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Rebecca Hemming   BSc (Hons), PhD, FHEA

Rebecca Hemming

(she/her)

BSc (Hons), PhD, FHEA

Senior Lecturer: Physiotherapy

School of Healthcare Sciences

Email
HemmingRL@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone
+44 29206 88599
Campuses
Eastgate House, Room 13.20, Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0AB
Users
Available for postgraduate supervision

Overview

Research Interests

My primary research focus is the investigation of spinal disorders, pain and dysfunction during functional movement. This includes: neuromuscular control, muscle imbalance, disc degeneration, vertebral osteoarthritis, motor control dysfunction and biomechanics to better understand underlying mechanisms of pain and to inform effective rehabilitation and prevention strategies.

My current projects are establishing spinal fluoroscopy protocols to image dynamic spinal motion (working collaboratively with Bournemouth University, the School of Engineering (Cardiff University) and clinicians. I am also currently working on collaborative projects with Robert Gordon University (Aberdeen) and The University of Birmingham exploring manual handling biomechanics and preparedness for the workplace in allied health professionals. I have previously conducted research exploring the impact of physical activity and community-based activities (such as walking groups and exercise classes) for homeless and vulnerably-housed adults.

Current Roles

Executive Committee Member for the Society of Back Pain Research HOME | sbpr

Member - Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre Versus Arthritis, Cardiff University (previous chair of the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPI&E) Committee) Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis - Cardiff University

Committee Member of DISCS (Discovering Innovative Solutions for Conditions of the Spine) https://www.discsfoundation.org/

Executive Committee Member for CITER (Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair) https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/cardiff-institute-tissue-engineering-repair

Publication

2024

2021

2020

2019

2018

2016

2015

2014

2013

Cynadleddau

Erthyglau

Gosodiad

Research

Research interests

My main area of research is evaluating the biomechanics of functional movement in spinal disorders and pain. My PhD study, 'Regional Spinal Kinematics and Muscle Activity in Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain (NSCLBP) during Functional Tasks’ identified specific biomechanical differences in movement behaviours in subgroups of NSCLBP individuals, which is important for informing the development of targeted interventions. My work explores the biomechanics of chronic musculoskeletal conditions to better understand underlying mechanisms of pain, to inform effective rehabilitation and prevention strategies. Currently I am exploring the application of fluoroscopy as a tool for understanding functional movement of the spine across a range of spinal disorders.

I am also currently working on collaborative projects with Robert Gordon University (Aberdeen) and The University of Birmingham exploring manual handling biomechanics and preparedness for the workplace in allied health professionals.

I have previously conducted research exploring the impact of physical activity and community-based activities (such as walking groups and exercise classes) for homeless and vulnerably-housed adults.

I am a member of the Society for Back Pain Research, the Biomechanics and Bioengineering Research Centre Versus Arthritis (Cardiff University), the Cardiff Institute of Tissue Engineering and Repair (CITER) and DISCS (Discovering Innovative Solutions for Conditions of the Spine) (https://www.discsfoundation.org/).

Teaching

Teaching - I am module lead for HCT226 MSc module (Clinical Kinesiology and Tissue Pathology). My primary teaching involves teaching research methods, statistics, clinical kinesiology, ethics, biomechanics and manual handling at BSc and MSc level. 

Project Supervision - I supervise BSc and MSc projects with a special focus on posture and spinal pain evaluated using kinematic techniques and electromyography. I supervise a number of MSc empirical research and systematic review projects. I currently supervise two PhD students covering mixed methods and qualitative methodologies in the fields of physical activity and chronic pain conditions.

Biography

Qualifications

2016 PhD (Healthcare Sciences), Cardiff University

2016 Postgraduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning (Modules 1, 2 and 3 – 40 Credits)

2008 BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, Cardiff University

Appointments

2020-present: Senior Lecturer, Cardiff University

2013-2020: Lecturer, Cardiff University

2010-2013: Physiotherapist (Private physiotherapy clinic, Cardiff)

2008-2011: Physiotherapist, Aneurin Bevan Local Health Board

Professional memberships

  • Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
  • Health and Care Professionals Council
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
  • Society for Back Pain Research

Supervisions

I am a physiotherapist and have expertise primarily in quantitative methods particularly in biomechanics and low back pain.  I am interested in supervising students in the areas of:

  • Low back pain
  • Spinal disorders
  • Orthopaedics
  • Subclassification approaches
  • Functional spinal movement
  • Trunk kinematics and muscle activity
  • Motor Control
  • Chronic Musculoskeletal disorders
  • Physical activity and exercise
  • Functional imaging
  • Development of targeted interventions for musculoskeletal disorders

Current supervision

Mohammad Mandani

Mohammad Mandani

Research student

Noudy Eleryan

Noudy Eleryan

Research student

Past projects

Fahda M. Alshiakh The lived experience of pelvic organ prolapse in Saudi Arabia: an exploration of the perspectives of Saudi women living with pelvic organ prolapse (graduated 2022)

Moayad Saleh Subahi An Evaluation of Physical Fitness and Physical Activity to Support Therapeutic Exercise Prescription for Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis in Saudi Arabia: A Mixed-Methods Study (graduated 2021)

 

Specialisms

  • Allied health and rehabilitation science
  • Applied clinical research
  • Biomechanics
  • Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
  • Orthopaedics