Dr Rachel Ward
Senior Lecturer

Dr Rachel Ward

Doctor of Philosophy, UNSW

Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology, CSU

Master of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW

Graduate Certificate in University Learning and Teaching, UNSW

Bachelor of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney

Graduate Certificate in the Pilates Method, UTS

Diploma of Exercise Studies, CSU

Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management, Australian Teachers of Dance (ATOD) 

Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies, Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) 

Medicine & Health
School of Health Sciences

I obtained a PhD in Biomechanics from UNSW in 2012, before taking up a full-time academic position in the UNSW School of Medical Sciences. 

I am currently a Senior Lecturer in the UNSW School of Health Sciences. My primary areas of tertiary teaching and research include biomechanics, motor learning and skill acquisition. I have a strong interest in investigating the biomechanics of dance and other movement practices, and assessing the therapeutic effects of dance for people of all ages and abilities.

I have worked as a clinical biomechanist in gait analysis laboratories at the Sydney Children’s Hospital and Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, and have over 14 years of experience as a dance educator.

Phone
+61 2 9065 8926
Location
School of Health Sciences Exercise Physiology Department Room 203, Level 2 Walluce Wurth Building UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052
  • Journal articles | 2023
    2023, 'Classical Ballet for Women Aged Over 50 Years: Investigating Balance, Strength, and Range of Motion', Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, pp. 1 - 12, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2023.2169236
    Journal articles | 2023
    2023, 'Evaluating the effect of upper-body morbidity on quality of life following primary breast cancer treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Cancer Survivorship, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11764-023-01395-0
    Journal articles | 2022
    2022, 'Ballet after breast cancer: investigating the feasibility and acceptability of a novel 16-week classical ballet intervention for breast cancer survivors', Supportive Care in Cancer, 30, pp. 9909 - 9919, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-07420-9
    Journal articles | 2022
    2022, 'Development and Evaluation of an Online Exam for Exercise Physiology During the COVID-19 Pandemic', Journal of Clinical Exercise Physiology, 11, pp. 122 - 131, http://dx.doi.org/10.31189/2165-6193-11.4.122
    Journal articles | 2022
    2022, 'Effect of a Fundamental Motor Skills Intervention on Fundamental Motor Skill and Physical Activity in a Preschool Setting: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial', Pediatric Exercise Science, 34, pp. 57 - 66, http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/PES.2021-0021
    Journal articles | 2022
    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 | 2021
    Ward R; West K; Latty D; Beldham-Collins R; Jia D; Wang W; Cross S; Gebski V; Ahern V; Stuart K, 2021, 'Patient-Specific Heart Constraint: A Tool for Optimization and Evaluation of Mean Heart Dose in Breast Cancer Patients', Practical Radiation Oncology, vol. 11, pp. e154 - e162, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prro.2020.10.005
    Journal articles | 2020
    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
    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
    2020, 'The effectiveness of classical ballet training on health-related outcomes: A systematic review', Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 17, pp. 566 - 574, http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2019-0303
    Journal articles | 2019
    Ward RE; Fong Yan A; Orishimo KF; Kremenic IJ; Hagins M; Liederbach M; Hiller CE; Pappas E, 2019, 'Comparison of lower limb joint stiffness between male and female dancers and athletes during drop jump landings', Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/sms.13309
    Journal articles | 2019
    2019, 'An 8-week Fundamental Motor Skill Program Improves Skill Proficiency and Reduces Sedentary Time in Pre-schoolers', Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 51, pp. 788 - 788, http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000562851.35468.bf
    Journal articles | 2018
    Fong Yan A; Cobley S; Chan C; Pappas E; Nicholson LL; Ward RE; Murdoch RE; Gu Y; Trevor BL; Vassallo AJ; Wewege MA; Hiller CE, 2018, 'The Effectiveness of Dance Interventions on Physical Health Outcomes Compared to Other Forms of Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', Sports Medicine, 48, pp. 933 - 951, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0853-5
    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 | 2018
    Wewege MA; Ward RE, 2018, 'Bone mineral density in pre-professional female ballet dancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 21, pp. 783 - 788, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2018.02.006
    Journal articles | 2018
    engel A; broderick C; Ward RE; parmenter B, 2018, 'Study Protocol: The Effect of a Fundamental Motor Skills Intervention in a Preschool Setting on Fundamental Motor Skills and Physical Activity: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial', Clinical Pediatrics: Open Access, 3, http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2572-0775.1000129
    Journal articles | 2017
    Chow JJ; Thom JM; Wewege MA; Ward RE; Parmenter BJ, 2017, 'Accuracy of step count measured by physical activity monitors: The effect of gait speed and anatomical placement site', Gait and Posture, 57, pp. 199 - 203, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017.06.012
    Journal articles | 2017
    Van Capelle A; Broderick CR; van Doorn N; E.Ward R; Parmenter BJ, 2017, 'Interventions to improve fundamental motor skills in pre-school aged children: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 20, pp. 658 - 666, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2016.11.008
    Journal articles | 2017
    Wewege M; van den Berg R; Ward RE; Keech A, 2017, 'The effects of high-intensity interval training vs. moderate-intensity continuous training on body composition in overweight and obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Obesity Reviews, 18, pp. 635 - 646, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/obr.12532
    Journal articles | 2017
    Wewege MA; Ward RE; Keech A, 2017, 'Reply to letter to the editor: high-intensity interval training vs. moderate-intensity continuous training: the lack of equalization, an ongoing problem', Obesity Reviews, 18, pp. 1225 - 1226, http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/obr.12586
    Journal articles | 2015
    2015, 'Physical Activity Interventions to Improve Fundamental Motor Skills in Preschoolers', Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 47, pp. 381 - 382, http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000477466.08814.9c
    Journal articles | 2006
    2006, 'Anatomical constraints of the lower limb joints: Implications for kinematic modelling for quantitative gait analysis', Gait & Posture, 24, pp. S103 - S104, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2006.11.072
  • Conference Abstracts | 2022
    Macdonald E; Simar D; Hagstrom A; Amorim N; Markovic K; Ward R; Clifford B, 2022, 'Evaluating the effect of upper-body morbidity on quality of life after primary breast cancer treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis', in ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY, WILEY, Vol. 18, pp. 217 - 217, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000871956500369&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Presentations | 2020
    2020, 'Intervention for Fundamental Motor Skills And Physical Activity In Pre-schoolers: A Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial.', presented at 2020 American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, 27 May 2020 - 30 May 2020
    Conference Abstracts | 2019
    2019, 'Children’s body mass index is related to parental perceived physical activity levels in pre-school aged children.', in American Heart Association, presented at EPI Lifestyle Sessions
    Conference Posters | 2019
    2019, 'Children’s body mass index is related to parental perceived physical activity levels in pre-school aged children.', presented at American Heart Association EPI Lifestyle 2019, 05 March 2019
    Conference Papers | 2018
    2018, 'Preliminary Results of the Physical Activity and Fundamental Motor Skill in Pre-Schoolers (PLAYFun) Program.', in CIRCULATION, LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, https://www.webofscience.com/api/gateway?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000528619400473&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
    Conference Posters | 2017
    2017, 'High-intensity Interval Training Vs. Moderate-intensity Continuous Training For Body Composition. A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis.', Denver, Vol. 49, pp. 393 - 393, presented at Amercian College of Sports Medicine, Denver, 30 May 2017 - 03 June 2017, http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000517956.55347.56
    Conference Posters | 2016
    Chow JJ; Ward RE; Thom JM; Parmenter BJ, 2016, 'Validating The Latest Commercial Physical Activity Monitors: Which Monitor Should You Use?: 1269 Board #8 June 2, 8: 00 AM - 10: 00 AM.', United States, Vol. 48, pp. 329, United States, http://dx.doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000485994.58432.06
    Conference Posters | 2016
    Fong Yan A; Hiller C; Pappas E; Chan, C; Ward RE; Cobley, S; Brown R; Gu Y; Trevor B; Vassallo A; Wewege M; Nicholson L, 2016, 'The Effectiveness of Dance Interventions on Physical Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review', Hong Kong, presented at International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, Hong Kong, 19 October 2016 - 23 October 2016
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Hung L; Ward RE; Landeo R, 2014, 'The effect of vertical stiffness on peak kicking velocity in taekwondo', in Mickle KJ; Harland DL (ed.), Book of Abstracts of the 9th Australasian Biomechanics Conference, University of Wollongong, Biomechanics Research Laboratory, Wollongong, Australia, pp. 67 - 67, presented at 9th Australasian Biomechanics Conference, Wollongong, Australia, 30 November 2014 - 02 December 2014
    Conference Papers | 2014
    Ward RE; Mullins JW; McIntosh AS, 2014, '"Square Hips - Fact or Fiction?" Three-dimensional kinematic analysis of battements devant and derriere in classical ballet technique.', in Mickle KJ; Harland DL; Steele JR (eds.), Book of Abstracts of the 9th Australasian Biomechanics Conference, University of Wollongong, Biomechanics Research Laboratory, Wollongong, Australia, pp. 72 - 72, presented at 9th Australasian Biomechanics Conference, Wollongong, Australia, 30 November 2014 - 02 December 2014
    Conference Papers | 2012
    Neville CC; Barry BK; Ward RE; Poulos PR; Batchelor J; Poulos R, 2012, 'Comparing muscle activation patterns in simulated driving and video-based exercises in older adults', in Abstracts of the 2nd Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, pp. 60 - 60, presented at 2nd Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists, Sydney, Australia, 09 December 2012 - 11 December 2012
    Conference Papers | 2012
    Simsic B; Barry B; Booth J; Kark L; Ward RE, 2012, 'Comparison of lower limb muscle activity during therapeutic exercises and corresponding functional movements', in Abstracts of the 2nd Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, pp. 59 - 59, presented at 2nd Conference of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists, Sydney, Australia, 09 December 2012 - 11 December 2012, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ca.22235
    Conference Papers | 2012
    Ward RE; Mullins JW; McIntosh AS, 2012, 'Accuracy of qualitative analysis of classical ballet technique', in Solomon R; Solomon J (ed.), Abstracts of the 22nd Annual Meeting of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, Singapore, pp. 76 - 76, presented at 22nd Annual Meeting of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, Singapore, 25 October 2012 - 28 October 2012
    Conference Papers | 2010
    Ward RE; McIntosh AS, 2010, 'Three dimensional kinematic analysis of the grand battement derriere', in Solomon R; Solomon J (ed.), Abstracts of the 20th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, Birmingham, UK, pp. 72 - 72, presented at 20th Annual Meeting of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, Birmingham, UK, 28 October 2010 - 31 October 2010
    Conference Papers | 2002
    Dwan LN; Mcintosh AS; Lowe K; Ward RE, 2002, 'Quantitative analysis of the upper limb in children with cerebral palsy after treatment with Botulinum toxin,', in Bach TM; Orr D; Baker R; Sparrow WA (eds.), 4th. Australasian Biomechanics Conference, 4th Australasian Biomechanics Conference, La Trobe University, Melbourne, pp. 112-113, presented at 4th Australasian Biomechanics Conference, La Trobe University, Melbourne, -
    Conference Papers | 2002
    Dwan LN; Mcintosh AS; Lowe K; Ward RE, 2002, 'Quantitative analysis of upper limb motion in children with cerebral palsy after treatment with Botulinum toxin', in Conference on Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Conference on Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Sydney, pp. 93-95, presented at Conference on Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Sydney
    Conference Papers | 2002
    Ward RE; Mcintosh AS, 2002, 'Development of an automated quantitative gait analysis report for clinical assessment of children with cerebral palsy', in Bach TM; Orr D; Baker R; Sparrow WA (eds.), 4th. Australasian Biomechanics Conference, 4th Australasian Biomechanics Conference, La Trobe University, Melbourne, pp. 146-147, presented at 4th Australasian Biomechanics Conference, La Trobe University, Melbourne, -
    Conference Papers | 2002
    Ward RE; Mcintosh AS, 2002, 'Development of an automated quatitative gait analysis report for clinical assessment of children with cerebral palsy', in Conference on Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Conference on Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Sydney, pp. 29-31, presented at Conference on Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Sydney

2019-20: Goldstein D, Park S, McCrary MJ, Simar D, Ward R. The effect of exercise training on neurophysiologic, functional, and quality of life deficits in cancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. World Cancer Research Fund International, AU$99,958.

2018: Thom J (CI), Arnold R, Booth J, Boutcher Y, Jones M, Kwai N, McAuley J, Parmenter B, Simar D, Ward R, Housley G, Birznieks I, Potas J, Vickery R, Smith G, Herbert R, Bolsterlee B, Cederholm J, Khamis H. SoMS Human Participant Laboratories Level 1 Wallace Wurth. UNSW Research Infrastructure Scheme, AU$539,980.

2016: Lord S (PI). … (co-investigators listed alphabetically, incl. Ward R). UNSW Major Research Equipment and Infrastructure Initiative Scheme (MREII), AU$218,097.

2018    UNSW Medicine Faculty Teaching Award: Teaching Excellence

2018    UNSW School of Medical Sciences Award: Community Engagement

2016    UNSW Vice Chancellor’s Award: Teaching Excellence - Contributions to Student Learning

2016    UNSW School of Medical Sciences Award: Teacher of the Year

2015    UNSW School of Medical Sciences Award: Contribution to the Student Experience

My research activity relates to analysis of human movement, with an aim to contribute to the development of guidelines for therapeutic exercise prescription, injury prevention, and assessment of methods for effective motor skill acquisition. My scope of research ranges from assessment of motor skill development in paediatric populations through to detailed analysis of the highly skilled movement of dancers and athletes. I am very interested in investigating the therapeutic effects of dance as an exercise modality for people of all ages and abilities, and promoting safe dance techniques for elite dancers.

Broad Research Areas:

Biomechanics, Movement Analysis, Motor Learning, Motor Skill Aquisition, Dance

Specific Research Keywords:

Biomechanics, Human Movement Analysis, Motor Skill Aquisition

In addition to my role as a tertiary educator and researcher, I am a former professional dancer, and currently a Registered Teacher and Practical Teaching Supervisor of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), and Certified Teacher of the Dance Health Alliance (DHA). I teach classical ballet and contemporary dance for children and adults at various locations across Sydney, and regularly deliver dance classes tailored specifically for older adults, including those with dementia and Parkinson's Disease.

I am currently an active member of the national and international dance medicine and dance science community. At the national level, I am on the Executive Committee (currently Treasurer) of the Australian Society for Performing Arts Healthcare (ASPAH), and am Chair of Dance Research Collaborative (DaRC), a group of dance researchers, clinicians, educators and students from tertiary institutions across Australia. The group focuses on dance-related research in the areas of health, education, performance, injury and epidemiology. Internationally, I am a member of the Dance for Health Committee of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS), and also contribute to IADMS through review of conference abstracts and adjudication of conference awards. I am also currently an Associate Editor of the Journal of Dance Medicine and Science.

My Research Supervision

  • Meg Letton - MSc - "Classical ballet training for apparently healthy older adults: evaluation of biomechanical and functional outcomes"
  • Eliza MacDonald - MSc - "Ballet After Breast Cancer" - Assessing the feasibility and acceptability of a 16-week classical ballet intervention for breast cancer survivors, with secondary aims to assess the quality of life, upper-body function, muscular strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness of breast cancer survivors.
  • Michael Ling - PhD candidate - "Application of advanced signal processing techniques to mechanomyography".

My Teaching

Course Convenor and Lecturer for HESC2452 Movement Assessment and Instruction (2012 - present)

Lecturer for HESC3592 Neuromuscular Rehabilitation (2012 - present)

Lecturer for HESC1501 Introductory Exercise Science (2011 - present)

Program Authority for the UNSW Bachelor of Exercise Physiology (2014 - 2021)

Academic Advisor for the UNSW Bachelor of Exercise Physiology (2013 - 2021)