Arianne Verhagen

Arianne Verhagen is an Adjunct Professor and Head of the Master of Physiotherapy at the Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney. A Dutch physiotherapist with extensive experience in primary care, she has held academic positions at Erasmus University Medical Center and Avans University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands before joining UTS in 2018.

Her educational background includes a PhD in Quality assessment of randomised clinical trials from Maastricht University (1999), an MSc in Epidemiology (1994), and a BA in Physiotherapy from Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (1982). She is also a certified Manual Therapist (1988) and Clinical Epidemiologist.

Professor Verhagen's research focuses on musculoskeletal conditions in primary care, with particular expertise in research methodology, systematic reviews, diagnostic research, and meta-research. Her mission is to help patients through evidence-based approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Her work consistently emphasizes improving clinical decision-making through rigorous methodological approaches.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on systematic reviews and methodological research across various musculoskeletal conditions. Key themes include diagnostic accuracy, patient-reported outcomes, implementation of evidence-based practice, and the development of measurement tools for knowledge and beliefs about musculoskeletal conditions. Her work spans multiple clinical areas including low back pain, neck pain, ACL injuries, and spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

• Associate Editor for Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
• Associate Editor for Musculoskeletal Science & Practice
• Chair of International Society of Physiotherapy Journal Editors
• Former Member of Editorial Board for Journal of Physiotherapy (2012-2021)
• Former Chair of Scientific Committee for Dutch Society of Manual Therapists (2004-2008)

Professor Verhagen has secured funding from major Dutch competitive granting bodies including ZonMw and NWO. Her teaching focuses on research methodology and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. She has supervised numerous students through her role as Head of the Master of Physiotherapy program at UTS and previously at other institutions. Her leadership extends to developing research capacity among healthcare professionals and promoting evidence-based practice in clinical settings.