Alison Rogers

Biography

Having qualified as a Physiotherapist in 2005 from Cardiff University, I worked in London where I gained a broad clinical background in neuro-physiotherapy as both a Band 5 Physiotherapist and the Band 6 Specialist Neurophysiotherapist. In particular I worked with acute neurosurgical patients and stroke patients.  

In 2010 I moved into academia, completing my MSc in Advanced Practice for Health Professions and completed a PG Cert in Learning and Teaching at the University of East London. There I gained a breadth of experience as an educator, taking on roles such as Year 3 Head and Clinical Lead for the self-funded BSc Physiotherapy Programme. During that time I also embarked on a PhD entitled 'Foot and ankle impairments affecting mobility in stroke'.

In the summer of 2016 I joined SAHP at Keele University where I have continued my academic career and continue to enjoy being part of the enthusiastic and innovative teaching and research teams. 

Research and scholarship

My research interests lie predominantly in neurology,  in particular stroke, lower limb biochemics and function. 

In February 2012 I embarked on the FAIMIS project: Foot and ankle impairments affecting mobility in stroke.This was a 3 phase multi centred and multidisciplinary research project (UEL and University of Plymouth), funded by Scholl Podiatric Fund (University of East London, UEL).. It has now been completed with my final thesis due to be handed in in January 2021, having passed my VIVA in july 2019. 

The project had the following aims:

1. To evaluate what qualitative perception stroke survivors have of foot and ankle impairments and how these impact on mobility and balance.
2. To establish the feasibility and reliability of quantifying foot and ankle impairments sch as range of motion, strength, plantar pressure analysis at the foot and ankle.
3. To identify foot and ankle impairments which predict mobility and balance outcomes following stroke and compare these with age and gender matched controls.

Since completion of this project I am hoping to continue my research interest by exploring interventions to enhance lower limb assessment, function and management after stroke. 

Research interests

• Stroke, neurological disorders
• Neurological rehabilitation / exercise 
• Lower Limb biomechanics
• Assessment of outcomes (body structure and function) 

Teaching

I currently teach on both UG and PG Physiotherapy and related programmes with SAHP. This includes contributing to teaching neurological systems, injury and rehabilitation. I lead two modules, Enhanced Physiotherapy for the Complex Patient (MSc Physiotherapy) and Psychosocial aspects of pain (PGT). This is an exciting opportunity to deliver engaging and relevant teaching using my clinical and research expertise. 

I am also a clinical link tutor for the Oswestry area, visiting and supporting students on placement in these areas. 

I also have two roles in SAHP: 

1. Exams Officer for MSci Physiotherapy and BSc Rehabilitation and Exercise Science Programmes, helping to ensure high quality of assessment and marking processes. 

2. Year 1 Head for MSci Physiotherapy programme, planning and coordinating Year 1 teaching, monitoring the cohort and ensuring Year 1 students settle into academic life at SAHP. 

Postgraduate Student Supervision

I am currently supervising three UG students with their projects involving plantar pressure data collected in people with stroke. 

I am keen to work with postgraduate research students with an interest in lower limb biomechanical research in neurological conditions.