![Karen Visser](https://profiles-cardiff.imgix.net/attachments/2004?w=200&h=200&auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&q=90")
Dr Karen Visser
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Teams and roles for Karen Visser
Senior Lecturer
Overview
Research Interests
Neurological Rehabilitation for paediatric and adult population groups
Physical Activity
Participation Interventions and Outcomes
Health Promotion
Mixed Methods Research
My PhD Doctoral thesis was a Situational Analysis of Community Physical Activity Participation by Children and Young People with Neurological Disorders.
Publication
2024
- Visser, K. 2024. A situational analysis of community physical activity participation by children and young people with neurodisability. PhD Thesis , Cardiff University.
2021
- Visser, K. S. 2021. Situational analysis of physical activity participation for children and young people with Cerebral Palsy. Presented at: 2021 Cerebral Palsy International Sports Recreation Association Conference Virtual Conference - Sydney 8-10 December 2021.
2017
- Visser, K. S. , Button, K. and Allen, D. 2017. Health-enhancing physical activity interventions for children and young people with neuro-disabilities: A Systematic Review Protocol. Presented at: HEPA Europe 15-17 November 2017.
2016
- Visser, K. , Todd, G. L. and Pickering, D. M. 2016. Society and environment: Health-enhancing physical activity for children with Cerebral Palsy. Presented at: European Academy of Childhood Disability Stockholm, Sweden 1-4 June 2016. , pp.-.
2015
- Daelmans, R. and Visser, K. S. 2015. To stretch or not to stretch?. Presented at: European Academy of Childhood Disability 2015 27-30 May 2015.
- Pickering, D. and Visser, K. 2015. Enabling participation of children and young people with cerebral palsy in adapted cycling research. Presented at: Research Impact and Engagement Seminar Cardiff 21 May 2015.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2015. Analysing mosaic data by a ‘Wheel of Participation’ to explore physical activities and cycling with children and youth with cerebral palsy. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities 61 (1), pp.41-48. (10.1179/2047387714Y.0000000038)
2014
- Visser, K. S. et al. 2014. Adapted cycling physical health benefits for children with cerebral palsy. Presented at: EACD 26th Annual meeting Vienna, Austria 3-5 July 2014.
- Visser, K. S. et al. 2014. Oral presentations: Adapted cycling physical health benefits for children with cerebral palsy [Abstract]. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology 56 (Supp 4), pp.20-20. (10.1111/dmcn.12484)
2013
- Pickering, D. et al. 2013. 'Every picture tells a story': Interviews and diaries with children with cerebral palsy about adapted cycling. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 49 (12), pp.1040-1044. (10.1111/jpc.12289)
- Todd, G. et al., 2013. Cycling participation for children and young people with cerebral palsy. Presented at: European Academy of Childhood Disability Newcastle, UK 10-12 October 2013.
- Todd, G. et al., 2013. Cycling participation for children and young people with cerebral palsy [Poster Abstract]. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology 55 (S2), pp.36. (10.1111/dmcn.12259)
- Pickering, D. et al. 2013. Social participatory benefits of adapted dynamic cycling: 'voices' from children and youth with Cerebral Palsy. Presented at: UK Disabled Children's Research Network meeting (UKDCRN13) Newcastle, UK 27 June 2013.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2013. Adapted Dynamic Cycling for children and young people with Cerebral Palsy: a pilot study. Presented at: The Graduand Research Dissemination Evening Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK 12 June 2013.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2013. Children with cerebral palsy’s participation in physical activities, including adapted cycling: Interview and diary data. Presented at: British Academy of Childhood Disability Birmingham, UK 25th March 2013.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2013. Adapted bikes - what children and young people with cerebral palsy told us about their participation in adapted dynamic cycling. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology 8 (1), pp.30-37. (10.3109/17483107.2012.680942)
- Griffiths, S. and Visser, K. 2013. Effects of backpack loads on the late adolescent spine. APCP Journal 4 (1), pp.7-18.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2013. Pedal Power Final Report for Nancie Finnie Charitable Trust. Project Report.Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
2012
- Pickering, D. et al. 2012. Participation in adapted dynamic cycling (ADC) - experiences of children and young people with cerebral palsy: a work in progress. Presented at: Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists Annual Conference Guoman Hotel, London, UK 9-10 November 2012.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2012. Children with Cerebral Palsy - How can we hear their voice?. Presented at: 4th International Conference: Celebrating Childhood Diversity Sheffield, UK 9-11 July 2012.
- 2012. Children and Young People with Cerebral Palsy's experiences of adapted dynamic cycling - interview and diary findings. Presented at: Physiotherapy Research Society 30th Scientific Meeting Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK 30 May 2012. Published in: Pickering, D. et al.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2012. Young people with Cerebral Palsy's experiences of adapted dynamic cycling. Presented at: Adolescent and young people's health conference Millenium Stadium, Cardiff, UK 27 March 2012.
- Visser, K. S. et al. 2012. Pedal power pilot study: adapted dynamic cycling for children with cerebral palsy. Clinical Rehabilitation 26 (3), pp.280-287. (10.1177/0269215511425764)
- Pickering, D. et al. 2012. ‘Every picture tells a story’: Interviews with children with cerebral palsy about adapted cycling. Presented at: Communication, Medicine and Ethics Trondheim, Norway 28th-30th June 2012.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2012. The transition from practitioner to researcher: physiotherapsist undertaking research with disabled children and young people. In: Fleming, J. and Boeck, T. eds. Involving children and young people in health and social care research. Abingdon: Routledge. , pp.108-117.
2011
- Visser, K. S. et al. 2011. Pedal Power Pilot Study: adapted dynamic cycling for children with cerebral palsy. Presented at: World Congress of Physiotherapy Amsterdam June 2011.
Articles
- Pickering, D. et al. 2015. Analysing mosaic data by a ‘Wheel of Participation’ to explore physical activities and cycling with children and youth with cerebral palsy. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities 61 (1), pp.41-48. (10.1179/2047387714Y.0000000038)
- Visser, K. S. et al. 2014. Oral presentations: Adapted cycling physical health benefits for children with cerebral palsy [Abstract]. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology 56 (Supp 4), pp.20-20. (10.1111/dmcn.12484)
- Pickering, D. et al. 2013. 'Every picture tells a story': Interviews and diaries with children with cerebral palsy about adapted cycling. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 49 (12), pp.1040-1044. (10.1111/jpc.12289)
- Todd, G. et al., 2013. Cycling participation for children and young people with cerebral palsy [Poster Abstract]. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology 55 (S2), pp.36. (10.1111/dmcn.12259)
- Pickering, D. et al. 2013. Adapted bikes - what children and young people with cerebral palsy told us about their participation in adapted dynamic cycling. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology 8 (1), pp.30-37. (10.3109/17483107.2012.680942)
- Griffiths, S. and Visser, K. 2013. Effects of backpack loads on the late adolescent spine. APCP Journal 4 (1), pp.7-18.
- Visser, K. S. et al. 2012. Pedal power pilot study: adapted dynamic cycling for children with cerebral palsy. Clinical Rehabilitation 26 (3), pp.280-287. (10.1177/0269215511425764)
Book sections
- Pickering, D. et al. 2012. The transition from practitioner to researcher: physiotherapsist undertaking research with disabled children and young people. In: Fleming, J. and Boeck, T. eds. Involving children and young people in health and social care research. Abingdon: Routledge. , pp.108-117.
Conferences
- Visser, K. S. 2021. Situational analysis of physical activity participation for children and young people with Cerebral Palsy. Presented at: 2021 Cerebral Palsy International Sports Recreation Association Conference Virtual Conference - Sydney 8-10 December 2021.
- Visser, K. S. , Button, K. and Allen, D. 2017. Health-enhancing physical activity interventions for children and young people with neuro-disabilities: A Systematic Review Protocol. Presented at: HEPA Europe 15-17 November 2017.
- Visser, K. , Todd, G. L. and Pickering, D. M. 2016. Society and environment: Health-enhancing physical activity for children with Cerebral Palsy. Presented at: European Academy of Childhood Disability Stockholm, Sweden 1-4 June 2016. , pp.-.
- Daelmans, R. and Visser, K. S. 2015. To stretch or not to stretch?. Presented at: European Academy of Childhood Disability 2015 27-30 May 2015.
- Pickering, D. and Visser, K. 2015. Enabling participation of children and young people with cerebral palsy in adapted cycling research. Presented at: Research Impact and Engagement Seminar Cardiff 21 May 2015.
- Visser, K. S. et al. 2014. Adapted cycling physical health benefits for children with cerebral palsy. Presented at: EACD 26th Annual meeting Vienna, Austria 3-5 July 2014.
- Todd, G. et al., 2013. Cycling participation for children and young people with cerebral palsy. Presented at: European Academy of Childhood Disability Newcastle, UK 10-12 October 2013.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2013. Social participatory benefits of adapted dynamic cycling: 'voices' from children and youth with Cerebral Palsy. Presented at: UK Disabled Children's Research Network meeting (UKDCRN13) Newcastle, UK 27 June 2013.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2013. Adapted Dynamic Cycling for children and young people with Cerebral Palsy: a pilot study. Presented at: The Graduand Research Dissemination Evening Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK 12 June 2013.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2013. Children with cerebral palsy’s participation in physical activities, including adapted cycling: Interview and diary data. Presented at: British Academy of Childhood Disability Birmingham, UK 25th March 2013.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2012. Participation in adapted dynamic cycling (ADC) - experiences of children and young people with cerebral palsy: a work in progress. Presented at: Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists Annual Conference Guoman Hotel, London, UK 9-10 November 2012.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2012. Children with Cerebral Palsy - How can we hear their voice?. Presented at: 4th International Conference: Celebrating Childhood Diversity Sheffield, UK 9-11 July 2012.
- 2012. Children and Young People with Cerebral Palsy's experiences of adapted dynamic cycling - interview and diary findings. Presented at: Physiotherapy Research Society 30th Scientific Meeting Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK 30 May 2012. Published in: Pickering, D. et al.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2012. Young people with Cerebral Palsy's experiences of adapted dynamic cycling. Presented at: Adolescent and young people's health conference Millenium Stadium, Cardiff, UK 27 March 2012.
- Pickering, D. et al. 2012. ‘Every picture tells a story’: Interviews with children with cerebral palsy about adapted cycling. Presented at: Communication, Medicine and Ethics Trondheim, Norway 28th-30th June 2012.
- Visser, K. S. et al. 2011. Pedal Power Pilot Study: adapted dynamic cycling for children with cerebral palsy. Presented at: World Congress of Physiotherapy Amsterdam June 2011.
Monographs
- Pickering, D. et al. 2013. Pedal Power Final Report for Nancie Finnie Charitable Trust. Project Report.Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
Thesis
- Visser, K. 2024. A situational analysis of community physical activity participation by children and young people with neurodisability. PhD Thesis , Cardiff University.
Research
PhD Research: A situational analysis of physical activity participation for children and young people with neurological disorders.
Pedal Power: Does participation in adapted dynamic cycling affect lower limb muscle strength and length, activity levels, and quality of life for children and young people with Cerebral Palsy? This was a three-year (2009 -2011) collaborative research project investigating the effects of an adapted dynamic cycling participation intervention for children and young people with cerebral palsy. This project used both quantitative and qualitative methods.
A scoping project: Scoping for opportunities to develop rehabilitation research in Wales. September 2008 - June 2009. The Welsh Assembly Government funded this one-year collaborative research project.
A Pilot Study on the Effects of a Lower Limb Strengthening Home Exercise Programme for Children with Cerebral Palsy (2008) - MSc Research: A single subject research design investigating the use of a strengthening home exercise programmes for children and young people with Cerebral Palsy - effects on strength, gait and spasticity investigated, as well concordance levels.
Teaching
I started work as a Lecturer at Cardiff University in September 2004 (part time 2004-2009, full time 2009-to date). I successfully completed a PhD, February 2025. I completed a Postgraduate Certificate in University Learning and Teaching in 2011. My teaching involves neurology, physiology, physiotherapy clinical skills and physiotherapy practice, research, and personal and professional development, on both Undergraduate (BSc) and Postgraduate Masters (MSc) Physiotherapy degree programmes. I supervise Phd Students and MSc and UG students in research.
I was the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy Programme Manager from 2012-2016 and played a significant role in the accreditation and validation of a new Undergraduate BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy Programme, implementation 2014. The new programme included Inter-professional Education (IPE) Modules in which I lead a large IPE module including six healthcare professions, 2015-2019.
I am committed to collaborative practices and producing skilled, caring and compassionate practitioners. As Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) Wales Education Officer (2013-2017) I have contributed at a national level to debate on physiotherapy education and curriculum. My research and scholarship involving paediatric populations has informed the paediatric and health promotion topics within Undergraduate and Postgraduate taught modules. I am a member of the CSP, a member of the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists (APCP), and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. I am a volunteer Trustee for the Cardiff Frame Running Dragons Charity for children and adults.
At first working part-time as a Lecturer, 2004-2009, I moved into full-time work as a Lecturer in September 2009. I obtained Academic Promotion to Senior Lecturer on a Teaching and Scholarship pathway in August 2018.
Biography
- PhD Cardiff University, 2025
- MSc in Physiotherapy, Cardiff University, 2008.
- Post Graduate Certificate in University Learning and Teaching, Cardiff University, 2011.
- Practical Leadership for University Management award from the Institute of Leadership and Management, London, 2016
- BSc Hons degree in Physiotherapy, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, 1989.
I have worked 18+ years (1989-2008), as a physiotherapist in a variety of contexts and countries and have experience in both orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation. I have worked 20+ years as a physiotherapy academic (2004 - to date). My research includes investigation of strengthening programmes for children with cerebral palsy, adapted cycling interventions, and physical activity participation for children and young people with neurological disorders.
I am a Senior Lecturer on both the undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy degree programmes in the School of Healthcare Sciences (SOHCS), Cardiff University. I supervise PhD students, and MSc and undergraduate students.
I completed a PhD, Cardiff University, 2025 - conducting a situational analysis of community physical activity for children and young people with neurological disorders. I completed an MSc in Neurorehabilitation, Cardiff University, 2008 and a Postgraduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning, Cardiff University, in 2011. I was the Undergraduate BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy Programme Manager, 2012-2016 and completed a Practical Leadership for University Management award from the Institute of Leadership and Management in 2016. I was the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Wales Education Officer, 2013-2017. I am committed to on-going reflective practice in Learning and Teaching and combining scholarship with research.
Honours and awards
- PhD, 2025, Cardiff University
- Practical Leadership for University Management, 2016, Institute of Leadership and Management
- PgC University Teaching and Learning, 2011, Cardiff University
- MSc Neurorehabilitation, 2008, Cardiff University
- BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, 1989, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
Professional memberships
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
- Member of the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists (MAPCP)
- Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP)
- Member of the European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD)
Committees and reviewing
Post-Graduate Research Committee Member
SOHCS Research Ethics Committee Member
Trustee, Frame Running Dragons Charity Frame Running Dragons Cardiff | Frame running at Leckwith Athletics Track
Contact Details
+44 29206 87692
Ty Dewi Sant, Floor 2nd, Room 2.16, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN