Physiotherapists Link With The Evidence
The New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists (NZSP) scientific conference which has the theme of LINKS, is to be held in
Christchurch on 15-16 May. Speakers will present the latest research about physiotherapy in a wide variety of areas.
Following are the invited speakers.
Jennifer Pryor, Research Fellow in Physiotherapy at Royal Brompton Hospital, is a New Zealand-educated physiotherapist
who has achieved international recognition.
She is discussing the innovative techniques for the treatment of asthma, started in Christchurch in the 1960s, which are
now recognised worldwide. This is of great relevance to New Zealand, given our high incidence of asthma.
Professor Charles (Chuck) Leonard, Director of the Motor Control Laboratory, Physical Therapy Department, University of
Montana. Chuck will present evidence indicating many elements in common between the training of athletes and the
rehabilitation of people who have suffered brain injury.
Dr Sandra Mercer Moore is President of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT). New Zealand physiotherapists
are respected and prominent on the world physiotherapy stage.
Dr Peter McNair, Director of the Physical Rehabilitation Research Centre, Auckland University of Technology, is speaking
on Strength and power training in rehabilitation. The Research Centre Peter heads is an investment in research which
will be of real benefit to patients suffering from neurological diseases and conditions affecting the spine and legs.
Robin Steed, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Rural Health. Rural health professionals, including physiotherapists,
share many problems and experiences.
* Hon Ruth Dyson, Minister for ACC, giving an opening address.
* Aroha Rereti-Crofts, CBE, JP speaking about Health and Maori Women.
* Louise Ada, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiotherapy, University of Sydney, presenting on From research to practice:
new directions for intervention after stroke.
* Dr Susan Mercer, Musculoskeletal Research Group, Department of Anatomy & Structural Biology, University of Otago, on a particular area of Links between anatomy and practice.
* Dr Margaret Moon, retired physiotherapist and psychologist, on Chronic Pain: Disability is linked to the legislated
environment.
* Dr Peter O'Sullivan, Senior Lecturer, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, giving two presentations relating to
motor control and the lumbo-pelvic region, with implications for the treatment of chronic low back pain.