Dr Kathleen Walker

(she/her)

BSc (Hons) MSc PhD (Cardiff) FHEA

Publication

• Date
• Type

Research

My research approaches include qualitative methodologies, survey methods and mixed methods approaches. My research focus is running injuries, physical activity and women's health.

One of my main interests at the moment is the continued development of a digital intervention for the prevention of running injuries among recreational runners, involving a collaboration with colleagues from the School of Computer Science. My other main research interest is the development of interventions or strategies to promote the uptake of strength and resistance training among perimenopausal and menopausal women. 

Teaching

I contribute to the BSc undergraduate and MSc pre- registration physiotherapy programmes, specifically teaching research methods, use of evidence in physiotherapy, health and research methods, physical activity and exercise. I supervise dissertations and enjoy working with students to develop their research projects. 

At post-graduate level I am module lead for HCT023 Sports and Exercise Participation, Inter-Disciplinary Managament and Injury Prevention. This module contains content that is valuable for physiotherapists not only working in sport environments but those working in clinics and in the NHS who want to support patients to be more physically active. This module also includes input from a range of experts in sports medicine, sports psychology, nutrition, podiatry and disability sport. 

At post-graduate level I also supervise and support empirical dissertations. 

Biography

Prior to working at Cardiff University I worked in clinical settings including the NHS, sports clinics and with sports teams. In the NHS I was based in Musculoskeletal Outpatients and became Clinical Specialist in Spinal Pain. After leaving the NHS I worked in clinics and developed a special interest in the assessment and treatment of recreational runners and individuals involved in endurance sports which led me to enrol in the MSc Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy at Cardiff University. 

As well as my NHS/clinic work I have been involved in a number of sports. I was previously Physiotherapist for Cricket Wales Women and Girls. I have also worked track side at the World Para Athletics Chammpionships 2017 and the World Indoor Athletics Championships 2018. I am currently involved in supporting Wales Touch Rugby. 

Qualifications

PhD (Healthcare Sciences) 2024 Cardiff University

MSc Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy 2017 Cardiff University

PGD Advanced Physiotherapy 2013 University of Hertfordshire

BSc Hons Physiotherapy 2002 University of Hertfordshire

Appointments

Lecturer Physiotherapy 2022 to date. 

Lead Physiotherapist Cricket Wales Women and Girls 2016 - 018

Senior Physiotherapist Private Physiotherapy Practice, Cardiff 2011 - 2016

Band 7 Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust 2007 - 2011

Band 6 Physiotherapist Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust 2005 - 2007

Band 6 Physiotherapist Gwent NHS Trust 2004 - 2005 

Junior Physiotherapist Cardiff and Vale 2002 - 2004

Professional memberships

• Member of Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
• Health and Care Professions Council Registered. 
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Supervisions

I am a physiotherapist and have experience in qualitative methods, survey methods and mixed methods research.

My areas of interest are:

• running, running injuries and running injury prevention
• sports injuries and injury prevention
• physical activity
• exercise and physical activity promotion among perimenopausal and menopausal women
• development of digital interventions for exercise promotion and injury prevention
• physical activity for children and adolescent

Current supervision

Rana Alnajimi

Abdulelah Al Naji