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Professor Mark Hancock Meet our team of expert researchers See what resources are available to patients and clinicians

Current and recent research projects

Our expert researchers work on a range of multidisciplinary, multi-institutional and international collaborative research projects.

Explore a sample of our projects.

Current projects

Funded by: Australian Medical Research Future Fund (APP2007212)

Creating Team-Based care for a new primary care model for low back pain.

This cluster randomised trial is evaluating a new model of care for people with low back pain. The trial is comparing a team-based group to a general practitioner (GP) -led group.

In the team-based group, physiotherapists or chiropractors (MSK clinicians) provide early treatment for GP's patients with low back pain, working in a team with the GP and other healthcare professionals.

In the GP-led group, GPs will treat low back pain patients as usual. Outcomes include patient clinical outcomes, health system improvement and costs. The results will inform decision-makers about whether physiotherapists and/or chiropractors should be integrated more widely within GPs’ clinics.

Contact: simon.french@mq.edu.au

Completed projects

Funded by: NHMRC

The RESTORE study trial investigates the effectiveness of individualised cognitive and movement rehabilitation for people with persistent low back pain. The trial is a collaboration between a number of Australian and international universities, but is being led at Macquarie University and Curtin University

Read more about the RESTORE clinical trial

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a progressive spinal deformity that develops adolescents. If left untreated, AIS can cause pain, postural abnormalities, and impact significantly on self-image and quality of life. In severe cases, spinal surgery may be required. If scoliosis can be identified early, treatment can prevent progression of the disease.

Researchers from Macquarie University have teamed up with ScoliCare to investigate the suitability of a web-based app called ScoliScreen for the detection of scoliosis in adolescents.

Contact Dr Benjamin Brown for more information.