Gabriel Fernandes

Gabriel Fernandes is a Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University. He holds a PhD in Sports Medicine from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and brings over 15 years of clinical experience in elite sports and private practice, having served as head physiotherapist for national rowing and beach volleyball teams, including at the Rio 2016 Olympics and Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

His research focuses on neurophysiological and biomechanical mechanisms underlying sports injuries and neurodegenerative disorders. Key areas include:

• Neuromuscular adaptations in runners with Achilles tendinopathy
• Central nervous system influence on triceps surae muscle deficits
• Neurophysiological impairments in motor neurone disease (MND)
• Motor control and movement dysfunction in clinical populations

His work bridges clinical practice and research, with an emphasis on translating biomechanical and neurophysiological findings into improved rehabilitation strategies.

Gabriel is actively involved in student supervision, particularly in research related to Achilles tendinopathy. He teaches in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy program, delivering instruction in regional anatomy, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal physiotherapy with a lower limb focus. He also contributes to higher degree research training at Southern Cross University.

He holds an honorary affiliation as a Research Fellow at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where he collaborates on studies examining motor unit behaviour in individuals with MND, further extending his impact in neurodegenerative disease research.