Nicola Massy-Westropp

Teaching Strengths

Anatomy, Hand Therapy, Systematic Review

APrf Nicola Massy-Westropp

Senior Lecturer

School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences

College of Health

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

Available For Media Comment.

I started working in hand rehabilitation in 1990 as an occupational therapist, in private and public systems in Chicago, St Louis (USA) and Adelaide. I left the area of hand rehabilitation due to having rheumatoid arthritis in my own hands, and started teaching teaching anatomy to allied health students in 1998. By 2007 I had transitioned from hand rehabilitation to teaching anatomy full time, and love the subject more each day.

Hand rehabilitation, Best Practice in Anatomy Education, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Year Citation
2025 Prentice, C. L. S., Flavell, C. A., Massy Westropp, N., & Milanese, S. (2025). Understanding responsiveness to an exercise intervention for people with persistent low back pain and lateral abdominal muscle impairments. a mixed methods study. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, online(9), 1-21.
DOI
2025 Prentice, C. L. S., Flavell, C. A., Massy Westropp, N., & Milanese, S. (2025). Exercise prescription for patients with persistent low back pain who present with impaired lateral abdominal muscle activation: a Delphi survey. Physiotherapy Research International, 30(2), 1-13.
DOI Scopus1 WoS1
2025 Myles, L., Barnett, F., & Massy Westropp, N. (2025). Do functional and biological factors influence the handgrip strength: a systematic review. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 88(4), 198-216.
DOI Scopus1 WoS1 Europe PMC2
2025 Prentice, C. L. S., Flavell, C. A., Massy Westropp, N., & Milanese, S. (2025). Correlating the abdominal drawing in manoeuvre between ultrasound imaging, pressure biofeedback and manual palpation measurements in participants with low back pain: an observational cross-sectional study. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 77(103303), 1-5.
DOI Scopus1 WoS1
2025 Prentice, C. L. S., Flavell, C. A., Massy-Westropp, N., & Milanese, S. (2025). Individualised exercise for patients with persistent low back pain and lateral abdominal muscle impairments: a randomised feasibility study. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 11(1), 16 pages.
DOI
2025 Prentice, S., Dorstyn, D. S., Massy Westropp, N., Benson, J., & Elliott, T. (2025). Burnout before and during COVID: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 48 698 trainees. Medical Education, online(11), 1-16.
DOI Scopus1 WoS3 Europe PMC2
2024 Filkin, J., Massy Westropp, N., & Wechalekar, H. (2024). Variability in the distance between the suprascapular notch with the spine of the scapulae and the acromion. Clinical Rheumatology, 43(1), 527-532.
DOI
2024 Prentice, C. L. S., Milanese, S., Flavell, C. A., & Massy Westropp, N. (2024). A dose response analysis of exercise prescription variables for lateral abdominal muscle thickness and activation: A systematic review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 38, 24-41.
DOI Scopus1 WoS1
2024 Myles, L., Massy Westropp, N., & Barnett, F. (2024). How and why of handgrip strength assessment. British Journal Of Occupational Therapy, 87(5), 321-328.
DOI WoS3 Europe PMC1
2024 Myles, L., Massy Westropp, N., & Barnett, F. (2024). Exploring anthropometric and functional factors that influence working adult's handgrip strength in north Australia. Work (Reading, Mass.), 79(3), 1027-1037.
DOI Scopus1 WoS1 Europe PMC1
2023 Myles, L., Massy Westropp, N., & Barnett, F. (2023). Experiences of occupational therapy clinicians on the assessment and evaluation of adult handgrip strength. British Journal Of Occupational Therapy, 86(3), 188-196.
DOI Scopus3 WoS3
2023 Karjalainen, T. V., Lusa, V., Page, M. J., O'Connor, D., Massy Westropp, N., & Peters, S. E. (2023). Splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2023(2, article no. CD010003), 1-156.
DOI Scopus48 WoS97 Europe PMC14
2023 Massy Westropp, C., Massy Westropp, N., & Wechalekar, H. (2023). Normative values for pinch strength-relationship with joint hypermobility as measured with the Beighton criteria. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online, 5(3), 1-5.
DOI Scopus6 Europe PMC4
2021 Reinersmann, A., Skinner, I. W., Lücke, T., Massy Westropp, N., Rudolf, H., Moseley, G. L., & Stanton, T. R. (2021). Intact tactile anisotropy despite altered hand perception in complex regional pain syndrome: Rethinking the role of the primary sensory cortex in tactile and perceptual dysfunction. PeerJ, 9(e11156), 1-31.
DOI Scopus7 WoS7 Europe PMC7
2021 Massy Westropp, N., Snow, A., Wechalekar, H., Siefken, K., & Burlakoti, A. (2021). Adding to the allied health student experience: motivators, deterrents, and how to get more from peer teaching. Journal of allied health, 50(1), 61-66.
Scopus3 Europe PMC2
2021 Prentice, C. L. S., Milanese, S., Massy-Westropp, N., & Maranna, S. (2021). The reliability of rehabilitative ultrasound to measure lateral abdominal muscle thickness: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 53(102357), 11 pages.
DOI Scopus4 WoS4 Europe PMC2
2020 McLelland, J. M., McLelland, D. J., Massy Westropp, N., Wigmore, B., Loftus, W. K., & Read, R. A. (2020). Horner syndrome with ipsilateral wing paresis in a wild, juvenile yellow-tailed black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus). Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery, 34(2), 186-191.
DOI
2019 Massy Westropp, N., Giles, E., Dantu, R., Wechalekar, H., & Burlakoti, A. (2019). Developing and evaluating virtual anatomy resources for teaching allied health disciplines.. Research in learning technology, 27(0), 1-11.
DOI Scopus2 WoS1
2019 Aird, C., Thoirs, K., Maranna, S., & Massy-Westropp, N. (2019). Ultrasound Measurements and Assessments of the Ulnar Nerve at the Elbow and Cubital Tunnel: A Scoping Review. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 35(6), 474-482.
DOI Scopus4 WoS3
2018 Nasir, S. H., Troynikov, O., & Massy Westropp, N. (2018). Arthritis patients' experience and perception of therapeutic gloves. International journal of fashion design, technology and education, 11(2), 1-10.
DOI Scopus3
2017 Jaeschke, R., Thoirs, K. A., Bain, G., & Massy Westropp, N. (2017). Systematic review: hand activity and ultrasound of the median nerve. Occupational medicine, 67(5), 389-393.
DOI Scopus5 WoS4 Europe PMC3
2017 Abbas, B., Burlakoti, A., Wechalekar, H., & Massy Westropp, N. (2017). The existence of an additional extensor of the little toe arising from the plantar surface of the calcaneus. International journal of anatomical variations, 10(3), 37-38.
2017 Burlakoti, A., Kumaratilake, J., Taylor, J., Massy-Westropp, N., & Henneberg, M. (2017). The cerebral basal arterial network: morphometry of inflow and outflow components. Journal of Anatomy, 230(6), 833-841.
DOI Scopus16 WoS14 Europe PMC11
2016 Burlakoti, A., Lee, J., & Massy Westropp, N. (2016). An unusual presentation of tibialis anterior introduction tibialis. International journal of anatomical variations, 9(1), 1-2.
2016 Burlakoti, A., Lee, J., & Massy Westropp, N. (2016). An unusual presentation of tibialis anterior. International Journal of Anatomical Variations, 9, 1-2.
2015 Burlakoti, A., & Massy Westropp, N. (2015). Bilateral variant thyroid arteries. International journal of anatomical variations, 8, 43-46.
2014 De Andrade, F. A., Natali, A. J., Vieira, B. C., do Valle, M. A. A. N., Moreira, D. G., Massy Westropp, N., & Marins, J. C. B. (2014). The relationship between hand grip strength and anthropometric parameters in men. Archivos de Medicina del Deporte, 31(3), 160-164.
2014 Nasir, S. H., Troynikov, O., & Massy Westropp, N. (2014). Therapy gloves for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a review. Therapeutic advances in musculoskeletal disease, 6(6), 226-237.
DOI Scopus19 WoS16 Europe PMC9
2014 De Andrade Fernandes, A., Natali, A. J., Vieira, B. C., Do Valle, M. A. A. N., Moreira, D. G., Massy-Westropp, N., & Marins, J. C. B. (2014). The relationship between hand grip strength and anthropometric parameters in men. Archivos De Medicina Del Deporte, 31(161), 160-164.
Scopus17
2013 Burlakoti, A., Massy Westropp, N., & Wechalekar, H. (2013). Variant third and fourth lumbrical muscles of the left hand. International journal of anatomical variations, 6(1), 93-95.
2013 Massy Westropp, N., & Toubia, C. (2013). Hypermobility as measured by the Beighton hypermobility test is not predictive of hand grip strength in young adults. Journal of musculoskeletal research, 16(1, article no. 1350006), 1-5.
DOI Scopus4
2013 Page, M. J., O'Connor, D., Pitt, V., & Massy Westropp, N. (2013). Reporting of allocation method and statistical analyses that deal with bilaterally affected wrists in clinical trials for carpal tunnel syndrome. American journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 92(11), 1012-1019.
DOI Scopus2 WoS2 Europe PMC2
2013 Page, M. J., O'Connor, D., Pitt, V., & Massy-Westropp, N. (2013). Therapeutic ultrasound for carpal tunnel syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013(3), 169 pages.
DOI Scopus58 WoS52 Europe PMC44
2012 Page, M. J., Massy Westropp, N., O'Connor, D., & Pitt, V. (2012). Splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome. Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 7(7, article no. CD010003), CD010003.
DOI Scopus180 WoS53 Europe PMC73
2012 O'Connor, D., Page, M., Marshall, S., & Massy Westropp, N. (2012). Ergonomic positioning or equipment for treating carpal tunnel syndrome (review). Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 1(12), 1-38.
DOI Scopus48 WoS22 Europe PMC24
2012 Massy Westropp, N. M., Simmonds, S., Caragianis, S., & Potter, A. (2012). Autologous blood Injection and wrist immobilisation for chronic lateral epicondylitis. Advances in orthopedics, 2012(387829), 1-6.
DOI WoS8 Europe PMC6
2012 Page, M. J., O'Connor, D., Pitt, V., & Massy Westropp, N. (2012). Exercise and mobilisation interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome (Review). Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2012(6), 1-196.
DOI WoS100
2012 Page, M. J., O'Connor, D., Pitt, V., & Massy Westropp, N. (2012). Therapeutic ultrasound for carpal tunnel syndrome (review). Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 1(1), 1-86.
DOI WoS20
2012 Page, M. J., O'Connor, D., Pitt, V., & Massy-Westropp, N. (2012). Therapeutic ultrasound for carpal tunnel syndrome.. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Online, 1, CD009601.
DOI Scopus67 Europe PMC35
2012 Page, M. J., O'Connor, D., Pitt, V., & Massy-Westropp, N. (2012). Exercise and mobilisation interventions for carpal tunnel syndrome.. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Online, 6(6), CD009899.
DOI Scopus132 Europe PMC61
2011 Reuter, L. S. E., Massy Westropp, N. M., & Evans, A. M. (2011). Reliability and validity of indices of hand-grip strength and endurance. Australian occupational therapy journal, 58(2), 82-87.
DOI Scopus58 WoS52 Europe PMC43
2011 Massy Westropp, N., Gilbert Hunt, S., Mackintosh, S., & Lewis, M. (2011). Development of an interactive online module to prepare students for learning to measure joint range of motion. Journal of online learning and teaching, 7(2), 185-192.
2011 Massy-Westropp, N., Gill, T., Taylor, A., Bohannon, R., & Hill, C. (2011). Hand grip strength: age and gender stratified normative data in a population-based study. BMC Research Notes, 4(127), 1-5.
DOI Scopus559 Europe PMC416
2009 Coff, L., Massy-Westropp, N., & Caragianis, S. (2009). A randomized controlled trial of a new electrical modality (Inter X) and soft tissue massage, stretching, ultrasound and exercise for treating lateral epicondylitis (vol 14, pg 46, 2009). HAND THERAPY, 14(3), 86.
DOI WoS4
2009 Coff, L., Massy-Westropp, N., & Caragianis, S. (2009). Randomized controlled trial of a new electrical modality (InterX) and soft tissue massage, stretching, ultrasound and exercise for treating lateral epicondylitis. Hand Therapy, 14(2), 46-52.
DOI Scopus8 WoS4
2008 Massy-Westropp, N., Johnston, R., & Hill, C. (2008). Post-operative therapy for metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2009(1), 1-14.
DOI Scopus8 WoS3 Europe PMC1
2008 Massy-Westropp, N., Johnston, R., & Hill, C. (2008). Post-operative therapy for metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty.. Cochrane database of systematic reviews (Online), (1).
2007 Cox, S. R., McWilliams, L., Massy Westropp, N. M., Meads, D. M., McKenna, S. P., & Proudman, S. (2007). Adaption of the RAQoL for use in Australia. Rheumatology International, 27(7), 661-666.
DOI Scopus12 WoS14 Europe PMC9
2007 Mackintosh, S., King, S., Grimshaw, P., & Massy-Westropp, N. (2007). Interdisciplinary education in anatomy: it works for staff too. Focus on Health Professional Education, 8(3), 110-115.
2007 Massy Westropp, N. M., & groth, G. (2007). Treatment for radial nerve and posterior interosseous nerve palsy (Protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4).
DOI
2007 Bohannon, R. W., Bear-Lehman, J., Desrosiers, J., Massy-Westropp, N., & Mathiowetz, V. (2007). Average grip strength: A meta-analysis of data obtained with a Jamar dynamometer from individuals 75 years or more of age. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 30(1), 28-30.
DOI Scopus101 Europe PMC53
2006 Bohannon, R., Peolsson, A., & Massy Westropp, N. M. (2006). Consolidated reference values for grip strength of adults 20 to 49 years : a descriptive meta-analysis. Isokinetics and Exercise Science, 14(3), 221-224.
DOI Scopus8 WoS8
2006 Chapman, D., Massy Westropp, N. M., Hearn, T., & Reynolds, K. (2006). A new versatile hand dynamometer. Australasian Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine.
2006 Bohannon, R., Peolsson, A., Massy Westropp, N. M., Desrosiers, J., & Bear Lehman, J. (2006). Reference values for adult grip strength measured with a Jamar dynamometre: a descriptive meta-analysis. Physiotherapy, 92(1), 11-15.
DOI Scopus447 WoS400
2006 Roberts-Thomson, A. J., Massy-Westropp, N., Smith, M. D., Ahern, M. J., Highton, J., & Roberts-Thomson, P. J. (2006). The use of the hand anatomic index to assess deformity and impaired function in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology International, 26(5), 439-444.
DOI Scopus23 WoS22 Europe PMC17
2005 Massy-Westropp, N., Ahern, M., & Krishnan, J. (2005). A visual analogue scale for assessment of the impact of rheumatoid arthritis in the hand: Validity and repeatability. Journal of Hand Therapy, 18(1), 30-33.
DOI Scopus12 Europe PMC9
2004 Massy-Westropp, N., Krishnan, J., & Ahern, M. (2004). Comparing the AUSCAN Osteoarthritis Hand Index, Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, and Sequential Occupational Dexterity Assessment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Rheumatology, 31(10), 1996-2001.
Scopus53 WoS45 Europe PMC37
2004 Massy-Westropp, N., Rankin, W., Ahern, M., Krishnan, J., & Hearn, T. C. (2004). Measuring grip strength in normal adults: Reference ranges and a comparison of electronic and hydraulic instruments. Journal of Hand Surgery, 29(3), 514-519.
DOI Scopus172 WoS162 Europe PMC116
2004 Katrak, P., Bialocerkowski, A., Massy Westropp, N. M., Kumar, S., & Grimmer, K. A. (2004). A systematic review of the content of critical appraisal tools. BMC medical research methodology, 4(1), 22.
DOI Scopus305 Europe PMC199
2003 Massy-Westropp, N., Massy-Westropp, M., Rankin, W., & Krishnan, J. (2003). Metacarpophalangeal Arthroplasty from the Patient's Perspective. Journal of Hand Therapy, 16(4), 315-319.
DOI Scopus12 Europe PMC4
2003 Massy-Westropp, N., & Masters, M. (2003). Doing systematic reviews in an occupational therapy department. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(9), 427-430.
DOI Scopus6
2003 Massy-Westropp, N., & Krishnan, J. (2003). Postoperative Therapy after Metacarpophalangeal Arthroplasty. Journal of Hand Therapy, 16(4), 311-314.
DOI Scopus9 Europe PMC2
2003 O'Connor, D., Marshall, S. C., Massy-Westropp, N., & Pitt, V. (2003). Non-surgical treatment (other than steroid injection) for carpal tunnel syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017(12), CD003219.
DOI Scopus339 Europe PMC130
2002 Massy-Westropp, N. (2002). The effects of normal human variability and hand activity on sensory testing with the full Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments kit. Journal of Hand Therapy, 15(1), 48-52.
DOI Scopus35 Europe PMC23
2001 Phillips, M., Grimmer, K. A., & Massy Westropp, N. M. (2001). Ultrasound of the carpal tunnel and median nerve: a reproducibility study. Journal of diagnostic medical sonography, 17(6), 323-328.
DOI Scopus6
2001 Massy Westropp, N. M., Grimmer, K. A., & Bain, G. (2001). The effect of a standard activity on the size of the median nerve as determined by ultrasound visualization. Journal of hand surgery, 26(4), 649-654.
DOI Scopus20 WoS14 Europe PMC13
2000 Massy-Westropp, N., Grimmer, K., & Bain, G. (2000). A systematic review of the clinical diagnostic tests for carpal tunnel syndrome. Journal of Hand Surgery-American Volume, 25A(1), 120-127.
DOI Scopus86 WoS53 Europe PMC40
2000 Gerr, F., Letz, R., & Massy-Westropp, N. (2000). Clinical diagnostic tests for carpal tunnel syndrome [3] (multiple letters). Journal of Hand Surgery, 25(4), 778-779.
DOI Scopus3 Europe PMC1
2000 Massy-Westropp, N. (2000). Clinical diagnostic tests for carpal tunnel syndrome - Reply. JOURNAL OF HAND SURGERY-AMERICAN VOLUME, 25A(4), 778-779.
DOI WoS2

Year Citation
2025 Massy-Westropp, N., Muraki, T., & Massy-Westropp, C. (2025). Rehabilitation and Return to Sport Following Upper Limb Injury. In Sports Injuries Prevention Diagnosis Treatment and Rehabilitation (pp. 1541-1569). Springer Nature Switzerland.
DOI
2022 Burlakoti, A., Wechalekar, H., Massy Westropp, N., Kruse, L., & Chau, S. (2022). Cross-sectional anatomy of the upper limb. In S. Chau, & C. M. Hayre (Eds.), Source details - Title: Computed Tomography A Primer for Radiographers (pp. 147-156). US: CRC Press, an imprint of Taylor and Francis.
DOI
2022 Burlakoti, A., Wechalekar, H., Massy Westropp, N., Kruse, L., & Chau, S. (2022). Cross-sectional anatomy of the thoracic system. In S. Chau, & C. M. Hayre (Eds.), Source details - Title: Computed Tomography A Primer for Radiographers (pp. 127-132). US: CRC Press, an imprint of Taylor and Francis.
DOI
2022 Burlakoti, A., Wechalekar, H., Massy Westropp, N., Kruse, L., & Chau, S. (2022). Cross-sectional anatomy of the neck. In S. Chau, & C. M. Hayre (Eds.), Source details - Title: Computed Tomography A Primer for Radiographers (pp. 117-126). US: CRC Press, an imprint of Taylor and Francis.
DOI
2022 Burlakoti, A., Wechalekar, H., Massy Westropp, N., Kruse, L., & Chau, S. (2022). Cross-sectional anatomy of the lower limb. In S. Chau, & C. M. Hayre (Eds.), Source details - Title: Computed Tomography: A Primer for Radiographers (pp. 157-168). US: CRC Press, an imprint of Taylor and Francis.
DOI
2022 Burlakoti, A., Wechalekar, H., Massy Westropp, N., Kruse, L., & Chau, S. (2022). Cross-sectional anatomy of the head. In S. Chau, & C. M. Hayre (Eds.), Source details - Title: Computed Tomography A Primer for Radiographers (pp. 105-115). US: CRC Press, an imprint of Taylor and Francis.
DOI
2022 Burlakoti, A., Wechalekar, H., Massy Westropp, N., Kruse, L., & Chau, S. (2022). Cross-sectional anatomy of the abdominopelvic system. In S. Chau, & C. M. Hayre (Eds.), Source details - Title: Computed Tomography A Primer for Radiographers (pp. 133-146). US: CRC Press, an imprint of Taylor and Francis.
DOI
2009 Massy Westropp, N. M., & May, E. J. (2009). Occupational therapy. In Source details - Title: Practical Tips in Finding the Evidence (pp. 110-125). Manila, Philippines: UST Publishing House.

Year Citation
2007 Massy-Westropp, N. (2007). Effectiveness of hand therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. In Proceedings of the 10th Congress of the International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand & 7th Congress of the International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy (pp. 87-91). AUSTRALIA, Sydney: MEDIMOND S R L.
2004 Katrak, P., Massy Westropp, N. M., Kumar, S., & Grimmer Somers, K. A. (2004). A review of criteria in critical appraisal instruments : is a generic allied health tool possible?. In 8th International Physiotherapy Congress. Australia: Australian Physiotherapy Association.

Courses I teach

  • HLTH 1020 Human Anatomy 100 (2025)
  • HLTH 1020 Human Anatomy 100 (2024)

Date Role Membership Country
2019 - ongoing Member Interplast Australia Australia
2019 - ongoing Member Interplast Australia Australia

Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country
2019 - ongoing Associate Editor Hand Therapy Sage Publishing United Kingdom

Connect With Me

External Profiles

Other Links