Frances Sapsford

Biography

I joined the University in 2004 following 18 years working clinically as a physiotherapist specialising in neurological rehabilitation. I have worked in a variety of settings in the NHS an private sector including some time working at a rehabilitation centre in Canada. As well as my work for the University I have worked  clinically in private practice; taught splinting in neurology courses nationally and have worked  as an expert witness physiotherapist for medical legal cases.

I am the Prgramme Leader for BSC Physiotherapy and I mainly teach on the BSc ( hons) Physiotherapy and MSc ( pre reg)  Physiotherapy Programmes. As well as all aspects of neurological physiotherapy, my other academic interests include, pathophysiology, health and wellbeing ; ageing and frailty.

Qualifications and memberships

MSc Physiotherapy

PgD Academic practice

BSc(Hons) Physiotherapy

Fellow of HEA

Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Member of Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology

Academic and research interests

I in the final year of my PhD. My study explores an implicit motor imagery technique  known as hand laterality judgement and this is affected by ageing and stroke . I have recently been involved in a digital health research project and have an interest in the use of digital technologies in rehabilitation.

Publications

Sapsford, F, ( 2015) " Effects of Stroke on Hand Laterality Judgement:  Results from a Pilot study. Presentation University of Cumbria Doctoral Colloquium. University of Cumbria July 2015   

Wooton,S., Sapsford,F (2016) Physiotherapy students perceptions of treating people with dementia in professional practice. Agility Spring / Summer 2016 pp29 -37

Sapsford,F,Dewhurst,S,Donovan,T ( 2016) "Ageing affects accuracy in hand laterality judgement". Poster presentation Research Symposium Actvive Ageing Research Group. University of Cumbria  June 2016.

Sapsford,F,Dewhurst,S,Donovan,T ( 2016) "Ageing affects accuracy in hand laterality judgement" Platform presentation  European Region of World Confederation of Physical Therapy Conference Liverpool November 2016

Recent external roles

2012 -2018  Expert Witness in Neurological Physiotherapy.

2015 Consultancy to Calvert Trust Charity: Developing Stroke services

2013 – 2015: Consultancy to Developing Physio Charity

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