Paul Hodges is a Professor and NHMRC Senior Principal Research Fellow in the Division of Physiotherapy at the University of Queensland and Director of the NHMRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health. Paul has doctorates in both physiotherapy and neuroscience and his work blends neurophysiological and biomechanical methods to understand the control of movement and stability and how this changes when people have pain. In 2006 and 2011 Paul was awarded the ISSLS Prize from the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine. This is the premier international prize for back pain research. In 2010 he received the Achiever Award from the National Health and Medical Research Council as the highest ranked Research Fellow.

PRE-CONGRESS SESSION:
Motor Control Training for Low Back and Pelvic Pain: Assessment and Training

Low back and pelvic pain is associated with motor control dysfunction. However, current models of training are often overly simplistic and emphasis is placed on optimizing static stability, without consideration of the need for dynamic control. Newer models of rehabilitation that integrate the function of the muscle system are required. Integral to this function is rehabilitation of the function of the deep muscles, including transversus abdominis, multifidus, pelvic floor and the diaphragm, which provide an opportunity to control intervertebral motion, without restricting mobility of the spine and pelvis. However, this must be integrated with training of the entire muscle system in an integrated functional manner including control coordination of these muscles for breathing and continence in addition to their contribution to stability and protection of the spine and pelvis.