Dr Matthew Jones
Senior Lecturer

Dr Matthew Jones

  • PhD (Physiology & Pharmacology), UNSW Sydney, Australia
  • MSc (Research), UNSW Sydney, Australia
  • BExPhys, UNSW Sydney, Australia
  • Accredited Exercise Physiologist (2011 - present)
Medicine & Health
School of Health Sciences

I am an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Senior Lecturer in the School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health. I was awarded my PhD from UNSW Sydney in 2017. My clinical, research and teaching expertise concern the role of exercise for the management of chronic pain and chronic fatigue.

Through my research, I aim to improve health outcomes and quality of life for people with low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and post-cancer fatigue. Underpinning my research is a commitment to Open Science principles to improve research transparency and openness and a strong desire to improve the methodological rigor of research in my field.

I lead several research groups that aim to investigate:

- Exercise-induced hypoalgesia - the phenomenon through which a single session of exercise reduces pain

- Ways to optimise exercise and education interventions for people with chronic low back pain, knee osteoarthritis and chronic fatigue syndrome

- Exercise physiologists' management of pain and fatigue, and ways to improve this 

- Ways to improve transparent and open research practices in the field of sports and exercise medicine

Phone
(02) 9348 0032
Location
Wallace Wurth Building, Room 261
  • Journal articles | 2023
    Devonshire JJ; Wewege MA; Hansford HJ; Odemis HA; Wand BM; Jones MD; McAuley JH, 2023, 'Effectiveness of Cognitive Functional Therapy for Reducing Pain and Disability in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis', Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 53, pp. 244 - 285, http://dx.doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2023.11447
    Journal articles | 2023
    Gibbs MT; Morrison NMV; Jones MD; Burgess D; Marshall PW, 2023, 'Reductions in movement-associated fear are dependent upon graded exposure in chronic low back pain: An exploratory analysis of a modified 3-item fear hierarchy', Musculoskeletal Care, 21, pp. 25 - 34, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/msc.1661
    Journal articles | 2023
    Gilanyi YL; Wewege MA; Shah B; Cashin AG; Williams CM; Davidson SRE; McAuley JH; Jones MD, 2023, 'Exercise increases pain self-efficacy in adults with non-specific chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.', J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, pp. 1 - 20, http://dx.doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2023.11622
    Journal articles | 2023
    Ram A; Booth J; Thom JM; Gibbs MT; Jones MD, 2023, 'Are Improvements in Pain Neurophysiology Knowledge Following Pain Science Education Associated with Improved Outcomes in People with Chronic Pain?: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis', Clinical Journal of Pain, 39, pp. 41 - 52, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/AJP.0000000000001086
    Journal articles | 2023
    Ram AK; Summers SJ; Booth J; Gibbs MT; Jones MD, 2023, 'Higher intensity exercise reduces disability more than lower intensity exercise in adults with chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Musculoskeletal Care, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/msc.1734
    Journal articles | 2023
    Wewege MA; Bagg MK; Jones MD; Ferraro MC; Cashin AG; Rizzo RRN; Leake HB; Hagstrom AD; Sharma S; McLachlan AJ; Maher CG; Day R; Wand BM; O'Connell NE; Nikolakopolou A; Schabrun S; Gustin SM; McAuley JH, 2023, 'Comparative effectiveness and safety of analgesic medicines for adults with acute non-specific low back pain: systematic review and network meta-analysis', BMJ, 380, pp. e072962, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-072962
    Journal articles | 2022
    Cashin AG; Booth J; McAuley JH; Jones MD; Hübscher M; Traeger AC; Fried K; Moseley GL, 2022, 'Making exercise count: Considerations for the role of exercise in back pain treatment', Musculoskeletal Care, 20, pp. 259 - 270, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/msc.1597
    Journal articles | 2022
    Casson S; Jones MD; Cassar J; Kwai N; Lloyd AR; Barry BK; Sandler CX, 2022, 'The effectiveness of activity pacing interventions for people with chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Disability and Rehabilitation, pp. 1 - 15, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2135776
    Journal articles | 2022
    Gibbs M; Morrison N; Raftry S; Jones M; Marshall P, 2022, 'Does a powerlifting inspired exercise programme better compliment pain education compared to bodyweight exercise for people with chronic low back pain? A multicentre, single-blind, randomised controlled trial', Clinical Rehabilitation, 36, pp. 1199 - 1213, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/02692155221095484
    Journal articles | 2022
    Hansford HJ; Cashin AG; Bagg MK; Wewege MA; Ferraro MC; Kianersi S; Mayo-Wilson E; Grant SP; Toomey E; Skinner IW; McAuley JH; Lee H; Jones MD, 2022, 'Feasibility of an Audit and Feedback Intervention to Facilitate Journal Policy Change Towards Greater Promotion of Transparency and Openness in Sports Science Research', Sports Medicine - Open, 8, pp. 101, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40798-022-00496-x
    Journal articles | 2022
    Hansford HJ; Cashin AG; Wewege MA; Ferraro MC; McAuley JH; Jones MD, 2022, 'Evaluation of journal policies to increase promotion of transparency and openness in sport science research', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 25, pp. 192 - 194, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2021.08.004
    Journal articles | 2022
    Hansford HJ; Cashin AG; Wewege MA; Ferraro MC; McAuley JH; Jones MD, 2022, 'Open and transparent sports science research: the role of journals to move the field forward', Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00167-022-06893-9
    Journal articles | 2022
    Hansford HJ; Wewege MA; Cashin AG; Hagstrom A; Clifford BK; McAuley J; Jones MD, 2022, 'If exercise is medicine, why don’t we know the dose? An overview of systematic reviews assessing reporting quality of exercise interventions in health and disease', British Journal of Sports Medicine, 56, pp. 692 - 700, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2021-104977
    Journal articles | 2022
    Héroux ME; Butler AA; Cashin AG; McCaughey EJ; Affleck AJ; Green MA; Cartwright A; Jones M; Kiely KM; Van Schooten KS; Menant JC; Wewege M; Gandevia SC, 2022, 'Quality Output Checklist and Content Assessment (QuOCCA): a new tool for assessing research quality and reproducibility', BMJ Open, 12, pp. e060976, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-060976
    Journal articles | 2022
    Jones MD; Cashin AG; Mouatt B; McLeod KA; Mundell NL; McAuley JH; Booth J, 2022, 'A survey evaluation comparing pain curriculum taught in Australian exercise physiology degrees to graduate perceptions of their preparedness and competency to treat people with chronic pain', Musculoskeletal Care, 20, pp. 299 - 306, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/msc.1586
    Journal articles | 2022
    McLeod KA; Jones MD; Thom JM; Parmenter BJ, 2022, 'Resistance Training and High-intensity Interval Training Improve Cardiometabolic Health in High Risk Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-anaylsis', International Journal of Sports Medicine, 43, pp. 206 - 218, http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/a-1560-6183
    Journal articles | 2022
    O’Hagan ET; Skinner IW; Jones MD; Karran EL; Traeger AC; Cashin AG; Wand BM; Schabrun SM; O’Neill S; Harris IA; McAuley JH, 2022, 'Development and measurement properties of the AxEL (attitude toward education and advice for low-back-pain) questionnaire', Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 20, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12955-021-01908-4
    Journal articles | 2022
    Ram A; Booth J; Thom JM; Jones MD, 2022, 'Exercise physiologists use of pain neuroscience education for treating knee osteoarthritis: A qualitative interview study', Musculoskeletal Care, 20, pp. 821 - 830, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/msc.1631
    Journal articles | 2022
    Ram A; Marcos L; Morey R; Clark T; Hakansson S; Ristov M; Franklin A; McCarthy C; De Carli L; Jones MD; Ward RE; Keech A, 2022, 'Exercise for affect and enjoyment in overweight or obese males: a comparison of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training', Psychology, Health and Medicine, 27, pp. 1154 - 1167, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2021.1903055
    Journal articles | 2022
    Rizzo RRN; Ferraro MC; Wewege MA; Cashin AG; Leake HB; O'Hagan ET; Jones MD; Gustin SM; McLachlan AJ; Day R; McAuley JH, 2022, 'Targeting neurotrophic factors for low back pain and sciatica: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Rheumatology (United Kingdom), 61, pp. 2243 - 2254, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/keab785
    Journal articles | 2022
    Shah B; Wewege MA; Gilanyi YL; Clifford BK; Devonshire JJ; McAuley JH; Jones MD, 2022, 'Effects of a single exercise session on pain intensity in adults with chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 62, pp. 102679 - 102679, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102679
    Journal articles | 2022
    Siddall B; Ram A; Jones MD; Booth J; Perriman D; Summers SJ, 2022, 'Short-term impact of combining pain neuroscience education with exercise for chronic musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Pain, 163, pp. E20 - E30, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002308
    Journal articles | 2022
    Wewege MA; Desai I; Honey C; Coorie B; Jones MD; Clifford BK; Leake HB; Hagstrom AD, 2022, 'The Effect of Resistance Training in Healthy Adults on Body Fat Percentage, Fat Mass and Visceral Fat: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', Sports Medicine, 52, pp. 287 - 300, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01562-2
    Journal articles | 2022
    Wewege MA; Hansford HJ; Shah B; Gilanyi YL; Douglas SRG; Parmenter BJ; McAuley JH; Jones MD, 2022, 'Baseline imbalance and heterogeneity are present in meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials examining the effects of exercise and medicines for blood pressure management', Hypertension Research, 45, pp. 1643 - 1652, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41440-022-00984-3
    Journal articles | 2022
    Wewege MA; Jones MD; Williams SA; Kamper SJ; McAuley JH, 2022, 'Rescaling pain intensity measures for meta-analyses of analgesic medicines for low back pain appears justified: an empirical examination from randomised trials', BMC Medical Research Methodology, 22, pp. 285, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12874-022-01763-x
    Journal articles | 2021
    Cashin AG; Folly T; Bagg MK; Wewege MA; Jones MD; Ferraro MC; Leake HB; Rizzo RRN; Schabrun SM; Gustin SM; Day R; Williams CM; McAuley JH, 2021, 'Efficacy, acceptability, and safety of muscle relaxants for adults with non-specific low back pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis', The BMJ, 374, pp. n1446, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n1446
    Journal articles | 2021
    Clifford BK; Jones MD; Simar D; Barry BK; Goldstein D, 2021, 'The effect of exercise intensity on exercise-induced hypoalgesia in cancer survivors: A randomized crossover trial', Physiological Reports, 9, pp. e15047, http://dx.doi.org/10.14814/phy2.15047
    Journal articles | 2021
    Ferraro MC; Bagg MK; Wewege MA; Cashin AG; Leake HB; Rizzo RRN; Jones MD; Gustin SM; Day R; Loo CK; McAuley JH, 2021, 'Efficacy, acceptability, and safety of antidepressants for low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Systematic Reviews, 10, pp. 62, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01599-4
    Journal articles | 2021
    Hansford HJ; Cashin AG; Wewege MA; Ferraro MC; McAuley JH; Jones MD, 2021, 'Evaluation of Journal Policies to Increase Promotion of Transparency and Openness in Sport Science Research', Arthroscopy - Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, 37, pp. 3223 - 3225, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2021.09.005
    Journal articles | 2021
    Hansford HJ; Parmenter BJ; McLeod KA; Wewege MA; Smart NA; Schutte AE; Jones MD, 2021, 'The effectiveness and safety of isometric resistance training for adults with high blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Hypertension Research, 44, pp. 1373 - 1384, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41440-021-00720-3
    Journal articles | 2021
    Hansford HJ; Wewege MA; Jones MD, 2021, 'Commentary on: Stretching is superior to brisk walking for reducing blood pressure in people with high–normal blood pressure or stage I hypertension', Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 18, pp. 345 - 346, http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/JPAH.2021-0049
    Journal articles | 2021
    Jones MD; Munir M; Wilkonski A; Ng K; Beynon G; Keech A, 2021, 'Post-exercise hypotension time-course is influenced by exercise intensity: a randomised trial comparing moderate-intensity, high-intensity, and sprint exercise', Journal of Human Hypertension, 35, pp. 776 - 784, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41371-020-00421-3
    Journal articles | 2021
    Jones MD; Wewege MA; Hackett DA; Keogh JWL; Hagstrom AD, 2021, 'Sex Differences in Adaptations in Muscle Strength and Size Following Resistance Training in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis', Sports Medicine, 51, pp. 503 - 517, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01388-4
    Journal articles | 2021
    Rizzo RRN; Ferraro MC; Wewege MA; Cashin AG; Leake HB; O’Hagan ET; Jones MD; Gustin SM; McAuley JH, 2021, 'Efficacy and safety of medicines targeting neurotrophic factors in the management of low back pain: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis', JMIR Research Protocols, 10, pp. e22905, http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/22905
    Journal articles | 2021
    Wewege MA; Devonshire JJ; Hansford HJ; McAuley JH; Jones MD, 2021, 'Comment on: “The training of short distance sprint performance in football code athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis"', Sports Medicine, 51, pp. 1331 - 1332, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01446-5
    Journal articles | 2021
    Wewege MA; Hagstrom AD; Jones MD, 2021, 'On "elastic Resistance Training Produces Benefits Equivalent to Conventional Resistance Training in People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." de Lima FF, Cavalheri V, Silva BSA, Grigoletto I, Uzeloto JS, Ramos D, Camillo CA, Ramos, EMC. Phys Ther. 2020;100:1891-1905', Physical Therapy, 101, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ptj/pzaa185
    Journal articles | 2021
    Wewege MA; Jones MD, 2021, 'Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia in Healthy Individuals and People With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', Journal of Pain, 22, pp. 21 - 31, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2020.04.003
    Journal articles | 2021
    Wun A; Kollias P; Jeong H; Rizzo RR; Cashin AG; Bagg MK; McAuley JH; Jones MD, 2021, 'Why is exercise prescribed for people with chronic low back pain? A review of the mechanisms of benefit proposed by clinical trialists', Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 51, pp. 102307 - 102307, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2020.102307
    Journal articles | 2020
    Burrows NJ; Barry BK; Sturnieks DL; Booth J; Jones MD, 2020, 'The Relationship between Daily Physical Activity and Pain in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis', Pain Medicine (United States), 21, pp. 2481 - 2495, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/PM/PNAA096
    Journal articles | 2020
    Cashin AG; Lee H; Bagg MK; O'Hagan E; Traeger AC; Kamper SJ; Folly T; Jones MD; Booth J; McAuley JH, 2020, 'A systematic review highlights the need to improve the quality and applicability of trials of physical therapy interventions for low back pain', Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 126, pp. 106 - 115, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.06.025
    Journal articles | 2020
    Clark T; Morey R; Jones MD; Marcos L; Ristov M; Ram A; Hakansson S; Franklin A; McCarthy C; De Carli L; Ward R; Keech A, 2020, 'High-intensity interval training for reducing blood pressure: a randomized trial vs. moderate-intensity continuous training in males with overweight or obesity', Hypertension Research, 43, pp. 396 - 403, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41440-019-0392-6
    Journal articles | 2020
    Ram A; Booth J; Thom J; Jones MD, 2020, 'Exercise and education for knee osteoarthritis—What are accredited exercise physiologists providing?', Musculoskeletal Care, 18, pp. 425 - 433, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/msc.1477
    Journal articles | 2020
    Ram A; Marcos L; Jones MD; Morey R; Hakansson S; Clark T; Ristov M; Franklin A; McCarthy C; De Carli L; Ward R; Keech A, 2020, 'The effect of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on aerobic fitness and body composition in males with overweight or obesity: A randomized trial', Obesity Medicine, 17, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.obmed.2020.100187
    Journal articles | 2020
    Rizzo RRN; Ferraro MC; Wewege MA; Cashin AG; Leake HB; O’Hagan ET; Jones MD; Gustin SM; McAuley JH, 2020, 'Efficacy and Safety of Medicines Targeting Neurotrophic Factors in the Management of Low Back Pain: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (Preprint)', , http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/preprints.22905
    Journal articles | 2020
    Vaegter HB; Jones MD, 2020, 'Exercise-induced hypoalgesia after acute and regular exercise: Experimental and clinical manifestations and possible mechanisms in individuals with and without pain', Pain Reports, 5, pp. E823, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/PR9.0000000000000823
    Journal articles | 2020
    Wewege MA; Bagg MK; Jones MD; McAuley JH; Cashin AG; Day RO; Ferraro MC; Folly T; Gustin SM; Hagstrom AD; Leake HB; Loo CK; McLachlan AJ; O’Hagan ET; Rizzo RRN; Schabrun SM, 2020, 'Analgesic medicines for adults with low back pain: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis', Systematic Reviews, 9, pp. 255, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13643-020-01506-3
    Journal articles | 2020
    Wewege MA; Jones MD; McAuley JH, 2020, 'Clinimetrics: Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale Commentary', JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY, 66, pp. 270 - 270, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000582366000018&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Journal articles | 2020
    Wewege MA; Jones MD; McAuley JH, 2020, 'Clinimetrics: Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale', Journal of Physiotherapy, 66, pp. 270, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2020.05.005
    Journal articles | 2019
    Jones M; Nuzzo J; Taylor J; Barry B, 2019, 'Aerobic exercise reduces pressure more than heat pain sensitivity in healthy adults', Pain Medicine, 20, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/pm/pny289
    Journal articles | 2018
    Hakansson S; Jones MD; Ristov M; Marcos L; Clark T; Ram A; Morey R; Franklin A; McCarthy C; Carli LD; Ward R; Keech A, 2018, 'Intensity-dependent effects of aerobic training on pressure pain threshold in overweight men: A randomized trial', European Journal of Pain (United Kingdom), 22, pp. 1813 - 1823, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ejp.1277
    Journal articles | 2017
    Jones MD; Taylor JL; Barry BK, 2017, 'Occlusion of blood flow attenuates exercise-induced hypoalgesia in the occluded limb of healthy adults', Journal of Applied Physiology, 122, pp. 1284 - 1291, http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.01004.2016
    Journal articles | 2017
    Jones MD; Valenzuela T; Booth J; Taylor JL; Barry BK, 2017, 'Explicit Education About Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia Influences Pain Responses to Acute Exercise in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial', Journal of Pain, 18, pp. 1409 - 1416, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2017.07.006
    Journal articles | 2017
    Nuzzo JL; Barry BK; Jones MD; Gandevia SC; Taylor JL, 2017, 'Effects of Four Weeks of Strength Training on the Corticomotoneuronal Pathway', Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 49, pp. 2286 - 2296, http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000001367
    Journal articles | 2016
    Jones MD; Booth J; Taylor JL; Barry BK, 2016, 'Limited association between aerobic fitness and pain in healthy individuals: A cross-sectional study', Pain Medicine (United States), 17, pp. 1799 - 1808, http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnv084
    Journal articles | 2016
    Jones MD; Taylor JL; Booth J; Barry BK, 2016, 'Exploring the mechanisms of exercise-induced hypoalgesia using somatosensory and laser evoked potentials', Frontiers in Physiology, 7, http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2016.00581
    Journal articles | 2014
    Jones M; Booth J; Taylor JL; Barry BK, 2014, 'Aerobic training increases pain tolerance in healthy individuals', Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 46, pp. 1640 - 1647, http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000000273
  • Conference Posters | 2020
    McLeod K; Thom J; Jones M; Parmenter B, 2020, 'Resistance training and high intensity interval training improve cardiometabolic health in older adults: A meta-analysis.', presented at 2020 American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, 27 May 2020
    Conference Papers | 2015
    Jones M; Booth J; Taylor JL; Barry BK, 2015, 'Exploring The Mechanisms Of Exercise-induced Hypoalgesia Using Somatosensory Evoked Potentials', in MEDICINE AND SCIENCE IN SPORTS AND EXERCISE, LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, pp. CP544 - CP544, http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000478304.96450.d0

  • 2023-2026: CAPACITY: A telehealth, effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial to increase physical activity in adults with chronic low back pain (MRF2023932, $1,384,136) 
  • 2021: Identifying barriers and enablers to exercise adherence in people with chronic low back pain (School of Health Sciences Networking Seed Grant, $9,726).
  • 2021: Creaky knees and exercise beliefs and participation: A mixed methods study (Arthritis Australia Project Grant, $15,000)
  • 2018: An integrated model in improving frailty (SPHERE Age and Ageing CAG Seed Funding, $100,000)
  • 2018: Investigating the association between fatigue and pain, and the factors that influence them, in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (Mason Foundation, $98,000)
  • 2018: What are Exercise Physiologists saying? – Developing targeted pain neuroscience education to improve exercise outcomes for knee osteoarthritis (ESSA Tom Penrose Grant, $6,000)

  • 2022: School of Health Sciences Award for Researcher of the Year

  • 2022: School of Health Sciences Award for Course of the Year

  • 2021: School of Health Sciences Award for Early Career Educator of the Year

  • 2021: School of Health Sciences Award for Early Career Researcher of the Year

  • 2020: Faculty of Medicine Education Award for Excellence in Innovation (Team - Exercise Physiology Practicum)

  • 2020: Faculty of Medicine Education Award for Excellence in Innovation (Team - UNSW Lifestyle Clinic Exercise Physiologists)

  • 2020: School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine New Research of the Year

I am an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and investigate the role of exercise for the management of chronic pain and chronic fatigue. Pain and fatigue are closely related sensations which, when persistent, have debilitating effects on health and quality of life. More specifically, my research focuses on the role of exercise for improving outcomes for people with low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and post-cancer fatigue, as well as improving the way Exercise Physiologists manage people with these conditions.

I lead a research group that seeks to better understand how a single bout of exercise affects pain and how this can be modified to enhance the pain-relieving effect of exercise. I contribute to other research groups that use experimental, clinical and translational methods to develop and test new interventions to manage chronic pain and chronic fatigue. My research also seeks to understand gaps in Exercise Physiologists' delivery of guideline care for people with chronic pain and fatigue, and designing and evaluating ways to address this.

Media

  • Jones, MD (December 17, 2020). Specialised exercise could be key to reducing chronic back pain. ABC News Radio Live. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/radio/newsradio/specialised-exercise-could-be-key-to-reducing/12994818

  • Jones, MD (August 13, 2014). How exercise helps us tolerate pain. The New York Times (Well – PhysEd). Retrieved from https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/08/13/how-exercise-helps-us-tolerate-pain

 

Memberships

  • 2011 - present: Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Exercise and Sports Science Australia 
  • 2018 - present: Member, Osteoarthritis working group, SPHERE
  • 2018 - present: Member, Translational Cancer Research Network
  • 2020 - present: Australian and New Zealand Musculoskeletal Clinical Trials Network

 

Practice

  • 2017-2019: Accredited Exercise Physiologist, UNSW Fatigue Clinic

My Research Supervision

PhD candidates:

  • Mr Michael Wewege: Improving the use of analgesic medicines for low back pain
  • Mr Adrian Ram: What are Exercise Physiologists saying? Developing targeted pain neuroscience education to improve exercise outcomes for knee osteoarthritis
  • Ms Kelly McLeod: EXCITE: Exercise to decrease Cardio-Metabolic Disease Risk
  • Mr Harrison Hansford: The generalisability and transportability of musculoskeletal research
  • Mr Yannick Gilanyi: Using process evaluations of treatment mechanisms and qualitative experiences to inform the implementation of a multi-modal intervention for CRPS

MSc candidates:

  • Mr Alexander Kovats: My knees are creaky: have I got arthritis? An exercise and education intervention to support self-management of knee joint symptoms
  • Mr Grant Holmes: Can females accurately predict proximity to failure during resistance training using repetitions in reserve?

Honours students:

  • Ms Brishna Shah: Effectiveness of analgesic medicines for low back pain: A component network meta-analysis
  • Mr Andrew Natoli: How do people perceive exercise when experiencing low back pain?
  • Ms Emily Walker: How do Australian exercise-based practitioners approach the management of chronic low back pain?
  • Mr Theo Last: Do the attitudes and beliefs of exercise-based practitioners impact confidence of treatment modalities for chronic low back pain?
  • Mr George Azer: Attitudes of people with chronic low back pain towards physical activity and exercise: a qualitative study

My Teaching

My clinical experience as an Exercise Physiologist has had a large impact on my teaching activities, which align closely with tasks that Exercise Physiologists would routinely perform in real-world clinical settings. This includes a strong emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving through student-centred learning modalities that require students to take a deeper approach to their learning. In recognition of the many different ways students learn, I use a variety of teaching styles and resources to support this. I also place considerable emphasis on fit for purpose assessment to better guide students' development regarding relevant clinical skills and competencies.

I am also a strong believer in students as 'scientist practitioners' - being able to critically appraise and use scientific evidence to inform their care delivery. Accordingly, I place strong emphasis on developing students' research skills as I believe this will make them a better clinician. Ultimately, my goal is to help students develop into competent and confident new graduate Exercise Physiologists who can adopt an evidence-based, person-centred approach in their care delivery.

Further information regarding my teaching can be found here