Professor Jonathan Marsden

To lead and develop research capacity in the field of rehabilitation

Qualifications

2000 PhD Clinical Medicine University College London.

1997 MSc (Distinction) Neurological Science University College London.

1991 BSc (Hons) 1st Class Physiotherapy Manchester University

Background

MRC Clinician Scientist Fellow 

10/2003-10/2007

Sobell Dept for Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders. Institute of Neurology Queen Square London WCIN 3BG

Post-Doctoral scientist. 

10/2000-2003

MRC Human Movement Group. Institute of Neurology. 8-11 Queen Square. London. WCIN 3BG

Senior Physiotherapist 

02/1994 – 09/1996

The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. Queen Square. London.

Junior Physiotherapist  

07/1991 – 02/1994

United Bristol Healthcare Trust.

Professional membership

Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Member of the Health Professions Council

Roles on external bodies

NIHR panel member for the AHP Clinical and Senior clinical lectureships 2012-present

Member of the Stroke Reserach Network management committee 2010-2013

Chair of the Chartered Society for Physiotherapy Scientific Panel 2008-2010

Trustee of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust 2008-2010

Honorary member of the Familial Spastic Paraparesis (FSP) society.

Teaching interests

I currently teach on the MSc in Neurological Rehabilitation at the Schools of Health Professions. I am the lead for the "Cognition, perception and behaviour" module and contribute "sensorimotor control in neurologcal practice" and "pathomechanics and rehabilitation of gait and balance".

I also contribute to the undergraduate physiotherapy program "Neurological Physiotherapy" module

Research interests

My research interests and experience are in the field of neurorehabilitation and human motor physiology. I am currently investigating the pathophysiology and rehabilitation of balance and gait disorders after central and peripheral neurological lesions in adult and paediatric populations. The primary aim of my current research is to identify the cause of balance and gait impairments after neurological dysfunction and to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions that aim to ameliorate these impairments.

Research degrees awarded to supervised students

I currently supervise 6 postgraduate student 2 PhD students as 1st supervisor, 3 PhD students as second and an 1 Mphil student as 1st supervisor

Grants & contracts

2013-2014 Vice Chancellor’s Community Research Awards University of Plymouth HIT (High Intensity Interval Training) for people with Parkinson’s disease £10,000 Co Applicant

2013-2014 Physiotherapy Research foundation Clinical effectiveness of increased standing time in non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy: a pilot study £20,000 Co-applicant

2012-2013 Royal Devon and Exeter small grant scheme Biomechanics of the sciatic nerve and spine leading to postoperative residual leg symptoms following spinal decompression for lateral recess syndrome £11,920

2012-2015 Dr William M. Scholl Podiatric Research and Development Fund. The effects of foot and ankle impairments on mobility and balance in community dwelling adults post stroke – a personal and multi-disciplinary approach Local Lead Applicant £167,061

2011-2014 CUC-ESF Programme Pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy: evaluating the effectiveness of a novel intervention, the dynamic elastomeric fabric orthoses (DEFO). Co-applicant £80,241

2011-2012 Vice Chancellor’s Community Research Awards University of Plymouth Sensory integration in Down Syndrome £10,000 Lead Applicant

2011-2012 Plymouth Hospitals General Charity Stiff Knee gait in Cerebral Palsy £13,200 Co-applicant

2011-2012 Physiotherapy Research foundation The effect of temperature on neuromuscular function and walking ability in people with Hereditary Spastic Paraparesis £20,000 Co-applicant

2011-2012 Physiotherapy Research foundation An investigation of the risk factors associated with falls in people with Multiple Sclerosis £20,000 Co-applicant

2009-2011 MS Society: Establishing clinical guidance for stretching in people with Multiple Sclerosis Lead Applicant £100,508

2010-2011 Ataxia UK: Rehabilitation of balance in spinocerebellar ataxia: Feasibility and Pilot Study co-applicant £23,000

2008-2011 Stroke Association: Determining the factors that limit functional movements in people with an upper motor neuron lesion: Towards targeted focal therapy with Botulinum Toxin; co-applicant £98,000

2009-2011 Muscular Dystrophy Campaign: Strengthening Hip Flexors to improve walking distance in people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease co-applicant £117,802

2008-2010 Knowledge Transfer Partnership with DM Orthotics Development of orthotic lycra garments to reduce lumbo-pelvic pain and accelerate functional recovery in sportspeople and in women following childbirth £81,621

2008-2009 Vice Chancellor’s Community Research Awards University of Plymouth Current service delivery for people with Familial Spastic Paraparesis in the South West £10,000

2007-2008 Ipsen Education grant. :Factors that limit functional movements in the hand £10,000

2006-2009 Ataxia UK: Disruption of balance in spinocerebellar ataxia: Developing targeted therapies; co-applicant £77,000

2005-2008 MRC pathfinder: Modulation of post-stroke use-dependent plasticity with theta burst stimulation; co-applicant £214,607

2003-2007 MRC: Clinician Scientist Fellowship (£500,000) Personal award 

1996-1997 The Sir Richard Stapley Educational Trust (£1,500) Personal award