Gary Shum

Professor Gary Shum is a Professor in Biomechanics and Physiotherapy and Associate Dean (Research and Innovation) at Plymouth Marjon University's School of Health & Wellbeing. He holds an Honorary Professorship at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust. His research focuses on musculoskeletal and sports biomechanics, including spinal kinematics, gait analysis, ultrasound imaging, and rehabilitation. He leads the Physiotherapy undergraduate program and has extensive clinical experience as a chartered physiotherapist in the UK, Hong Kong, and Australia.

Education:

• PhD in Biomechanics, University of Sydney (Thesis: Effect of Back Pain on Lumbar Spine and Hip Kinematics)
• BSc in Physiotherapy, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
• Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, University of Plymouth

Research Highlights: Professor Shum's work examines spinal biomechanics in low back pain, sciatic nerve mobility post-surgery, and running gait mechanics. He has secured over €1.45M in grants, including an EU-funded RISE program on muscle stress relief (2016) and multiple NHS-backed studies on postoperative gait abnormalities and nerve pathomechanics.

Awards & Recognition:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Editorships: Journal of Spine and Archives of Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy

Key Contributions: His labs use advanced biomechanical equipment to investigate neuromuscular control, injury mechanisms, and rehabilitation strategies. Notable projects include developing smartphone apps for joint motion analysis and evaluating therapeutic interventions like gait retraining and taping efficacy.