Biography

I am Professor in Physiotherapy in the School of Allied Health at the University of Limerick. My current programme of research includes the design and evaluation interventions to optimise physical activity, health and wellbeing, and prevent falls in older people and people with neurological conditions and the role of technology in rehabilitation. I have a keen interest in the role of arts for health and in particular the benefits of music and dance for health and wellbeing.

I also have an interest in lower limb injury and sports performance, including movement analysis, and assessment of physical performance.

I have been Course Director of the BSc in Physiotherapy and graduate entry MSc in Physiotherapy programmes in the University of Limerick. I have an interest in evaluating and optimising teaching, learning and assessment practices in higher education, including interprofessional education.


I previously worked clinically as a Junior Physiotherapist at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals, NHS Trust in the UK where I worked in
ICU, acute medical wards and outpatient rehabilitation clinics, which included rehabilitation of older adults and people with neurological conditions. In addition, I gained outpatient experience in the management of people with acute and chronic orthopaedic, musculoskeletal and rheumatological conditions. Following this I worked as a Senior Orthopaedic and Outpatient Physiotherapist at the Whittington Hospital, NHS Trust London, UK and subsequently in as a Senior Orthopaedic and Sports Physiotherapist at the Wellington Hospital, St. John's Wood in London.

Research Interests

On-going/ Previous Projects:



I am designated an inventor of a therapeutic device for neck pain (FLEXOR): European patent number 13195184.0-1654. This is the product of an interdisciplinary project supported by Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund.

Professional Activities

Award

  • 2008 - PhD
  • 2006 - Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice
  • 1999 - BSc in Physiotherapy

Association

  • 2005 Member of ISCP, Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists

Peer Reviewed Journals

2022

“Unknown world of wheelchairs” A mixed methods study exploring experiences of wheelchair and seating assistive technology provision for people with spinal cord injury in an Irish context

Gallagher A.;Cleary G.;Clifford A.;McKee J.;O’Farrell K.;Gowran R.J. (2022) “Unknown world of wheelchairs” A mixed methods study exploring experiences of wheelchair and seating assistive technology provision for people with spinal cord injury in an Irish context. Disability And Rehabilitation :1946-1958

2021

Juggling with theory, evidence, practice, and real-world circumstances: Development of a complex community intervention to increase physical activity in inactive adults aged 50 years and older - The Move for Life Study

Bengoechea, EG;Clifford, AM;Gallagher, S;O' Regan, A;O'Sullivan, N;Casey, M;Glynn, L;Macken, P;Sweeney, J;Donnelly, A;Murphy, A;Woods, CB (2021) Juggling with theory, evidence, practice, and real-world circumstances: Development of a complex community intervention to increase physical activity in inactive adults aged 50 years and older - The Move for Life Study. OXFORD : PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD Evaluation And Program Planning

2021

A cluster analysis of device-measured physical activity behaviours and the association with chronic conditions, multi-morbidity and healthcare utilisation in adults aged 45 years and older.

O'Regan A;Hannigan A;Glynn L;Garcia Bengoechea E;Donnelly A;Hayes G;Murphy AW;Clifford AM;Gallagher S;Woods CB; (2021) A cluster analysis of device-measured physical activity behaviours and the association with chronic conditions, multi-morbidity and healthcare utilisation in adults aged 45 years and older.. Preventive Medicine Reports

2019

An evaluation of an intervention designed to help inactive adults become more active with a peer mentoring component: a protocol for a cluster randomised feasibility trial of the Move for Life programme.

O'Regan A;Glynn L;Garcia Bengoechea E;Casey M;Clifford A;Donnelly A;Murphy AW;Gallagher S;Gillespie P;Newell J;Harkin M;Macken P;Sweeney J;Foley-Walsh M;Quinn G;Ng K;O'Sullivan N;Balfry G;Woods C; (2019) An evaluation of an intervention designed to help inactive adults become more active with a peer mentoring component: a protocol for a cluster randomised feasibility trial of the Move for Life programme.. Pilot And Feasibility Studies

2011

Optimum gravity vector and vertical acceleration estimation using a tri-axial accelerometer for falls and normal activities.

Bourke A.;O'Donovan K.;Clifford A.;ÓLaighin G.;Nelson J. (2011) Optimum gravity vector and vertical acceleration estimation using a tri-axial accelerometer for falls and normal activities.. Conference Proceedings : ... Annual International Conference Of The Ieee Engineering In Medicine And Biology Society. Ieee Engineering In Medicine And Biology Society. Annual Conference :7896-7899

Books

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Book Chapters

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Other Journals

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Conference Publications

2018

Congress of the International society of physical activity for health

Woods, C;O'Regan, A;Glynn, L;Casey, M;Clifford, A;Donnelly, A;Murphy, AW;Gallagher, S;Coote, S;Gillespie, P;Harkin, M;Macken, P;Sweeney, J;Foley-Walsh, M;Quinn, G;Ng, K;O'Sullivan, N;Garcia, E (2018) Congress of the International society of physical activity for health. :133-134

2016

Evidence Live

Ryan J, McCurtin A, Clifford A, Murphy F, Walsh C. (2016) Evidence Live.

Conference Contributions

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Published Reports

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Editorials

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Book Reviews

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Other Publications