Dr Moira Smith ~ Senior Lecturer - Physiotherapy

Moira is an experienced physiotherapist in neurological rehabilitation and is passionate about the care provided to individuals with neurological conditions. Her interests include the management of complex acquired brain injuries and multiple sclerosis. Moira has completed a PhD researching participation in exercise and sport for individuals with multiple sclerosis and she is keen to develop this research further. She also holds a BSc (Hons) degree, a MSc in Physiotherapy and a Graduate Certificate in Education.

As a senior lecturer at JCU, Moira aims to inspire the physiotherapy students to develop their skills in neurorehabilitation and to provide the best service possible for patients or clients. Moira teaches neurological assessment and treatment across the second and third years of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy course. In addition, Moira is the course coordinator of the suite of postgraduate rehabilitation courses at JCU, including the Master of Rehabilitation.

Teaching

• PS2004: Neuroscience in Physiotherapy (Level 2; TSV)
• PS2005: Physiotherapy Applications Across the Lifespan (Level 2; TSV)
• PS3003: Physiotherapy 5 (Level 3; TSV)
• PS5101: Clinical Expert Updates for Physiotherapy (Level 5; TSV)
• RH5200: Rehabilitation Research and Evidence Based Practice (Level 5; TSV)
• RH5201: Rehabilitation for Disability across the Lifespan (Level 5; TSV)
• RH5203: Research 1: A Literature Review - Part 1 of 2 (Level 5; TSV)
• RH5204: Research 2: A Research Project - Part 2 of 2 (Level 5; TSV)

Interests

Research

• Neurological rehabilitation
• Multiple sclerosis
• Acquired brain injury
• Parkinson's disease

Experience

• 2022 to present - Senior Lecturer, James Cook University (QLD)
• 2021 to present - Second year coordinator, Bachelor of Physiotherapy, James Cook University (QLD)
• 2015 to present - Coordinator Master of Rehabilitation, James Cook University (QLD)
• 2013 to 2022 - Lecturer, James Cook University (QLD)
• 2016 to 2021 - PhD candidate (part-time), James Cook University (QLD)
• 2004 to 2012 - Senior neurological physiotherapist, The Huntercombe Group (Scotland, UK)
• 2001 to 2004 - Senior neurological physiotherapist, Monklands Hospital (Scotland, UK)

Research Disciplines

• Allied health and rehabilitation science (4201)
• Neurosciences (3209)

Socio-Economic Objectives

• Provision of health and support services (2003)

Memberships

• 2023 - Registered Physiotherapist with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand
• 2021 - Member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)
• 2013 - Registered Physiotherapist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
• 1996 - Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (UK)
• 1996 - Registered Physiotherapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) (UK)

These are the most recent publications associated with this author. To see a detailed profile of all publications stored at JCU, visit ResearchOnline@JCU. Hover over Altmetrics badges to see social impact.

Journal Articles

• Neibling B, Hayward K, Smith M, Chapman P and Barker R (in press) Perseverance with home-based upper limb practice after stroke: perspectives of stroke survivors and their significant others. Disability and Rehabilitation,
• Smith M, Williams G, Jordan M, Willson A and Barker R (2023) The feasibility of a flexible exercise participation programme (FEPP) for individuals with multiple sclerosis. Physiotherapy Research International, 28 (2).
• de Jong A, Smith M, Callisaya M, Schmidt M and Simpson D (2021) Sedentary time and physical activity patterns of stroke survivors during the inpatient rehabilitation week. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 44 (2). pp. 131-137
• Garner J and Smith M (2021) Activity levels of inpatients admitted to two rehabilitation units in regional hospitals: an observational study. Australian Journal of Rural Health, 29 (3). pp. 399-407
• Smith M, Neibling B, Williams G, Birks M and Barker R (2021) Consumer experience of a flexible exercise participation program (FEPP) for individuals with multiple sclerosis: a mixed‐methods study. Physiotherapy Research International, 26 (4).
• Smith M, Barker R, Williams G, Carr J and Gunnarsson R (2020) The effect of exercise on high-level mobility in individuals with neurodegenerative disease: a systematic literature review. Physiotherapy, 106. pp. 174-193
• Carr J, Lalara J, Lalara G, Smith M, Quaill J, Clough A, Lowell A and Barker R (2019) What is the best way to keep walking and moving around for individuals with Machado-Joseph disease? A scoping review through the lens of Aboriginal families with Machado-Joseph disease in the Top End of Australia. BMJ Open, 9 (9).
• Myers C and Smith M (2019) Pelvic floor muscle training improves erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation: a systematic review. Physiotherapy, 105 (2). pp. 235-243
• Smith M, Neibling B, Williams G, Birks M and Barker R (2019) A qualitative study of active participation in sport and exercise for individuals with multiple sclerosis. Physiotherapy Research International, 24 (3).
• Kertscher B, Speyer R, Fong E, Giorgiou A and Smith M (2015) Prevalence of oropharyngeal dyphagia in the Netherlands: a telephone survey. Dysphagia, 30 (2). pp. 114-120

Other research outputs

• Myers C and Smith M (2022) Overflow effect of high intensity exercise in the treatment of urinary incontinence in spinal stroke: a case study. Australian and New Zealand Continence Journal, 28 (1). pp. 9-14
• Smith M, Williams G and Barker R (2020) Finding the right balance with participation in exercise and sport for individuals with multiple sclerosis: protocol for a pre and post intervention feasibility study. BMJ Open, 10 (3). p. e035378

More

ResearchOnline@JCU stores 17+ research outputs authored by Dr Moira Smith from 2015 onwards.

Advisory Accreditation: I can be on your Advisory Panel as a Primary or Secondary Advisor.

These Higher Degree Research projects are either current or by students who have completed their studies within the past 5 years at JCU. Linked titles show theses available within ResearchOnline@JCU.

Current

• The use of Outcome Measures of Motor Function via Telehealth; Validity, Reliability and Parent and Clinician experience (PhD , Secondary Advisor)
• Enhancing Stroke Survivors' Ability to Persevere with Practice in the Home Environment using Assisted-Living Technology (PhD , Secondary Advisor)

The map shows research collaborations by institution from the past 7 years.
Note: Map points are indicative of the countries or states that institutions are associated with.