Moira Smith
- moira.smith2@jcu.edu.au
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2085-7522- Senior Lecturer - Physiotherapy
- Physiotherapy
Projects
6
Publications
34
Awards
0
Biography
Dr Moira Smith is a Senior Lecturer in physiotherapy at JCU and an Adjunct Lecturer at La Trobe University. As an experienced physiotherapist in neurological rehabilitation, Moira is passionate about the care provided to individuals with neurological conditions. Her research aims to enable individuals with neurological conditions participate in an active lifestyle for as long as possible. Moira has completed a PhD researching participation in exercise and sport for individuals with multiple sclerosis. Her ongoing research in this field is currently exploring the running capabilities of people with multiple sclerosis.
As a senior lecturer at JCU, Moira aims to inspire the physiotherapy students to develop their skills in neurorehabilitation and to provide the best service possible for clients. Moira teaches neurological assessment and treatment across the curriculum of the Bachelor of Physiotherapy course. In addition, Moira is the Honours program coordinator and the course coordinator of the suite of postgraduate rehabilitation courses at JCU. Moira also holds a BSc (Hons) degree, a MSc in Physiotherapy and a Graduate Certificate in Education.
Research
Projects
Parkrun Practices Australia Evaluation
22 Jul 2025 - 25 Oct 2026
HeARTS: pHysical Activity factoRs among people living with mulTiple sclerosiS. A global study
10 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2026
Trial Ready Stroke Centre
01 Sep 2024 - 31 Dec 2027
Modifiable lifestyle factors for multiple sclerosis
01 Mar 2024 - 30 May 2025
Finding your stride - Navigating running with multiple sclerosis
10 May 2023 - 31 Dec 2025
Teaching
Taught Modules
[MO1009] Older Persons HealthCoordinator, Lecturer
2026
[PS2004] Neuroscience in PhysiotherapyCoordinator, Lecturer
2026
[RH5201] Rehabilitation for Disability across the LifespanCoordinator, Lecturer
2026
[PS5101] Clinical Expert Updates for PhysiotherapyCoordinator, Lecturer
2026
[MO1012] Neurological ConditionsCoordinator, Lecturer
2026
[PS3003] Physiotherapy 5Coordinator, Lecturer
2026
[PS4004] Advanced Topics in PhysiotherapyCoordinator, Lecturer
2026
[RH1004] Foundations of Allied Health Professional PracticeLecturer, Coordinator
2026
[PS3110] Physiotherapy Independent StudyLecturer, Coordinator
2026
[PS4102] Physiotherapy Honours Thesis Part 1 of 2Coordinator, Lecturer
2026
[PS4103] Physiotherapy Honours Thesis Part 2 of 2Lecturer, Coordinator
2026
Current Honours and External Research Students
Interprofessional Health Student Clinics in Australia and New Zealand: Delivery Models, Feasibility and Impact
PHD- 2022
Completed Honours and External Research Students
The impact of telehealth physiotherapy during the Covid-19 pandemic on motor and non-motor symptoms for people with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review
HONOURS
Balance oriented interventions for children with DCD and/or ADHD: A systematic review.
HONOURS
Weekday versus weekend physical activity and patterns of activity in post-stroke rehabilitation
COURSEWORK_MASTERS
The efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training in managing erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
HONOURS
The functional effects of combined non-invasive brain stimulation and exercise for people with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review
HONOURS
The experience and confidence among Australian physiotherapists in the management of Parkinson’s disease.
HONOURS
The presence of imposter syndrome in new graduate allied health professionals and its relationship to location of practice
COURSEWORK_MASTERS
The effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on walking and balance for people with Parkinson’s disease
HONOURS
What are the activity levels of inpatients admitted to rehabilitation units in regional hospitals?
COURSEWORK_MASTERS
The effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling on muscle spasticity in individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic review.
HONOURS
Shoulder taping for shoulder subluxation and hemiplegic shoulder pain in post-stroke patients: A systematic review
HONOURS
Activities
Education
Associations
Employment
Output
Zarghami, Amin; Taylor, Bruce; Marck, Claudia; Van der Mei, Ingrid; Lo, Lara Marie; Black, Lucinda; Webb, Mary; Hoang, Phu; Whiffen, Rachel; White, Sarah; Simpson-Yap, Steve; Marx, Wolf; Probst, Yasmine; Learmonth, Yvonne; Ng, Huah Shin; Smith, Moira; Laslett, Laura; Nag, Nupur; Allogmanny, Shoroog; Yu, Maggie; Amare, Tadeg; Wills, Olivia; Zoszak, Karen; Reece, Jeanette; Gamble, Jo; Soh, Nerissa (2025) Modifiable lifestyle factors for multiple sclerosis. For health professionals. Sydney, NSW, Australia: [Report]
Other Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Participation in exercise and sport for individuals with minimal disability from multiple sclerosis
2021
Smith, Moira (2021) Participation in exercise and sport for individuals with minimal disability from multiple sclerosis. [Thesis] [DOI]
Barber, Samantha; Flavell, Carol A.; Smith, Moira (2026) 'An Exploratory Study: The Presence of Imposter Syndrome in New Graduate Allied Health Professionals and its Relationship to Location of Practice'. Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice, 24 (2).
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Smith, Moira; McGuckin, Teneale; Flavell, Carol; van Eijk, Liza (2026) 'Finding Your Stride: Navigating Running With Multiple Sclerosis. A Qualitative Study'. International Journal of MS Care, 28 (2):75-82. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Myles, Louise; Eagers, Jackie; Turner, Denise; Smith, Moira; McGuckin, Teneale; Salata, Karen; Jones, Tamra; Franklin, Richard Charles (2026) 'Playground safety: working towards consistency to rate playgrounds'. Injury Prevention, . [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Couper, Stephanie K.; Smith, Moira (2025) 'The effects of functional electrical stimulation cycling on muscle spasticity in individuals with spinal cord injury: a systematic review'. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation, 31 (1):77-99. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Prestes Vargas, Janine; Smith, Moira; Chipchase, Lucy; Morris, Meg E. (2025) 'Impact of interprofessional student led health clinics for patients, students and educators: a scoping review'. Advances in Health Sciences Education, . [DOI]
Coaching stroke survivors to persevere with practice: An observational behavioural mapping study
2024
Neibling, Bridee; Smith, Moira; Barker, Ruth N.; Hayward, Kathryn S. (2024) 'Coaching stroke survivors to persevere with practice: An observational behavioural mapping study'. Clinical Rehabilitation, . [DOI]
Neibling, Bridee; Hayward, Kathryn S.; Smith, Moira; Chapman, Paul; Barker, Ruth N. (2024) 'Perseverance with home-based upper limb practice after stroke: perspectives of stroke survivors and their significant others'. Disability and Rehabilitation, 46 (6):1103-1111. [DOI]
Smith, Moira; Williams, Gavin; Jordan, Margaret; Willson, Annie; Barker, Ruth (2023) 'The feasibility of a flexible exercise participation programme (FEPP) for individuals with multiple sclerosis'. Physiotherapy Research International, 28 (2). [DOI]
Smith, Moira; Neibling, Bridee; Williams, Gavin; Birks, Melanie; Barker, Ruth (2021) 'Consumer experience of a flexible exercise participation program (FEPP) for individuals with multiple sclerosis: a
mixed‐methods study'. Physiotherapy Research International, 26 (4). [DOI]
Garner, Jon; Smith, Moira (2021) 'Activity levels of inpatients admitted to two rehabilitation units in regional hospitals: an observational study'. Australian Journal of Rural Health, 29 (3):399-407. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
de Jong, Amy U.; Smith, Moira; Callisaya, Michele L.; Schmidt, Matthew; Simpson, Dawn B. (2021) 'Sedentary time and physical activity patterns of stroke survivors during the inpatient rehabilitation week'. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 44 (2):131-137. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Smith, Moira; Barker, Ruth; Williams, Gavin; Carr, Jennifer; Gunnarsson, Ronny (2020) 'The effect of exercise on high-level mobility in individuals with neurodegenerative disease: a systematic literature review'. Physiotherapy, 106 :174-193. [DOI]
Carr, Jennifer J.; Lalara, Joyce; Lalara, Gayangwa; Smith, Moira; Quaill, Jennifer; Clough, Alan R.; Lowell, Anne; Barker, Ruth N. (2019) 'What is the best way to keep walking and moving around for individuals with Machado-Joseph disease? A scoping review through the lens of Aboriginal families with Machado-Joseph disease in the Top End of Australia'. BMJ Open, 9 (9). [DOI]
Smith, Moira; Neibling, Bridee; Williams, Gavin; Birks, Melanie; Barker, Ruth (2019) 'A qualitative study of active participation in sport and exercise for individuals with multiple sclerosis'. Physiotherapy Research International, 24 (3). [DOI]
Myers, Christopher; Smith, Moira (2019) 'Pelvic floor muscle training improves erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation: a systematic review'. Physiotherapy, 105 (2):235-243. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Kertscher, Berit; Speyer, Renée; Fong, Eric; Giorgiou, Anastasios M.; Smith, Moira (2015) 'Prevalence of oropharyngeal dyphagia in the Netherlands: a telephone survey'. Dysphagia, 30 (2):114-120. [DOI]
Journal Publication
ResearchOnline@JCU
Smith, Moira (2026) 'Critically appraised papers: Cyclical electrical stimulation improves muscle strength and activity after stroke' Journal of Physiotherapy, 72 :223-223. [DOI]
Hayward, Kathryn S.; Donnan, Geoffrey; Godecke, Erin; Balabanski, Anna; Barker, Ruth; Bernhardt, Julie; Brauer, Sandra; Brodtmann, Amy; Brogan, Emily; Brownsett, Sonia; Chapman, Paul; Copland, David; Cowley, Elise; Dalton, Emily; Ellery, Fiona; Fink, Paul; Garcia Esperon, Carlos; Hill, Annie; Janssen, Heidi; Kavanagh, Siobhan; Kleinig, Timothy; Olenko, Liudmyla; Quek, Joanne J. E.; Russell, Trevor; Smith, Moira; Taylor, Lillian; Thijs, Vincent; Tucak, Claire; Turner, John; Wode, Declan; Wong, Andrew; Williams, Bronwyn; Campbell, Bruce; Churilov, Leonid (2025) 'Integrated UPper limb and Language Impairment and Functional Training (UPLIFT) after stroke: study protocol for an umbrella Bayesian Optimal Phase IIa clinical trial' BMJ Neurology Open, 7 (2) . [DOI]
Myers, C.; Smith, M. (2022) 'Overflow effect of high intensity exercise in the treatment of urinary incontinence in spinal stroke: a case study' Australian and New Zealand Continence Journal, 28 (1) :9-14. [DOI]
Journal Contribution
ResearchOnline@JCU
Smith, Moira; Williams, Gavin; Barker, Ruth (2020) 'Finding the right balance with participation in exercise and sport for individuals with multiple sclerosis: protocol for a pre and post intervention feasibility study' BMJ Open, 10 (3) :e035378-e035378. [DOI]
Sitting time and patterns of activity in post-stroke rehabilitation: week versus weekend activity
2019
de Jong, Amy; Smith, Moira; Schmidt, Matthew; Callisaya, Michelle; Simpson, Dawn (2019) 'Sitting time and patterns of activity in post-stroke rehabilitation: week versus weekend activity' International Journal of Stroke, 14 (1) :11-11. [DOI]
Garner, J.; Smith, M.; Gordon, S. (2016) 'A systematic review of the treatment for hemiplegic shoulder pain in the first six months following stroke' International Journal of Stroke, 11 (1) :11-11. [DOI]
Smith, M.; van Wijck, F. (2015) 'The effectiveness of balance re-education classes on balance impairments in individuals following acquired brain injury: a feasibility study' Physiotherapy, 101 (Supplement 1) . [DOI]
Journal Contribution
ResearchOnline@JCU
Smith, Moira; McGuckin, Teneale; Flavell, Carol; van Eijk, Liza; Ambrose, Kyle (2025) APASC25: Australian Physiotherapy Association Scientific Conference Stride Forward: Exploring the journey of running with multiple sclerosis. A qualitative study Adelaide, SA, Australia, .
Conference Contribution
ResearchOnline@JCU
Jones, Tamra; Turner, Denise; McGuckin, Teneale; Myles, Louise; Eagers, Jackie; Smith, Moira; Salata, Karen; Franklin, Richard (2025) AARE 2025 Conference Busy playgrounds as hopeful spaces Newcastle, Australia, .
Conference Contribution
ResearchOnline@JCU
McGuckin, T.; Smith, M.; Flavell, C.; van Eijk, L.; Ambrose, K. (2025) ASPA 2025: 5th Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity Conference Community running for people with multiple sclerosis Newcastle, NSW, Australia, .
Conference Contribution
ResearchOnline@JCU
McGuckin, T.; Turner, D.; Myles, L.; Jones, T.; Eagers, J.; Smith, M.; Salata, K.; Franklin, R. (2025) ASPA 2025: 5th Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity Conference Playgrounds with a Purpose: Identifying Equipment for Fundamental Movement Skill Development in Children Newcastle, NSW, Australia, .
Conference Contribution
ResearchOnline@JCU
Hawkins, Darcy; Smith, Moira; Combers, Amy (2025) APASC25: Australian Physiotherapy Association Scientific Conference The effect of non-invasive brain stimulation and exercise on gait, for people with multiple sclerosis Adelaide, SA, Australia, .
Conference Contribution
ResearchOnline@JCU
Smith, Moira (2023) Australian Physiotherapy Association Conference 2023 Flexible Exercise Participation Program for People with Multiple Sclerosis Brisbane, QLD, Australia, .
Conference Contribution
ResearchOnline@JCU
Smith, M.; Neibling, B.; Williams, G.; Barker, R. (2021) World Physiotherapy Congress 2021 Multiple sclerosis – exercising during a pandemic. A qualitative study Online, .
Conference Contribution
ResearchOnline@JCU
What are the activity levels of patients admitted to rehabilitation units in regional hospitals?
2019
Garner, J.; Smith, M. (2019) Transform 2019: Physiotherapy Conference What are the activity levels of patients admitted to rehabilitation units in regional hospitals? Adelaide, SA, Australia, .
Smith, Moira; Neibling, Bridee; Williams, Gavin; Birks, Melanie; Barker, Ruth (2018) AOCPRM 2018: 6th Asia-Oceanian Conference of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine Active participation in sport for individuals with multiple sclerosis Auckland, New Zealand, .