Amanda Ager

Dr. Amanda Ager is a Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the Department of Physiotherapy and Physician Associate within the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at Brunel University London. Her research focuses on upper limb proprioception and the gut-joint axis, aiming to develop clinical tools and understand the role of the gut microbiome in musculoskeletal conditions.

Dr. Ager holds the following degrees:

• PhD in Health Sciences from Ghent University, Belgium
• MSc in Research of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences from Université Laval, Canada
• MSc in Health Sciences - Physiotherapy from Ottawa University, Canada
• BSc in Kinesiology from McMaster University, Canada

Her primary research interests include:

• Upper Limb Proprioception: Developing and validating clinical tools like the Upper Limb Proprioception Reaching Test (PRO-Reach) to assess sensorimotor function.
• Gut-Joint Axis: Investigating the link between gut microbiome and rheumatic/musculoskeletal diseases through systemic inflammation and immune modulation.
• Ethical Decision-Making in Physiotherapy: Exploring factors influencing ethical choices in global contexts.
• Gender Equity and Accessibility: Promoting social inclusion and access to rehabilitative care.

Her recent publications (2022-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on upper limb proprioception assessment and its relationship with pain, particularly in shoulder conditions. She has introduced innovative clinical tools and examined the impact of dual-tasks on proprioception. Additionally, she has explored ethical decision-making in physiotherapy from a global perspective and the gut-joint axis.

Dr. Ager is actively involved in teaching and mentoring at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She leads and collaborates on modules including Research Methods, Principles of Rehabilitation, Person Centred Healthcare and Leadership, and Musculoskeletal II Upper Quadrant. Her commitment to student development is evident in her guidance of BSc and MSc physiotherapy students through their academic and research projects.

Dr. Ager collaborates with researchers in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, as indicated by her co-authorships and research links. She is connected with professionals working on similar interests such as Professor Paola Vagnarelli, Dr Victor Jatula, and others.