• MSc Neuromusculoskeletal Physiotherapy, University College London, 1998
• PG Cert HE, Coventry University, 2001
• Graduate Diploma Physiotherapy, New Addenbrooke’s Hospital Cambridge, 1998

Nicola is a Physiotherapy Lecturer and Programme Leader MSc Advanced Manipulative Physiotherapy.

Nicola has worked as a manipulative physiotherapist in the UK and Canada in a variety of settings. Since completion of her MSc she has developed an interest in the musculoskeletal changes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She is just completing her doctorate which has involved the development of a motion analysis approach for the thoracic spine and an evaluation of the musculoskeletal changes in COPD.

Nicola has two main areas of collaborative research activity, one focused on COPD and one spinal dysfunction linked to whiplash associated disorder and lumbar spine fusion:

1. Member of the Respiratory Epidemiology Group (HAPS).This is a multidisciplinary group which collaborates on research and research related activity in COPD. I have been involved in the development of research grants, publications and now am a reviewer for a large systematic review from a funded NIHR bid.
2. Musculoskeletal research (Whiplash Associated Disorder and Lumbar spinal fusion), with Dr Alison Rushton and Chris Wright, Physiotherapy

• Allied Healthcare Professions Research Network: Birmingham University co-representative for Midlands Branch.
• Committee member for the Manipulative Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP) Committee for Education and Approva

Publications

• Heneghan NR, Balanos GM, Adab P, Jordan RE (2012) Manual therapy for chronic obstructive airways disease: A systematic review of current evidence. Manual Therapy 17(6):507-18. Impact factor 1.686.
• Rushton A, Eveleigh G, Petherick EJ, Heneghan NR, Bennett R, James G, Wright C (2012) Physiotherapy rehabilitation following lumbar spinal fusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials, BMJ Open. 24;2(4). 2:e000829 doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2012-000829.
• Stamos I, Heneghan NR, McCarthyC (2012) Inter-examiner reliability of active Combined Movements Assessment of Subjects with a History of Mechanical Neck Problems. Manual Therapy 17(5):438-44.
• Rushton A, Wright C, Heneghan NR, Eveleigh G, Calvert M, Freemantle N (2011) Physiotherapy rehabilitation for Whiplash Associated Disorder II: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. BMJ Open. 14;1(2):e000265.
• Kilby J, Heneghan NR, Maybury M. (2012) Manual palpation of lumbo-pelvic landmarks; a validity study. Manual Therapy. 17(3):259-62.
• Heneghan NR, Balanos GM. (2010) Soft tissue artefact in the thoracic spine during axial rotation and arm elevation using ultrasound imaging: a descriptive study.  Manual Therapy 15(6):599-602
• Heneghan NR, Hall A, Hollands M, Balanos GM (2009) Stability and intra-tester reliability of an in vivo measurement of thoracic axial rotation using an innovative methodology. Manual Therapy 14(4):452-455  
• van Vliet PM, Heneghan NR (2006) Motor control and the management of musculoskeletal dysfunction. Manual Therapy. 11(3): 208-213
• Heneghan NR (2005) The influence of gender on skeletal muscle endurance capacity. Physical Therapy Reviews. 10(3): 171-178.

Conferences involved in:

• Heneghan NR, Adab P, Balanos GM. (2012) Evaluation of musculoskeletal changes in COPD. CSP Conference. 12th-13th October 2012 Liverpool. Poster presentation
• Heneghan NR, Jordan RE, Adab P, Balanos GM. (2011) Manual therapy for chronic obstructive airways disease (COPD): a systematic review of current evidence. World Confederation of Physical Therapy conference, Amsterdam. Poster presentation.
• Scarfe A, Heneghan NR, Connick MJ, Li FX. (2011) The effect of an 8-week progressive hip flexibility programme on running technique in triathletes  European College of Sport Science Liverpool John Moores University, 6-9th July. Poster Presentation
• Stamos I, Heneghan NR, McCarthy C (2011) Inter examiner reliability of active Combined Movements Assessment of Subjects with a History of Mechanical Neck Problems. October 10th 2011 CSP Conference, Liverpool. Poster presentation
• Goodman M, Heneghan NR (2005) A pilot study to determine the effects of spinal mobilisation on muscle activity. 2nd International Conference on Movement and Dysfunction, Edinburgh. Poster Presentation
• Legg KH, Heneghan NR (2006) A pilot study investigating the effects of neural provocation assessment technique (radial bias) on nerve conduction. MACP Conference, London. Poster Presentation
• Moscrop AK, Heneghan NR (2006) A Pilot Study Investigating the Effect of Treatment Mobilisations Using a Neural Provocation Technique Radial Bias on Nerve Function. MACP Conference, London. Poster Presentation

Presentations given

• Heneghan NR, Jordan RE, Adab P, Balanos GM. (2012) Manual therapy for chronic obstructive airways disease (COPD): a systematic review of current evidence. IFOMPT, Quebec September 29th. Platform Presentation.
• Heneghan NR. (2009) Musculoskeletal physiotherapy skills; an evidence informed approach to the management of patients with dysfunctional breathing.  Physiotherapy First Conference. Nottingham
• Heneghan NR. (2008) Stability and intra-tester reliability of an in vivo measurement of thoracic axial rotation using an innovative methodology. International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists. Rotterdam.