Emeritus Professor Gwendolen Jull

Emeritus Professor

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences

Overview

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.

Qualifications

  • Australian College of Physiotherapists, Australian College of Physiotherapists
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
  • Masters (Coursework) of Physiotherapy Studies, The University of Queensland
  • Postgraduate Diploma, University of South Australia
  • Postgraduate Diploma, The University of Queensland

Publications

View all Publications

Publications

Featured Publications

Book

Book Chapter

  • Jull, Gwendolen, Sterling, Michele, Rivett, Darren A. and Jones, Mark A. (2019). A lawyer with whiplash. Clinical Reasoning in Musculoskeletal Practice. (pp. 241-258) London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7020-5976-6.00019-X

  • Jull, Gwendolen, Falla, Deborah, O'Leary, Shaun and McCarthy, Christopher (2015). Cervical spine: idiopathic neck pain disorders. Grieve's modern musculoskeletal physiotherapy. (pp. 410-422) edited by Gwendolen Jull, Ann Moore, Deborah Falla, Jeremy Lewis, Christopher McCarthy and Michele Sterling. Edinburgh, United Kingdom: Elsevier.

  • Macri, Erin, Sran, Meena and Jull, Gwendolen (2012). Neck pain. Brukner and Khan’s clinical sports medicine. (pp. 313-341) edited by P. Brukner, Roald Bahr, Steven Blair, Jill Cook, Kay Crossley, Jenny McConnell, Paul McCrory and Timothy Noakes. Sydney, Australia: McGraw-Hill Education.

  • Chow, David W., Jull, Gwendolen and Slipman, Curtis W. (2011). Algorithmic approach to cervical axial pain. ISpine : Evidence-based interventional spine care. (pp. 286-297) edited by Michael J. DePalma. New York, United States: Demos Medical Publishing.

  • Falla, Deborah, Elliot, James and Jull, Gwendolen (2011). Neuromuscular dysfunction in whiplash associated disorders. Whiplash: Evidence base for clinical practice. (pp. 52-68) edited by Michele Sterling and Justin Kenardy. Chatswood, NSW, Australia: Elsevier Australia.

  • Jull, G. A. (2009). Physiotherapy management of cervicogenic headache: Part 1. Headache, Orofacial Pain and Bruxism - Diagnosis and multidisciplinary approaches to management. (pp. 169-180) edited by Selvaratnam, Peter, Niere, Ken and Zuluaga, Maria. United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-443-10310-0.00014-9

  • Jull, G. A. (2009). Physiotherapy management of cervicogenic headache: Part 2. Headache, Orofacial Pain and Bruxism - Diagnosis and multidisciplinary approaches to management. (pp. 181-194) edited by Selvaratnam, Peter, Niere, Ken and Zuluaga, Maria. United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-443-10310-0.00015-0

  • Jull, Gwendolen, Sterling, Michele, Falla, Deborah, Treleaven, Julia and O'Leary, Shaun (2008). Whiplash-associated disorders. Whiplash, headache, and neck pain. (pp. 101-115) Chatswood, NSW, Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-443-10047-5.50012-6

  • Goff, L. and Jull, G. A. (2007). Manual Therapy. Animal Physiotherapy: Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Animals. (pp. 164-176) edited by C. McGowan, L. Goff and N. Stubbs. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.. doi: 10.1002/9780470751183.ch9

  • 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.

  • Jull, G. A., Falla, D. L., Treleaven, J. M., Sterling, M. M. and O'Leary, S. P. (2004). A therapeutic exercise approach for cervical disorders. Grieve's Modern Manual Therapy. (pp. 451-470) edited by J. Boyling and G. Jull. Edinburgh, UK: Churchill Livingstone - Elsevier Science.

  • Bogduk, N., Bolton, P., Jull, G., Bellamy, N., Giles, P. and Barnsley, L. (2004). Acute neck pain. Evidence-based Management of Acute Musculoskeletal Pain. A Guide for Clinicians. (pp. 35-43) edited by N. Spearing. Brisbane, Australia: Australian Academic Press.

  • Yelland, M. J., Charlton, K., Jull, G., Brooks, P. and Bellamy, N. (2004). Acute thoracic spinal pain. Evidence-based Management of Acute Musculoskeletal Pain. A Guide for Clinicians. (pp. 30-34) edited by N. Spearing. Brisbane, Australia: Australian Academic Press.

  • 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.

  • Jull, G. A. (2004). Headache in a mature athlete. Clinical Reasoning for Manual Therapists. (pp. 135-148) edited by M.A. Jones and D.A. Rivett. Philadelphia, USA: Butterworth Heinemann. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7506-3906-4.50014-9

  • Sterling, M. M., Treleaven, J.M. and Jull, G. A. (2004). Mechanisms underlaying pain and dysfunction in whiplash associated disorders: Implications for physiotherapy management. Grieve's Modern Manual Therapy. (pp. 275-289) edited by J. Boyling and G. Jull. Edinburgh, UK: Churchill Livingstone - Elsevier Science.

  • Hoving, J. L., Jull, G. A. and Koes, B. (2004). Methodological and practical issues in clinical trials on manual therapy. Grieve's Modern Manual Therapy. (pp. 581-590) edited by J. Boyling and G. Jull. Edinburgh, UK: Churchill Livingstone - Elsevier Science.

  • Jull, G. A. and Niere, K. (2004). The cervical spine and headache. Grieve's Modern Manual Therapy. (pp. 291-309) edited by J. Boyling and G. Jull. Edinburgh, UK: Churchill Livingstone - Elsevier Science.

  • Boyling, J. and Jull, G. A. (2004). The future scope of manual therapy. Grieve's Modern Manual Therapy. (pp. 3-5) edited by J. Boyling and G. Jull. Edinburgh, UK: Churchill Livingstone - Elsevier Science.

  • Jull, G. A. (2003). Management of cervical headache. Manual Therapy Masterclasses: The Vertebral Column. (pp. 3-17) edited by Karen S. Beeton. UK: Elsevier.

  • Richardson, C. A. and Jull, G. A. (2003). Muscle control - pain control. What exercises would you prescribe?. Manual Therapy Masterclasses: The Vertebral Column. (pp. 49-62) edited by Karen S. Beeton. UK: Elsevier.

  • Hides, J. A., Richardson, C. A. and Jull, G. A. (2003). Use of real-time ultrasound imaging for feedback in rehabilitation. Manual Therapy Masterclasses: The Vertebral Column. (pp. 127-138) edited by Karen S. Beeton. UK: Elsevier.

  • Jull, G. A. (2002). Management of cervicogenic headache. Physical Therapy of the Cervical and Thoracic Spine. (pp. 239-266) edited by Andrew Allen and Marjory Fraser. United States: Elsevier Science Ltd.

  • Richardson, C. A., Jull, G. A. and Hides, J. A. (2000). A New Clinical Model of the Muscle Dysfunction Linked to the Disturbance of Spinal Stability: Implications for Treatment of Low Back Pain. Physical Therapy of the Low Back. (pp. 249-267) edited by Lance T. Twomey and James R. Taylor. New York: Churchill Livingstone.

Journal Article

Conference Publication

Other Outputs

Grants (Administered at UQ)

PhD and MPhil Supervision

Current Supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

Completed Supervision