Our Champion Projects showcase research projects led by pain@otago theme members.
The goal of these awards is to create opportunities for cross-collaborative research activities encompassing champion project areas and to support building the profile of our projects.
Champion projects
Awarded champion projects 2022:
Clinical assessment of pain (CAP)
The CAP programme aims to translate pain mechanism research to clinical practice by reconceptualising how we use common pain assessments in individuals with chronic immune and musculoskeletal conditions.
This programme is led by Dr Carrie Falling. To read more about this research.
Improving clinical outcomes for patients with shoulder pain in Aotearoa
The goal of this research programme is to conduct foundational and applied research projects to identify optimal strategies to improve clinical outcomes for patients with shoulder pain in Aotearoa. In the long-term, findings from this research programme will inform healthcare services in New Zealand and internationally.
This programme is led by A/P Daniel Ribeiro.
Existing champion projects:
Neuropeptides and pain
This research looks at the molecular pharmacology of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including those that have neuropeptide ligands. A major focus is the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors, which are highly significant in the treatment of migraine.
The programme is led by Prof Debbie Hay. To read more about the research.
Otago Pain Mechanisms and Neuromodulation (OPaMEN)
The aims of the Otago Pain Mechanisms and Neuromodulation (OPaMEN) research group is to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of mechanisms driving pain experience and to develop and test interventions targeting mechanistic factors to improve clinical outcomes in people with acute and chronic neuro-musculoskeletal pain.
The programme is led by Dr Ram Mani. To read more about the research
Partnering with whānau to address inequities to pain management
The aim of the programme is to foster self-management support to empower people with persistent pain and their whānau.
The Otago Shoulder Health project: improving self-efficacy for patients with rotator cuff related shoulder pain
The strategic plan is to embed perspectives of patients and clinicians into the development of patient education resources applicable for shoulder pain.
This programme of research is led by Associate Professor Gisela Sole. To read more about the research.