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Contact Details

Phone
+64 3 479 5235
Email
cathy.chapple@otago.ac.nz
Position
Senior Lecturer
Qualifications
PhD M Manip Phty PGrad Dip Manip Phty BSc(Hons) Grad Dip Phty
Research summary
Osteoarthritis, physiotherapy management of musculoskeletal conditions, manual therapy
Teaching
  • Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy
  • Clinical skills
  • Patient-centred care
  • Undergraduate and Postgraduate teaching
  • PhD/Masters/Honours research supervision
Memberships
  • Executive Committee of the New Zealand Manipulative Physiotherapists Association
  • Physiotherapy New Zealand
  • CHARR (Centre for Health Activity and Rehabilitation Research)
  • Pain at Otago Research Theme
  • OARSI (OsteoArthritis Research Society International)
Clinical
Musculoskeletal clinical practice

Research

My main research focus is on the physiotherapy management of knee osteoarthritis (OA). I currently hold the Stanley Paris Research Fellowship that is funding a fully powered RCT investigating the optimal frequency of manual therapy for people with knee OA. Research projects are:

  • Investigating exergaming as an intervention for people with knee OA
  • The effectiveness of combining physiotherapy with anti-inflammatory medication for people with knee OA
  • The role of splinting for people with thumb OA

Other research interests explore clinical questions that have the potential to directly influence physiotherapy practice and patient care. They include:

  • The role of the cervical spine in headache and concussion
  • Stratified care for the management of low back pain (STarT Back)
  • Acupuncture for the management of low back pain

Previous research has included the physiotherapy management of hip and knee OA (MOA trial), the incremental effects of manual therapy and booster sessions in addition to exercise for people with knee OA, and pre-habilitation for people with hip OA.

Research findings were translated into practice with the development, implementation and evaluation of “The Joint Clinic” – a physiotherapy-led service in a New Zealand hospital for people with hip and knee OA.

Additional details

I supervise PhD, Masters and Honours students, and welcome enquiries from prospective research students interested in the management of people with OA, manual therapy and physiotherapy management / stratified care for people with low back pain.

Publications

Tan, H., Tumilty, S., Chapple, C., Liu, L., Othman, R., & Baxter, G. D. (2023). Acupoints sensitization in people with and without chronic low back pain: A matched-sample cross-sectional study. Journal of Back & Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 31(1), 137-146. doi: 10.3233/BMR-210297

Wang, S., Chapple, C., Farrell, G., Quinn, D., Tumilty, S., & Ribeiro, D. C. (2023). Dosage of joint mobilization for the management of patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain: A scoping review. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102903

Wang, S., Zeng, J., Chapple, C. M., Mani, R., & Ribeiro, D. C. (2023). Initial effect of high-volume mobilisation with movement on shoulder range of motion and pain in patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial (Evolution Trial). BMJ Open, 13, e069919. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069919

Wang, S., Mani, R., Zeng, J., Chapple, C., & Ribeiro, D. C. (2023). Test-retest reliability of movement-evoked pain and sensitivity to movement-evoked pain in patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 27, 100535. doi: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2023.100535

Farrell, G., Reily-Bell, M., Chapple, C., Kennedy, E., Sampath, K., Gisselman, A. S., … Katare, R., & Tumilty, S. (2023). Autonomic nervous system and endocrine system response to upper and lower cervical spine mobilization in healthy male adults: A randomized crossover trial. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 31(6), 421-434. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2023.2177071

Darlow, B., Perry, M., & Chapple, C. (2013). Water based exercise for arthritis: A manual for class co-ordinators. Dunedin and Wellington, New Zealand: University of Otago and Arthritis New Zealand, 30p.

Authored Book - Research

Farrell, G., Reily-Bell, M., Chapple, C., Kennedy, E., Sampath, K., Gisselman, A. S., … Katare, R., & Tumilty, S. (2023). Autonomic nervous system and endocrine system response to upper and lower cervical spine mobilization in healthy male adults: A randomized crossover trial. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 31(6), 421-434. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2023.2177071

Journal - Research Article

Tan, H., Tumilty, S., Chapple, C., Liu, L., Othman, R., & Baxter, G. D. (2023). Acupoints sensitization in people with and without chronic low back pain: A matched-sample cross-sectional study. Journal of Back & Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 31(1), 137-146. doi: 10.3233/BMR-210297

Journal - Research Article

Wang, S., Mani, R., Zeng, J., Chapple, C., & Ribeiro, D. C. (2023). Test-retest reliability of movement-evoked pain and sensitivity to movement-evoked pain in patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 27, 100535. doi: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2023.100535

Journal - Research Article

Chapple, C. M., McKenna, C., Hill, J., Ellis, R., Reid, D., Mani, R., Tumilty, S., & Baxter, G. D. (2022). Physiotherapists' perceptions of implementing STarT Back in New Zealand: A thematic analysis of focus group data. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 50(3), 106-116. doi: 10.15619/NZJP/50.3.02

Journal - Research Article

Farrell, G., Wang, S., Chapple, C., Kennedy, E., Spontelli Gisselman, A., Sampath, K., … Tumilty, S. (2022). Dysfunction of the stress response in individuals with persistent post-concussion symptoms: A scoping review. Physical Therapy Reviews, 27(5), 384-405. doi: 10.1080/10833196.2022.2096195

Journal - Research Article

Manlapaz, D. G., Sole, G., Jayakaran, P., & Chapple, C. M. (2022). Exergaming to improve balance and decrease the risk of falling in adults with knee osteoarthritis: A mixed-methods feasibility study. Physiotherapy Theory & Practice, 38(13), 2428-2440. doi: 10.1080/09593985.2021.1952670

Journal - Research Article

Bühler, M., Chapple, C. M., Stebbings, S., Pōtiki-Bryant, K., & Baxter, G. D. (2021). Impact of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: A pragmatic qualitative study. Arthritis Care & Research, 73(3), 336-346. doi: 10.1002/acr.24124

Journal - Research Article

Kennedy, E., Chapple, C., Quinn, D., & Tumilty, S. (2021). Can the neck contribute to persistent symptoms post concussion? Long-term follow up from a prospective descriptive case series. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 29(5), 318-331. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2021.1920276

Journal - Research Article

Chua, J., Briggs, A. M., Hansen, P., Chapple, C., & Abbott, J. H. (2020). Choosing interventions for hip or knee osteoarthritis: What matters to stakeholders? A mixed-methods study. Osteoarthritis & Cartilage Open, 2, 100062. doi: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2020.100062

Journal - Research Article

Epskamp, S., Dibley, H., Ray, E., Bond, N., White, J., Wilkinson, A., & Chapple, C. M. (2020). Range of motion as an outcome measure for knee osteoarthritis interventions in clinical trials: An integrated review. Physical Therapy Reviews, 25(5-6), 462-481. doi: 10.1080/10833196.2020.1867393

Journal - Research Article

Maxtone, S., Bishop, M., Chapple, C., Tumilty, S., Quinn, D., & Kennedy, E. (2020). Physiotherapist involvement in concussion services in New Zealand: A national survey. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 48(2), 70-79. doi: 10.15619/NZJP/48.2.03

Journal - Research Article

Preston, E., Chapple, C., Mayland, E., Ada, L., & Hale, L. (2020). The utility and value of the Physiotherapy eSkills Training Online resource during work-integrated learning: A mixed methods study. Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences & Practice, 18(2), 12.

Journal - Research Article

Abbott, J. H., Ward, A. L., Crane, C., Chapple, C. M., Stout, K., Hutton, L., … Harcombe, H., Ribeiro, D. C., & Gwynne Jones, D. (2019). Implementation of a 'Joint Clinic' to resolve unmet need for orthopaedic services in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis: A program evaluation. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 20(1), 324. doi: 10.1186/s12891-019-2702-1

Journal - Research Article

Abbott, J. H., Wilson, R., Pinto, D., Chapple, C. M., Wright, A. A., for the MOA Trial Team, including Robertson, M. C., Baxter, G. D., Theis, J.-C., Hansen, P., McKenzie, J. E., McNamara, D., Kidd, M., & Higgs, C. (2019). Incremental clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of providing supervised physiotherapy in addition to usual medical care in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee: 2-year results of the MOA randomised controlled trial. Osteoarthritis & Cartilage, 27, 424-434. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2018.12.004

Journal - Research Article

Buhler, M., Chapple, C. M., Stebbings, S., Sangelaji, B., & Baxter, G. D. (2019). Effectiveness of splinting for pain and function in people with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis & Cartilage, 27, 547-559. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2018.09.012

Journal - Research Article

Kannan, P., Chapple, C. M., Miller, D., Claydon-Mueller, L., & Baxter, G. D. (2019). Effectiveness of a treadmill-based aerobic exercise intervention on pain, daily functioning, and quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 81, 80-86. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2019.05.004

Journal - Research Article

Kennedy, E., Quinn, D., Chapple, C., & Tumilty, S. (2019). Can the neck contribute to persistent symptoms post concussion? A prospective descriptive case series. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 49(11), 845-854. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.8547

Journal - Research Article

Manlapaz, D. G., Sole, G., Jayakaran, P., & Chapple, C. M. (2019). Risk factors for falls in adults with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review. PM&R, 11, 745-757. doi: 10.1002/pmrj.12066

Journal - Research Article

O'Brien, D. W., Chapple, C. M., Baldwin, J. N., & Larmer, P. J. (2019). Time to bust common osteoarthritis myths. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 47(1), 18-24. doi: 10.15619/NZJP/47.1.03

Journal - Research Article

Baxter, G. D., Liu, L., Tumilty, S., Petrich, S., Chapple, C., Anders, J. J., on behalf of the Laser Lymphedema Trial Team. (2018). Low level laser therapy for the management of breast cancer-related lymphedema: A randomized controlled feasibility study. Lasers in Surgery & Medicine, 50(9), 924-932. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22947

Journal - Research Article

Baxter, G. D., Liu, L., Petrich, S., Gisselman, A. S., Chapple, C., Anders, J. J., & Tumilty, S. (2017). Low level laser therapy (Photobiomodulation therapy) for breast cancer-related lymphedema: A systematic review. BMC Cancer, 17, 833. doi: 10.1186/s12885-017-3852-x

Journal - Research Article

Kennedy, E., Quinn, D., Tumilty, S., & Chapple, C. M. (2017). Clinical characteristics and outcomes of treatment of the cervical spine in patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms: A retrospective analysis. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice, 29, 91-98. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.03.002

Journal - Research Article

Manlapaz, D. G., Sole, G., Jayakaran, P., & Chapple, C. M. (2017). A narrative synthesis of Nintendo Wii Fit gaming protocol in addressing balance among healthy older adults: What system works? Games for Health Journal, 6(2), 65-74. doi: 10.1089/g4h.2016.0082

Journal - Research Article

Abbott, J. H., Chapple, C. M., Fitzgerald, G. K., Fritz, J. M., Childs, J. D., Harcombe, H., & Stout, K. (2015). The incremental effects of manual therapy or booster sessions in addition to exercise therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 45(12), 975-983. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2015.6015

Journal - Research Article

Kannan, P., Claydon, L. S., Miller, D., & Chapple, C. M. (2015). Vigorous exercises in the management of primary dysmenorrhea: A feasibility study. Disability & Rehabilitation, 37(15), 1334-1339. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2014.962108

Journal - Research Article

Wyatt, M. C., Wright, T., Locker, J., Stout, K., Chapple, C., & Theis, J. C. (2015). Femoral nerve infusion after primary total knee arthroplasty: A prospective, double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled trial. Bone & Joint Research, 4(2), 11-16. doi: 10.1302/2046-3758.42.2000329

Journal - Research Article

Abbott, J. H., Robertson, M. C., Chapple, C., Pinto, D., Wright, A. A., Leon de la Barra, S., Baxter, G. D., Theis, J.-C., Campbell, A. J., on behalf of the MOA Trial Team. (2013). Manual therapy, exercise therapy, or both, in addition to usual care, for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee: A randomized controlled trial. 1: Clinical effectiveness. Osteoarthritis & Cartilage, 21(4), 525-534. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2012.12.014

Journal - Research Article

Melloh, M., Elfering, A., Chapple, C. M., Käser, A., Rolli Salathé, C., Barz, T., … Theis, J.-C. (2013). Prognostic occupational factors for persistent low back pain in primary care. International Archives of Occupational & Environmental Health, 86(3), 261-269. doi: 10.1007/s00420-012-0761-9

Journal - Research Article

Chapple, C. M., Nicholson, H., Baxter, G. D., & Abbott, J. H. (2011). Patient characteristics that predict progression of knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review of prognostic studies. Arthritis Care & Research, 63(8), 1115-1125. doi: 10.1002/acr.20492

Journal - Research Article

Abbott, J. H., McCane, B., Herbison, P., Moginie, G., Chapple, C., & Hogarty, T. (2005). Lumbar segmental instability: A criterion-related validity study of manual therapy assessment. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 6, 56. doi: 10.1186/1471-2474-6-56

Journal - Research Article

Rivett, D. A., Milburn, P. D., & Chapple, C. (1998). Negative pre-manipulative vertebral artery testing despite complete occlusion: A case of false negativity. Manual Therapy, 3, 102-107.

Journal - Research Article

Wang, S., Chapple, C., Farrell, G., Quinn, D., Tumilty, S., & Ribeiro, D. C. (2023). Dosage of joint mobilization for the management of patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain: A scoping review. Musculoskeletal Science & Practice. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102903

Journal - Research Other

Wang, S., Zeng, J., Chapple, C. M., Mani, R., & Ribeiro, D. C. (2023). Initial effect of high-volume mobilisation with movement on shoulder range of motion and pain in patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial (Evolution Trial). BMJ Open, 13, e069919. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069919

Journal - Research Other

Wang, S., Chapple, C. M., Quinn, D., Tumilty, S., & Ribeiro, D. C. (2022). Dosage of joint mobilisation for the management of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain: Protocol for a scoping review. BMJ Open, 12(6), e056771. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056771

Journal - Research Other

Farrell, G., Chapple, C., Kennedy, E., Sampath, K., Gisselman, A. S., Cook, C., & Tumilty, S. (2021). Dysfunction of the stress response in individuals with persistent post-concussion symptoms: A scoping review protocol. Physical Therapy Reviews, 26(6), 467-480. doi: 10.1080/10833196.2021.1948752

Journal - Research Other

Baxter, G. D., Chapple, C., Ellis, R., Hill, J., Liu, L., Mani, R., … Stokes, T., & Tumilty, S. (2020). Six things you need to know about low back pain. Journal of Primary Health Care, 12(3), 195-198. doi: 10.1071/HC19117

Journal - Research Other

Buhler, M., Chapple, C. M., Stebbings, S., Adams, J., Gwynne-Jones, D., & Baxter, G. D. (2020). Splinting for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: Protocol for a feasibility randomized controlled trial. Physical Therapy Reviews, 25(3), 196-204. doi: 10.1080/10833196.2020.1763662

Journal - Research Other

Tan, H., Tumilty, S., Chapple, C., Liu, L., McDonough, S., Yin, H., … Baxter, G. D. (2019). Understanding acupoint sensitization: A narrative review on phenomena, potential mechanism, and clinical application. Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 2019, 6064358. doi: 10.1155/2019/6064358

Journal - Research Other

Baxter, G. D., Liu, L., Petrich, S., Chapple, C., Anders, J. J., Tumilty, S., on behalf of the Laser Lymphedema Trial Team. (2018). Low level laser therapy in the management of breast cancer-related lymphedema: Protocol for a randomized controlled feasibility trial. Physical Therapy Reviews, 23(4-5), 291-297. doi: 10.1080/10833196.2018.1490101

Journal - Research Other

Kannan, P., Chapple, C. M., Miller, D., Claydon, L. S., & Baxter, G. D. (2015). Menstrual pain and quality of life in women with primary dysmenorrhea: Rationale, design, and interventions of a randomized controlled trial of effects of a treadmill-based exercise intervention. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 42, 81-89. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2015.03.010

Journal - Research Other

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