MacBean
experienced paediatric respiratory and critical care physiotherapist; research interests in respiratory physiology and interdisciplinary research novel physiological techniques for assessment of respiratory function, particularly in paediatric and critical care settings respiratory muscle function respiratory complications of neuromuscular disease interdisciplinary research, including the arts in healthcare respiratory load perception respiratory muscle training public engagement with science respiratory and critical care medicine; physiology module lead for critical care modules - bsc & msc pre-registration courses msc advanced clinical practice/advanced professional practice: module lead for ph5611 the dissertation project supervision for bsc, msc pre-registration and msc advanced clinical practice/advanced professional practice dissertations
![Dr Vicky MacBean]()
Dr Vicky MacBean
Experienced paediatric respiratory and critical care physiotherapist; research interests in respiratory physiology and interdisciplinary research Novel physiological techniques for assessment of respiratory function, particularly in paediatric and critical care settings Respiratory muscle function Respiratory complications of neuromuscular disease Interdisciplinary research, including the arts in healthcare Respiratory load perception Respiratory muscle training Public engagement with science Respiratory and critical care medicine; physiology Module lead for Critical care modules - BSc & MSc pre-registration courses MSc Advanced Clinical Practice/Advanced Professional Practice: Module lead for PH5611 The Dissertation Project supervision for BSc, MSc pre-registration and MSc Advanced Clinical Practice/Advanced Professional Practice dissertations
Kal
i have a bsc (2011) and msc (2012; cum laude) in movement science, both from the faculty of behavioural and movement sciences at the vrije universiteit amsterdam in the netherlands. for my phd project i was employed at a specialist rehabilitation centre (heliomare) in the netherlands, studying the impact of implicit learning interventions on the rehabilitation of balance and gait in people after stroke. i successfully defended my thesis in november 2018. i joined brunel in 2019. my research is focused on better understanding the cognitive and psychological processes that underpin motor control and learning, and to use this knowledge to improve motor functioning in aging and neurological populations (stroke, parkinson’s). two main themes in my research are: (1) the use of motor learning principles in (re-)learning of balance and gait tasks in different clinical populations. this includes the use of weight-shifting strategies to reduce freezing of gait in people with pd, as well as the use of implicit motor learning techniques as part of physical education of children. (2) the role of anxiety and associated changes in attention in unexplained dizziness in older adults.this includes the use of virtual reality to study the effects of standing at a (virtual) height on fear of falling, associated discrepancies in perceived (self-reported) and actual (sway on force platform) balance, and potential neural and muscular control changes that could help explain such discrepancies - and provide options for interventions. in terms of approach, i combine basic science (assessments of brain activity (using fnirs, eeg), kine(ma)tics of movement (using force plates, 3d movement analysis), and muscular control (emg)) with clinically applied research (e.g., using clinical outcomes and assessment methods). i have experience with a host of the methodological approaches (systematic reviews, observational studies, experimental studies, rcts, validation studies) which gives me flexibility in studying these topics. two key areas of interest are: 1) the use of motor learning principles in (re-)learning of balance and gait tasks in different clinical populations 2) the role of anxiety and associated changes in attention in unexplained dizziness in older adults. in terms of approach, i strive to combine basic science (assessments of brain activity (using fnirs, eeg), kine(ma)tics of movement (using force plates, 3d movement analysis), and muscular control (emg)) with clinically applied research (e.g., using clinical outcomes and assessment methods). i have experience with a host of the methodological approaches (systematic reviews, observational studies, experimental studies, rcts, validation studies) which gives me flexibility in studying these issues. pre-registration msc/bsc physiotherapy hh5819 - dissertation module (module lead) hh1604 / hh5602 - rehabilitation 2 (tutorials on motor learning & gait analysis) ph5640 - research methods for health sciences (tutorials on applied statistics using jamovi) advanced clinical practice ph5603 - quantitative methods and design for health science research (tutorials on applied statistics using jamovi) ph5630 - neurophysiological basis for rehabilitation of movement (tutorial on influence of attention and fear on movement control and learning)
![Dr Elmar Kal]()
Dr Elmar Kal
I have a BSc (2011) and MSc (2012; cum laude) in Movement Science, both from the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in The Netherlands. For my PhD project I was employed at a specialist rehabilitation centre (Heliomare) in the Netherlands, studying the impact of implicit learning interventions on the rehabilitation of balance and gait in people after stroke. I successfully defended my thesis in November 2018. I joined Brunel in 2019. My research is focused on better understanding the cognitive and psychological processes that underpin motor control and learning, and to use this knowledge to improve motor functioning in aging and neurological populations (stroke, Parkinson’s). Two main themes in my research are: (1) The use of motor learning principles in (re-)learning of balance and gait tasks in different clinical populations. This includes the use of weight-shifting strategies to reduce freezing of gait in people with PD, as well as the use of implicit motor learning techniques as part of Physical Education of children. (2) The role of anxiety and associated changes in attention in unexplained dizziness in older adults.This includes the use of virtual reality to study the effects of standing at a (virtual) height on fear of falling, associated discrepancies in perceived (self-reported) and actual (sway on force platform) balance, and potential neural and muscular control changes that could help explain such discrepancies - and provide options for interventions. In terms of approach, I combine basic science (assessments of brain activity (using fNIRS, EEG), kine(ma)tics of movement (using force plates, 3D movement analysis), and muscular control (EMG)) with clinically applied research (e.g., using clinical outcomes and assessment methods). I have experience with a host of the methodological approaches (systematic reviews, observational studies, experimental studies, RCTs, validation studies) which gives me flexibility in studying these topics. Two key areas of interest are: 1) The use of motor learning principles in (re-)learning of balance and gait tasks in different clinical populations 2) The role of anxiety and associated changes in attention in unexplained dizziness in older adults. In terms of approach, I strive to combine basic science (assessments of brain activity (using fNIRS, EEG), kine(ma)tics of movement (using force plates, 3D movement analysis), and muscular control (EMG)) with clinically applied research (e.g., using clinical outcomes and assessment methods). I have experience with a host of the methodological approaches (systematic reviews, observational studies, experimental studies, RCTs, validation studies) which gives me flexibility in studying these issues. Pre-registration MSc/BSc Physiotherapy HH5819 - Dissertation Module (module lead) HH1604 / HH5602 - Rehabilitation 2 (tutorials on motor learning & gait analysis) PH5640 - Research Methods for Health Sciences (tutorials on applied statistics using JAMOVI) Advanced Clinical Practice PH5603 - Quantitative Methods and Design for Health Science Research (tutorials on applied statistics using JAMOVI) PH5630 - Neurophysiological Basis for Rehabilitation of Movement (tutorial on influence of attention and fear on movement control and learning)
Romer
dr romer holds a readership in human and applied physiology. after completing undergraduate and postgraduate studies at brunel, he worked for several years at the british olympic medical centre where he was responsible for the design, management and provision of physiological support services to olympic governing bodies. he completed a phd at the university of birmingham and received post-doctoral training at the john rankin laboratory of pulmonary medicine, university of wisconsin-madison, usa. he rejoined brunel in 2004 and served as division lead from 2014 to 2018. dr romer’s research is focused on the cardiorespiratory responses, interactions and limitations to exercise in health and disease. his research has shown that the respiratory muscles are susceptible to fatigue under specific conditions and that it is possible to improve performance in various settings by specifically training these muscles. more recent work has shown that the cardiovascular consequences of respiratory muscle work/fatigue and arterial hypoxaemia have direct implications for limb muscle function and exercise tolerance. these findings in healthy individuals have relevance for the management of conditions in which the function of the respiratory muscles is impaired or the loads that they must overcome are elevated (e.g., cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular disorders). he has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles on topics related to these areas, including several invited scholarly reviews. furthermore, he has produced invited textbook chapters for leading national and international organisations, including american college of sports medicine (acsm), american physiological society (aps), british association of sport and exercise sciences (bases) and international olympic committee (ioc). he has also delivered numerous invited presentations at international conferences, including several prestigious keynotes. his research has been supported by external agencies, including the canadian lung association, uk sport, british paralympic association, integrated spinal rehabilitation foundation, the royal society, the physiological society (physoc), the nuffield foundation, amongst others. he has been awarded fellowships from acsm, bases and physoc in recognition of his continuous and active service to these societies and their respective disciplines. he has completed several terms as associate editor and served on the editorial board for prominent journals in his field. he currently serves as senior editor for experimental physiology - a publication of the physiological society. he has a wide network of national and international collaborators and has ongoing projects with academics in the uk, eu, us and canada. dr romer has been a fellow of the higher education academy since 2006. he leads modules at undergraduate and masters, and teaches across all levels. he has supervised several research assistants/fellows and has successfully supervised a significant number of doctoral students, many of whom have been awarded prestigious prizes and have progressed to senior roles within academia and other sectors. he has served as an external advisor for course validations and as an external examiner for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at world-leading institutions for exercise science and medicine. furthermore, he has examined a significant number of doctoral dissertations, both at home and abroad.
![Dr Lee Romer]()
Dr Lee Romer
Dr Romer holds a Readership in Human and Applied Physiology. After completing undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Brunel, he worked for several years at the British Olympic Medical Centre where he was responsible for the design, management and provision of physiological support services to Olympic Governing Bodies. He completed a PhD at the University of Birmingham and received post-doctoral training at the John Rankin Laboratory of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. He rejoined Brunel in 2004 and served as Division Lead from 2014 to 2018. Dr Romer’s research is focused on the cardiorespiratory responses, interactions and limitations to exercise in health and disease. His research has shown that the respiratory muscles are susceptible to fatigue under specific conditions and that it is possible to improve performance in various settings by specifically training these muscles. More recent work has shown that the cardiovascular consequences of respiratory muscle work/fatigue and arterial hypoxaemia have direct implications for limb muscle function and exercise tolerance. These findings in healthy individuals have relevance for the management of conditions in which the function of the respiratory muscles is impaired or the loads that they must overcome are elevated (e.g., cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular disorders). He has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles on topics related to these areas, including several invited scholarly reviews. Furthermore, he has produced invited textbook chapters for leading national and international organisations, including American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), American Physiological Society (APS), British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) and International Olympic Committee (IOC). He has also delivered numerous invited presentations at international conferences, including several prestigious keynotes. His research has been supported by external agencies, including the Canadian Lung Association, UK Sport, British Paralympic Association, Integrated Spinal Rehabilitation Foundation, The Royal Society, The Physiological Society (PhySoc), The Nuffield Foundation, amongst others. He has been awarded fellowships from ACSM, BASES and PhySoc in recognition of his continuous and active service to these societies and their respective disciplines. He has completed several terms as Associate Editor and served on the Editorial Board for prominent journals in his field. He currently serves as Senior Editor for Experimental Physiology - a publication of The Physiological Society. He has a wide network of national and international collaborators and has ongoing projects with academics in the UK, EU, US and Canada. Dr Romer has been a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy since 2006. He leads modules at undergraduate and masters, and teaches across all levels. He has supervised several research assistants/fellows and has successfully supervised a significant number of doctoral students, many of whom have been awarded prestigious prizes and have progressed to senior roles within academia and other sectors. He has served as an External Advisor for course validations and as an External Examiner for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at world-leading institutions for exercise science and medicine. Furthermore, he has examined a significant number of doctoral dissertations, both at home and abroad.
Nolan
dr claire nolan is a senior lecturer in physiotherapy in the department of health sciences and an nihr advanced fellow with clinical expertise in pulmonary rehabilitation. dr nolan completed her phd in imperial college london in 2018 on gait speed and prognosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. dr nolan’s research interests include strategies to increase engagement in and alternative models of rehabilitation programmes for people living with chronic lung conditions and multiple long-term conditions. she has expertise in intervention co-design, mixed-methodologies, as well as feasibility and randomised controlled trials. dr nolan is chair elect of the american thoracic society pulmonary rehabilitation assembly programme committee, a committee member of the nhse national respiratory programme and the british thoracic society quality standards for pulmonary rehabilitation committee, and impact champion for the department of health sciences, brunel university. dr nolan's research interests include strategies to increase engagement in and alternative models of rehabilitation programmes for people living with chronic lung conditions and multiple long-term conditions. she has expertise in intervention co-design, mixed-methodologies, as well as feasibility and randomised controlled trials. dr nolan's current areas of research include: - co-design and testing of very brief advice for pulmonary rehabilitation - co-design of a financial incentive intervention to increase engagement with pulmonary rehabilitation - non-inferiority randomised controlled trial comparing pulmonary rehabiltiation delivered using minimal versus specialist equipment in people with chronic respiratory disease - randomised controlled trial comparing space for copd to usual care following pulmonary rehabilitation
![Dr Claire Nolan]()
Dr Claire Nolan
Dr Claire Nolan is a Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy in the Department of Health Sciences and an NIHR Advanced Fellow with clinical expertise in pulmonary rehabilitation. Dr Nolan completed her PhD in Imperial College London in 2018 on gait speed and prognosis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Dr Nolan’s research interests include strategies to increase engagement in and alternative models of rehabilitation programmes for people living with chronic lung conditions and multiple long-term conditions. She has expertise in intervention co-design, mixed-methodologies, as well as feasibility and randomised controlled trials. Dr Nolan is Chair Elect of the American Thoracic Society Pulmonary Rehabilitation Assembly Programme Committee, a committee member of the NHSE National Respiratory Programme and the British Thoracic Society Quality Standards for Pulmonary Rehabilitation committee, and Impact Champion for the Department of Health Sciences, Brunel University. Dr Nolan's research interests include strategies to increase engagement in and alternative models of rehabilitation programmes for people living with chronic lung conditions and multiple long-term conditions. She has expertise in intervention co-design, mixed-methodologies, as well as feasibility and randomised controlled trials. Dr Nolan's current areas of research include: - Co-design and testing of Very Brief Advice for pulmonary rehabilitation - Co-design of a financial incentive intervention to increase engagement with pulmonary rehabilitation - Non-inferiority randomised controlled trial comparing pulmonary rehabiltiation delivered using minimal versus specialist equipment in people with chronic respiratory disease - Randomised controlled trial comparing SPACE for COPD to usual care following pulmonary rehabilitation