Research Interests
Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Human Factors Physiotherapy Public HealthAPrf Paul Rothmore
Associate Professor
School of Allied Health and Human Performance
College of Health
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.
Paul Rothmore is an Associate Professor in the School of Allied Health and Human Performance.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.
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.
| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 - ongoing | Associate Professor in Physiotherapy | University of Adelaide |
| 2009 - 2020 | Senior Lecturer | University of Adelaide |
| 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 | - |
| 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 |
| Date | Title | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Ergonomics | La Trobe University | Australia | |
| PhD | The University of Adelaide | Australia |
| 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, 106684-1-106684-10. Scopus3 WoS3 |
| 2025 | Stanhope, J., Foley, K., Butler, M., Boddy, J., Clanchy, K., George, E., . . . Weinstein, P. (2025). Australian allied health professionals’ perspectives on current practice, benefits, challenges, and opportunities in nature-based approaches. Health and Place, 93(103430), 103430-1-103430-15. Scopus2 WoS2 Europe PMC2 |
| 2025 | Quattlaender, R. A., Rothmore, P., Hutchinson, M. R., & Lathlean, T. J. (2025). Effects of different movement velocities during resistance training on bone mineral density in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 136, 11 pages. Scopus1 WoS1 |
| 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. Scopus19 WoS19 Europe PMC16 |
| 2023 | 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. Scopus1 WoS1 |
| 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. Scopus16 WoS7 |
| 2023 | 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. Scopus13 WoS11 Europe PMC3 |
| 2022 | Rothmore, P., & Williams, S. (2022). Maintaining work ability in outdoor workers - A long-term evaluation.. Applied ergonomics, 102, 1-8. Scopus1 |
| 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. Scopus16 WoS15 Europe PMC5 |
| 2021 | 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. Scopus135 WoS112 Europe PMC74 |
| 2021 | 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. Scopus25 WoS27 Europe PMC17 |
| 2019 | 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. Scopus14 WoS14 Europe PMC5 |
| 2019 | Rothmore, P. R., & Gray, J. (2019). Using the Work Ability Index to identify workplace hazards. WORK, 62(2), 251-259. Scopus16 WoS14 Europe PMC13 |
| 2018 | 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). Scopus1 |
| 2018 | 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 WoS10 Europe PMC5 |
| 2018 | 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. Scopus1 |
| 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. Scopus6 WoS7 Europe PMC5 |
| 2017 | 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. Scopus19 WoS12 Europe PMC4 |
| 2016 | Oakman, J., Rothmore, P., & Tappin, D. (2016). Intervention development to reduce musculoskeletal disorders: Is the process on target?. Applied Ergonomics, 56, 179-186. Scopus37 WoS28 Europe PMC11 |
| 2015 | 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. Scopus39 WoS20 Europe PMC10 |
| 2015 | 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. Scopus12 WoS12 Europe PMC8 |
| 2014 | 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. Scopus25 WoS23 Europe PMC18 |
| 2014 | 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. Scopus9 WoS7 |
| 2012 | 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. Scopus14 |
| - | Dickson, C., de Zoete, R. M. J., Berryman, C., Weinstein, P., Didyk, C., Chen, K. K., & Rothmore, P. (2026). Physiotherapist-related barriers and enablers to the implementation of high-value physiotherapy for chronic pain: a scoping review and narrative synthesis of 37 studies. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1-24. |
| 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. DOI |
| 2015 | Rothmore, P., & Boucaut, R. (2015). Occupational health and safety. In S. Patole (Ed.), Source details - Title: Management and leadership: a guide for clinical professionals (pp. 123-136). Switzerland: Springer. DOI |
| 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. |
| 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. DOI |
| 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. |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| - | Rothmore, P. (n.d.). Fatigue_Pain_Data.xlsx. DOI |
| 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. DOI |
| 2024 | Stanhope, J., Foley, K., Butler, M., Boddy, J., Clanchy, K., George, E., . . . Weinstein, P. (2024). Nature-based allied health: current practice, challenges and opportunities. DOI |
Competitive External Funding as Chief Investigator
| Date | Project | Investigators | Funding Body | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Program | Degree Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Co-Supervisor | How can the integration of technologies in the physiotherapy curriculum bridge the gap between theoretical training and real-world application? | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Part Time | Mrs Amanda Maddern |
| 2025 | Co-Supervisor | How can the integration of technologies in the physiotherapy curriculum bridge the gap between theoretical training and real-world application? | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Part Time | Mrs Amanda Maddern |
| 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 |
| 2024 | Co-Supervisor | The contemporary occupational health-related problems amongst podiatry professionals | Master of Clinical Science | Master | Part Time | Mr Wei Dai |
| 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 | Strength training interventions for people at risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis | - | 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 | Strength training interventions for people at risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis | Doctor of Philosophy | Doctorate | Full Time | Ms Riccarda Albana Quattlaender |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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