Geoff Dover

Geoff Dover is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology at Concordia University, where he has served since 2008 after directing the Graduate Athletic Training program at the University of Florida. A Certified Athletic Therapist and Certified Athletic Trainer, his research centers on biopsychosocial mechanisms of pain perception and disability, with emphasis on chronic low back pain and athlete rehabilitation.

His academic credentials include:

• PhD from the University of Florida
• MS from the University of Florida
• Diploma in Sports Injury Management from Sheridan College
• BSc in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph

Dr. Dover implements biopsychosocial models to investigate how psychological factors like catastrophizing and fear avoidance interact with functional limitations in chronic pain development. His work identifies risk factors for heightened pain perception and reduced functionality across diverse populations, utilizing innovative tools such as infrared thermography for objective pain assessment and fracture healing monitoring. This research addresses the societal burden of chronic pain through improved clinical outcomes in musculoskeletal disorders.

Analysis of his 2020-2024 publications reveals consistent focus on chronic low back pain mechanisms, athlete concussion recovery, and psychological determinants of rehabilitation outcomes. His methodology emphasizes randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and psychometric validation of assessment tools, with practical applications in athletic therapy settings. Key trends include quantifying fear avoidance behaviors, evaluating novel interventions like aquatic exercise, and establishing correlations between pain catastrophizing and physiological responses.

Scientific Awards:

• No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials

As a thesis supervisor for MSc and PhD candidates in Health and Exercise Science, Dr. Dover mentors graduate students through the Athletic Therapy Research Laboratory. This facility investigates pain perception variability, recovery trajectories, and functional adaptations in both athletic and general populations, with specialized focus on pain-related fear measures. His lab bridges clinical practice and research through partnerships with Concordia's Perform Centre.