Philippa Nicolson

My research focuses on improving the management of chronic musculoskeletal conditions (primarily hip and knee osteoarthritis) in older adults, and implementing research evidence in clinical practice and teaching.

In June 2020 I commenced a 3-year Versus Arthritis Foundation Fellowship, developing and testing an exercise intervention for the oldest adults (aged 80 years or older) with hip and knee osteoarthritis and common co-morbidities. The fellowship programme of work includes a systematic review; analysis of cohort data to identify co-morbidities presenting with osteoarthritis and the impact these have on mobility and function; patient and clinician prioritisation of programme components, and a randomised feasibility trial and qualitative evaluation to test whether the programme can be delivered.

Since qualifying as a Physiotherapist from the University of Otago (New Zealand) in 2006 I have worked in orthopaedic inpatient and outpatient departments in New Zealand, the UK and Australia. 

My PhD, completed at the Centre for Health, Exercise and Sports Medicine (CHESM) at the University of Melbourne, investigated a number of aspects of adherence to exercise among people with knee osteoarthritis. I continued to work clinically throughout my PhD, and taught on the DPT course at the University of Melbourne.

I joined the RRIO team in June 2018 as a Post-Doctoral Researcher, working on the BOOST and OPAL studies, and facilitating the international implementation of the Back Skills Training (BeST) programme via the FutureLearn platform.