Rutger de Zoete

Dr Rutger de Zoete

Senior Lecturer

School of Allied Health Science and Practice

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

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

Dr Rutger de Zoete is a Lecturer and Researcher in Physiotherapy within the School of Allied Health Science and Practice. He joined The University of Adelaide in 2020 after having completed his postdoctoral research fellowship at The University of Queensland, Australia. Rutger has a background in Physiotherapy (BSc) and Human Movement Sciences (MSc), and holds a PhD (Physiotherapy) from The University of Newcastle, Australia. He has a clinical background and his passion for university teaching and research stems from his work as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist.

Rutger’s research focuses on investigating mechanisms underlying chronic neck pain. With his clinical background and advanced neuroscience knowledge and laboratory skills, he investigates the immunological and neurological mechanisms of neck pain. He aims to improve conservative management options for those with chronic neck pain, and is particularly interested in the role of physiotherapy. Rutger’s research has been published in leading physiotherapy, medical, and rehabilitation journals, demonstrating the clinical relevance of his work. He has established a strong collaborative network with Australian and global pain researchers, emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary work in this field.

Dr de Zoete is available as supervisor for PhD students.

The healthcare costs associated with the management of neck pain are vastly disproportionate to the limited efficacy of available treatments. Dr Rutger de Zoete's research group aims to improve the clinical management of neck pain, through an improved understanding of pain mechanisms, better treatment options, and optimised implementation of high-value care. Rutger’s research has been published in leading physiotherapy, medical, pain, and rehabilitation journals, demonstrating the clinical relevance of his work.

Rutger has established a strong collaborative network with Australian and global pain researchers, emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary work in this field. Rutger partners with individuals with a lived experience of neck pain through his research group's Consumer Advisory Group (CAG). The CAG’s input is incorporated throughout the research cycle: it informs on conception and design, implementation, and dissemination of research projects. In addition, industry partners are members of Rutger's research group's Policy Advisory Group (PAG). Members of the PAG include clinicians, health insurers, and policymakers. By bringing all these parties together, Rutger ensures his team's work is of the highest possible quality, ultimately aiming to lessen the burden of neck pain.

Dr de Zoete is available as supervisor for PhD students.

  • Appointments
    Date Position Institution name
    2020 - ongoing Lecturer, Physiotherapy The University of Adelaide
    2018 - 2020 Postdoctoral Research Fellow The University of Queensland
    2015 - 2018 Casual Academic and Casual Teacher The University of Newcastle

  • Language Competencies
    Language Competency
    Dutch; Flemish Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review
    English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review

  • Education
    Date Institution name Country Title
    The University of Newcastle Australia PhD (Physiotherapy)
    VU University Amsterdam The Netherlands MSc (Human Movement Sciences)
    University of Applied Sciences Utrecht The Netherlands BSc (Physiotherapy)

  • Certifications
    Date Title Institution name Country
    — Certificate in University Teaching The University of Newcastle -
    — Certificate in University Assessment The University of Newcastle -

  • Journals
    Year Citation
    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.
    DOI Scopus5 WoS1 Europe PMC3
    2024 Nijs, J., Kosek, E., Chiarotto, A., Cook, C., Danneels, L. A., Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., . . . George, S. Z. (2024). Nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic low back pain? The low back pain phenotyping (BACPAP) consortium's international and multidisciplinary consensus recommendations. The Lancet Rheumatology, 6(3), e178-e188.
    DOI Scopus7
    2024 Chen, K. K., Rolan, P., Hutchinson, M. R., Dickson, C., & de Zoete, R. M. J. (2024). Exercise-induced changes in central sensitization outcomes in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis. European Journal of Pain, 28(9), 1431-1449.
    DOI
    2024 Kosek, E., Nijs, J., Chiarotto, A., Cook, C., Danneels, L. A., Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., . . . George, S. Z. (2024). Contesting the BACPAP consortium's consensus – Authors' reply. The Lancet Rheumatology, 6(7), e419-e420.
    DOI
    2023 de Zoete, R. M. J. (2023). Exercise Therapy for Chronic Neck Pain: Tailoring Person-Centred Approaches within Contemporary Management. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(22), 14 pages.
    DOI Scopus2
    2023 Farrell, S. F., Kho, P. -F., Lundberg, M., Campos, A. I., Rentería, M. E., de Zoete, R. M. J., . . . Cuéllar-Partida, G. (2023). A shared genetic signature for common chronic pain conditions and its impact on biopsychosocial traits.. Journal of Pain, 24(3), 369-386.
    DOI Scopus11 Europe PMC8
    2023 Chen, K. K., Hutchinson, M. R., Rolan, P., & de Zoete, R. M. J. (2023). Effect of exercise on chronic neck pain and central sensitization: A protocol for a randomized crossover trial. Experimental Physiology, 108(5), 672-682.
    DOI Scopus1 Europe PMC2
    2023 de Zoete, R. M. J., McMahon, K. L., Coombes, J. S., & Sterling, M. (2023). The effects of physical exercise on structural, functional, and biochemical brain characteristics in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorder: A pilot randomized clinical trial. Pain Practice, 23(7), 759-775.
    DOI Scopus2 Europe PMC1
    2023 De Zoete, R. M. J., Berryman, C. F., Nijs, J., Walls, A., & Jenkinson, M. (2023). Differential Structural Brain Changes Between Responders and Nonresponders After Physical Exercise Therapy for Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain. Clinical Journal of Pain, 39(6), 270-277.
    DOI Scopus2 Europe PMC1
    2023 Chiddarwar, V., De Zoete, R. M. J., Dickson, C., & Lathlean, T. (2023). Effectiveness of combined surgical and exercise-based interventions following primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(23), 1498-1508.
    DOI Scopus1 WoS1 Europe PMC1
    2022 de Zoete, R. M. J., Coppieters, I., & Farrell, S. F. (2022). Editorial: Whiplash-associated disorder—advances in pathophysiology, patient assessment and clinical management. Frontiers in Pain Research, 3.
    DOI Scopus2
    2022 Dickson, C., de Zoete, R. M. J., & Stanton, T. (2022). From Where We've Come to Where We Need to Go: Physiotherapy Management of Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorder. Frontiers in Pain Research, 2, 4 pages.
    DOI Scopus1 Europe PMC1
    2022 de Zoete, R. M. J., Stanwell, P., Weber, K. A., & Snodgrass, S. J. (2022). Differences in Structural Brain Characteristics Between Individuals with Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain and Asymptomatic Controls: A Case–Control Study. Journal of Pain Research, 2022, 521-531.
    DOI Scopus4 Europe PMC2
    2022 Senarath, M. K. I. D., Chen, K. K., Weerasekara, I., & de Zoete, R. M. J. (2022). Exercise-induced hypoalgesic effects of different types of physical exercise in individuals with neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Pain Pract, 23(1), 110-122.
    DOI Scopus8 WoS4 Europe PMC3
    2022 Dickson, C., & De Zoete, R. (2022). High-level physical therapy and workforce attrition: A paradox?. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 26(4), 100432.
    DOI Scopus1
    2022 Souza, M. B., Mascarenhas, R. O., Maia, L. B., Fonseca, L. S., Silva, H. J., de Zoete, R. M. J., . . . Oliveira, V. C. (2022). Comparative efficacy and acceptability of non-pharmacological interventions in fibromyalgia: Protocol for a network meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 17(10 October), e0274406.
    DOI Scopus1 Europe PMC1
    2022 de Zoete, R. M. J., Nikles, J., Coombes, J. S., Onghena, P., & Sterling, M. (2022). The effectiveness of aerobic versus strengthening exercise therapy in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorder: a randomised single case experimental design study.. Disability and rehabilitation, 45(21), 1-10.
    DOI Scopus5 WoS3 Europe PMC3
    2021 Farrell, S. F., Campos, A. I., Kho, P. -F., de Zoete, R. M. J., Sterling, M., Rentería, M. E., . . . Cuéllar-Partida, G. (2021). Genetic basis to structural grey matter associations with chronic pain. Brain : a journal of neurology, 144(12), 3611-3622.
    DOI Scopus13 Europe PMC9
    2021 de Zoete, R. M., Armfield, N. R., McAuley, J. H., Chen, K., & Sterling, M. (2021). Comparative effectiveness of physical exercise interventions for chronic non-specific neck pain: a systematic review with network meta-analysis of 40 randomised controlled trials.. British journal of sports medicine, 55(13), 730-742.
    DOI Scopus54 WoS34 Europe PMC29
    2021 Farrell, S. F., Cowin, G. J., Pedler, A., Durbridge, G., de Zoete, R. M. J., & Sterling, M. (2021). Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Assessment of Brain Metabolite Concentrations in Individuals with Chronic Whiplash Associated Disorder: A Cross-sectional Study. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 37(1), 28-37.
    DOI Scopus3 Europe PMC3
    2020 De Zoete, R., McAuley, J., Armfield, N., & Sterling, M. (2020). The comparative effectiveness of physical exercise interventions in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain: Protocol for a network meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 10(5), e034846.
    DOI Scopus4 WoS3 Europe PMC2
    2020 de Zoete, R. M. J., Chen, K., & Sterling, M. (2020). Central neurobiological effects of physical exercise in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review.. BMJ Open, 10(7), e036151.
    DOI Scopus17 WoS8 Europe PMC9
    2020 Farrell, S. F., de Zoete, R. M. J., Cabot, P. J., & Sterling, M. (2020). Systemic inflammatory markers in neck pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis. European Journal of Pain (United Kingdom), 24(9), 1666-1686.
    DOI Scopus39 WoS21 Europe PMC24
    2020 Blyton, S. J., Edwards, S., Moghaddas, D., de Zoete, R. M. J., Palazzi, K., Oldmeadow, C., . . . Snodgrass, S. J. (2020). A Pilot Longitudinal Study of 3-Dimensional Head and Neck Kinematics During Functional Tasks in Individuals With Chronic Idiopathic Neck Pain Either Wait-Listed for or Receiving Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy With Exercise. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 43(5), 490-505.
    DOI Scopus4 Europe PMC3
    2020 de Zoete, R. M. J., Osmotherly, P. G., Rivett, D. A., & Snodgrass, S. J. (2020). Cervical Sensorimotor Control Does Not Change Over Time and Is Not Related to Chronic Idiopathic Neck Pain Characteristics: A 6-Month Longitudinal Observational Study. Physical therapy, 100(2), 268-282.
    DOI Scopus11 Europe PMC8
    2020 De Zoete, R. M. J., Osmotherly, P. G., Rivett, D. A., & Snodgrass, S. J. (2020). No differences between individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain and asymptomatic individuals on 7 cervical sensorimotor control tests: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 50(1), 33-43.
    DOI Scopus21 Europe PMC11
    2020 de Zoete, R. M. J., Osmotherly, P. G., Rivett, D. A., & Snodgrass, S. J. (2020). Seven cervical sensorimotor control tests measure different skills in individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 24(1), 69-78.
    DOI Scopus13 WoS9 Europe PMC6
    2019 Snodgrass, S. J., de Zoete, R. M. J., Croker, C., Yerrapothu, M., & Elliott, J. M. (2019). Reliability of cervical muscle volume quantification using magnetic resonance imaging. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 44, 102056.
    DOI Scopus11 Europe PMC5
    2019 Moghaddas, D., de Zoete, R. M. J., Edwards, S., & Snodgrass, S. J. (2019). Differences in the kinematics of the cervical and thoracic spine during functional movement in individuals with or without chronic neck pain: a systematic review. Physiotherapy (United Kingdom), 105(4), 421-433.
    DOI Scopus27 WoS20 Europe PMC14
    2019 de Zoete, R. M. J., Brown, L., Oliveira, K., Penglaze, L., Rex, R., Sawtell, B., & Sullivan, T. (2019). The effectiveness of general physical exercise for individuals with chronic neck pain: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. European Journal of Physiotherapy, 22(3), 141-147.
    DOI Scopus10 WoS9
    2019 Sterling, M., de Zoete, R. M. J., Coppieters, I., & Farrell, S. F. (2019). Best Evidence Rehabilitation for Chronic Pain Part 4: Neck Pain.. Journal of clinical medicine, 8(8), 20 pages.
    DOI Scopus69 Europe PMC28
    2019 de Zoete, R. M. J., Osmotherly, P. G., Rivett, D. A., & Snodgrass, S. J. (2019). No Differences Between Individuals With Chronic Idiopathic Neck Pain and Asymptomatic Individuals on Seven Cervical Sensorimotor Control Tests: A Cross-Sectional Study.. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 50(1), 1-37.
    DOI Europe PMC3
    2018 Weerasekara, I., Osmotherly, P., Snodgrass, S., Marquez, J., de Zoete, R., & Rivett, D. A. (2018). Clinical Benefits of Joint Mobilization on Ankle Sprains: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 99(7), 1395-1412.
    DOI Scopus28 WoS18 Europe PMC12
    2018 Young, J. L., Rhon, D. I., de Zoete, R. M. J., Cleland, J. A., & Snodgrass, S. J. (2018). The influence of dosing on effect size of exercise therapy for musculoskeletal foot and ankle disorders: a systematic review. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 22(1), 20-32.
    DOI Scopus19 WoS13 Europe PMC11
    2016 Snodgrass, S., Cooper, R., Edwards, S., Moghaddas, D., Blyton, S., de Zoete, R., & Rivett, D. (2016). Altered movement strategies during functional tasks in individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain. Manual Therapy, 25, e68-e69.
    DOI
    2016 de Zoete, R., Osmotherly, P., Rivett, D., Farrell, S., & Snodgrass, S. (2016). Sensorimotor control in individuals with idiopathic neck pain and healthy individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Manual Therapy, 25, e40.
    DOI

  • Conference Papers
    Year Citation
    2017 de Zoete, R. M. J., Osmotherly, P. G., Rivett, D. A., Farrell, S. F., & Snodgrass, S. J. (2017). Sensorimotor Control in Individuals With Idiopathic Neck Pain and Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. In Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Vol. 98 (pp. 1257-1271). USA: W B SAUNDERS CO-ELSEVIER INC.
    DOI Scopus58 WoS47 Europe PMC32

Dr de Zoete has received over $1,6M in research funding.

 

2023        Travel Grant, School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide

2023        Early-Career/Mid-Career Small Grant, School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide.

2023        Research Development Grant, School of Allied Health Science and Practice, The University of Adelaide

2022        Medical Research Future Fund, Clinical Trials Activity, Chief Investigator – NHMRC

2022        PhD candidate Kexun Chen (Principal Supervisor) – Northern Communities Health Prize, Florey Conference

2022        PhD candidate Cameron Dickson (Co-Supervisor) – Best Poster Presentation Allied Health, Florey Conference

2022        Faculty Infrastructure Funding Award, Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide

2021        Faculty Publication Excellence Award, Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide

2021        Faculty Infrastructure Funding Award, Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide

2021        Early Career Outstanding Presentation Award, World Congress Physiotherapy, April 2021 (online)

2021        Emerging Leaders Development Award, Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide

2021        RTP International Postgraduate Scholarship, PhD candidate Kenneth Chen, The University of Adelaide

2019        Collaboration Seeding Grant, Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland

2019        Valedictorian speech, PhD Graduation, The University of Newcastle

2017        Travel Grant, The University of Newcastle Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research   

2017        Recognition of outstanding teaching performance, Head of School, Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle

2016        Travel Grant, The University of Newcastle Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research

2016        Felicity and Michael Thomson Top-Up Scholarship, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI)

2015        Equipment Grant, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle. CI: A/Prof Snodgrass

2015        Equipment Grant, School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle. CI: A/Prof Snodgrass

2015        International Postgraduate Research Scholarship & Research Scholarship Central, The University of Newcastle

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2024 Principal Supervisor Healthcare access and utilisation for neck pain in Australia Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Dilhari Majuwana Kankanamge
    2024 Principal Supervisor Neck pain epidemiology and risk factors in the Australian population Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Nasibeh Sorkhi Kojabad
    2023 Co-Supervisor Exploring longitudinal bidirectional relationships between psychosocial factors and somatic symptoms in a population-representative sample of Australian women across multiple decades Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Amy Beth Myles
    2021 Principal Supervisor Effectiveness of Exercise to Improve Patient-Reported and Central Pain Modulation Outcomes in Chronic Neck Pain Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Kexun Kenneth Chen
    2021 Co-Supervisor Advancing physiotherapy management of chronic pain by improving implementation of evidence-based practice. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Mr Cameron Dickson
  • Position: Senior Lecturer
  • Phone: 83133034
  • Email: rutger.dezoete@adelaide.edu.au
  • Campus: North Terrace
  • Building: Engineering & Maths Sciences, floor 4
  • Org Unit: Physiotherapy
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