Head of research group: Michael Skovdal Rathleff

Who we are?

An interdisciplinary group with researchers from the fields of physiotherapy, general practice, rheumatology, orthopedic surgery, information science, engineering, translational medicine, and exercise science.

Our research – what we do?

Musculoskeletal Health and Implementation conducts research on how clincians and patients can manage and self-manage their musculoskeletal health and stay active throughout the life span. The group aims to develop, test, and implement treatment and management strategies for common musculoskeletal conditions. Research and implementation will be conducted in collaboration with clinical practice, end-users, and stakeholders such as healthcare providers, government officials, patients, and relatives to support both patients and clinicians.

How does our research contribute to societal health challenges?

Through our research, we aim to improve the ability and capacity of our healthcare sector to help patients with musculoskeletal complaints. In addition, we conduct research on how patients can become more competent in their self-management thus reducing their reliance on health-care practitioners.

Who are our key collaborators?

• Bill Vicenzino and colleagues at The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

• Prof. Kristian Thorborg and Prof. Per Hölmich at Sports Orthopaedic Research Center – Copenhagen (SORC-C), Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark

• Prof. Thomas Bandholm at Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research-Copenhagen (PMR-C), Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark

• Prof. Stig Peter Magnusson at Institute of Sports Medicine & Department of Physical Therapy, Department of Orthopedic Surgery M, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark

• Benjamin Floyd Dean at Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

• Assoc. Prof Christian Barton and Prof. Kay Crossley at La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Center, La Trobe University Australia

• Senior lecturer Mark Matthews at the Sports and Exercise Science Research Institute, Ulster University, Belfast, United Kingdom

• Post-doctoral research fellow Ben Smith at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, Physiotherapy Department (Level 3), London Road Community Hospital, Derby DE1 2QY, UK

• Aalborg Municipality

• Aalborg University Hospital

How are we organized?

Musculoskeletal Health and Implementation is orgranized under The Faculty of Medicin at Aalborg University. The group consit of member employed at both Departments within the Faculty. That is The Department of Health Science and Techonolgy and The Department of Clinical Medicine. At The Department of Clinical Medicine, Musculoskeletal Health is organized under The Center for General Practice. Three times per semester we organize open group meetings were external collaboraters and students are invitited to participate and be involved. We also have mothly Journal Clubs were we discuss various research papers and related research topics.

Educating next generation clinicians and researchers

At Musculoskeletal Health and Implementation we are involved in teaching activites at both bachelor and masters level within the Medical traning progam and also at masters level in Physiotherapy (Master degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy). During each semester we are involved in various studentprojects initiated by the students themselves or member of the group. We also have great experince with having students affiliaded during research-year-projects.