Sonja Coetzee

Dr. Sonja Coetzee is a Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC). She specializes in evidence-based professional practice and applied clinical skills training, with a focus on musculoskeletal rehabilitation and chronic condition management. Her roles include practicum coordination for final-year Clinical Exercise Physiology students and supporting work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences. Prior to UniSC, she held academic positions at Southern Cross University (2012–2019) and North-West University, South Africa (2004–2011), where she also served as a practicing Biokineticist in the South African Military Health Service.

• Education: PhD Biokinetics (NWU), GradCert HEd (SCU), MSc (HMS), Honours in Biokinetics, BSc in Human Movement Sciences (all from NWU).
• Research Interests: Exercise as medicine for chronic conditions, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, body composition analysis, and aquatic therapy for ME/CFS and Parkinson’s Disease. Recent work includes studies on aquatic exercise programs for ME/CFS and cancer rehabilitation initiatives.
• Grants: Secured funding for projects like a six-month aquatic program for ME/CFS patients (A$100,000, 2018–2020) and a pilot study on aquatic interventions for ME/CFS (A$4,000, 2016–2017).

Her teaching spans Exercise in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Clinical Skills for Exercise Physiology, and practicum coordination. She is an accredited exercise physiologist and ISAK Level 3 Anthropometrist, emphasizing practical and clinical expertise in her academic work.