Michelle Smith
Source: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1097 Parent: https://about.uq.edu.au/faculties-institutes/hmbs/schools-institutes-centres/qcops/our-people
Associate Professor
Michelle Smith
Email: : m.smith5@uq.edu.au
Phone: : +61 7 336 54660
Positions
Affiliate of Centre for Innovation in Pain and Health Research (CIPHeR) : Centre for Innovation in Pain and Health Research : Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Associate Professor : School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences : Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences
Background
Michelle Smith is a Associate Professor in Physiotherapy and a Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist. She is Program Director for the Masters of Sports Physiotherapy and Masters of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy programs at UQ, Co-director of the International Ankle Consortium, Co-director of the Sports Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention for Health (SIRPH) research unit and Associate Editor of Physical Therapy and Sport.
The overarching theme of Michelle's research is lower limb joint health. Her research focuses on the prevention and management of lower limb joint injuries and pathologies across the lifespan to enable unrestricted participation in sport, physical activity and work. There are three key areas of her research:
- To improve understanding of ankle injuries and osteoarthritis across the lifespan: Ankle sprains are the most common injury seen in emergency departments and are a primary cause of ankle osteoarthritis, which in light of its post-traumatic nature, often affects young adults. To optimise outcomes and participation for people with ankle pathologies, my research characterises impairments and participation restrictions in the continuum from ankle injury to osteoarthritis and establishes the efficacy of interventions to manage these conditions.
- To understand the effectiveness and implementation of injury prevention strategies: While neuromuscular exercise program and taping/bracing have been shown to decrease injury risk, translation of research into practice is limited. My research investigates the implementation of injury prevention initiatives in adolescent athletes and involves stakeholders to better understand barriers and facilitators.
- To evaluate the implementation of lower limb osteoarthritis interventions: Exercise and education for hip and knee osteoarthritis have been shown to improve quality of life and functional outcomes. My research investigates the implementation of such programs in public hospitals and private physiotherapy practices on patient outcomes and service delivery.
Michelle has presented her research and delivered keynote and invited presentations at national and international multi-disciplinary conferences. She teaches across the undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy curriculum in the areas of musculoskeletal health and sports injuries. She has been recognised for her high teaching quality and impact at both School and Faculty levels through receipt of Teaching Excellence Awards. She is the Chair of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences External Engagement Committee and Deputy Chair of the Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy Group of the Austrailan Physiotherapy Association. She is a member of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Foot and Ankle Working Group, International Foot and Ankle Osteoarthritis Consortium, and Australian Foot and Ankle Research Network.
Read more Read less
Availability
Associate Professor Michelle Smith is: : Available for supervision : Media expert
Fields of research
Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Clinical sciences Education Education systems Health Sciences Higher education Motor control Oncology and carcinogenesis Sports science and exercise
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Physical Education, University of Manitoba
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy, University of Manitoba
- Masters (Coursework) of Sports Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland
- Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, The University of Queensland
Research interests
-
Ankle osteoarthritis
Read more Read less - #### Ankle sprains and fractures
Read more Read less - #### Injury prevention and optimising sport participation
Read more Read less - #### Lower limb osteoarthritis
Read more Read less - #### Injuries in adolescent athletes
Read more Read less - #### Sports physiotherapy
Read more Read less
Search Professor Michelle Smith’s works on UQ eSpace
All (128) Journal Article (95) Other Outputs (1) Conference Publication (29) Book Chapter (3)
2026
Journal Article
Do fixed or personalised sit-stand desk ratios improve lower back pain? A randomised trial
Brakenridge, Charlotte L., Johnston, Venerina, Andrews, Nicole E., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Russell, Trevor and Smith, Michelle D. (2026). Do fixed or personalised sit-stand desk ratios improve lower back pain? A randomised trial. Applied Ergonomics, 131 104670, 104670. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2025.104670
Do fixed or personalised sit-stand desk ratios improve lower back pain? A randomised trial
2025
Journal Article
Restoring ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in athletes: an individualized clinical decision-making system
Tourillon, Romain, M'Baye, Massamba and Smith, Michelle (2025). Restoring ankle dorsiflexion range of motion in athletes: an individualized clinical decision-making system. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7 1677383, 1677383. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1677383
2025
Journal Article
Exploring individuals’ perspectives on participating in a feasibility trial assessing a combined program of education plus exercise versus general advice for ankle osteoarthritis
Costa, Nathalia, Vicenzino, Bill, Vuvan, Viana, Collins, Natalie J., Franettovich Smith, Melinda M., Southern, Zachary, Duffy, Tim, Downie, Alexander, Hunter, David J. and Smith, Michelle D. (2025). Exploring individuals’ perspectives on participating in a feasibility trial assessing a combined program of education plus exercise versus general advice for ankle osteoarthritis. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 79 103391, 103391. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2025.103391
2025
Journal Article
Methods of measuring radiographic patellofemoral joint alignment and morphology: a scoping review
Hill, Jonathan R., Oei, Edwin H.G., Crossley, Kay M., Menz, Hylton B., Macri, Erin M., Smith, Michelle D., Wyndow, Narelle, Maclachlan, Liam R., Ross, Megan H. and Collins, Natalie J. (2025). Methods of measuring radiographic patellofemoral joint alignment and morphology: a scoping review. Osteoarthritis Imaging, 5 (2) 100262, 100262. doi: 10.1016/j.ostima.2025.100262
Methods of measuring radiographic patellofemoral joint alignment and morphology: a scoping review
2025
Journal Article
Rückkehr zum Sport nach lateraler Sprunggelenksdistorsion
Smith, Michelle D. (2025). Rückkehr zum Sport nach lateraler Sprunggelenksdistorsion. Sportphysio, 13 (02), 96-103. doi: 10.1055/a-2522-3998
Rückkehr zum Sport nach lateraler Sprunggelenksdistorsion
2025
Journal Article
Classification approaches used to grade radiographic patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a scoping review
Hill, Jonathan R., Oei, Edwin H.G., Crossley, Kay M., Menz, Hylton B., Macri, Erin M., Smith, Michelle D., Wyndow, Narelle, Maclachlan, Liam R., Ross, Megan H. and Collins, Natalie J. (2025). Classification approaches used to grade radiographic patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a scoping review. Osteoarthritis Imaging, 5 (1) 100258, 100258. doi: 10.1016/j.ostima.2024.100258
Classification approaches used to grade radiographic patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a scoping review
2025
Journal Article
Inertial measurement unit use for elite women’s water polo upper limb external training monitoring: an observational study
King, Marguerite H., Sanchez, Raimundo, Watson, Kate, Smith, Michelle and Vicenzino, Bill (2025). Inertial measurement unit use for elite women’s water polo upper limb external training monitoring: an observational study. Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, 11 (1) e000333. doi: 10.1249/tjx.0000000000000333
2024
Journal Article
Comparison of pelvic floor morphometry in supine and standing in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse: a cross-sectional exploratory study
Forner, Lori B., Cyr, Marie-Pierre, Beckman, Emma M., Hodges, Paul W. and Smith, Michelle D. (2024). Comparison of pelvic floor morphometry in supine and standing in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse: a cross-sectional exploratory study. Continence, 12 101708, 101708. doi: 10.1016/j.cont.2024.101708
2024
Journal Article
A combined program of education plus exercise versus general advice for ankle osteoarthritis: a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Smith, Michelle, Vuvan, Viana, Collins, Natalie J., Franettovich Smith, Melinda M., Costa, Nathalia, Southern, Zachary, Duffy, Tim, Downie, Alex, Hunter, David J. and Vicenzino, Bill (2024). A combined program of education plus exercise versus general advice for ankle osteoarthritis: a feasibility randomised controlled trial. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 74 103169, 103169. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.103169
2024
Journal Article
Development of a core domain set for ankle osteoarthritis: an international consensus study of patients and health professionals
Alanazi, Sultan Ayyadah, Vicenzino, Bill, van Bergen, Christiaan J.A., Hunter, David J., Wikstrom, Erik A., Menz, Hylton B., Golightly, Yvonne M. and Smith, Michelle D. (2024). Development of a core domain set for ankle osteoarthritis: an international consensus study of patients and health professionals. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 32 (11), 1481-1491. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2024.07.004
2024
Journal Article
Does pelvic floor morphometry change in women with pelvic organ prolapse after a short period of supine lying?
Forner, Lori B., Cyr, Marie-Pierre, Hodges, Paul W. and Smith, Michelle D. (2024). Does pelvic floor morphometry change in women with pelvic organ prolapse after a short period of supine lying?. Continence Reports, 11 100055. doi: 10.1016/j.contre.2024.100055
2024
Book Chapter
Foot and ankle
Smith, Michelle and Vicenzino, Bill (2024). Foot and ankle. Grieve's modern musculoskeletal physiotherapy. (pp. 560-575) edited by Deborah Falla, Jeremy Lewis, Christopher McCarthy, Chad E. Cook and Michele Sterling. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7020-8089-0.00064-1
2024
Journal Article
An exploration of footwear preferences, attitudes and beliefs in people with knee osteoarthritis: a qualitative study
Smith, Michelle D., McKendry, Ruth, Shah, Simran, Desai, Vaibhavi, Abouzed, AbdelRahman, Byrnes, Blake, Farmer, Stacey, Glyde, Carl, Lawrenson, Peter R., Ross, Megan and Collins, Natalie J. (2024). An exploration of footwear preferences, attitudes and beliefs in people with knee osteoarthritis: a qualitative study. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 72 102948, 102948. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.102948
2024
Journal Article
Concerns beyond ankle symptoms predominate healthcare professionals’ views of patients with ankle osteoarthritis: A qualitative study
Alanazi, Sultan Ayyadah, Vicenzino, Bill and Smith, Michelle D. (2024). Concerns beyond ankle symptoms predominate healthcare professionals’ views of patients with ankle osteoarthritis: A qualitative study. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 72 102946, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.102946
2024
Journal Article
Implementing Good Life with osteoArthritis from Denmark (GLA:D®) in Australian public hospitals. Part 1: feasibility
Collins, Natalie J., Smith, Michelle D., O’Leary, Shaun P., Maclachlan, Liam R., Cottrell, Michelle A., Vicenzino, Bill, Vuvan, Viana, Comans, Tracy, Kemp, Joanne L., Barton, Christian J., Lee, Darryl, McCaskill, Stuart, Cush, Adrian, Hislop, Andrew C. and Raymer, Maree E. (2024). Implementing Good Life with osteoArthritis from Denmark (GLA:D®) in Australian public hospitals. Part 1: feasibility. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 71 102960, 102960. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.102960
2024
Journal Article
Work-related interventions are not commonly included in physiotherapy management of lower limb osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional survey of Australian Physiotherapists
Alyousef, Yousef, Johnston, Venerina and Smith, Michelle D. (2024). Work-related interventions are not commonly included in physiotherapy management of lower limb osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional survey of Australian Physiotherapists. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 71 102942, 1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.102942
2024
Journal Article
Implementing Good Life with osteoArthritis from Denmark (GLA:D®) in Australian public hospitals. Part 2: service providers’ perceptions
Cottrell, Michelle A., Raymer, Maree E., Maclachlan, Liam R., Vuvan, Viana, Smith, Michelle D., O’Leary, Shaun P., Vicenzino, Bill, Comans, Tracy, Kemp, Joanne L., Barton, Christian J. and Collins, Natalie J. (2024). Implementing Good Life with osteoArthritis from Denmark (GLA:D®) in Australian public hospitals. Part 2: service providers’ perceptions. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 71 102961, 102961. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.102961
2024
Journal Article
Coach perspectives on factors that influence the implementation of injury prevention programs in community netball: A qualitative study
Smith, Michelle D. and Wee, Natasha Shi Hui (2024). Coach perspectives on factors that influence the implementation of injury prevention programs in community netball: A qualitative study. Physical Therapy in Sport, 66, 37-42. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2024.01.004
2023
Journal Article
Experiences of working with lower limb osteoarthritis: a qualitative study
Alyousef, Yousef S., Ross, Megan H., Johnston, Venerina and Smith, Michelle D. (2023). Experiences of working with lower limb osteoarthritis: a qualitative study. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 34 (3), 683-692. doi: 10.1007/s10926-023-10158-8
Experiences of working with lower limb osteoarthritis: a qualitative study
2023
Journal Article
Protocol for a randomised feasibility trial comparing a combined program of education and exercise versus general advice for ankle osteoarthritis
Smith, Michelle D., Vuvan, Viana, Collins, Natalie J., Hunter, David J., Costa, Nathalia, Smith, Melinda M. Franettovich and Vicenzino, Bill (2023). Protocol for a randomised feasibility trial comparing a combined program of education and exercise versus general advice for ankle osteoarthritis. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 16 (1) 72. doi: 10.1186/s13047-023-00669-1
Current funding
- 2025 - 2026
Foot orthoses plus education compared to usual care for ankle OA: A pilot and feasibility trial
Arthritis Foundation of Australia
Past funding
- 2022 - 2023
Education plus exercise versus general advice for ankle osteoarthritis: A pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial
Arthritis Foundation of Australia
Open grant - 2021 - 2022
Understanding the effects of heavy weightlifting on pelvic organ support in vaginally parous premenopausal women: a cross-sectional study
Physiotherapy Research Foundation
Open grant - 2019 - 2023
Identifying optimal sit-stand recommendations for the workforce
Office Ergonomics Research Committee Funding
Open grant - 2019 - 2022
Implementation of GLA:D in Queensland public health services: towards a standardised non-surgical management approach for hip and knee osteoarthritis
Metro North Hospital and Health Service
Open grant - 2015 - 2017
How is exposure to manganese on Groote Eylandt associated with motor control and cognitive function in school-aged children?
Anindilyakwa Land Council
Open grant - 2011
UQ Travel Awards Category 2 - Dr Michelle Dawn Smith
UQ Travel Grants Scheme
Open grant - 2009 - 2010
Deformity, pain and foot function in hallux abducto valgus
Australian Podiatry Education and Research Foundation
Open grant - 2009
UQ Travel Awards Category 2, Dr Michelle Smith
UQ Travel Grants Scheme
Open grant - 2007 - 2009
Is the distribution of the pelvic floor muscles to spinal stability altered in people with low back pain?
UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
Open grant - 2005 - 2022
Neurodynamic Based Research Work - Gift
Neuro Orthopaedic Institute
Availability
Associate Professor Michelle Smith is: : Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
Available projects
-
Improving management, optimising return to sport and preventing re-injury after ankle sprains and fractures
Ankle sprains are often perceived to be minor injuries, but unfortunately a high proportion of people who sprain or fracture their ankle go onto experience recurrent injury and chronic ankle instability. There is a need for improved understanding and implementation of ankle sprain management, return to sport criteria and uptake of injury prevention strategies.
Options for PhD projects in this area include:
- Improving patient outcomes after ankle sprains and fractures
- Determining optimal outcome measures for acute lateral ankle sprain injuries and chronic ankle instability
- Establishing return to sport criteria for lateral ankle sprain injuries
- Understanding and addressing barriers to the use of taping and bracing in preventing ankle injuries
Read more Read less - #### Improving management of ankle osteoarthritis
Unlike hip and knee OA, there are a lack of clinical guidelines to inform the management of ankle osteoarthritis. Few studies have investigated the effect of different treatments for ankle osteoarthritis, and the diverse use of outcomes in ankle osteoarthritis literature makes synthesis of information challenging. There is a need for agreement on core outcome measures to be used in ankle osteoarthritis research and high-quality clinical treatment trials to enable the development of clinical practice guidelines.
Options for PhD projects in this area include:
- Developing a core outcome measurement set for ankle osteoarthritis research
- Determining the effectiveness of treatments in managing symptoms and improving function in people with ankle osteoarthritis
- Determining the effect of exercise interventions on improving impairments, pain and function in ankle osteoarthritis
- Early detection and management of ankle osteoarthritis
Read more Read less - #### Improving implementation of injury prevention approaches in sport
Many sports have developed injury prevention programs to try to decrease injury rates and optimise sport participation. There is strong evidence for the efficacy of neuromuscular training program on preventing a range of acute lower limb injuries. However, the implementation of injury prevention initiatives is challenging.
Options for PhD projects in this area include:
- Evaluating muscle function and barriers and facilitators to strength training in adolescent female athletes
- Evaluating the effectiveness of neuromuscular injury prevention programs in improving injury risk factors and preventing injury in sport
- Improving the implementation of neuromuscular injury prevention programs in sport
Read more Read less - #### Managing repetitive use injuries in adolescent athletes
Adolescents have high rates of sport participation with many playing multiple sports at school and in the community. Apophyseal growth plate conditions, such as Osgood-Schlatter disease, Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome and Sever’s disease, occur in active adolescents but little is known about how best to manage them.
Options for PhD projects in this area include:
- Characterising the presentation of Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndromes and/or Sever’s disease in active adolescents
- Differentiating between pain sources in adolescent athletes that present with anterior knee pain
- Improving management of Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndromes and/or Sever’s disease in active adolescents
Read more Read less
Supervision history
Current supervision
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Prevention and management of ankle sprains in children and adolescents
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Natalie Collins - Doctor Philosophy
##### Improving Management of Ankle Osteoarthritis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Natalie Collins - Doctor Philosophy
##### Injury prevention in female athletes: Understanding and preventing injury risk factors unique to females
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Natalie Collins, Dr Manuela Besomi Molina, Dr Melinda Smith - Doctor Philosophy
##### Moving towards the development of criteria to clear patients to return to sport from the most prevalent lower extremity tendinopathies
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino, Dr Viana Vuvan - Doctor Philosophy
##### . Understanding the impairments and management of Osgood Schlatter Disease in adolescent athletes
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Natalie Collins, Professor Bill Vicenzino - Master Philosophy
##### Resistance training approaches for musculoskeletal health in perimenopausal women
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Shelley Keating, Dr Jenna Taylor - Doctor Philosophy
##### Development of a Novel Assessment Battery through Comprehensive Skills Analysis and Injury Surveillance in Unarmed Combat Sport Athletes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Viana Vuvan, Associate Professor Anna Hatton - Doctor Philosophy
##### The biopsychosocial impacts of adolescent ACL injury
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Natalie Collins - Doctor Philosophy
##### Targeted effective treatments for adolescent kneecap pain: ACTIVE KNEECAPs!
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino, Associate Professor Natalie Collins - Doctor Philosophy
##### Establishing a core outcome set for adolescent kneecap pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino, Associate Professor Natalie Collins - Doctor Philosophy
##### Understanding the relationship between the pelvic floor and the hip
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Marie-Pierre Cyr, Professor Paul Hodges
Completed supervision
- 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### Wearable Sensor Informed Movement Monitoring in Elite Women's Water Polo
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino, Dr Nathalia Costa, Dr Raimundo Sanchez - 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### Understanding work participation in workers with lower limb osteoarthritis
Principal Advisor - 2025
Doctor Philosophy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Hodges, Associate Professor Emma Beckman, Dr Marie-Pierre Cyr - 2023
Doctor Philosophy
##### Development of a core domain set for ankle osteoarthritis: An international consensus
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino - 2020
Doctor Philosophy
##### Exploring the clinical presentation of tibialis posterior tendinopathy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Hodges, Professor Bill Vicenzino - 2019
Doctor Philosophy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino - 2019
Doctor Philosophy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino - 2013
Doctor Philosophy
##### Foot Pain and Function in Adults with Hallux Valgus
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bill Vicenzino - 2019
Doctor Philosophy
##### New insight into the function of pelvic floor muscles in women in relation to organ support
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Hodges - 2017
Doctor Philosophy
##### Patient education best practice; enhancing physiotherapy students' self-efficacy and skills.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Trevor Russell, Associate Professor Allison Mandrusiak
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Michelle Smith directly for media enquiries about:
- ankle sprains
- injury prevention
- osteoarthritis
- sports injuries
Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:
External profiles
Personal links
Social media
Log in to Academic Portal to update your profile