معرفی
Alex Breen serves as Visiting Associate Professor at Bournemouth University's Faculty of Science and Technology and full-time Senior Research Fellow/Technology Lead at AECC University College. His research investigates mechanical aggravation of musculoskeletal conditions through quantitative fluoroscopy analysis of spinal motion, with emphasis on lumbar intervertebral dynamics and back pain mechanisms.
His educational background includes:
- PhD in Prosthetics and Biomechanics (Bournemouth University, 2016)
- MSc in Medical Physics (Open University, 2012)
- BSc (Hons) in Physics with Medical Applications (Exeter University, 2005)
Dr. Breen's research focuses on identifying biomechanical biomarkers for treatment-resistant chronic low back pain through quantitative assessment of intervertebral motion sharing patterns. He examines relationships between disc degeneration, spinal kinematics, and pain using fluoroscopic imaging, finite element modeling, and motion capture systems. Recent work explores microgravity effects on spinal geometry and spatio-temporal clustering of asymptomatic spinal motion.
Analysis of his 2021-2025 publications reveals consistent emphasis on methodological validation (e.g., motion capture systems, fluoroscopy), clinical translation of biomechanical findings, and international collaboration in chiropractic research. Key themes include cervical/lumbar motion analysis, disc pressure modeling, and development of patient-specific spinal assessment protocols.
His scientific recognition includes:
- 2019 NCMIC/JMPT RESEARCH AWARD
- Society for Back Pain Research Travel Fellowship (2016)
Dr. Breen supervises PhD candidates Jacqueline Rix (biomechanical effects of spinal manipulation) and Terence McSweeney (quantitative imaging biomarkers). He has secured research funding including the Radiological Research Trust Travel Grant (2016) and serves on the Society for Back Pain Research executive committee (2018-present). His extensive peer review activities span journals including The Spine Journal, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, and Frontiers in Sports and Active Living.
As AECC University College's Technology Lead, he directs biomechanical research infrastructure development and methodology innovation, particularly in spinal kinematics assessment and clinical translation of engineering approaches to musculoskeletal health.
