Dr McCullagh was awarded a Health Professional Fellowship (HRB) to fund her PhD training in 2018. Her PhD project measured walking activity in frail inpatients and the effectiveness of an augmented exercise programme on their health outcomes and healthcare utilisation. Her main areas of interest lie in exercise prescription and self-management strategies to maintain physical activity and exercise in older adults and people with Parkinson's. Ruth currently supervises PhD students exploring exercise and falls prevention in people living in residential care, in older adults at risk of falling, in people with metastatic breast cancer (IRC PG Scholarship & HRB SPHeRE Scholarship), and in people with Parkinson's (IRC PG Scholarship). She is also a named co-applicant on the Frailty Care Bundle, an implementation study of evidence-based principles of mobilisation, nutrition and cognitive engagement in the acute hospitalised patients. (PI Prof Corina Naughton, UCC. HRB APA award 2019). She is the principal investigator of the FaME Ireland study, an evaluation of early adopter sites of the Falls Management Exercise Programme (HRB APA 028 2022).
Ruth has worked clinically in the areas of Neurology and Gerontology since qualifying in Ireland, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. She held senior clinical roles, management role (Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, UK, 1999-2001) and clinical research (Tallaght Hospital, 2001-2004) (exercise in people with Multiple Sclerosis).
Ruth is CORU registered, a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and reviews for many international peer reviewed journals such as Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation, BMC Geriatrics, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and HRB Open.
I am a member of the PD Research Cluster. I work closely with the Parkinson's Association of ireland, who have part-funded a PhD research Project (IRC-funded) exploring self- management and behavioural strategies in people with Parkinson's.
I am also a member of the ISS21 Ageing Research Cluster. My PhD was a HRB-funded RCT measuring the effectiveness of an augmented exercise programme for frail inpatients in the acute setting. I have supervised HSE-funded MSc(Res) projects evaluating a community-based early supported discharge programme and a falls management programme. I continue to work with clinical colleagues to effectively implement the training and delivery of a falls-management programme. I currently co-supervise PhD projects; one exploring self management and behavioural change in older community-dwellers, and the second exploring falls prevention programmes in residential care settings.
I am currently co-supervising an IRC-funded project to develop an early and ongoing personalised rehabilitative physiotherapy programme for people with metastatic breast cancer.
I remain the module coordinator for the research modules, (Principles of Research and Research Methods and Dissertation), and provide teaching in the clinical modules Cardiovascular Health and Health Promotion and Rehabilitation 2. I examine the students for all five modules.
My clinical experience informs my clinical teaching of the Rehabilitation 2 and Cardiovascular Health and Health Promotion modules. I stress patient-centred approach to their management, to used the International Classification of Function to structure their assessment and treatment approach, and to recognize the importance of family and peer involvement. I encourage students to use the best evidence to inform their clinical practice, using epidemiological studies to gain an understanding of the prevalence and prognosis, and interventional studies / systematic reviews to inform their management.
When teaching research modules, my overarching aim is to teach students how to critically appraise the literature. The students learn how to determine research quality; the evidence which should inform their clinical practice, and how to interpret research findings; to understand their implications for clinical practice and for future research. Learning by doing is an essential step, students must critically appraise, must demonstrate their understanding of research methodology and statistical analysis and must complete a minor dissertation as part of their training; a number of which have been published to date.
I am supervising three PhD students.
Lead supervisor: Ms Leanne Ahern, IRC Scholar (EPSPG/2021/77). PD ACTIVE (Parkinson's Disease: improving ACcessibility to physical acTIVity and Exercise to promote self-management: A new exercise initiative).
Co-supervisor: Ms Joyce O'Riordan, IRC Scholar (GOIPG/2021/87). Improving Quality of Life (QOL) for Palliative Care Patients (PCPs) and their caregivers with an early and ongoing personalised rehabilitative physiotherapy programme in a primary care setting
Co-Supervisor: Ms Neah Albasha, Improving residential care staff knowledge, perceptions and self-efficacy in preventing falls among older residents
Biography
Dr. Ruth McCullagh a Lecturer in Physiotherapy at the School of Clinical Therapies, University College Cork. Her areas of interest lie in older adult rehabilitation, falls and frailty, and Parkinson's. She graduated from Cardiff School of Physiotherapy (1992), was awarded an MSc Neurorehabilitation (Brunel University, 1998) and her PhD (University College Cork, 2018). Ruth began lecturing in the School of Physiotherapy at the Royal College of Surgeons (2004-2005) and Trinity College Dublin (2005-2007) before teaching in University College Cork when the Physiotherapy programme opened in 2018.Dr McCullagh was awarded a Health Professional Fellowship (HRB) to fund her PhD training in 2018. Her PhD project measured walking activity in frail inpatients and the effectiveness of an augmented exercise programme on their health outcomes and healthcare utilisation. Her main areas of interest lie in exercise prescription and self-management strategies to maintain physical activity and exercise in older adults and people with Parkinson's. Ruth currently supervises PhD students exploring exercise and falls prevention in people living in residential care, in older adults at risk of falling, in people with metastatic breast cancer (IRC PG Scholarship & HRB SPHeRE Scholarship), and in people with Parkinson's (IRC PG Scholarship). She is also a named co-applicant on the Frailty Care Bundle, an implementation study of evidence-based principles of mobilisation, nutrition and cognitive engagement in the acute hospitalised patients. (PI Prof Corina Naughton, UCC. HRB APA award 2019). She is the principal investigator of the FaME Ireland study, an evaluation of early adopter sites of the Falls Management Exercise Programme (HRB APA 028 2022).
Ruth has worked clinically in the areas of Neurology and Gerontology since qualifying in Ireland, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. She held senior clinical roles, management role (Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, UK, 1999-2001) and clinical research (Tallaght Hospital, 2001-2004) (exercise in people with Multiple Sclerosis).
Ruth is CORU registered, a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and reviews for many international peer reviewed journals such as Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation, BMC Geriatrics, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and HRB Open.
Research Interests
My areas of interest are in falls and frailty, Parkinson's and people with metastatic breast cancer. I am interested in determining the optimal exercise prescription and ways to support people in maintaining that dosage of exercise in order to improve independence, self-efficacy and quality of life.I am a member of the PD Research Cluster. I work closely with the Parkinson's Association of ireland, who have part-funded a PhD research Project (IRC-funded) exploring self- management and behavioural strategies in people with Parkinson's.
I am also a member of the ISS21 Ageing Research Cluster. My PhD was a HRB-funded RCT measuring the effectiveness of an augmented exercise programme for frail inpatients in the acute setting. I have supervised HSE-funded MSc(Res) projects evaluating a community-based early supported discharge programme and a falls management programme. I continue to work with clinical colleagues to effectively implement the training and delivery of a falls-management programme. I currently co-supervise PhD projects; one exploring self management and behavioural change in older community-dwellers, and the second exploring falls prevention programmes in residential care settings.
I am currently co-supervising an IRC-funded project to develop an early and ongoing personalised rehabilitative physiotherapy programme for people with metastatic breast cancer.
Research Grants
| Project | Funding Body | Start Date | End Date | Award | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transformative Care: Unveiling the Stop Hospital Associated Decline (STAD) project for Enhancing Care of Older Adults in Acute Hospitals | College of Medicine & Health | 01-JUN-24 | 31-MAY-30 | €15,000.00 | |
| Falls Management Exercise Programme: Improving Reach, Effectiveness, VaLue and SustAiNability in IrelanD. Case Studies for Learning | Health Research Board | 01-MAR-24 | 28-FEB-26 | €240,000.00 | |
| Empower Breast: Improving Quality of Life (QOL) for Palliative Care Patients (PCPs) and their caregivers with an early and ongoing personalised rehabilitative physiotherapy programme in a primary care setting. | Irish Research Council | 02-SEP-21 | 01-SEP-24 | €83,000.00 | |
| PD ACTIVE (Parkinson's Disease: improving ACcessibility to physical acTIVity and Exercise to promote self-management: A new exercise initiative). | Irish Research Council | 01-SEP-21 | 31-AUG-24 | €82,500.00 | |
| Evaluation of the Otago Falls Prevention Programme | Health Service Executive | 02-SEP-19 | 01-SEP-20 | €12,000.00 | |
| Implementation of a Frailty Care Bundle for older adults in acute care | Health Research Board | 01-NOV-19 | 31-OCT-21 | €245,000.00 | |
| Evaluation of the Integrated Care Pathway for Older Adults in HSE South | Health Service Executive | 03-SEP-18 | 02-SEP-19 | €6,000.00 | |
| A randomised controlled trial to measure the effects of an augmented prescribed exercise program on mobility, quality of life and healthcare utilisation for frail hospilised older medical in-patients | Health Research Board | 02-SEP-13 | 01-SEP-18 | €178,000.00 | |
| A randomised controlled trail to measure the effects of an augmented prescribed exercise programme for frail older medical inpatients in the acute setting | Irish Research Council | 02-SEP-13 | 03-SEP-18 | €64,000.00 | |
| The effects of an augmented prescribed exercise programme (APEP) for frail older medical inpatients: a pilot study | Health Research Board | 04-JUL-11 | 29-AUG-11 | €2,000.00 | |
| A qualitative enquiry of older medical inpatients' experience of an augmented prescribed exercise programme | Other: Not Listed | 05-SEP-11 | 04-SEP-12 | €1,000.00 | |
| A controlled study to measure the effects of a 12-week exercise programme in patients with Multiple Sclerosis with mild disability | Other: Not Listed | 05-MAY-03 | 06-MAY-04 | €1,000.00 |
Contract Researchers
| Researcher Name | Project | Role | Funding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ms Katherine Thackeray | FaME Ireland | Research Assistant | Health Research Board | |
| Ms Caroline Eldridge | FaME Ireland | Research Assistant | Health Research Board |
Publications
Peer Reviewed Journals
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2024) | '“Exercise… to Me, It’s Freedom”: Motivation, Support, and Self-Management to Keep Physically Active with Parkinson’s Disease: A Qualitative Study' Ahern L, Curtin C, Timmons S, Lamb SE, McCullagh R. (2024) '“Exercise… to Me, It’s Freedom”: Motivation, Support, and Self-Management to Keep Physically Active with Parkinson’s Disease: A Qualitative Study'. Geriatrics, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2024) | 'Implementation of a Frailty Care Bundle (FCB) Targeting Mobilisation, Nutrition and Cognitive Engagement to Reduce Hospital Associated Decline in Older Orthopaedic Trauma Patients: Pretest-Posttest Intervention Study' Naughton C;de Foubert M;Cummins H;McCullagh R;Wills T;Skelton DA;Dahly D;O'Mahony D;Ahern E;Tedesco S;Sullivan BO; (2024) 'Implementation of a Frailty Care Bundle (FCB) Targeting Mobilisation, Nutrition and Cognitive Engagement to Reduce Hospital Associated Decline in Older Orthopaedic Trauma Patients: Pretest-Posttest Intervention Study'. Journal Of Frailty, Sarcopenia And Falls, 9 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2024) | 'A systematic review of Behaviour Change Interventions to improve exercise self-efficacy and adherence in people with Parkinson's disease using the Theoretical Domains Framework' Ahern L;Timmons S;Lamb SE;McCullagh R; (2024) 'A systematic review of Behaviour Change Interventions to improve exercise self-efficacy and adherence in people with Parkinson's disease using the Theoretical Domains Framework'. Journal Of Frailty, Sarcopenia And Falls, 9 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'Staff's insights into fall prevention solutions in long-term care facilities: a cross-sectional study' Albasha N;Curtin C;McCullagh R;Cornally N;Timmons S; (2023) 'Staff's insights into fall prevention solutions in long-term care facilities: a cross-sectional study'. BMC geriatrics, 23 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'Comprehensive geriatric assessment-where are we now, where do we need to be in the context of global ageing?' Naughton C;Galvin R;McCullagh R;Horgan F; (2023) 'Comprehensive geriatric assessment-where are we now, where do we need to be in the context of global ageing?'. Age and Ageing, 52 (11) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'Staff knowledge, attitudes and confidence levels for fall preventions in older person long-term care facilities: a cross-sectional study' Albasha N;McCullagh R;Cornally N;Timmons S; (2023) 'Staff knowledge, attitudes and confidence levels for fall preventions in older person long-term care facilities: a cross-sectional study'. BMC geriatrics, 23 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'The effects of intradialytic exercise on sarcopenia-related muscle and strength loss in patients with end-stage renal disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials' Pender D, McGowan E, McVeigh JG, McCullagh R (2023) 'The effects of intradialytic exercise on sarcopenia-related muscle and strength loss in patients with end-stage renal disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials'. Archives Of Rehabilitation Research And Clinical Translation, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2023) | 'Implementation strategies to support fall prevention interventions in long-term care facilities for older persons: a systematic review' Neah Albasha;Leanne Ahern;Lauren O'Mahony;Ruth McCullagh;Nicola Cornally;Sheena McHugh;Suzanne Timmons; (2023) 'Implementation strategies to support fall prevention interventions in long-term care facilities for older persons: a systematic review'. BMC geriatrics, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2022) | 'The effectiveness of group and home-based exercise on psychological status in people with ankylosing spondylitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis' Lane B;McCullagh R;Cardoso JR;McVeigh JG; (2022) 'The effectiveness of group and home-based exercise on psychological status in people with ankylosing spondylitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis'. Musculoskeletal Care, [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | 'Systematic review of interventions targeting fundamental care to reduce hospital-associated decline in older patients' de Foubert, M. and Cummins, H. and McCullagh, R. and Brueton, V. and Naughton, C. (2021) 'Systematic review of interventions targeting fundamental care to reduce hospital-associated decline in older patients'. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 77 (12):4661-4678 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2019) | 'Older inpatients' experience and insights into fear of falling: A feasibility study' Beh S.;McCullagh R.;O'Neill E.;Healy L.;Timmons S. (2019) 'Older inpatients' experience and insights into fear of falling: A feasibility study'. Physiotherapy Practice and Research, 40 (1):1-8 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2015) | 'Perceptions, Expectations, and Informal Supports Influence Exercise Activity in Frail Older Adults' Broderick, L;McCullagh, R;White, EB;Savage, E;Timmons, S (2015) 'Perceptions, Expectations, and Informal Supports Influence Exercise Activity in Frail Older Adults'. SageOpen, 5 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'Influences on Exercise Behaviours of Frail Older Adults in the Acute Setting' Broderick, L;Savage, E;McCullagh, R;Bantry-White, E;Timmons, S (2013) 'Influences on Exercise Behaviours of Frail Older Adults in the Acute Setting'. Irish Journal of Medicine, 182 :225-225 [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'Perceptions, Supports and Expectations Influence Exercise Activity in Frail Older Adults' Broderick, L;Savage, E;McCullagh, R;Bantry-White, E;Timmons, S (2013) 'Perceptions, Supports and Expectations Influence Exercise Activity in Frail Older Adults'. Irish Journal of Medicine, 182 :224-224 [Details] | |
| (2013) | 'Frail Older Adults' Perceptions of an In-Hospital Structured Exercise Intervention' Broderick, L;Savage, E;McCullagh, R;Bantry-White, E;Timmons, S (2013) 'Frail Older Adults' Perceptions of an In-Hospital Structured Exercise Intervention'. Irish Journal of Medicine, 182 :240-240 [Details] | |
| (2008) | 'Long-term benefits of exercising on quality of life and fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients with mild disability: a pilot study' McCullagh, R;Fitzgerald, AP;Murphy, RP;Cooke, G (2008) 'Long-term benefits of exercising on quality of life and fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients with mild disability: a pilot study'. Clinical Rehabilitation, 22 :206-214 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2008) | 'Long-Term Benefits of Exercising On Quality of Life and Fatigue In Multiple Sclerosis Patients With Mild Disability: A Pilot Study' McCullagh, R, Fitzgerald, AP, Murphy, RP, Cooke, G; (2008) 'Long-Term Benefits of Exercising On Quality of Life and Fatigue In Multiple Sclerosis Patients With Mild Disability: A Pilot Study'. Clinical Rehabilitation, 22 (3):206-214 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2020) | 'Augmented exercise in hospital improves physical performance and reduces negative post hospitalization events: a randomized controlled trial' McCullagh R.;O'Connell E.;O'Meara S.;Dahly D.;O'Reilly E.;O'Connor K.;Horgan N.;Timmons S. (2020) 'Augmented exercise in hospital improves physical performance and reduces negative post hospitalization events: a randomized controlled trial'. BMC geriatrics, 20 (1) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Frail older adults' perceptions of an in-hospital structured exercise intervention' O'Hare, L; Savage, E; McCullagh, R; White, EB;Fitzgerald, E;Timmons, S (2017) 'Frail older adults' perceptions of an in-hospital structured exercise intervention'. Physiotherapy, 103 :478-484 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2017) | 'Step-Count Accuracy of 3 Motion Sensors for Older and Frail Medical Inpatients' McCullagh, R;Dillon, C;O'Connell, AM;Horgan, NF;Timmons, S (2017) 'Step-Count Accuracy of 3 Motion Sensors for Older and Frail Medical Inpatients'. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 98 :295-302 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'Walking in hospital is associated with a shorter length of stay in older medical inpatients' McCullagh, R,Dillon, C,Dahly, D,Horgan, NF,Timmons, S (2016) 'Walking in hospital is associated with a shorter length of stay in older medical inpatients'. Physiological Measurement, 37 :1872-1884 [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2016) | 'A Review of the Accuracy and Utility of Motion Sensors to Measure Physical Activity of Frail, Older Hospitalized Patients' McCullagh R;Brady NM;Dillon C;Horgan NF;Timmons S; (2016) 'A Review of the Accuracy and Utility of Motion Sensors to Measure Physical Activity of Frail, Older Hospitalized Patients'. Journal Of Aging And Physical Activity, 24 (3) [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2014) | 'The functional decline of hospitalised older patients-are we doing enough?' McCullagh, R.;Fitzgerald, E.;O'Connor, K.;Broderick, L.;Kennedy, C.;O'Reilly, N.;Martin, R.;Timmons, S.; (2014) 'The functional decline of hospitalised older patients-are we doing enough?'. Physiotherapy Practice and Research, [DOI] [Details] |
Conference Publications
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2014) | Irish Gerontological Society 62nd Annual & Scientific Meeting 2014 McCullagh, R,O'Connell, AM,Dillon, C,Horgan, F,Timmons, S (2014) Comparative Accuracy of Motion Sensors for Frail-Older Hospitalised Patients Irish Gerontological Society 62nd Annual & Scientific Meeting 2014 , pp.354-354 [Details] | |
| (2013) | Irish Gerontological Society 61st Annual and Scientific Meeting Broderick, L., Savage, E., McCullagh, R., Bantry White, E., Timmons, S. (2013) Influences on exercise behaviours of frail older adults in the acute setting Irish Gerontological Society 61st Annual and Scientific Meeting [Details] | |
| (2013) | Irish Gerontological Society 61st Annual and Scientific Meeting Broderick, L., Savage, E., McCullagh, R., Bantry White, E., Timmons, S (2013) Frail older adults’ perceptions of an in-hospital structured exercise intervention Irish Gerontological Society 61st Annual and Scientific Meeting [Details] | |
| (2013) | Irish Gerontological Society 61st Annual & Scientific Meeting 2013 Broderick, L,Savage, E,McCullagh, R,Bantry-White, E,Timmons, S (2013) Influences on Exercise Behaviours of Frail Older Adults in the Acute Setting Irish Gerontological Society 61st Annual & Scientific Meeting 2013 , pp.S225-S225 [Details] | |
| (2013) | Irish Gerontological Society 61st Annual & Scientific Meeting 2013 Broderick, L,Savage, E,McCullagh, R,Bantry-White, E,Timmons, S (2013) Frail Older Adults' Perceptions of an In-Hospital Structured Exercise Intervention Irish Gerontological Society 61st Annual & Scientific Meeting 2013 , pp.S240-S240 [Details] | |
| (2013) | Irish Gerontological Society 61st Annual and Scientific Meeting Broderick, L., Savage, E., McCullagh, R., Bantry White, E., Timmons, S. (2013) Perceptions, supports and expectations influence exercise activity in frail older adults Irish Gerontological Society 61st Annual and Scientific Meeting [Details] | |
| (2013) | Irish Gerontological Society 62nd Annual & Scientific Meeting 2014 Broderick, L,Savage, E,McCullagh, R,Bantry-White, E,Timmons, S (2013) Perceptions, Supports and Expectations Influence Exercise Activity in Frail Older Adults Irish Gerontological Society 62nd Annual & Scientific Meeting 2014 , pp.S224-S224 [Details] | |
| (2012) | World Congress of Active Ageing McCullagh R, Fitzgerald E, Martin R, Kennedy C, O'Reilly N, O'Connor K, Timmons S (2012) An augmented exercise programme in the acute setting can improve mobility and quality of life in frail hospitalised older patients: A pilot trial World Congress of Active Ageing [Details] |
Abstract
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2022) | 114 THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A 26-WEEK CLASS AND HOME-BASED OTAGO EXERCISE PROGRAMME ON BALANCE CONFIDENCE AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN OLDER ADULTS. Curley, M;Brady, S;Tyndall, F;McVeigh, J;McCullagh, R (2022) 114 THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A 26-WEEK CLASS AND HOME-BASED OTAGO EXERCISE PROGRAMME ON BALANCE CONFIDENCE AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN OLDER ADULTS. OXFORD: Abstract [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2021) | IMPLEMENTATION OF A FRAILTY CARE BUNDLE (FCB) IN ACUTE AND REHABILITATION SETTINGS. Naughton, C;Cummins, H;de Foubert, M;Barry, F;Wills, T;McCullagh, R;Ahern, E (2021) IMPLEMENTATION OF A FRAILTY CARE BUNDLE (FCB) IN ACUTE AND REHABILITATION SETTINGS. OXFORD: Abstract [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2019) | AN EVALUATION OF TWO FRAILTY INTERVENTION THERAPY TEAM'S (FITT) IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PILOT SERVICES. Walsh, C;McCullagh, R;O'Connor, K;Higgans, A;O'Callaghan, D;Timmons, S (2019) AN EVALUATION OF TWO FRAILTY INTERVENTION THERAPY TEAM'S (FITT) IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PILOT SERVICES. OXFORD: Abstract [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2019) | THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A HOSPITAL "BUDDY WALKING PROGRAMME" TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO MOBILITY FOR ACUTE HOSPITAL IN-PATIENTS. Lombard, E;Higgins, A;Timmons, S;McCullagh, R (2019) THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A HOSPITAL "BUDDY WALKING PROGRAMME" TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO MOBILITY FOR ACUTE HOSPITAL IN-PATIENTS. OXFORD: Abstract [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2018) | AN AUGMENTED PRESCRIBED EXERCISE PROGRAMME (APEP) FOR FRAIL MEDICAL INPATIENTS: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL. McCullagh, R;O'Connell, E;O'Meara, S;Dahly, D;Horgan, NF;Timmons, S (2018) AN AUGMENTED PRESCRIBED EXERCISE PROGRAMME (APEP) FOR FRAIL MEDICAL INPATIENTS: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL. OXFORD: Abstract [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2018) | PATIENT PERCEPTION OF AN AUGMENTED PRESCRIBED EXERCISE PROGRAMME DURING MEDICAL INPATIENT STAY. McInemey, M;McCullagh, R;Fox, S;McCarthy, M;Timmons, S (2018) PATIENT PERCEPTION OF AN AUGMENTED PRESCRIBED EXERCISE PROGRAMME DURING MEDICAL INPATIENT STAY. OXFORD: Abstract [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2017) | BARRIERS TO OLDER MEDICAL PATIENT WALKING IN HOSPITAL. McCullagh, R;Dahly, D;Horgan, F;Timmons, S (2017) BARRIERS TO OLDER MEDICAL PATIENT WALKING IN HOSPITAL. OXFORD: Abstract [DOI] [Details] | |
| (2016) | WALKING IN HOSPITAL IS ASSOCIATED WITH A SHORTER LENGTH OF STAY IN OLDER MEDICAL INPATIENTS. McCullagh, R;Dillon, C;Dahly, D;Horgan, NF;Timmons, S (2016) WALKING IN HOSPITAL IS ASSOCIATED WITH A SHORTER LENGTH OF STAY IN OLDER MEDICAL INPATIENTS. OXFORD: Abstract [Details] | |
| (2014) | Comparative Accuracy of Motion Sensors for Frail-Older Hospitalised Patients. McCullagh, R;O'Connell, AM;Dillon, C;Horgan, F;Timmons, S (2014) Comparative Accuracy of Motion Sensors for Frail-Older Hospitalised Patients. LONDON: Abstract [Details] | |
| (2012) | An Augmented Exercise Programme in the Acute Setting Can Improve Mobility and Quality of Life in Frail Hospitalised Older Patients: A Controlled Trial. McCullagh, R;Fitzgerald, E;Martin, R;Kennedy, C;O'Reilly, N;O'Connor, K;Timmons, S (2012) An Augmented Exercise Programme in the Acute Setting Can Improve Mobility and Quality of Life in Frail Hospitalised Older Patients: A Controlled Trial. LONDON: Abstract [Details] | |
| (2012) | An augmented exercise programme in the acute setting can improve mobility and quality of life in frail hospitalised older patients: A pilot trial. McCullagh, R;Fitzgerald, E;Martin, R;Kennedy, C;O'Reilly, N;O'Connor, K;Timmons, S (2012) An augmented exercise programme in the acute setting can improve mobility and quality of life in frail hospitalised older patients: A pilot trial. CHAMPAIGN: Abstract [Details] | |
| (2012) | An Augmented Exercise Programme in the Acute Setting Can Improve Mobility and Quality of Life in Frail Hospitalised Older Patients: A Controlled Trial. McCullagh, R,Fitzgerald, E,Martin, R,Kennedy, C,O'Reilly, N,O'Connor, K,Timmons, S (2012) An Augmented Exercise Programme in the Acute Setting Can Improve Mobility and Quality of Life in Frail Hospitalised Older Patients: A Controlled Trial. Abstract [Details] | |
| (2012) | An augmented exercise programme in the acute setting can improve mobility and quality of life in frail hospitalised older patients: A pilot trial. McCullagh, R,Fitzgerald, E,Martin, R,Kennedy, C,O'Reilly, N,O'Connor, K,Timmons, S (2012) An augmented exercise programme in the acute setting can improve mobility and quality of life in frail hospitalised older patients: A pilot trial. Abstract [Details] |
Working Paper
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2014) | Economic Evaluation of the Provision of Augmented Exercise to Elderly Patients in Acute Hospitals. Murphy, A., Kirby, A., McCullagh, R., Timmons, S. (2014) Economic Evaluation of the Provision of Augmented Exercise to Elderly Patients in Acute Hospitals. Working Paper [Details] |
Professional Activities
Honours and Awards
| Year | Title | Awarding Body | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Best Platform Presentation | Irish Gerontological Society Scientific Meeting | |
| 2011 | Southern Branch of Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists Research Bursary | Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists [Southern Branch]] | |
| 2003 | Chartered Physiotherapists in Neurology and Gerontology Research Bursary | Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists [CPNG] |
Professional Associations
| Association | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISS Ageing Research Cluster | to improve interdisciplinary communication and work in research in Healthy Ageing | / | |
| CORU | Registration Board | / | |
| Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists | Physiotherapy Professional Body | / | |
| Parkinson's Disease Research Cluster UCC | to improve interdisciplinary communication and work in research in Parkinson's | / |
Conference Contributions
| Year | Publication | |
|---|---|---|
| (2019) | The Integrated Care Pathway for Older Persons Networking Day, Shinkwin C, McCullagh R, McVeigh J. (2019) Patients’ and Carers’ experience and perceptions of the pilot Integrated care programme for older persons in cork city (ICPOP): a qualitative evaluation. [Oral Presentation], The Integrated Care Pathway for Older Persons Networking Day, Dublin, Ireland . [Details] | |
| (2013) | Irish Gerontological Society 61st Annual and Scientific Meeting, Broderick, L., Savage, E., McCullagh, R., Bantry White, E., Timmons, S. (2013) Frail older adults’ perceptions of an in-hospital structured exercise intervention. [Poster Presentation], Irish Gerontological Society 61st Annual and Scientific Meeting, Cork . [Details] | |
| (2012) | Irish Gerontological Society 60th Annual and Scientific Meeting, McCullagh, R, Fitzgerald, E, Martin, R, Kennedy, C, O'Reilly, N, O'Connor, K, Timmons, S (2012) An augmented exercise programme in the acute setting can improve mobility and quality of life in frail hospitalised older patients. [Oral Presentation], Irish Gerontological Society 60th Annual and Scientific Meeting, Cork . [Details] |
Committees
| Committee | Function | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patient Focused Quality Working Group | School of Clinical Therapies Representative | 2021 / 2022 | |
| School of Clinical Therapies School Board | Member | 2018 / 2022 | |
| School of Clinical Therapies Social Research Ethics Sub-Committee | Reviewer | 2018 / 2022 | |
| School of Clinical Therapies Graduate Studies Committee | Member | 2018 / 2022 | |
| School of Clinical Therapies Teaching and Curriculum Committee | Member | 2018 / 2022 |
Employment
| Employer | Position | From / To | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity College Dublin | Locum Lecturer | 01-MAR-04 / 28-FEB-08 | |
| Mercy University Hospital | PhD student | 01-SEP-13 / 30-AUG-18 | |
| School of Clinical Therapies | Senior Physiotherapist | 01-MAR-08 / 30-SEP-13 | |
| University College Cork School of Clinical Therapies | 18-SEP-17 / | ||
| University College Cork | Lecturer in Physiotherapy | 23-SEP-17 / | |
| University College Cork | Hourly Occasional Assistant Lecturer | 01-FEB-11 / 01-SEP-13 | |
| Mercy University Hospital | 01-MAR-08 / 01-SEP-17 | ||
| Tallaght Hospital, Dublin | Senior Research Physiotherapist in Neurology & Stroke Services | 01-JAN-01 / 29-FEB-04 |
Education
| Year | Institution | Qualification | Subject | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Brunel University College of Health and Life Sciences | |||
| 2018 | University College Cork | PhD Medicine and Health | A randomised controlled trial to measure the effects of an augmented prescribed exercise programme (APEP) for frail older medical patients in the acute setting | |
| 1998 | Brunel University College, UK | MSc | Neurorehabilitation | |
| 1992 | Cardiff School of Physiotherapy | Grad Dip Physiotherapy | Physiotherapy | |
| 1992 | Cardiff School of Physiotherapy | |||
| 2018 | University College Cork College of Medicine and Health Brookfileds Health Science Library |
Outreach Activities
| Description | |
|---|---|
Presentation to the Cor Parkinson's Association members on Exercise, Physiotherapy and Parkinon's, and participated in an evening Q&A session. (https://corkparkinsons.ie/2021/04/17/our-parkinsons-awareness-week-conference-amazing-success-story/) | |
Ruth was invited to present her PhD findings to the Southern Branch of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (February 2018) | |
Ruth was invited to present her PhD findings to the National Special Interest Group in Neurology & Gerontology (February 2018) | |
Ruth contributed to a newspaper article in the Irish Times "To age well, keep your mind and body active". https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/to-age-well-keep-your-mind-and-body-active-1.3640967 | |
"Move it or lose it" newspaper article, discussing the benefits of exercise on cognition (https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30933322.html) | |
"Exercise is a Medicine" with colleague, Helen O'Regan, HSE Physiotherapist, delivered sessions on exercise and brain health. Attendees took to the floor and worked through a series of brain empowering exercises | |
BRAIN HEALTH: Online Webinar Series March-May 2021. Ruth delivered a public webinar "Physical training can exercise your brain" (http://dementianetwork.ie/brain-health-online-webinar-series-0) | |
Ruth was invited to present a public lecture during Positive Ageing Week (https://positiveageingweek.com/events/wellness-wednesday/), and contribute to a newspaper article discussing the benefits of staying active (https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/to-age-well-keep-your-mind-and-body-active-1.3640967) |
Journal Activities
| Journal | Role | To / From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archives Of Rehabilitation Research And Clinical Translation | Peer Reviewer | 01-FEB-22 - | |
| Bmc Geriatrics | Peer Reviewer | 15-MAY-20 - | |
| Hrb Open Research | Peer Reviewer | 29-NOV-23 - | |
| Irish Journal Of Medical Science (1971 -) | Peer Reviewer | 09-FEB-22 - |
Teaching Activities
Teaching Interests
When the programme opened in UCC, I was part of the initial team constructing five modules: namely, Cardiovascular Health and Health Promotion, Rehabilitation 1 (Principles of Rehabilitation and Movement), Rehabilitation 2 (Rehabilitation to promote independent movement and function in a busy active environment) Principles of Research and Research Methods and Dissertation. I was responsible for the Rolling Induction from 2019-2022; a brief module which aimed to orientate the new students and provide useful guidance for exams and written work.I remain the module coordinator for the research modules, (Principles of Research and Research Methods and Dissertation), and provide teaching in the clinical modules Cardiovascular Health and Health Promotion and Rehabilitation 2. I examine the students for all five modules.
My clinical experience informs my clinical teaching of the Rehabilitation 2 and Cardiovascular Health and Health Promotion modules. I stress patient-centred approach to their management, to used the International Classification of Function to structure their assessment and treatment approach, and to recognize the importance of family and peer involvement. I encourage students to use the best evidence to inform their clinical practice, using epidemiological studies to gain an understanding of the prevalence and prognosis, and interventional studies / systematic reviews to inform their management.
When teaching research modules, my overarching aim is to teach students how to critically appraise the literature. The students learn how to determine research quality; the evidence which should inform their clinical practice, and how to interpret research findings; to understand their implications for clinical practice and for future research. Learning by doing is an essential step, students must critically appraise, must demonstrate their understanding of research methodology and statistical analysis and must complete a minor dissertation as part of their training; a number of which have been published to date.
I am supervising three PhD students.
Lead supervisor: Ms Leanne Ahern, IRC Scholar (EPSPG/2021/77). PD ACTIVE (Parkinson's Disease: improving ACcessibility to physical acTIVity and Exercise to promote self-management: A new exercise initiative).
Co-supervisor: Ms Joyce O'Riordan, IRC Scholar (GOIPG/2021/87). Improving Quality of Life (QOL) for Palliative Care Patients (PCPs) and their caregivers with an early and ongoing personalised rehabilitative physiotherapy programme in a primary care setting
Co-Supervisor: Ms Neah Albasha, Improving residential care staff knowledge, perceptions and self-efficacy in preventing falls among older residents
Recent Postgraduates
| Graduation Year | Student Name | Institution | Degree Type | Thesis Title | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Ms Claire Shinkwin | UCC | Patients’ and Carers’ Experience and Perceptions of the Pilot Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons in Cork City (ICPOP): A Qualitative Evaluatio |
Research Information
Internal Collaborators
| Name | Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prof Suzanne Timmons | Centre for Gerontology & Rehabilitation, University College Cork | IRELAND | |
| Prof Tony Foley | University College Cork | IRELAND | |
| Dr Aileen Murphy | University College Cork | IRELAND | |
| Dr Annalisa Setti | University College Cork | IRELAND | |
| Dr Sheena McHugh | University College Cork | IRELAND | |
| Dr Emmy Racine | University College Cork | IRELAND |
External Collaborators
| Name | Organisation / Institute | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prof Frances Horgan | School of Physiotherapy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2 | IRELAND | |
| Bex Townley | Later Life Training UK | UNITED KINGDOM | |
| Prof Dawn Skelton | Glasgow Caledonian University | UNITED KINGDOM | |
| Prof Sallie Lamb | Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor & Mireille Gillings Professor of Health Innovation | UNITED KINGDOM |