Centre for Rehabilitation Research in Oxford
New clinical tool will help patients with acute ankle sprain
Patients arriving at hospital emergency departments with acute ankle sprains can expect more timely advice and follow-up care in future after researchers in Oxford developed a new tool that will aid clinical decisions on treatment.
Read moreWe carry out important applied research improving the lives of patients through musculoskeletal rehabilitation. We are leading research into how exercise and physiotherapy can be used to support the rehabilitation of patients with acute musculoskeletal injures such as a fracture or sprain, and patients with chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or persistent back pain. We look at how structured physical activity can be offered as an effective method of rehabilitation for patients either alongside, or as an alternative to, standard medication.
Founded in 2012
PATIENT FOCUSED research
International IMPACT on healthcare
TEAM
A multidisciplinary team including physiotherapists, hand therapists, CBT practitioners, clinical academics and clinical trials management staff
RESEARCH
We conduct a number of clinical trials and studies across a range of specialties and themes. Read more about our work, and link to trial-specific pages
THERAPIST RESOURCES
Our work focuses on the development of effective interventions for implementation in the NHS. Find out more and access the materials
Latest News
Study finds tailored exercise programme feasible for adults over 80 with osteoarthritis
9 October 2025
A new NDORMS study has found that a tailored exercise programme for people aged 80 years and older with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis and other long term health conditions is both practical and acceptable, paving the way for a large clinical trial.
OCTRU - delivering answers to important clinical questions
7 March 2023
The Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit (OCTRU) has received NIHR benchmarking results and offers excellent value for money according to the report
Celebrating Clinical Trials Day at NDORMS
20 May 2022
To mark Clinical Trials Day we take a look at some of the recent developments at NDORMS and celebrate the teams that make this important area of our research programme possible.
Arm and shoulder disability and pain after breast cancer surgery reduced by exercise
15 November 2021
The debilitating arm and shoulder disability and pain that some women who have had breast cancer surgery experience as a side effect of their surgery can be reduced by following a physiotherapy-led exercise programme after their operation, a new study has found.
Treatment choice for rotator cuff disorders could create efficiency and savings for the NHS
14 July 2021
A trial that evaluated the clinical and cost effectiveness of physiotherapy treatments for rotator cuff disorders suggests cost savings can be made while maintaining positive patient outcomes.
Selected Publications
The evidence for cognitive behavioural therapy in any condition, population or context: a meta-review of systematic reviews and panoramic meta-analysis.
Fordham B. et al, (2021), Psychol med, 1 - 9
Musculoskeletal pain and loneliness, social support and social engagement among older adults: Analysis of the Oxford Pain, Activity and Lifestyle cohort.
Nicolson PJA. et al, (2021), Musculoskeletal care, 19, 269 - 277
Development and delivery of the BOOST (Better Outcomes for Older adults with Spinal Trouble) intervention for older adults with neurogenic claudication.
Ward L. et al, (2019), Physiotherapy, 105, 262 - 274
Prognostic models for identifying risk of poor outcome in people with acute ankle sprains: the SPRAINED development and external validation study.
Keene DJ. et al, (2018), Health technol assess, 22, 1 - 112
Web-based rehabilitation interventions for people with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review.
Srikesavan C. et al, (2019), J telemed telecare, 25, 263 - 275
