Dr. Fiona Wilson
Associate Professor, Physiotherapy
Biography
I have over 30 years of clinical and research experience Sports and Exercise Medicine; my research answers clinically relevant questions and has influenced practice in coaching and sports medicine.
I aim to understand athletes' pain and injury, to support their performance, welfare and safety in the short term, and their health and wellbeing through their life trajectory. I do this by exploring injury prevention, early recognition and optimal management strategies (injury treatment). My research focus is the role of sport and exercise on low back pain (LBP) and on brain health. I explore: i) epidemiology to identify injury risk factors, and ii) biomechanics to explain mechanisms associated with risk. ii) Knowledge translation (through evidence synthesis) for end users (clinicians, athletes and sport support staff).
I explore and apply exercise medicine principles in the management of chronic disease and pain across populations, beyond athletes. My particular focus is on management of arthritis and low back pain using exercise and activity approaches. I used a shared decision making methodology to empower people to self-manage long term conditions with exercise and activity, which is appropriate and meaningful to their lifestyle.
I have an interest in knowledge translation; ensuring that research I publish is clinically meaningful, and I create outputs to support clinicians. I had a long clinical career culminating in senior hospital appointments and as lead physiotherapist for Rowing Ireland for 10 years. I still treat patients to ensure that my research outputs are relevant.
The impact of my research is demonstrated in the following: . My appointment as a policy advisor and knowledge translator to international sporting bodies. I am representing leadership from Ireland in these appointments: o World Rowing (governing body of international rowing) as the first physiotherapist and Irish person to be appointed to the Sports Medicine Commission. From 2018-2020 I led an international consortium (14 experts) to create global policy for managing rowing back pain. This published 2021 Low Back Pain (LBP) Consensus Statement is the gold standard reference document for rowers. I created policies for return to training following Covid and was part of a committee creating policies for rowing to facilitate safe running of the 2020 Olympic Games. o World Rugby appointed me as part of Brain Health Scotland to create education materials on athlete brain health; webinars and MOOCs. o The international rugby boards in Ireland (IRFU) and England (RPA) appointed me to advise on player welfare and research strategies. o The International Olympic Committee (IOC) invited me to give seminars on their Sports Medicine Diploma. o I was invited by a consortium of international experts on athlete brain health (the Global Athlete Brain Health Foundation) to chair their subgroup 'Prevention' and am leading research with this international expert consortium. o Appointment to the International Parkrun Research Board as a Sports Medicine expert.
I am a Deputy Editor of the British Journal of Sports Medicine; the highest ranking sports and exercise medicine journal globally. I am also Deputy Editor of the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, leading their Injury Prevention subsection. I am on the editorial board of the Journal of Sport Sciences and the German Journal of Sports Medicine.
Publications and Further Research Outputs
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Maguire S, Wilson F, Gallagher P, O'Shea F, , Central Obesity in Axial Spondyloarthropathy: the Missing Link to Understanding Worse Outcomes in Women?, The Journal of Rheumatology, 2022
Maguire S, Wilson F, Gallagher P, O'Shea F, , Worse scores but similar patterns of disease activity: interpreting outcomes in women with axial spondyloarthropathy, Worse scores but similar patterns of disease activity: interpreting outcomes in women with axial spondyloarthropathy, 00, 2022, p1 - 8
Kathryn Dane , Ciaran Simms , Sharief Hendricks , Stephen W. West , Steffan Griffin , Frank J. Nugent , Garreth Farrell , David Mockler , Fiona Wilson, Physical and Technical Demands and Preparatory Strategies in Female Field Collision Sports: A Scoping Review, International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2022
Maguire S, Wilson F, Gallagher P, Mohamed M, Maher S, O'Shea F, , What to expect when women with axial spondyloarthritis are expecting: Prevalence of complications of pregnancies in women with axial spondyloarthritis, Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 2022
Thornton J, Caneiro JP, Hartvigsen J, Ardern C, Vinther A, Wilkie K, Trease L, Ackerman KE, Dane K, McDonnell SJ, Mockler D, Gissane C, Wilson F, Treating low back pain in athletes: a systematic review with meta-analysis, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 55, 2021, p656 - 662
Maguire S, Wilson F, Gallagher P, O'Shea F, The toll of unemployment in axial spondyloarthropathy: high prevalence and negative impact on outcomes captured in a national registry, Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 2021
Wilkie K, Thornton JS, Vinther A, Trease L, McDonnell AJ, Wilson F, Clinical management of acute low back pain in elite and subelite rowers: A Delphi study of experienced and expert clinicians, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2021
Fiona Wilson, Synthesising evidence to create better management strategies for athlete low back pain. Lessons learned from 30 years of working with rowing back pain. , Sports Medicine and Health Summit, Hamburg, Germany, 20-24th April, 2021, German Sports Medicine Association
Wilson F, Forster B. , Preventing low back pain in sports- should we image and how do we interpret findings?, IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury & Illness in Sport, Monaco, 25-27 November, 2021, International Olympic Committee
Maguire S, Wilson F, Gallagher P, O'Shea F, , Body mass index underestimates obesity in females with axial spondyloarthropathy, Arthritis and Rheumatology, American College of Rheumatology Annual Conference, Online, 04/11/21, 73, (Supp 10), 2021
World Rugby, 'Staying on Top of Your Game: Rugby and Brain Health', You Tube, YouTube: @World Rugby Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldrugby Twitter: https://twitter.com/wor, 2021, -
Maguire S, Wilson F, Gallagher P, O'Shea F, , High prevalence of abdominal obesity in females with axial spondyloarthropathy, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, EULAR, Online, June 2021, 80 (supp 1), 2021, pp738-
Wilson F, McDonnell SJ, Ni Chealllaigh C, Advice for physiotherapists, (massage therapists, and other clinicians in very close contact) treating rowing athletes during and post Covid-19 pandemic, Lausanne, World Rowing, March, 2021
Maguire S, Wilson F, Gallagher P, O'Shea F, , Idenitfying predictors of unemployment in axial spondyloarthropathy: Data from the Ankylosing Spondylitis registry of Ireland. , Arthritis and Rheumatology, 73, (Supp 10), 2021
McHugh C, Hind K, Wyse J, Davey D, Wilson F, Increases in DXA-Derived Visceral Fat Across One Season in Professional Rugby Union Players: Importance of Visceral Fat Monitoring in Athlete Body Composition Assessment, Journal of Clinical Densitometry, 24, (2), 2021, p206 - 213
Wilson F, Thornton J, Time to ditch the planks, listen to what athletes really need and want...and other useful strategies for preventing athlete low back pain, IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury & Illness in Sport, Monaco, 25-27 November, 2021, International Olympic Committee
O'Grady M, O'Dwyer T, Connolly J, Condell J, Esquivel KM, O'Shea F, Gardiner P, Wilson F , Measuring spinal mobility using an inertial measurement unit system: A reliability study in Axial Spondyloarthritis, Diagnostics, 2021
Boyne M, Simms C, Van Dyk N, Farrell G, Farrell E, McHugh C, Wall J, Mockler D, Wilson F, It's not all about power: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing sex-based differences in kicking biomechanics in soccer, Sports Biomechanics, 2021
McHugh C, Hind K, O'Halloran A, Davey D, Farrel G, Wilson F, Body mass and body composition changes over 7 years in a male professional rugby union team, International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2021
Nugent F, Vinther A, McGregor A, Thornton JS, Wilkie K, Wilson F, The relationship between rowing-related low back pain and rowing biomechanics: A systematic review, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2021
Wilson F, Thornton JS, Wilkie K, Hartvigsen J, Vinther A, Ackerman KE, Caneiro JP, Trease L, Nugent F, Gissane C, McDonnell SJ, McGregor A, Newlands C, Ardern CL, 2021 consensus statement for preventing and managing low back pain in elite and subelite adult rowers, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2021
Azeez M, Clancy C, O'Dwyer T, Lahiff C, Wilson F, Cunnane G, Benefits of exercise in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomised controlled trial of a patient specific exercise programme, Clinical Rheumatology, 39, 2020, p1783 - 1792
Wilson F, Ardern C, Hartvigsen J, Dane K, Trompeter K, Trease L, Vinther A, Gissane C, McDonnell SJ, Caneiro JP, Newlands C, Wilkie K, Mockler D, Thornton JS, Prevalence and risk factors for back pain in sports: a systematic review with meta-analysis, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2020, p1 - 9
Cunningham J, Broglio S, Wyse J, McHugh C, Farrel G, Denvir K, Wilson F, Athlete concussion history recall is underestimated: a validation study of selfreported concussion history among current professional rugby union players, Brain Injury, 2020
Maguire S, O'Dwyer T, Mockler D, O'Shea F, Wilson F, Pregnancy in axial spondyloarthropathy. A systematic review and meta-analysis, Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 2020
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, UK, Elsevier, [Deputy Editor], 2020
British Journal of Sports Medicine, UK, BMJ, [Deputy Editor], 2020
Gardner RC, Rivera E, O'Grady M, Doherty C, Yaffe K, Corrigan J, Bogner J, Kramer J, Wilson F, Screening for lifetime history of traumatic brain injury among American and Irish adults ar risk for dementia: Development and validation of a web-based survey, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 2020
McHugh C, Hind K, Cunningham C, Davey D, Wilson F , A career in sport does not eliminate the risk of cardiovascular disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the cardiovascular health of field-based athletes. , Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 23, (9), 2020, p792 - 799
Nugent F, Flanagan E, Wilson F, Warrington G, Strength and conditioning for competitive rowers, Strength and Conditioning Journal, 42, (3), 2020, p6 - 21
Wilson F, Ng L, O'Sullivan K, Caneiro JP, O'Sullivan P, Horgan A, Thornton J, Wilkie K, Timonen V, 'You're the best liar in the world': a grounded theory study of rowing athletes' experience of low back pain, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2020
Fitzgerald G, O'Dwyer T, Mockler D, O'Shea F, Wilson F, Pharmacological treatment for managing bone health in axial spondyloarthropy: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Rheumatology International, 2020
British Journal of Sports Medicine, UK, BMJ, [eds.], 2020
McHugh C, Hind K, Davey D, Wyse J, Wilson F, Supersizing athletes risks increasing visceral fat and not muscle mass; a study of across season changes in body composition in professional rugby, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 75, (11), 2020, p1611 - 1611
Cunningham J, Broglio S, O'Grady M, Wilson F, History of sport related concussion and long-term clinical cognitive health outcomes in retired athletes: A systematic review, Journal of Athletic Training, 55, (2), 2020, p132 - 158
Fiona Wilson, Kate Ackerman, Tomislav Smoljanovic, Juergen Steinacker, Jo Hannafin, Henning Bay Nielsen, Mikio Hiura, Mike Wilkinson, , World Rowing Covid-19 Pandemic. Return to rowing training and avoiding risk of injury., worldrowing.com/news/return-training-advice-for-post-peak-and-post-pandemic-periods, Federation International Societies D'Aviron, June, 2020, p1 - 5
Hufstedler HC, Dorsman KA, Rivera EJ, Lanata SC, Bogner JA, Corrigan J, Fuller S, Borja XR, Wilson F, Gardner R, Linguistic and cultural acceptability of a Spanish translation of the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method among community dwelling Spanish-dominant older adults, Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation, 2019
McHugh C, Hind K, Davey D, Wilson F, Cardiovascular health of retired field-based athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis , Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 7, (8), 2019
Reece LJ, Quirk H, Wellington C, Haake SJ, Wilson F, Bright sports, physical activity investments that work: Parkrun, a global initiative striving for healthier and happier communities, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53, (6), 2019, p326 - 327
Gardner R, Riviera E, O'Grady M... Wilson F, The role of traumatic brain injury in the development of dementia: validation of a web-based self-administered traumatic brain injury exposure survey for use in cognitive aging research, Alzheimers and Dementia, 14, (7), 2019, p1498-
O'Dwyer T, Maguire S, Mockler D, Durcan L, Wilson F , Behaviour change interventions targeting physical activity in adults with fibromyalgia: a systematic review, Rheumatology International, 39, (5), 2019, p805 - 817
Kelly A, Hale J, Boyle N, Denvir K, Farrell G, Ryan J, O'Connell B, Cunningham J, Wilson F, Utility of blood biomarkers S100B and BDNF as a measure of brain injury in professional rugby players, Journal of Neurotrauma, 37th Annual National Neurotrauma Symposium, Pittsburgh, USA, June 29- July 3rd , 36, (13), Mary Ann Liebert Inc, 2019, ppAO3-09
Martinex-Valdes E, Wilson F, Fleming N, McDonnell SJ, Horgan A, Falla D , Rowers with a recent history of low back pain engage different regions of the lumbar erector spinae, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 22, (11), 2019, p1206 - 1212
Joyce O, Hopkins D, McCollum A, Newell F, Wilson F, Kelly A, Sports concussion and brain health. The need for objective tests of pathological brain indices, Journal of Neurotrauma, 37th Annual National Neurotrauma Symposium, Pittsburgh, USA, June 29- July 3rd , 36, (13), Mary Ann Liebert Inc, 2019, ppAO3-08
Cunningham J, Broglio S, Wyse J, Farrell G, Denvir K, Wilson F, Reliability of self reported concussion history in current professional rugby union players, Journal of Neurotrauma, 37th Annual National Neurotrauma Symposium, Pittsburgh, USA, June 29- July 3rd , 36, (13), Mary Ann Liebert Inc, 2019, ppBO6-04
Wilson F, Cunningham J, McCabe E, Broglio S, Depression indicators in former professional rugby players are related to number of playing years and not concussion history, Journal of Neurotrauma, 37th Annual National Neurotrauma Symposium, Pittsburgh, USA, June 29- July 3rd , 36, (13), Mary Ann Liebert Inc, 2019, ppBO5-12
O'Dwyer T, Durcan L, Maguire S, Mockler D, Wilson F, Behaviour change interventions targeting physical activity in adults with fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review, Ann. Rheum. Dis., 77, 2018, p1785-
Wilson F, Walshe M, O'Dwyer TK, Bennett K, Mockler D, Bleakley C, Exercise, orthoses and splinting for treating Achilles tendinopathy:a systematic review and meta-analysis, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52, (24), 2018, p1564 - 1574
Cunningham J, Broglio S, Wilson F, Influence of playing rugby on long-term brain health following retirement: a systematic review and narrative synthesis, BMJ Open Sports and Exercise Medicine, 4, (1), 2018
Advice for avoiding low back pain in, editor(s)Paul Reynolds and Wendy Davies , ROWMoJo - Rowing Manual: Rowing training, Physical Literacy & movement skills for Teenage Girls + advice on anxiety, training with your period, diet, body image, (HerMoJo Book 1), UK, WSNet, 2018, [Wilson F]
Broglio SP, Cunningham J, Gissane C, Farrell G, Denver K, Wilson F, An Investigation into the reliability of self-reported concussion history in current professional rugby union players. , Journal os Sports Sciences, 23rd Annual Congress of the European College of Sports Sciences, Dublin, Ireland, 4-7July, 2018
Wilson F, A care pathway for management of low back pain in rowing, FISA/World Rowing Coaching Conference. Berlin 21/23 November, Berlin, Germany, 21/23 November, 2018, FISA/ World Rowing
Wilson F, Managing low back pain in rowers: can it teach us something about the general population?, In Touch, 162, (Spring), 2018, p4 - 10
Wilson F, Best way to avoid back pain? Lift heavy things, The Conversation, (April 5th), 2018
O'connell B, Wilson F, Boyle N, O'Dwyer TK, Denvir K, Farrell G, Kelly AM, Effects of match play on circulating S100B concentration in professional rugby players, Brain Injury, 32, ((13-14)), 2018, p1811 - 1816
Wilson F., Martinez-Valdes E., Fleming N., McDonnell SJ., Falla D., Rowers with low back pain show a different distribution of erector spinae muscle activity during an incremental test to volitional exhaustion, 23rd Annual Congress of the European College of Sports Sciences, Dublin, Ireland, 4-7 July, 2018
O'Connell B, Kelly AM, Mockler D, Oresic M, Denvir K, Farrell G, Janigro D Wilson F, Use of blood biomarkers in assessment of sports related concussion- a systematic review in the context of their biological significance, Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine, 28, (6), 2018, p561 - 571
Thorlund J, Ostengard L, Cardy N, Wilson F, Jorgensen C, Juhl C, Trajectory of self reported pain and function and knee extensor muscle strength in young patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for meniscus tears. A systematic review with meta-analysis, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 20, (8), 2017, p712 - 717
Moran J, Guinan E, McCormick P, Larkin J, Mockler D, Hussey J, Moriarty J, Wilson F, Response to: Is prehabilitation limited to preoperative exercise?, Surgery, 2017
Moran J, Wilson F, Guinan E, McCormick P, Hussey J, Moriarty J, The Role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing as a risk-assessment method in patients undergoing intra-abdominal surgery; a systematic review, British Journal of Anaesthesia, 111, (2), 2017, p177 - 191
Clancy C, Quinn A, Wilson F, The aetiologies of failed back surgery; a systematic review, Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 30, (3), 2017, p395 - 402
O'Dwyer T, Monaghan A, Moran J, O'Shea F, Wilson F, Behaviour change intervention increases physical activity, spinal mobility and quality of life in adults with ankylosing spondylitis; a randomised trial, Journal of Physiotherapy, 63, 2017, p30 - 39
Fiona Wilson, Aine Kelly, Noreen Boyle, Matej Oresci, Tuulia Hyotylainen, Karl Denvir, Garreth Farrell, Brendan O'Connell, Assessment of blood biomarkers of mild traumatic brain injury in professional rugby; a case control study, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 5th International Conference of Concussion in Sport, Berlin, October 2016, 51, 2017, ppA47-
Thornton J, Vinther A, Wilson F, Lebrun C, Wilkinson M, Di Ciacca S, Orlando K, Smoljanovic T, Rowing injuries; an updated review, Sports Medicine, 47, (4), 2017, p641 - 661
O'Dwyer T, Durcan L, Wilson F, Exercise and physical activity in systemic lupus erythmatosus: A systematic review with meta-analyses, Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 2017
Fiona Wilson, 'Rowing Medicine', International Olympic Committee Sports Medicine Diploma, International Olympic Committee, 2017, -
Farrel G, McGrath F, Hogan B, Logan M, Denvir K, O'Connell B, Irwin E, Gissane C, Wilson F, 95% prevalence of abnormality on hip MRI in elite academy rugby; a clinical and imaging study, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 19, (11), 2016, p893 - 897
Fiona Wilson, Crossing the line in sport - debating athlete mental health, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2016
O'Dwyer T, O'Shea F, Wilson F, Physical activity and exercise; perspectives of adults with ankylosing spondylitis, Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 13, (5), 2016, p1863 - 1872
Moran, J., Wilson, F., Guinan, E., McCormick, P., Hussey, J., Moriarty, J., Role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing as a risk-assessment method in patients undergoing intra-abdominal surgery: A systematic review, British Journal of Anaesthesia, 116, (2), 2016, p177-191
Rowing Medicine in, editor(s)Brukner P, Khan K , Clinical Sports Medicine, 5th Edition, London, Sydney, New York, McGraw Hill, 2016, [Wilson F]
Al-Rashed LA, O'Shea F, Brennan A, Wilson F, Biopsychosocial exploration of pain profiles in inflammatory and chronic non-specific axial low back pain. An exploration of similarities and differences, 9th Interdisciplinary World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Pain, Singapore, October 2016, 2016, pp225-
Farrel G, Denvir K, Gissane C, McGrath F, Wilson F , Prevalence of hip disorders in elite academy rugby, Faculty of Sports amd Exercise Medicine Annual Conference, Dublin, September, 2016
Moran J., Guinan E., McCormick P., Larkin J., Mockler D., Hussey J., Moriarty J., Wilson F., The ability of prehabilitation to influence postoperative outcome after intra-abdominal operation: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Surgery (United States), 160, (5), 2016, p1189-1201
Moran J, Wilson F, Guinan E, McCormick P, Hussey J, Moriarty J, The pre-operative use of filed tests of exercise tolerance to predict postoperative outcome of intra-abdominal surgery; a systematic review, Journal of Clinical Anaesthesia, 35, 2016, p446 - 455
Sadlier C, Bennett K, Matthews A, Mockler D, Wilson F, Bergin C, Pneumococcal Vaccine fro preventing Streptococcuse Pneumoniae infection in HIV individuals, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1), 2016, p1 - 18
O'Dwyer T, Monaghan A, Moran J, O'Shea F, Wilson F, Increasing physical activity in adults with ankylosing spondylitis (INPACT-AS); Protocol for a physical activity behaviour change intervention, ISR/IRHPS Annual Autumn Meeting, Naas, Kildare, 24/25 September, 2015
O'Dwyer T, O'Shea F, Wilson F. , Physical activity in spondyloarthritis: a systematic review. , Rheumatology International, 35, (3), 2015, p393 - 404
Moran J, Wilson F, Guina E, McCormick P, Hussey J, Mariarty J, The role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients scheduled for intra-abdomical surgery; A systematic review, AAGBI Annual Congress, Edinburgh, Scotland, 23-25 September, 2015
O'Dwyer T, Monaghan A, Moran J, O'Shea F, Wilson F, Increasing physical activity in adults with ankylosing spondylitis (INPACT-AS); Preliminary results of a randomised controlled trial, ISR/IRHPS Annual Autumn Meeting, Naas, Kildare, 24/25 September, 2015
Wilson, F., Grieve's Modern Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (Fourth edition), British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2015
O'Dwyer T, O'Shea F, Wilson F, Decreased physical activity and cariorespiratory fitness in adults with ankylosing spondylitis; a cross-sectional controlled study, Rheumatology International, 35, (11), 2015, p1863 - 1872
O' Dwyer T, O'Shea F, Wilson F, THU0636-HPR Significantly reduced physical activity in adults with ankylosing spondylitis; a cross sectional controlled study, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, Eular, Rome, Italy, June 10-13, 2015, 74, (Suppl 2), 2015, pp1321-
Fiona Wilson, World Rowing Championships 2015 - debating the evolution of back pain, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2015
O'Dwyer T, O'Shea F, Wilson F, Decreased health related physical fitness in adults with ankylosing spondylitis; a cross-sectional controlled study, Physiotherapy, 102, (2), 2015, p202 - 209
Katherine Doyle, Enda King, Fiona Wilson, Factors which influence return to sport folllowing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery: A narrative review, International SportMed Journal, 14, (3), 2014, p168 - 184
British Journal of Sports Medicine, UK, BMJ, [Senior Associate Editor], 2014
L Durcan, A Coole, E McCarthy. C Johnston, MJ Webb, FD O'Shea, C Gissane, F Wilson, The prevalence of patellar tendinopathy in elite academy rugby: A clinical and imaging study, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 17, (2), 2014, p173 - 176
British Journal of Sports Medicine, London, BMJ Group, [Senior associate editor], 2014
Wilson F, Coole L, McCarthy E, Johnston C, Webb M, O'Shea F, Gissane C, Durcan L. , The prevalence of patellar tendinopathy in elite academy rugby: A clinical and imaging study with 12-month follow-up. , British Journal of Sports Medicine, IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport, Monaco, April, 48, (7), 2014, pp672 - 673
Durcan L, Coole A, McCarthy E, Johnston C, Webb MJ, O'Shea FD, Gissane C, Wilson F.a, The prevalence of patellar tendinopathy in elite academy rugby: A clinical and imaging study, Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 17, (2), 2014, p173 - 176
Azeez M, Clancy C, O'Dwyer T, Wilson F, O'Dwyer T, Cunnane G. , Effects of exercise on body composition, cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and cognition in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial of a patient-specific exercise programme. , Arthritis and Rheumatology , American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting, Boston, USA, November 9-14, , 66, (20), 2014, pp2196 - 2197
O'Dwyer T, Rafferty T, O'Shea F, Gissane C, Wilson F., Physical activity guidelines: is the message getting through to adults with rheumatic conditions, Rheumatology, 53, 2014, p1812 - 1817
Durca L, Wilson F, Cunnane G, The effect of exercise on sleep and fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis: A randomised controlled trial, Journal of Rheumatology, 41, (10), 2014, p1966 - 1973
British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48, 21, (2014), 1521 - 1582p, Fiona Wilson, Eleanor Tillett, Karim Khan, [eds.]
Wilson F, Gissane C, McGregor A, Ergometer training volume and previous injury predict back pain in rowing; strategies for injury prevention and rehabilitation, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48, (3), 2014, p393 - 404
Wilson F, McGregor A. , Mythbusters in rowing medicine and physiotherapy: nine experts tackle five clinical conundrums. , British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48, 2014, p1525 - 1528
Tom O'Dwyer, Finbar O'Shea, Fiona Wilson, Exercise therapy for spondyloarthritis: a systematic review, Rheumatology International, 34, (7), 2014, p887 - 902
Sly E, Coleman C, Quinn D, Armstrong S, Garvey C, O'Donoghue C, Wilson F, The effect of two exercise protocols on lumbar spine sagittal range of motion, Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 27, (4), 2014, p445 - 452
Durcan L, Wilson F, Conway R, Cunnane G, O'Shea F, Increased body mass index in ankylosing spondylitis is associated with greater burden of symptoms and poor perceptions of the benefits of exercise, Journal of Rheumatology, 39, (12), 2014, p2310 - 2314
Wilson F, Bleakley C, Bennett K, Mockler D, Exercise, orthoses and splinting for treating Achilles tendinopathy (Protocol), The Cochrane Collaboration Library, (12), 2013
Wilson F, Gormley J, Gissane C, Simms C, The effect of rowing to exhaustion on fromtal plane angular changes in the lumbar spine of elite rowers, Journal of Sports Sciences, 30, (14), 2013, p1481 - 1489
D. Farnan, N. Mahony, F. Wilson and C. Gissane, A 3-month prospective study of injuries in amateur rugby and soccer, Physiotherapy Practice and Research, 34, 2013, p103 - 112
Wilson F, Gissane C & Simms CK & Gormley J, Sagittal plane motion of the lumbar spine during ergometer and single scull rowing, Journal of Sports Biomechanics, 12, (2), 2012, p132-142
Wilson F, Gissane C, Gormley J, Simms C, Sagittal plane motion of the lumbar spine during ergometer and single scull rowing, Sports Biomechanics, 2012, p1 - 11
Durcan LJ, Wilson F, O'Shea F, Cunnane G, The impact of targeted exercise intervention on helath outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis, Arthritis and Rheumatism, Amercian College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting, Washington DC, USA, 9-14th November, 201, 64, (10), 2012, ppS673-
Marie Kelly, Nathan Cardy, Elizabeth Melvin, Chiara Reddin, Cindy Ward, Fiona Wilson, The craniocervical flexion test: An investigation of performance in young asymptomatic subjects, Manual Therapy, 2012
Durcan LJ, Wilson F,Conway R, Cunnane G, O'Shea F, Increased body mass index in ankylosing spondylitis is associated with a greater burdern of symptoms and poor perceptions of the benefits of exercise, Arthritis and Rheumatism, American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting, Washington DC, USA, November 9-14, 2012, 64, (10 (supplement)), 2012, pp597 - 598
Fiona Wilson, Eoghan McCarthy, Ciaran Johnston, Laura Durkan, The prevalence of patellar tendinopathy in elite rugby; a clinical and ultrasonographic study, Intercollegiate study day in sports and exercise medicine, Trinity College Dublin, March 2nd 2012, 2012
The Thoracic spine and Rib Cage in, editor(s)Fiona Wilson, John Gormley, Juliette Hussey , Exercise Therapy in the Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders., Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell, 2011, pp53 - 66, [Fiona Wilson]
Wilson, F., Byrne, A., Gissane, C., Prospective study of injury and activity profile in elite soccer referees and assistant referees, Irish Medical Journal, 104, (10), 2011, p1-3
F wilson, C Gissane, J Gormley, C Simms, The effect of fatigue on frontal plane angular changes in the lumbar spine of elite rowers., British Journal of Sports Medicine, IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport., Monaco, April 7-9, 2011, 45, 2011, pp320 - 321
The Lumbar spine in, editor(s)Fiona Wilson, John Gormley, Juliette Hussey , Exercise Therapy in the Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell, 2011, pp67 - 93, [Fiona Wilson]
F Wilson, A Byrne, C Gissane, A prospective study of injury and activity profile in elite soccer referees and assistant referees., Irish Medical Journal, 104, (10), 2011
Fiona Wilson, John Gormley, Juliette Hussey, Exercise Therapy in the Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders., First, Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell, 2011
The role of exercise in managing musculoskeletal disorders. in, editor(s)Fiona Wilson, John Gormley, Juliette Hussey , Exercise Therapy in the Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders., Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell, 2011, pp6 - 18, [Fiona Wilson]
F Wilson, C Simms, J Gormley, C Gissane, Kinematics of lumbar spine motion in rowing during a fatiguing protocol; a comparison of ergometer and boat rowing, British Journal of Sports Medicine, IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury and Illness in Sport., Monaco, April 7-9, 2011, 45, 2011, pp383-
Fiona Wilson, Conor Gissane, John Gormley, Ciaran Simms, A 12 month prospective cohort study of injury in international rowers., British Journal of Sports Medicine, 44, 2010, p207-214
Fiona Wilson, The challenge of managing low back injury in rowers., Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists Annual Conference, Dublin, November 7th, 2009, ISCP
Shane O'Regan, Ajmol Ali, Fiona Wilson, Impact of playing level on skill performance in early pubescent Irish soccer players, Journal of sports science and medicine, Science and Football, Turkey, January 2007, edited by O'Reilly , 6, (supplement 10), 2007, pp187 - 191
Wilson, F., Caffrey, S., King, E., Casey, K., Gissane, C., A 6-month prospective study of injury in Gaelic football, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 41, (5), 2007, p317-321
Cronly M., Wilson F., A sixth month retrospective study of injuries in rowing, British Journal Of Sports Medicine, British Association Of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Oxford, UK, October 2006, edited by McCrory, P , (41), 2007, pp118 - 124
Fiona Wilson(ed.), RCPI, RCSI faculty of sports and exercise medicine scientific meeting 2006, Conference proceedings, Dublin, 16th September 2006, 2006
Wilson F, Gormley J and Simms CK, The Results of a pilot study to design a portable instrument to measure frontal plane angular changes in the lumbar spine of elite rowers, Proceedings World Congress Biomechanics, World Congress Biomechanics, Munich, Germany, 2006
Wilson F, Simms C, Gormley J.(ed.), 5th World Congress of Biomechanics, Journal of Biomechanics, Munich, 39, (supplement 1), 29/07-05/08 2006, Elsevier, 2006, S545 p
'Exercise in the treatment of musculoskeletal disease' in, editor(s)Gormley J, Hussey J. , Exercise Therapy, Prevention and Treatment Of Disease, Oxford, Blackwell Publishing, 2005, pp169 - 188, [Wilson F]
S. Caffrey, E.king, K. Casey, F. Wilson, C. Gissane, A 6 month prospective study of injury in gaelic football, British Journal Of Sports Medicine, 39, 2005, p405-
E. King, S. Caffrey, Casey. K, Wilson F., Gissane C.(ed.), Faculty of sports and exercise medicine RCPI and RCSI, second annual scientific meeting, Conference proceedings, Dublin, 23&24th/09/2005, 2005, 20 p
E. King, S. Caffrey, K. Casey, F. Wilson, C. Gissane, A 6 month prospective study of injury and associated risk factors in gaelic football, Conference proceedings, Faculty of sports and exercise medicine, RCPI and RCSI, second annual scientific meeting, Dublin, 23-24th /09/2005, 2005, pp10-
F. Wilson, J. Gormley, A 12 month prospective study of injury and associated risk factors in rowing, British Journal Of Sports Medicine, 39, 2005, p407-
F. Wilson, J. Gormley, C. Simms, C.Gissane(ed.), Faculty of sports and exercise medicine RCPI and RCSI, second annual scientific meeting, conference proceedings, Dublin, 23&24th/09/2005, 2005, 20 p
Orr J, Ni Mhaille E, Wilson F , 'Interrater and intrarater reliability of lower limb measurement using tape measure', , Physiotherapy, Chartered Society Of Physiotherapy Annual congress, Birmingham, September , edited by Fiona Wilson , 2004, pp4-
Wilson F (ed.), British Association Of Sports and Exercise Medicine Annual Conference, British Journal Of sports Medicine, Belfast, 38, , October 2005, 2004, 652 p
Finnerty F, Carley O, Wilson F (ed.), British Association Of Sports and Exercise Medicine Annual conference, British Journal Of Sports Medicine, Belfast, 38, , October 2004, 2004, 652 p
J. Hussey, F. Wilson, Measurement of physical activity levels is an important part of physiotherapy assessment, Physiotherapy, 89, (10), 2003, p585 - 593
F. Wilson, Ethical considerations in physiotherapy research, Physiotherapy Ireland, 23, (1), 2002, p7 - 10
Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications
O'Grady M, O'Dwyer T, Connolly J, Condell J, Esquivel KM, O'Shea F, Gardiner P, Wilson F , Measuring spinal mobility using an inertial measurement unit system: A reliability study in Axial Spondyloarthritis, Diagnostics, 2021
Fiona Wilson, Harnessing exercise to manage symptoms and enhance well-being in inflammatory arthritis, Arthritis Ireland: Sleep diet and exercise- impact on inflammation symposium, online, 15th April 2021, 2021, Arthritis Ireland
Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 'JOSPT Insights Episode 63: What works for managing low back pain in athletes.', Apple Podcasts and Spotify, JOSPT, 2021, -
Fiona Wilson, Ursula Fearion, Laura Durcan, Parkrun and arthritis; harnessing exercise in nature to manage symptoms and improve confidence and fitness, Parkrun Research Board - Seminar series 2021, online, 12th October, 2021, Parkrun Research Board
Wilson F, Ardern C. , 'What works for managing low back pain in athletes? with Dr Fiona Wilson', Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, Episode 63, Apple Podcasts and Spotify, JOSPT, 2021, -
Juergen Steinacker, Jo Hannafin, Mikio Hiura, Mike Wilkinson, Donia Koubaa, Piero Poli, Petra Zupet, Tomislav Smoljanovic, Kate Ackerman, Fiona Wilson, World Rowing Covid-19 pandemic. Return to training. Advice for post-peak and post-pandemic period. , www.wprldrowing.com, May, 2020, p1 - 9
Fiona Wilson, CSEM Research Meetings - Online Journal Club. "You're the best liar in the world" Qualitative study of low back pain in athletes, CSEM Research Meetings Journal Club. , Queen Mary University of London (online), November 25th, 2020, Prof Dylan Morissey & QMUL
Fiona Wilson & Alison McGregor, Lower back pain- the sporting back , International Sports Science and Sports Medicine Conference 2018, Newcastle UK, 4-6 September, 2018, International Society of Sports Science and Sports Medicine
Wilson F, Back pain in sport, CPSEM AGM, Dublin, Ireland, 20th July, 2018, CPSEM
Wilson F, Low back pain in sport, Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports and Exercise Medicine AGM, Dublin, Ireland, 20th July, 2018, CPSEM
Wilson F, Practical strategies for managing rowing Low back apin, FISA/World Rowing Coaching Conference. Berlin 21/23 November, Berlin, Germany, 21/23 November, 2018, FISA/ World Rowing
Fiona Wilson, 'Treating Low Back Pain in Sport - Dr Fiona Wilson. 15 pearls from vast rowing experience', BMJ Talk Medicine, UK, BMJ (British Journal of Sports Medicine), 2017, -
Wilson F, Back Pain in Rowing, Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine Annual Spring Meeting, University College Dublin, April, 2017, Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine
Wilson F, TBI and dementia in the sports setting; is it really a problem?, GBHI Brain Health Network Meeting, Dublin, June 22nd, 2017
Wilson F, The role of ambulatory ECG testing in monitoring athletes, Rowersconference, Eton Dorney, UK, 14th January, 2017
Fiona Wilson, 'Neil Delamere's Sunday Best - is there a concussion epidemic in sport', Today FM, Dublin, 2017, -
Wilson F, Physiotherapy and Concussion, 1st Croatian Conference on Sports Related Brain Injuries, Split, Croatia, 15-17 June, 2017
Fiona Wilson, 'Sports and Injury - The Moncrieff Show', Today FM, Today FM, 2016, -
Fiona Wilaon, Aine Kelly, Noreen Boyle, Matej Oresci, Tuulia Hyotylainen, Karl Denvir, Garreth Farrell, Brendan O'Connell, Assessment of blood biomarkers of mild traumatic brain injury in professional rugby; a case control study, Brain Injury, International Brain Injury Associations 11th World Congress on Brain Injury, Hague, Netherlands, March 2-5, 2016, 30, (5-6), 2016, pp481 - 817
Wilson F, The use of blood biomarkers in the diagnosis and management of concussion, Paediatric TBI Study Day, Mater Hospital, Dublin, February, 2016
Fiona Wilson, 'Hidden Impact Rugby and Concussion', RTE, Dublin, RTE, 2015, -
Wilson F, Exercise and orthoses in the management of Achilles tendinopathy , ISCP Annual Conference, Dublin, 6-7th November, 2015, Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists
Wilson F, The evolution of understanding of low back pain in rowing, Medical Comission Meeting, World Rowing Championships, Aiguebelette, France, September 2015, 2015
Fiona Wilson, Rowing Injuries: The Role of the Coach in Management and Prevention., Irish Amateur Rowing Union 2009 Coaches conference, Dublin, January 2009, 2009
Research Expertise
Description
My research interests falls under three key themes: 1. Athlete low back pain I have published widely in this area since my original research in 1995. My focus has been on rowing related low back pain and has expanded to inform all sports. From 2018-2021, I led an international collaboration of global experts to create a consensus statement on rowing related back pain. This was underpinned by five supporting studies which were all published in the highest ranking journal in my field, the BJSM. It is represented on the World Rowing website and an infographic summarising recommendations is in rowing clubs across the world. These publications are now influencing practice across sports. My future objectives are to develop my research with a specific focus on exploring the experience of female and junior athletes. I will build on the outputs of our international consortium and I am leading them to define our strategy with an aim to develop statements for other sports. I have an ongoing junior athlete programme in collaboration with Boston Children's Hospital/ Micheli Sports Medicine Center. 2. Rugby health and wellbeing My focus to date has been on aspects of injury including hip health and tendinopathies and I have published in these areas in collaboration with Leinster Rugby and the IRFU. I have an ongoing study of concussion biomarkers and am leading a longitudinal programme of retired athlete brain health in collaboration with Rugby Players Ireland. I aim to continue my rugby health and wellbeing research. I will develop my current focus on the women's game exploring preparation and safety components and have an ongoing studies exploring kicking and tackling in women's' rugby. I will expand and develop the longitudinal retired athlete programme that I lead to specifically explore cardiovascular risk factors for dementia. Our concussion biomarkers programme will continue and we will publish the next phase to add to previous publications. I am working with Brain Health Scotland and the GBHI to create informations resources (webinars and MOOCS) to educate athletes on brain health. 3. Arthritis I have an ongoing research programme exploring the role of exercise and activity in managing symptoms and improving health and wellbeing in inflammatory arthritis. I have completed a number of studies exploring barriers to exercise and optimal modes of exercise and activity programmes for different subgroups of arthritis. These publications have influenced current practice and I have engaged in knowledge translation using platforms such as podcasts and webinars to support this. A current focus is on the experience of women with Axial Spondyloarthritis; exploring pregnancy experience and barriers to employment. My recent focus is working with public health policy to design large scale social prescription; specifically with Parkrun. I will also develop smaller scale research, building on the current female arthritis research at St James's Hospital which I am co-supervising. Within arthritis my focus will be on the disease experience in women and I have ongoing studies in this area.Projects
- Title
- Brain Health and Wellness in Retired Athletes
- Summary
- Examination of brain health (cognitive function) and wellness (lifestyle and mental health) in retired professional rugby and rowing athletes
- Date From
- September 2018
- Title
- Care Pathway for Rowing Low Back Pain
- Summary
- Design of best practice care patrhway for the management of rowing low back pain
- Title
- Blood biomarkers as an assessment of brain health in professional rugby
- Summary
- Examination of the role of blood biomarkers in assessing brain health (iunclduing mTBI) in professional rugby
- Date From
- 2014
- Title
- Assessment of lifetime history of concussion
- Summary
- Development of a scalable online tool for assment of lifetime concussion history
- Funding Agency
- GBHI
- Date From
- 2016
- Title
- Cardiovascular Health in professional rugby
- Summary
- An examination of cardiovascular health in professional rugby players as assessed by body composition and physiological markers
- Funding Agency
- PhD studentship
- Date From
- 2017
- Date To
- 2012
- Title
- Ambulatory ECG monitoring in athletes
- Summary
- A study examining the reliability and validity of ambulatory ECG monitoring in rowing athletes
- Funding Agency
- Dean's Research Initiative
- Date From
- 2016
- Date To
- 2020
- Title
- Patellar tendinopathy in elite rugby
- Summary
- A clinical and ultrasound examination of patellar tendon disorders of the academy members of Munster, Ulster, Connacht and Leinster academies.
- Date From
- October 2011
- Date To
- March 2012
- Title
- Exercise in the management of Ankylosing Spondylosis
- Date From
- October 2012
- Title
- Predictors of outcomes following spinal surgery
- Date From
- October 2012
- Title
- Return to sport following ACL repair
- Date From
- October 2011
- Date To
- October 2013
Recognition
Representations
Chief physiotherapist Irish Rowing Team
FISA Sports Medicine Commission
British Journal of Sports Medicine Editorial Panel
Anna Liffey Boat Club (TCD alumni club)- President
International Congress for Athlete Brain Health (injury prevention)
IRFU Research Committee
Student Sport Ireland Medical Advisory Group
British Journal of Sports Medicine Deputy Editor
Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport: Deputy Editor
Rugby Players' Association (England) Welfare Advisory Group
Awards and Honours
Cochrane Fellowship
Memberships
FISA Sports Medicine Commission
Member of the Irish Society Of Chartered Physiotherapists
Student Sport Ireland Medical Advisory Group
National Neurotrauma Society