Associate Professor Paul Rothmore
Associate Professor (Physiotherapy)
School of Allied Health Science and Practice
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.
Associate Professor Paul Rothmore is the Head of Physiotherapy and Deputy Head of School in the School of Allied Health Science and Practice.
He is an experienced researcher and educator with a specific interest in the area of occupational health and injury prevention. He has more than 30 years' experience and has worked as an OHS Physiotherapist, OHS Manager and Academic.
Paul is a Specialist Physiotherapist in Occupational Health (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists).
He is a member of the ICOH Scientific Committees on Ageing & Work and Musculoskeletal Disorders and is a Fellow of the Australian College of Physiotherapists.
- My Research
- Career
- Publications
- Grants and Funding
- Teaching
- Supervision
- Professional Activities
- Contact
Paul Rothmore is an experienced researcher and educator with a specific interest in the area of occupational health and injury prevention. He has more than 30 years' experience and has worked as an OHS Physiotherapist, OHS Manager and Academic.
Paul's research, which is industry-focused, uses a mixed-methods approach and is focused on improving the health and longevity of the workforce. His previous research has included the development of a behaviour change method to improve the implementation of ergonomics advice in workplaces, the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders in the aged care sector and young worker education. His current focus is on injury prevention in the ageing workforce and the effects of climate change on outdoor workers.
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Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2020 - ongoing Associate Professor in Physiotherapy University of Adelaide 2009 - 2020 Senior Lecturer University of Adelaide -
Awards and Achievements
Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount 2021 Award Executive Dean's Prize for Team Excellence University of Adelaide Australia - 2020 Invitation International Conference on Occupational Safety and Public Health Hasanuddin University Indonesia - 2018 Invitation Triennial World Congress on Occupational Health International Congress on Occupational Health Ireland - 2018 Invitation National Physiotherapy Study Day - Ireland Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists Ireland - 2015 Invitation Australian Physiotherapy Association National Conference Australian Physiotherapy Association Australia - 2014 Teaching Award Commendation for Excellence in Support of the Student Experience The University of Adelaide Australia $2000 2013 Teaching Award Executive Dean's Prize for Excellence in Teaching The University of Adelaide Australia $1000 2012 Teaching Award School of Population Health Postgraduate Teacher of the Year - Peer Nomination The University of Adelaide Australia - 2002 Invitation Gastroenterological Society of Australia National Conference Gastroenterolocial Society of Australia Australia - 2001 Invitation Medical Imaging Nurses Association State Conference Medical Imaging nursing Assocation Australia - -
Education
Date Institution name Country Title 2012 - 2017 University of Adelaide, Adelaide Australia PhD 2000 La Trobe University, Melbourne Australia Master of Ergonomics 1993 University of South Australia Australia Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) - Physiotherapy -
Postgraduate Training
Date Title Institution Country Master of Ergonomics La Trobe University Australia PhD The University of Adelaide Australia -
Research Interests
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Journals
Year Citation 2025 Fatima, S. H., Giles, L. C., Rothmore, P., Varghese, B. M., & Bi, P. (2025). Heatwaves and occupational injuries and illnesses risk varied at localised spatial scale: A national study in Australia. Safety Science, 181, 10 pages.
2024 Dickson, C., de Zoete, R. M. J., Berryman, C., Weinstein, P., Chen, K. K., & Rothmore, P. (2024). Patient-related barriers and enablers to the implementation of high-value physiotherapy for chronic pain: a systematic review. Pain Medicine, 25(2), 104-115.
Scopus6 WoS1 Europe PMC32023 Rothmore, P., Hewitt, T., Dickson, C., & Nguyen, T. (2023). Manual handling amongst physiotherapists: Analysis of intra-shift variations in pain, fatigue and movement. Work, 75(4), 1255-1264.
2023 Fatima, S. H., Rothmore, P., Giles, L. C., & Bi, P. (2023). Impacts of Hot Climate Conditions on Work Health and Safety in Australia: A Case Assessment of Policies in Practice in the Construction Industry. Safety Science, 165, 1-9.
Scopus52023 Fatima, S. H., Rothmore, P., Giles, L. C., & Bi, P. (2023). Intra-urban risk assessment of occupational injuries and illnesses associated with current and projected climate: Evidence from three largest Australian cities. Environmental Research, 228, 115855-1-115855-15.
Scopus5 WoS1 Europe PMC12022 Rothmore, P., & Williams, S. (2022). Maintaining work ability in outdoor workers - A long-term evaluation.. Applied ergonomics, 102, 1-8.
2022 Fatima, S. H., Rothmore, P., Giles, L. C., & Bi, P. (2022). Outdoor ambient temperatures and occupational injuries and illnesses: are there risk differences in various regions within a city?. Science of the Total Environment, 826, 1-13.
Scopus10 WoS4 Europe PMC22021 Fatima, S. H., Rothmore, P., Giles, L. C., Varghese, B. M., & Bi, P. (2021). Extreme heat and occupational injuries in different climate zones: A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological evidence. Environment International, 148, 106384-1-106384-22.
Scopus80 WoS40 Europe PMC302021 Stanhope, J., Maric, F., Rothmore, P., & Weinstein, P. (2021). Physiotherapy and ecosystem services: improving the health of our patients, the population, and the environment. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice: an international journal of physical therapy, 39(2), 15 pages.
Scopus7 WoS2 Europe PMC32019 Thamrin, Y., Pisaniello, D., Guerin, C., & Rothmore, P. (2019). Correlates of work-study conflict among international students in australia: A multivariate analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(15), 11 pages.
Scopus12 WoS9 Europe PMC12019 Rothmore, P. R., & Gray, J. (2019). Using the Work Ability Index to identify workplace hazards. WORK, 62(2), 251-259.
Scopus15 WoS13 Europe PMC52018 Elder, D., Hume, C., & Rothmore, P. (2018). Barriers and facilitators to the use of sit-stand desks. Journal of Health, Safety and Environment, 34(3), 283-299. 2018 Rothmore, P. (2018). How can we improve the translation of research evidence into practice?. Journal of Health, Safety and Environment, 34(1).
Scopus12018 Elder, D., Hume, C., & Rothmore, P. (2018). Barriers and facilitators to the use of sit-stand desks: A qualitative study. Journal of Health, Safety and Environment, 34(3). 2018 Thamrin, Y., Pisaniello, D., Guerin, C., & Rothmore, P. (2018). The emerging workforce of international university student workers: Injury experience in an australian university. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(3), 9 pages.
Scopus10 WoS9 Europe PMC22018 Rothmore, P., Saniotis, A., & Pisaniello, D. (2018). A multi-stakeholder perspective on the integration of safety in university nursing, education, and engineering curricula. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(7), 1-12.
2017 Rothmore, P., Aylward, P., Gray, J., & Karnon, J. (2017). A long-term evaluation of the stage of change approach and compensable injury outcomes-a cluster-randomised trial. Ergonomics, 60(5), 628-635.
Scopus5 WoS5 Europe PMC22017 Rothmore, P., Aylward, P., Oakman, J., Tappin, D., Gray, J., & Karnon, J. (2017). The stage of change approach for implementing ergonomics advice – Translating research into practice. Applied Ergonomics, 59(Pt A), 225-233.
Scopus15 WoS11 Europe PMC42016 Oakman, J., Rothmore, P., & Tappin, D. (2016). Intervention development to reduce musculoskeletal disorders: Is the process on target?. Applied Ergonomics, 56, 179-186.
Scopus32 WoS21 Europe PMC42015 Rothmore, P., Aylward, P., & Karnon, J. (2015). The implementation of ergonomics advice and the stage of change approach. Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society, 51, 370-376.
Scopus35 WoS17 Europe PMC52015 Doda, D., Rothmore, P., Pisaniello, D., Briggs, N., Stewart, S., Mahmood, M., & Hiller, J. (2015). Relative benefit of a stage of change approach for the prevention of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort: a cluster randomised trial. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 72(11), 784-791.
Scopus10 WoS10 Europe PMC52014 Stewart, S., Rothmore, P., Doda, D., Hiller, J., Mahmood, M., & Pisaniello, D. (2014). Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort and associated worker and organizational factors: a cross-sectional study. Work, 48(2), 261-271.
Scopus22 WoS20 Europe PMC132014 Rothmore, P., Aylward, P., & Karnon, J. (2014). Ergonomics and musculoskeletal injury prevention interventions in healthcare: are they worth it?. Ergonomics Australia, 8(1), 1-5. 2013 Rothmore, P., Karnon, J., & Aylward, P. (2013). Implementation of interventions to prevent musculoskeletal injury at work - lost in translation?. Physical Therapy Reviews, 18(5), 344-349.
Scopus8 WoS52012 Marsh, C., & Rothmore, P. (2012). Ageing workers in the healthcare environment: a review of available information to assist employers. Journal of Health, Safety and Environment, 28(2), 93-100. 2012 Marsh, C., & Rothmore, P. (2012). The ageing workforce: Is this a HSE issue?. Journal of Health, Safety and Environment, 28(2). 2002 Rothmore, P. (2002). Lead aprons, radiographers and discomfort. The Journal of Occupational Health and Safety, 18(4), 357-365. 2002 Rothmore, P. (2002). Lead aprons, radiographers, and discomfort: A pilot study. Journal of Occupational Health and Safety - Australia and New Zealand, 18(4), 357-366.
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Book Chapters
Year Citation 2015 Rothmore, P., & Boucaut, R. (2015). Occupational Health and Safety. In S. Patole (Ed.), Management and Leadership – A Guide for Clinical Professionals (1 ed., pp. 123-136). Switzerland: Springer.
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Conference Papers
Year Citation 2022 Rothmore, P., & Williams, S. (2022). Designing interventions to maintain work ability. In SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK Vol. 13 (pp. S14). ELSEVIER. 2010 Doda, D., Pisaniello, D., Rothmore, P., Mahmood, M., Hiller, J., Winefield, H., . . . Stewart, S. (2010). A survey of musculoskeletal pain / discomfort and organisational factors in South Australian workplaces. In Proceedings of the 16th Conference of the New Zealand Ergonomics Society (pp. 33-40). NZ: NZ Ergonomics Society Inc. -
Conference Items
Year Citation 2014 Rothmore, P. R., Pisaniello, D., Aylward, P., & Karnon, J. (2014). Implementation of Interventions to Prevent Musculoskeletal Injury at Work - a Behaviour Change Approach. Poster session presented at the meeting of Then, Now and Beyond. Adelaide. 2011 Doda, D., Pisaniello, D., Rothmore, P., Hiller, J., Mahmood, A., Stewart, S., . . . Boucaut, R. (2011). Prevention of workplace musculoskeletal disorders based on a stage of change approach: preliminary findings from an intervention study in South Australia. Poster session presented at the meeting of 22nd International Conference on Epidemiology in Occupational Health. EPICOH 2011, September 7-9, 2011. Oxford, UK: BMJ.
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Report for External Bodies
Year Citation 2014 Rothmore, P. R., Saniotis, A., & Pisaniello, D. (2014). A Toolkit for the Integration of WHS in University Curricula - Validation and Extension Research. 2013 Pisaniello, D., Rothmore, P., Stewart, S., Crea, J., Tkaczuk, M., Jankewicz, G., & Gaskin, S. E. (2013). Hazard Surveillance for the Primary Prevention of Occupational Asthma: A National Demonstration Project. 2011 Rothmore, P. R., Pisaniello, D., Stewart, S., Karnon, J., Boucaut, R., & Harrison, J. (2011). Improving Enterprise-Level Interventions Designed to Reduce Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Workplace. 2011 Rothmore, P. R., Pisaniello, D., & Stewart, S. (2011). Development and Trial of a Toolkit for the Evaluation and Integration of OHS in University Curricula. -
Datasets
Year Citation - Rothmore, P. (n.d.). Fatigue_Pain_Data.xlsx.
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Preprint
Year Citation 2024 Stanhope, J., Foley, K., Butler, M., Boddy, J., Clanchy, K., George, E., . . . Weinstein, P. (2024). “A variety of green spaces available to all”: knowledge of patient and community needs in natural spaces as understood by allied health professionals.
DOI2024 Stanhope, J., Foley, K., Butler, M., Boddy, J., Clanchy, K., George, E., . . . Weinstein, P. (2024). Nature-based allied health: current practice, challenges and opportunities.
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Competitive External Funding as Chief Investigator
Date | Project | Investigators | Funding Body | Amount |
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2015-2017 |
Reducing MSD risk in the aged care sector using multi-factorial evidence-based interventions |
Rothmore P, Oakman J, Pisaniello D, Karnon J, Macdonald W | SafeWork SA | $113,740 |
2014-2015 | Taking the next step: operationalising a behaviour-based approach for musculoskeletal injury interventions | Rothmore P, Karnon J, Aylward P, Oakman J, Tappin D | SafeWork SA | $32,406 |
2013-14 | A toolkit for the integration of WHS in University curricula – validation and extension research | Rothmore P, Pisaniello D | SafeWork SA | $68,862 |
2010-2011 | Development and trial of a toolkit for the evaluation and integration of OHS in University curricula | Rothmore P, Pisaniello D, Stewart S | SafeWork SA | $27,281 |
2010-2011 | Hazard surveillance for the primary prevention of occupational asthma: a national demonstration project | Pisaniello D, Rothmore P, Stewart S, Crea J, Thaczuk M, Jankewicz G, Gaskin S | SafeWork SA | $157,479 |
2009-2011 | Improving enterprise-level interventions designed to reduce musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace | Pisanello D, Rothmore P, Stewart S, Karnon J, Boucaut R, Harrison J | SafeWork SA | $143,842 |
2008-2009 | Fatigue induced loading on the lumbar spine: an investigation on intra-shift variation in manual handling performance amongst physiotherapists | Rothmore P, Hewitt A, Nguyen T, Gunn S, Crotty M | SafeWork SA | $67,604 |
2002 | An examination of intra-shift factors contributing to manual handling injuries amongst nurses | Rothmore P, Elix G, Ben-Tovim D, Messenger H, Pearce S, Hakendorf P | WorkCover SA | $20,000 |
2021-2022 |
The management and productivity of workers during heatwaves |
Rothmore P | Adelaide City Council | $100,000 |
2019-2020 | Identification and management of musculoskeletal injury risk in the Adelaide City Council - Stage 3 | Rothmore P | Adelaide City Council | $24,194 |
2017-2018 | Identification and management of musculoskeletal injury risk in the Adelaide City Council - Stage 2 | Rothmore P | Adelaide City Council | $18,000 |
2016-2017 | Identification and management of musculoskeletal injury risk in the Adelaide City Council - Stage 1 | Rothmore P | Adelaide City Council | $17,061 |
Current Program Director Roles
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
Previous Course Coordination Roles
Reflect, Research, Resolve - Shared coordination with School of Medicine. Level 2 (core) Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences Program
Diseases of Occupation - Master of Public Health elective
Occupational Hygiene and Ergonomics - Master of Public Health elective
Toxicology and Safety Management Systems - Master of Public Health elective
Developing a Research Proposal - Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences/Master of Public Health program
International Public Health Experience (China Study Tour) - Level III public health (elective), Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences
Public Health Internship - Level III (elective) Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences
Practical Occupational Health - Master of Public Health/Master of Occupational Health & Safety Management elective
Advanced Ergonomics - Master of Public Health/Master of Occupational Health & Safety Management elective
Previous Program Director Roles
Master of Public Health
Master of Occupational Health and Safety Management
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Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2024 Co-Supervisor Strength training interventions for people at risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Riccarda Albana Quattlaender 2024 Co-Supervisor Explore the impact of life-course events and admission-related trauma on the experience of breathlessness and clinical outcomes for ICU patients Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Leigh Rushworth 2024 Co-Supervisor The contemporary occupational health-related problems amongst podiatry professionals Master of Clinical Science Master Part Time Mr Wei Dai 2021 Principal Supervisor Advancing physiotherapy management of chronic pain by improving implementation of evidence-based practice. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Mr Cameron Dickson -
Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2018 - 2023 Co-Supervisor Heat and Work, Health, and Safety in Australia: Intra-urban risk assessment, future projections, and workplace policy analysis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Syeda Hira Fatima -
Other Supervision Activities
Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name 2017 - 2017 Principal Supervisor Evaluating the effectiveness of the SA Health Challenging Behaviour Strategy The University of Adelaide Master of Public Health Master - Tanisha Hutchinson 2017 - 2017 Principal Supervisor The barriers and facilitators to use of sit-stand desks The University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Honours) Honours - Daniel Elder
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Committee Memberships
Date Role Committee Institution Country 2016 - ongoing Board Member Australian College of Physiotherapists - Board of Censors - Australia 2008 - ongoing Member Australian College of Physiotherapists - Professional Practice Standards Committee Australian College of Physiotherapists Australia -
Editorial Boards
Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country 2020 - ongoing Board Member Archives of Physiotherapy BMC Italy 2015 - ongoing Member Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine - Japan
Connect With Me
External Profiles