I conduct research and teach in the field of physiotherapy, which I further want to develop, as tailored physical activity have shown significant health effects.
Research area
My research focuses on ergonomics for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders caused by physically strenuous work. The research is primarily quantitative and use technical measurement methods to describe biomechanical impact. The ultimate goal is to find solutions that promote a healthy and sustainable working life, tailored to the individual's conditions and prerequisites. The target groups have included forest machine operators and farmers exposed to whole-body vibration, as well as workers performing hand-intensive tasks with exposure to manual and repetitive loads. Excessive exposure is associated with pain and discomfort in the trunk, neck, and arms, which can reduce work capacity and productivity. The research teams have been interdisciplinary, and at times included international collaborators. I have conducted both field and laboratory-based studies, some of which examine relevant aspects of neuromuscular activity, primarily in relation to postural control.
Science outreach
I am engaged in the development of Swedish standards within the ergonomics working group for SIS, representing the Ergonomics and Human Factors Society in Sweden. Research communication is something I highly value, and I have contributed as a writer to the Scandinavian journal FysioScience as well as the national professional magazines Sjukgymnasten and Fysioterapi. I am also regularly engaged as a reviewer for various purposes, including at the international level.
Clinical experience
As a registered physiotherapist I worked with various patient groups in both outpatient and inpatient care, as well as in private practice, primarily with functional disabilities and movement disorders resulting from orthopaedic and neurological injuries and diseases. During my time as a clinician, I was responsible for quality assurance, and also worked with applied research and development (R&D). Furthermore, I have been an instructor for rehabilitative patient transfer techniques.
Academics
I completed my postdoctoral research with the Human Neuroscience Group at the University of Queensland, Australia. My PhD was in Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Umeå University, focusing on the musculoskeletal health of forest machine operators and their exposure to shock-type vibrations. I hold a Master's degree in Caring Sciences, with orientation towards mobility.
Activities
I primarily teach about the structure and function of the human body in the Physiotherapy program, where I have additional education and clinical experience. The teaching involves both theory and practice. I also teach scientific methodology, aimed for physiotherapists. Further, I organize courses and act as a supervisor and examiner on basic-, advanced- and research levels.
Pedagogical approach
Subject-specific didactics is important for providing relevant examples and creating realistic situations in professional education, such as for students in a physiotherapy program. I value a diverse group of students with different learning styles; personally, I learn best through hands-on experience and discussion. In my teaching, I use student-centered methods and digital tools to encourage students to be co-creative, autonomous, and critical thinkers.
Assignments
I have been active within the Faculty of Medicine at Umeå University as a coordinator for the Research Aspirants and as a member of the Undergraduate Education Board. I have also served as the Chairman of the Program Council for the Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Sports Programs. Additionally, I completed a pedagogical sabbatical at Ohio State University, USA.