29.07.2024

Collaborative project between Cardiff University & the University of Exeter welcomes postdoctoral research associate.

Led by Dr Jen Davies, Senior Lecturer, School of Healthcare Sciences at Cardiff University and Dr Sam Hughes, Senior Lecturer in Pain Neuroscience at Exeter University.

Dr Jo Reeves (pictured) has joined the project as a postdoctoral research associate. Jo has nearly five years’ post doc experience and a PhD in biomechanics, which involved investigating the effects of orthotics on muscle activity and biomechanics during walking. One of her key research interests is electromyography (EMG) and she has conducted studies exploring methodological considerations and protocols for fine-wire and surface EMG. Jo recently received training at the University of Hertfordshire to become a level one operator on the GRAIL system (Motek). Using the GRAIL treadmill (pictured below) will allow us to provide the electrical stimulation to elicit the nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) at precise points within the gait cycle. The aim of the project will be to establish a protocol to (a) evaluate the nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) throughout the gait cycle and (b) evaluate the effect of tonic pain on the NWR throughout the gait cycle in healthy individuals.

We will then use this as data on which to build a funding application to study NWR throughout the gait cycle in chronic pain, and what implications any dysregulation in NWR modulation would have on gait and balance control and falls risk and also functional mobility.