75-84) edited by Vleeming, A., Mooney, V. and Stoekhart, R.. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

  • Functional control of the spine

    Hodges, P. W. and Cholewicki, J. (2007). Functional control of the spine. Movement, Stability and Lumbopelvic Pain: Integration of Research and Therapy. (pp. 489-512) edited by Vleeming, A., Mooney, V. and Stockhart, R.. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. doi: 10.1016/B978-044310178-6.50035-9

  • Functional control of the back

    Hodges, P. and Janda, V. (2006). Functional control of the back. Low Back Syndromes: Integrated Clinical Management. (pp. 119-146) edited by C. Morris. Sydney: McGraw-Hill, Medical Publishing Division.

  • Low back pain and the pelvic floor

    Hodges, Paul W. (2006). Low back pain and the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor. (pp. 81-97) edited by Beate Carriere and Cynthia Markel Feldt. Stuttgart, Germany: Thieme.

  • Spinal segmental stabilization training

    Hodges, P and Jull, G A (2006). Spinal segmental stabilization training. Rehabilitation of the Spine. (pp. 585-611) edited by C.Liebenson. Baltimore: Lippencott, Williams & Wilkins.

  • Abdominal mechanism and support for the lumbar spine and pelvis

    Hodges, P. (2004). Abdominal mechanism and support for the lumbar spine and pelvis. Therapeutic Exercise for Lumbopelvic Stablization: A Motor Control Approach for the Treatment and Prevention of Low Back Pain. (pp. 31-57) edited by C. Richardson, P.W. Hodges and J. Hides. Edinburgh, UK: Churchill Livingstone. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-443-07293-2.50006-6

  • Abdominal mechanisms in low back pain

    Hodges, P. (2004). Abdominal mechanisms in low back pain. Therapeutic Exercise for Lumbopelvic Stabilization: A Motor Control Approach for the Treatment and Prevention of Low Back Pain. (pp. 141-148) edited by C. Richardson, P. W. Hodges and J. Hides. Edinburgh, UK: Churchill Livingstone.

  • Chronic low back and coccygeal pain

    Hodges, P. (2004). Chronic low back and coccygeal pain. Clinical Reasoning for Manual Therapists. (pp. 103-122) edited by M.A. Jones and D.A. Rivett. Philadelphia, USA: Butterworth Heinemann. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7506-3906-4.50012-5

  • Chronic pain and motor control

    Moseley, L. and Hodges, P. (2004). Chronic pain and motor control. Grieve's Modern Manual Therapy. (pp. 215-231) edited by J. D. Boyling and G. A. Jull. New York: Churchill Livingstone - Elsevier Science.

  • EMG applications in rehabilitation medicine and related fields

    Rainoldi, A., Casale, R., Hodges, P. and Jull, G. A. (2004). EMG applications in rehabilitation medicine and related fields. Electomyography: Physiology, engineering and non-invasive applications. (pp. 403-433) edited by Roberto Merletti and Philip Parker. John Wiley & Sons Inc. Hoboken New Jersey: IEEE.

  • Local segmental control

    Hides, J. A., Richardson, C. A. and Hodges, P. (2004). Local segmental control. Therapeutic Exercise for Lumbopelvic Stablization: A Motor Control Approach for the Treatment and Prevention of Low Back Pain. (pp. 185-219) edited by C. Richardson, P.W. Hodges and J. Hides. Edinburgh, UK: Churchill Livingstone. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-443-07293-2.50017-0

  • Lumbopelvic stability : A functional model of the biomechanics and motor control of lumbopelvic stability

    Hodges, P. (2004). Lumbopelvic stability : A functional model of the biomechanics and motor control of lumbopelvic stability. Therapeutic Exercise for Lumbopelvic Stablization: A Motor Control Approach for the Treatment and Prevention of Low Back Pain. (pp. 13-28) edited by C. Richardson, P.W. Hodges and J. Hides. Edinburgh, UK: Churchill Livingstone. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-443-07293-2.50005-4

  • Motor control of the trunk

    Hodges, P. (2004). Motor control of the trunk. Grieve's Modern Manual Therapy. (pp. 119-139) edited by J. D. Boyling and G. A. Jull. Edinburgh, UK: Churchill Livingstone - Elsevier Science.

  • Pain models

    Hodges, P. (2004). Pain models. Therapeutic Exercise for Lumbopelvic Stablization: A Motor Control Approach for the Treatment and Prevention of Low Back Pain. (pp. 129-137) edited by C. Richardson, P.W. Hodges and J. Hides. Edinburgh, UK: Churchill Livingstone.

  • Principles of the 'segmental stabilization' exercise model

    Richardson, C. A., Hides, J. A. and Hodges, P. (2004). Principles of the 'segmental stabilization' exercise model. Therapeutic Exercise for Lumbopelvic Stablization: A Motor Control Approach for the Treatment and Prevention of Low Back Pain. (pp. 175-183) edited by C. Richardson, P. W. Hodges and J. Hides. Edinburgh, UK: Churchill Livingstone. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-443-07293-2.50016-9

  • Motor control

    Hodges, Paul W. (2003). Motor control. Physical therapies in sport and exercise. (pp. 115-132) edited by Gregory S. Kolt and Lynn Snyder-Mackler. Edinburgh, U.K.: Churchill Livingstone.

Journal Article

Conference Publication

Edited Outputs

Other Outputs

Grants (Administered at UQ)

PhD and MPhil Supervision

Current Supervision

  • Understanding the relationship between the pelvic floor and the hip

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Exploring activation strategies of the multifidus and longissimus muscles in healthy individuals

    Master Philosophy — Principal Advisor

  • Relationship between motor control of the trunk and recurrence/persistence of low back pain

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Neural control of the shoulder

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Targeted pelvic floor muscle training for urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: A randomised controlled trial with embedded physiological studies

    Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

  • The effectiveness of mind-body interventions in increasing pain tolerance in athletes

    Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Ultrasonographic study on bladder and pelvic floor muscle tone in voiding dysfunction

    Master Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Towards better understanding and management of pelvic floor disorders in women engaged in high intensity exercise: The effects of strenuous exercise and vaginal pessaries on pelvic organ descent in females

    Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

Completed Supervision

Possible Research Projects

Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.

  • Measurement and rehabilitation of the shoulder and upper limb

    We are seeking up to two PhD candidates eligible for a UQ Graduate School Scholarship, Australia to undertake a PhD in the area of measurement of upper limb motion and use. The project is part of an Industrial Transformation Training Centre (ITTC) funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and led by researchers at Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland. The centre aims to advance personalised surgical treatment of joints by integrating computer tools for pre-surgical planning and decision making, computer simulation systems and robot simulators for surgical training. Understanding the effectiveness of these treatments requires assessment and analysis of functional movements in clinical and real-world environments. The successful PhD candidate will use new sensor and/or robotic assessment technologies in conjunction with advanced motion capture systems to record shoulder and upper limb functional movements.

    Project areas include:

    • developing novel movement & muscle function assessments for the shoulder & upper limb;

    • examining functional movements in people with shoulder or upper limb dysfunction or injury;

    • developing new wearable & robotic technologies to optimise upper limb functional movement;

    • developing new virtual / augmented reality technologies for rehabilitation.

    The project requires a background in movement science, biomechanics, biomedical engineering or a related discipline. Experience in 3D motion analysis and electromyography is highly desirable.

    The PhD student will be supervised by a team that may include Prof Paul Hodges, Prof Sandra Brauer, Dr Alejandro Melendez-Calderon, Dr Antonio Padilha Lanari Bo, Prof Graham Kerr. The PhD students will work in the labs of the UQ Professors as part of an interdisciplinary team with skills spanning rehabilitation, imaging, neurophysiology, physiology, motor control, biomechanics, and computational modelling. The student will collaborate with other students and researchers at Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland and Neuroscience Research Aust.

    Eligible candidates will be supported to apply for a UQ Graduate School Scholarship that provides a 3-year scholarship (with possible extension for 6 months if required) at a rate of $28,597 p.a. tax free. An additional top up of $8,000 p.a. tax free, will be provided for these projects. Due to international border restrictions, this opportunity is most suitable for onshore applicants.

    Essential criteria: An undergraduate degree with first or second class division 1 Honours in movement science, biomechanics, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline; eligibility for admission to the PhD program at The University of Queensland; knowledge of 3D motion analysis; excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English.

    Desirable criteria: Experience in rehabilitation science; biomechanics, and muscle physiology.

  • Real world measurement of spine and body movement

    We are seeking a PhD student with a background in biomedical engineering and/or biomechanics to join our team to contribute to a body of work that aims to analyse movement of the spine and body in the real world. Projects will relate to measurement and analysis of movement to understand the relationship between movement and low back pain and to guide treatment.

    Essential criteria: An undergraduate degree with first or second class division 1 Honours in movement science, biomechanics, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline; eligibility for admission to the PhD program at The University of Queensland; knowledge of 3D motion analysis; experience with Matlab for data analysis; excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English.

  • Applying new methods to understand pelvic floor function in men and women

    We are seeking a PhD student with a background in biomedical engineering and/or biomechanics to join our team to work with our team to study the mechanisms of continence in men and women. We aim to apply new imaging methods and image analysis to better understand how continence is maintained and how this is impacted by surgery (e.g. prostatectomy in men) and ageing. The work will involve a multidisciplinary team to address this challenging issue.

    Essential criteria: An undergraduate degree with first or second class division 1 Honours in movement science, biomechanics, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline; eligibility for admission to the PhD program at The University of Queensland; experience with Matlab for data analysis; excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English.

This staff member is a UQ Expert for media in the following fields:

Motor control, Balance control, Spinal stability, Musculoskeletal pain, Electromyography, Ultrasound imaging, Back pain, Low back pain, Pain - back, Pain - musculoskeletal, Rehabilitation, Motor control, Balance control, Spinal stability, Musculoskeletal pain, Electromyography, Ultrasound imaging, Back pain, Low back pain, Pain - back, Pain - musculoskeletal, Rehabilitation

They are happy to lend their expertise to your articles or broadcasts and share their research discoveries and insights with the community via media channels.

For additional assistance with story ideas, general advice and information or help with seeking further experts, please email the UQ Media Team or telephone (07) 3365 1120.

Links

ResearcherID: B-6578-2008

ORCID: 0000-0002-1206-9107

Scopus ID: 7005834883

Unit Links
Other Media
Social Media

Related Resources

Similar Staff
Researchers in Associated Units
Fields of Research