Contact Details
- Phone
- +64 3 479 5425
- leigh.hale@otago.ac.nz
University Links
- Position
- Dean of the School of Physiotherapy
- Qualifications
- BSc(Cape Town) MSc (Physio) PhD(Witw) PhD FNZCP
- Research summary
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Teaching
- Neurorehabilitation
- Disability awareness
- Supported Self-Management
- Thesis supervision (masters and PhD)
- Memberships
- Honorary Editorial Committee member, NZ Journal of Physiotherapy
- Trustee of Neuromuscular Research New Zealand
- Member of the New Zealand Society of Physiotherapists
- Editorial Board of Humanities in Rehabilitation
Research
Leigh primarily researches in the area of community-based physiotherapeutic rehabilitation, falls prevention and supported self-management for people living with lifelong health conditions and/or disability, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, dementia, and learning disabilities, diabetes; and in aged care. Her research uses both quantitative and qualitative methodologies and focusses on how physiotherapists can enable and support people to optimally live healthy and engaging lives.
My current research interests include:
- Supported self-management for people living with lifelong conditions
- Community falls prevention programmes for older adults
- Falls prevention
- Exercise and physical activity in people with long term conditions, particularly Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Parkinson's Disease, and Alzheimer's disease
- The use of virtual reality in upper limb stroke rehabilitation
- Disability awareness
- Upper limb stroke rehabilitation
- Valuing support workers and caregivers