PhD, BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy
Current roles
- Senior Lecturer, Surgery and Anaesthesia
- Convener, fifth-year Musculoskeletal and Skin module
Research expertise
- Musculoskeletal Medicine
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament
- The Female Athlete
- Women’s Musculoskeletal Health throughout the Lifespan
- Menstrual Health
- Musculoskeletal Health and Cancer
Background
I earned my BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. After graduating I gained valuable experience completing rotations in Geriatrics, General Medicine, Neurology, and Sports Medicine at Changi General Hospital, Singapore. In 2015 and 2016, I had the unique opportunity to serve as the physiotherapist for the 3,000-mile 'Race Across America'. Following this, I relocated to Switzerland, where I specialised in musculoskeletal private practice, working with skiers in Verbier. In 2017, I moved to New Zealand, where I continued my career as a sports physiotherapist. Eventually, I transitioned to advisory and non-clinical roles at ACC, first as a Clinical Advisor and later as a Health Partner.
Research
I completed my PhD in 2023, which focused on a novel, female-specific anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation programme. I am currently exploring women's experiences and their musculoskeletal health during breast cancer treatment in Aotearoa New Zealand. Additionally, I am investigating the role of female sex hormones in orthopaedic conditions such as adhesive capsulitis.
I have a strong interest in including female participants in my research and examining female-specific prevention, causation, and management of common musculoskeletal conditions. I am also accepting postgraduate students interested in researching these areas or related topics.
Teaching
- Undergraduate: Common orthopaedic conditions, clinical joint examinations, musculoskeletal medicine
- Postgraduate: Guest lecturer in AUT Master of Sport and Exercise Physiotherapy paper (female-specific rehab programmes)
- Thesis supervision: Honours, Master’s, and PhD research
Memberships
International
- Women in Sport and Exercise Academic Network (WISEAN network)
National
- Menstrual Health Research Network
- Physiotherapy New Zealand Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy and Pelvic Women and Men’s Health Special Interest Groups
- National Council of Women of New Zealand
Contact details
Department of Surgery & Anaesthesia
Te Tari Hāparapara, Te Tari Whāomoomo
University of Otago, Wellington
PO Box 7343
Wellington South
Email emma.oloughlin@otago.ac.nz
Publications
O'Loughlin, E., Reid, D., Sims, S., & Larsen, P. (2024). The effect of menstrual cycle phase-based rehabilitation for females following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A randomised controlled trial. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 52(3), 219-235. Journal - Research Article
O'Loughlin, E., Reid, D., & Sims, S. (2023). The role of menstrual cycle phase-based resistance training for women post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A scoping review. Physical Therapy Reviews. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/10833196.2023.2266320 Journal - Research Article
O'Loughlin, E., Reid, D., Sims, S., & Larsen, P. (2023). The effect of menstrual cycle phase-based rehabilitation for women following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A randomised controlled trial. Proceedings of the New Zealand Manipulative Physiotherapists Association (NZMPA) Biennial Conference. (pp. 30). Retrieved from https://www.nzmpa.org.nz Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
O'Loughlin, E., Reid, D., & Sims, S. (2023). The development of a menstrual cycle phase-based rehabilitation programme for women post-anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A focus group study. New Zealand Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(2), 44-55. Journal - Research Article
Helu, T., O'Loughlin, E., Paraneetharan, T., Larsen, P., & Popadich, A. (2023, April). Upper limb dysfunction and low physiotherapy referral rates in women following breast cancer treatment in Wellington. Poster session presented at the New Zealand Association of General Surgeons (NZAGS) Annual Scientific Meeting, Nelson, New Zealand. Conference Contribution - Poster Presentation (not in published proceedings)