Ashraf Gerges

Teaching Strengths

I integrate research with clinical practice.
I create engaging learning experiences.
I promote clinical reasoning skills.
I am approachable and supportive.
I encourage active student participation.

Dr Ashraf Gerges

Lecturer

School of Allied Health and Human Performance

College of Health

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD (as Co-Supervisor) - email supervisor to discuss availability.


Ashraf is a lecturer in physiotherapy at Adelaide University. He has a diverse clinical background, having worked in both neurological and orthopaedic physiotherapy roles across various settings, including hospitals and specialised rehabilitation services. As a dedicated educator, Ashraf teaches neuroscience and rehabilitation courses and supervises clinical education for physiotherapy students.
 
Ashraf completed his PhD in 2025 which investigated the clinical use of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with physiotherapy to improve walking and balance after stroke. His research has gained international recognition, with publications in high ranking peer-reviewed journals and presentations at leading international conferences.
 
Beyond his academic work, Ashraf also contributes to research on innovative rehabilitation technologies, including neuromodulation techniques aimed at enhancing recovery for individuals with neurological conditions.

My research focuses on improving recovery after neurological injury, particularly stroke, through innovative rehabilitation approaches that integrate physiotherapy, neuroscience and neuromodulation. A major focus of my work is transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), and transcranial magentic stimulation (TMS), both are non-invasive techniques that may enhance neuroplasticity and improve rehabilitation outcomes when paired with task-specific training.

My research spans mechanistic and translational studies, including investigations of taVNS effects on cortical excitability and neuroplasticity, as well as evaluating its potential to improve walking and balance after stroke. More broadly, I am interested in gait rehabilitation, motor learning, recovery neuroscience and the translation of neuroscience discoveries into practical rehabilitation interventions.

The overarching goal of my research is to develop evidence-based interventions that improve mobility, independence and quality of life for people living with neurological conditions.

Date Position Institution name
2025 - ongoing Senior Neurological Physiotherpist Neurophysio Hub
2025 - ongoing Lecturer in Physiotherapy Adelaide University

Language Competency
Arabic Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review
English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review

Date Institution name Country Title
2021 - 2025 University of South Australia Australia PhD
2017 - 2020 University of South Australia Australia Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)

Year Citation
2026 Gerges, A. N. H., Uy, J., Ingram, L., Hillier, S., Bouckley, J., Welsby, E., . . . Hordacre, B. (2026). Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation paired with task-specific training for improving walking and balance in chronic stroke: a double-blind, randomised controlled feasibility trial. . Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation.
DOI
2025 Gerges, A. N. H., Graetz, L., Hillier, S., Uy, J., Hamilton, T., Opie, G., . . . Hordacre, B. (2025). Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation modifies cortical excitability in middle-aged and older adults.. Psychophysiology, 62(1), e14584.
DOI Scopus18 WoS16 Europe PMC12
2025 Hordacre, B., Uy, J., Chamberlain, S., Serrada, I., Gerges, A. N. H., & Hillier, S. (2025). Boot camp: a randomized cross-over trial of intensive upper-limb rehabilitation after chronic stroke. Neurorehabilitation And Neural Repair, online(10), 1-12.
DOI Scopus3 WoS3 Europe PMC2
2025 Rodrigo, T., Hillier, S., Serrada, I., Gerges, A., Zwar, J., Chamberlain, S., & Hordacre, B. (2025). Group vs Individual Therapy for Neurological Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 107(3), 496-506.
DOI WoS1
2024 Gerges, A. N. H., Williams, E., Hillier, S., Uy, J., Hamilton, T., Chamberlain, S., & Hordacre, B. (2024). Clinical application of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation: a scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46(24), 5730-5760.
DOI Scopus46 WoS44 Europe PMC33
2022 Gerges, A. N. H., Hordacre, B., Pietro, F. D., Moseley, G. L., & Berryman, C. (2022). Do Adults with Stroke have Altered Interhemispheric Inhibition? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 31(7), 106494-1-106494-14.
DOI Scopus25 WoS23 Europe PMC19

Co-Investigator on LSA Grant 2026.

Courses I teach

  • REHB 3008 Rehabilitation
  • REHB 5015 Rehabilitation Skills in Physiotherapy
  • REHB 6020 Rehabilitation in Physiotherapy
  • REHB 6004 Physiotherapy Practice in Rehabilitation
  • HLTH 3014 Advanced Evidence Based Practice (
  • PSIO 3011 Neurological Physiotherapy Practice

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