Dr Anna Lowe PhD
Programme Manager at the National Centre for Sport & Exercise Medicine
Summary
Dr Anna Lowe is Programme Manager at the National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine at Sheffield Hallam University and is employed by SHU on behalf of NCSEM Sheffield - a partner collaboration including the hospitals, universities, Sheffield City Council and sport/volunteer organisations.
About
I am an Associate Professor at Sheffield Hallam University and lead a number of applied physical activity research projects. In my role as Programme Manager at the National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine (Sheffield), I also oversee ‘Move More', Sheffield's whole systems approach to increasing physical activity. I am based at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre and work closely with partner organisations across the city. My research interests are in population health and physical activity, in particular supporting people with health conditions to become more active by embedding physical activity into healthcare systems. I have practical experience and academic expertise related to whole systems approaches to physical activity.
Research
• Evaluation of Public Health England’s Moving Healthcare Professional’s Programme
• Easier To Be Active: co-production of guidance to improve physical activity experiences of people with long term health conditions
• Exploring system leaders’ views of the whole systems approach to increasing physical activity in Sheffield: a qualitative study
• Empowering Communities 1 & 2: working with local communities to build capability and capacity to increase physical activity
• Evaluation of the national Active at Home booklet
Publications
Journal articles
Ngeh, E.N., Lowe, A., Garcia, C., & Mclean, S. (2023). Physiotherapy-Led Health Promotion Strategies for People with or at Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Scoping Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20 (22). http://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20227073
Frost, R., Lowe, A., & Pinto Pereira, S.M. (2023). "It makes you feel alive and younger…but it's stressful …my back and legs ache": A focus group study encouraging resistance training around retirement. Journal of applied gerontology : the official journal of the Southern Gerontological Society, 43 (1), 59-68. http://doi.org/10.1177/07334648231193562
Lowe, A., Myers, A., Quirk, H., Blackshaw, J., Palanee, S., & Copeland, R. (2022). Physical activity promotion by GPs: a cross-sectional survey in England. BJGP Open. http://doi.org/10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0227
Fowler Davis, S., Humphreys, H., Maden-Wilkinson, T., Withers, S., Lowe, A., & Copeland, R. (2022). Understanding the Needs and Priorities of People Living with Persistent Pain and Long-Term Musculoskeletal Conditions during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Public Involvement Project. Healthcare, 10 (6). http://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10061130
Peiris, C.L., Shields, N., Lowe, A., Tan, G., & Taylor, N.F. (2022). Functional status of community-dwelling older adults after inpatient rehabilitation. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 29 (1), 1-12. http://doi.org/10.12968/ijtr.2020.0084
Reece, L., Bauman, A., Nau, T., Lee, K., Smith, B.J., Bellew, W., ... Copeland, R. (2021). Translating whole system approaches into practice to increase population physical activity [Abstract only]. Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14 (3). http://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.473
Reece, L., Bauman, A., Nau, T., Lee, K., Smith, B.J., Bellew, W., ... Copeland, R. (2021). Translating whole system approaches into practice to increase population physical activity [Abstract only]. Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14 (3). http://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.473
Myers, A., Quirk, H., Lowe, A., Crank, H., Broom, D., Jones, N., ... Copeland, R. (2021). The Active Hospital Pilot: a qualitative study exploring the implementation of a Trust-wide Sport and Exercise Medicine-led physical activity intervention. PLoS One, 16 (9). http://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257802
Shafizadeh, M., Manson, J., Fowler-Davis, S., Ali, K., Lowe, A., Stevenson, J., ... Davids, K. (2020). Effects of Enriched Physical Activity Environments on Balance and Fall Prevention in Older Adults: A Scoping Review. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. http://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2019-0395
Mayo, X., Liguori, G., Iglesias-Soler, E., Copeland, R.J., Clavel San Emeterio, I., Lowe, A., ... Jimenez Gutierrez, A. (2019). The active living gender's gap challenge: 2013-2017 Eurobarometers physical inactivity data show constant higher prevalence in women with no progress towards global reduction goals. BMC public health, 19 (1), 1677. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-8039-8
Lowe, A. (2018). Critically appraised paper: A 12-week pedometer-based intervention, delivered in primary care, produces long-term gains in physical activity [commentary]. Journal of physiotherapy. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2018.08.014
Lowe, A., Littlewood, C., & Mclean, S. (2018). Understanding physical activity promotion in physiotherapy practice: A qualitative study. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 35, 1-7. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2018.01.009
Lowe, A., Littlewood, C., Mclean, S., & Kilner, K. (2017). Physiotherapy and Physical Activity: A cross-sectional survey exploring physical activity promotion, knowledge of physical activity guidelines and the physical activity habits of UK physiotherapists. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 3 (1). http://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2017-000290
Alreni, A.S.E., Harrop, D., Lowe, A., Potia, T., Kilner, K., & McLean, S.M. (2017). Measures of upper limb function for people with neck pain. A systematic review of measurement and practical properties. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 29, 155-163. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.msksp.2017.02.004
Lowe, A., Gee, M., Littlewood, C., Mclean, S., Lindsay, C., & Everett, S. (2016). Physical activity promotion in physiotherapy practice: a systematic scoping review of a decade of literature. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52 (2), 122-127. http://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096735
Lowe, A., Campbell, L., Ramaswamy, B., Horobin, H., & McLean, S. (2014). Does deprivation influence treatment outcome in physiotherapy? Physical Therapy Reviews, 19 (4), 225-233. http://doi.org/10.1179/1743288X13Y.0000000132
Littlewood, C., Lowe, A., & Moore, J. (2012). Rotator Cuff Disorders: A Survey of Current Uk Physiotherapy Practice. Shoulder & Elbow, 4 (1), 64-71. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1758-5740.2011.00164.x
Tiwari, S., & Lowe, A. (n.d.). Indian Physiotherapists’ Experience of Learning Musculoskeletal Skills Using E-learning Resources: A Qualitative Study. Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy - An International Journal, 10 (3), 52. http://doi.org/10.5958/0973-5674.2016.00082.4
Reports
Lowe, A., & Myers, A. (2022). MHPP evaluation: physical activity clinical champions: final report of findings. Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. https://www.shu.ac.uk/advanced-wellbeing-research-centre/projects/moving-healthcare-professionals-programme-evaluation
Lowe, A., Myers, A., & Copeland, R. (2022). MHPP evaluation: moving medicine final report of findings. Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. https://www.shu.ac.uk/advanced-wellbeing-research-centre/projects/moving-healthcare-professionals-programme-evaluation
Lowe, A., Myers, A., & Copeland, R. (2022). Active hospitals: final evaluation report. Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. https://www.shu.ac.uk/advanced-wellbeing-research-centre/projects/moving-healthcare-professionals-programme-evaluation
Sherar, L., Myers, A., & Copeland, R. (2022). MHPP Evaluation: e-learning final report. Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. https://www.shu.ac.uk/advanced-wellbeing-research-centre/projects/moving-healthcare-professionals-programme-evaluation
Sherar, L. (2022). MHPP evaluation: e-advice: final report of findings. Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. https://www.shu.ac.uk/advanced-wellbeing-research-centre/projects/moving-healthcare-professionals-programme-evaluation
Sherar, L. (2022). Activating NHS Systems: final report. Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. https://www.shu.ac.uk/advanced-wellbeing-research-centre/projects/moving-healthcare-professionals-programme-evaluation
Lowe, A., Myers, A., & Copeland, R. (2022). Moving Healthcare Professionals Programme final evaluation report. Office for Health Improvement and Disparities. https://www.shu.ac.uk/advanced-wellbeing-research-centre/projects/moving-healthcare-professionals-programme-evaluation
Copeland, R., Lowe, A., Humphreys, H., Breckon, J., Haake, S., & Heller, B. (2021). UOA2403 REF3 Placing Physical Activity at the Heart of the NHS. Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.shu.ac.uk/research/in-action/projects/move-more
Lowe, A., Homer, C., & Lamb, M. (2021). #EasierToBeActive Phase 1 Report. https://www.shu.ac.uk/advanced-wellbeing-research-centre/projects/etba
Lowe, A., Homer, C., & Lamb, M. (2021). #EasierToBeActive Phase 2 Report. https://www.shu.ac.uk/advanced-wellbeing-research-centre/projects/etba
Lowe, A., Homer, C., & Lamb, M. (2021). #EasierToBeActive Phase 3 Report. https://www.shu.ac.uk/advanced-wellbeing-research-centre/projects/etba
Lowe, A., Homer, C., & Lamb, M. (2021). #EasierToBeActive infographic. https://www.shu.ac.uk/advanced-wellbeing-research-centre/projects/etba
Lowe, A., Homer, C., Quirk, H., & Hughes, T. (2021). Move More: a five year physical activity strategy for Sheffield 2021-2026. https://www.movemoresheffield.com/move-more-strategy-2021-2026#:~:text=Move%20More%20is%20the%20physical,happier%20and%20more%20connected%20Sheffield
Lowe, A. (2018). Quick Guide: the role of allied health professionals in supporting people to live well with and beyond cancer. NHS England. https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/quick-guide-the-role-of-allied-health-professionals-in-supporting-people-to-live-well-with-and-beyond-cancer/
Lowe, A. (2018). Quick Guide: the role of allied health professionals in supporting people to live well with and beyond cancer. NHS England. https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/quick-guide-ahp-cancer.pdf
Lowe, R. (2017). Physiotherapy, Exercise and Physical Activity-Massive Open Online Course Report. Physiopedia. https://www.physiospot.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/PhysiotherapyExerciseandPhysicalActivity.pdf
Lowe, A., Gates, A., & Callaghan, P. (2016). Special interest report: making every contact count for physical activity: equipping tomorrow's physiotherapists to deliver high quality physical activity interventions. Elsevier BV. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2016.10.364
Theses / Dissertations
Lowe, A. (2018). Physical activity and physiotherapy: moving forwards. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Mclean, S., & Littlewood, C. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00100
Internet Publications
Vishnubala, D. (2019). World Cancer Day: expert Q&A. [Web article].
Lowe, A. (2018). Celebrating our contribution to cancer care on #AHPsDay. [Blog].
Telegraph, B. (2018). The simple exercises that could help combat your health problem. [Online article]. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/health/the-simple-exercises-that-could-help-combat-your-health-problem-37124761.html
Examiner, I. (2018). The best exercises to help combat 5 common health problems. [Online Article]. https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/lifestyle/the-best-exercises-to-help-combat-5-common-health-problems-854402.html
England, P.H. (2018). Clinical champions: Embedding physical activity into routine clinical care. [Blog]. https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2018/06/21/clinical-champions-embedding-physical-activity-into-routine-clinical-care/
Council, D. (2018). Meet the Spark finalists 2018. [Online article]. https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/news-opinion/meet-spark-finalists-2018
Lowe, A. (2016). Allied Health Professions and physical activity: a force for change. [Blog].
McVey, N. (2015). Exercise, at the heart of physiotherapy? [Blog].
Media
Snape, J. (2022). Can you stand on one leg for 10 seconds? Why balance could be a matter of life and death – and how to improve yours. [Newspaper article]. Guardian news
Copeland, R. (2022). How our pioneering new healthcare model is helping people stay active. [Webpage]. Sheffield Hallam University
Schaffer, B. (2022). Musculoskeletal health - working at home. [Video]. Independent newspaper
Lowe, A., Homer, C., & Lamb, M. (2021). Easier To Be Active video. [Video/animation].
Lowe, A. (2019). Allied Health Professions: the importance of awards. [NHS England Blog]. NHS England
Lowe, A. (2015). 3 minutes with Anna Lowe. [Written article]. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Presentations
Homer, C., & Lowe, A. (2022). #EasierToBeActive. Presented at: Seminar Series Healthy and Active 100, online
Homer, C., Lowe, A., Gardner, S., & Stone, T. (2022). #EasierToBeActive. Presented at: Elevate: activating the nation, London, 2022
Homer, C., & Lowe, A. (2022). #EasierToBeActive. Presented at: #EasierToBeActive Resource Launch, Online
Homer, C., & Lowe, A. (2021). Making it easier to be active with a health condition: a national conversation. Presented at: Active Partnership Network Workshop, Online
Homer, C., & Lowe, A. (2021). Making it easier to be active with a health condition: a national conversation. Presented at: Sport England Workshop, online
Homer, C., & Lowe, A. (2021). Making it easier to be active with a health condition: a national conversation. Presented at: Making sport and activity accessible for all
Lowe, A. (2018). Applying public health approaches to MSK care. Presented at: Physio UK, Birmingham
Young, R., & Lowe, A. (2015). Integration of vocational qualifications into the curriculum at Sheffield Hallam University to enhance exercise prescription within physiotherapy. Presented at: Physiotherapy UK 2015, Liverpool, UK, 2015
Posters
Lowe, A., & Lowe, R. (2017). Are physiotherapists walking the walk? : a global survey of physiotherapists' physical activity levels. Presented at: World Confederation of Physical Therapy Congress, Cape Town, 2017
Lowe, A., Gates, A.B., & Callaghan, P. (2016). Making every contact count for physical activity : equipping tomorrow's physiotherapists to deliver high quality physical activity interventions. Presented at: European Region World Confederation Physical Therapy Conference, Liverpool, 2016
Other publications
Lowe, A., Bullas, A., Maden-Wilkinson, T., & Hembrough, D. (2020). Active at Home : a guide to staying active during the Coronavirus Outbreak. Public Health England/Move More Sheffield: https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/resources/campaigns/50-resource-ordering/resources/5118
Lowe, A. (2019). Interview with German Physiotherapy Association in Geneva 2019. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F9evDRoVo4
Postgraduate supervision
Rokaya AlShatti (Sheffield Hallam University). Sponsored by Government of Kuwait Title of PhD: Functional performance test battery for pregnant women with lumbopelvic pain. Aim: To explore the available physical performance tests in pregnant women, establish a functional performance tests battery and determine the validity and reliability of selected physical performance tests battery in pregnant women with and without lumbo-pelvis pain. Expected year of completion: 2023
Reena Patel (University of Wolverhampton) Title of PhD: Physical Activity and Exercise Prescription in the Physiotherapy Curriculum. Aim: To understand what physical activity pre-registration education is currently delivered and how this could be enhanced to better prepare physiotherapy students for PA and exercise prescription in clinical practice. Expected year of completion: 2026
Sally Mastwyk (La Trobe University/Sheffield Hallam University) Title: Improving management of metabolic syndrome in primary care Aim: To increase recognition of metabolic syndrome in primary care and to improve management of people with metabolic syndrome. Expected year of completion: 2025