Sensory-motor Performance Assessment and Rehabilitative Knowledge

Sensory-motor Performance Assessment and Rehabilitative Knowledge

SPARK (Sensory-motor Performance Assessment and Rehabilitative Knowledge) is an interdisciplinary research group established in 2023. We aim to foster collaboration across movement science, rehabilitation, and human performance disciplines.

Formation

Initially formed within the School of Allied Health Exercise and Sports Sciences at Charles Sturt University, SPARK brings together researchers with complementary expertise in exercise physiology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, biomechanics, and motor control and learning.

Through this collaborative approach, the group aims to address complex questions that extend beyond the scope of any single discipline.

Focus

Our strategic focus is: "Advancing integrative movement science by uniting biomechanics and neurophysiology to inform innovative assessment and intervention approaches for broad populations."

Research

SPARK's research explores the mechanisms underlying human movement and performance across diverse populations, with a focus on developing evidence-based assessment methods and innovative rehabilitation strategies.

By integrating biomechanical analysis, neurophysiological principles, and clinical expertise, the group seeks to improve movement performance, enhance rehabilitation outcomes, and support lifelong health and function.

A woman in rehab with mathematical measurements around her

Growth

Since its establishment, SPARK has grown from an initial exchange of ideas into an active and productive research collaboration.

The group has supported three Honours research students, published its first peer-reviewed research paper, presented findings at national conferences, and continues to expand its research portfolio with additional manuscripts and conference presentations in development.

Our team

Dr Jack Cannon

Exercise Physiology
Charles Sturt University

Mr Timothy Miller

Exercise Physiology
Charles Sturt University

Associate Professor Mehdi Rassafiani

Occupational Therapy
Charles Sturt University

Dr Nnamdi Mgbemena

Physiotherapy
Southern Cross University

Dr Michael Chang

Motor Control and Learning
Charles Sturt University

Dr Kerry Mann

Biomechanics
Charles Sturt University

Research outputs

  1. The effects of passive stretching and exercise-induced fatigue on H-reflex responses and lower limb sit-to-stand electromyography patterns in healthy, physically active adults. Honours Thesis – Sophie McCauley (Class H1)
  1. McCauley, S., Cannon, J., Miller, T., Mann, K., Chang, M., Mgbemena, N., & Rassafiani, M. (2025). Effects of passive stretching and explosive countermovement-jumps on spinal reflex excitability in physically active adults. In Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. Elsevier. Presented at Sports Medicine Australia Conference 2025 in Hobart, Australia. Published.
  1. Mann, K., Chang, M., McCauley, S., Miller, T., Cannon, J., Rassafiani, M., & Mgbemena, N. (2025). Predicting the H-reflex utilising sit to stand mechanics and machine learning. In Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. Elsevier. Presented at Sports Medicine Australia Conference 2025 in Hobart, Australia. Published.
  1. McCauley, S., Mann, K., Cannon, J., Chang, M., Mgbemena, N., Rassafiani, M., & Miller, T. (2026). Passive Stretching and Explosive Jumps Acutely Reduce Spinal Reflex Excitability and Alter Sit-To-Stand Biomechanics in Active Adults: Stretching and jumping reduce spinal reflex excitability and alter biomechanics. Journal of Musculoskeletal Neuronal Interactions.
  1. The Impact of Interventions on Somatosensory Function of Children with Cerebral Palsy- A scoping review. Honours Thesis – Ocia Chapman (Class H1)

Contact us

SPARK welcomes opportunities to collaborate with researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and students who share an interest in advancing movement science and translating research into meaningful improvements in health, rehabilitation, and human performance.

Please reach out: SPARK@csu.edu.au