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    •
    Dr Sue Hunter

    Dr Sue Hunter

    Title
    Deputy Head of School Research Lead (SHAR)
    Location
    MAC 1.26
    Role

    Deputy Head of School
    PGR Lead (SHAR)
    Senior Lecturer
    Contact me
    Via email
    Phone
    01782 733809
    Email
    s.m.hunter@keele.ac.uk

    Biography

    Following an extensive clinical career as a neuro-physiotherapist in the NHS, culminating as clinical specialist in Stroke, Sue is now a Reader in the School of Allied Health Professions at Keele University. She completed her PhD in 2004 on "Definition and effects of physical therapy treatment for sensorimotor dysfunction in the hemiplegic upper limb after stroke". Her research since then has involved the evaluation of complex interventions for people with neurological conditions, and exploring experiences of living with a long-term neurological condition. In particular, her research has focussed on stroke survivors’ responses to somatosensory retraining using mechanical cutaneous stimulation and joint / soft tissue manipulation / mobilization applied to the hand, and more recently to the foot, and has received funding from Research into Ageing, Stroke Association, and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Sue teaches the neurology component of the Physiotherapy programmes at Keele, and has supervised many undergraduate and post-graduate student projects. Sue also leads the Prevention, Performance and Rehabilitation research theme at Keele, is the School Post-graduate Research Student Lead, and is an experienced doctoral examiner and doctoral student supervisor of topics including those involving people living with Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and Cerebral Palsy.

    Research and scholarship

    My research interests are around a) evaluating complex therapeutic interventions for neurological patients, with a particular emphasis on interventions for the hemiplegic upper limb and its recovery; and b) life after stroke and the psychosocial effects of upper limb dysfunction.I supervise PhD students researching those areas and other areas of applied clinical neurological rehabilitation with other populations including Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis, Trauma / Traumatic Brain Injury.

    I have a particular interest in the role of somatosensory stimulation and retraining of proprioception and touch post stroke. I lead a research group of UG and MSc students, PhD students, and post-doctoral researchers. I have developed ongoing collaborations with researchers at other UK Universities and with clinical partners, and welcome potential collaborations from other like-minded researchers and enquiries from PhD students in such topics as outlined here. I have received funding for my research from Research into Ageing, the Stroke Association, and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

    Teaching

    I teach across both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the School of Health and Rehabilitation and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate taught (PGT) student projects as well as postgraduate research (PGR) students. My teaching focus is neurology and neurological rehabilitation. I am on the CSP register for approved external examiners, have been an external examiner for PGR students in other universities in the UK and South Africa. I have supervised 3 PGR students to completion, and currently supervise 5 further PGR students at Keele.

    Selected Publications

    • Hazelton C, Thomson K, Todhunter-Brown A, Campbell P, Chung CS, Dorris L, Gillespie DC, Hunter SM, McGill K, Nicolson DJ, Williams LJ, Brady MC. 2022. Interventions for perceptual disorders following stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, CD007039, vol. 11(11). link> doi>
    • Purton J, Sim J, Hunter SM. 2022. Stroke survivors' views on their priorities for upper-limb recovery and the availability of therapy services after stroke: a longitudinal, phenomenological study. Disabil Rehabil, 1-11. link> doi> full text>
    • Aries AM, Downing P, Sim J, Hunter SM. 2022. Effectiveness of Somatosensory Stimulation for the Lower Limb and Foot to Improve Balance and Gait after Stroke: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci, vol. 12(8). link> doi> full text>
    • Hazelton C, McGill K, Campbell P, Todhunter-Brown A, Thomson K, Nicolson DJ, Cheyne JD, Chung C, Dorris L, Gillespie DC, Hunter SM, Brady MC. 2022. Perceptual Disorders After Stroke: A Scoping Review of Interventions. Stroke, 1772-1787, vol. 53(5). link> doi> full text>
    • Aries AM, Pomeroy VM, Sim J, Read S, Hunter SM. 2021. Sensory Stimulation of the Foot and Ankle Early Post-stroke: A Pilot and Feasibility Study. Front Neurol, 675106, vol. 12. link> doi> full text>

    Full Publications Listshow

    Journal Articles

    • Hazelton C, Thomson K, Todhunter-Brown A, Campbell P, Chung CS, Dorris L, Gillespie DC, Hunter SM, McGill K, Nicolson DJ, Williams LJ, Brady MC. 2022. Interventions for perceptual disorders following stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, CD007039, vol. 11(11). link> doi>
    • Aburub A, Darabseh MZ, Alsharman A, Hegazy MM, Hunter SM. 2022. Nursing Mothers' Experiences of Musculoskeletal Pain Attributed to Poor Posture During Breastfeeding: A Mixed Methods Study. Breastfeed Med, 926-931, vol. 17(11). link> doi>
    • Purton J, Sim J, Hunter SM. 2022. Stroke survivors' views on their priorities for upper-limb recovery and the availability of therapy services after stroke: a longitudinal, phenomenological study. Disabil Rehabil, 1-11. link> doi> full text>
    • Aries AM, Downing P, Sim J, Hunter SM. 2022. Effectiveness of Somatosensory Stimulation for the Lower Limb and Foot to Improve Balance and Gait after Stroke: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci, vol. 12(8). link> doi> full text>
    • Hazelton C, McGill K, Campbell P, Todhunter-Brown A, Thomson K, Nicolson DJ, Cheyne JD, Chung C, Dorris L, Gillespie DC, Hunter SM, Brady MC. 2022. Perceptual Disorders After Stroke: A Scoping Review of Interventions. Stroke, 1772-1787, vol. 53(5). link> doi> full text>
    • Aries AM, Bailey P, Hunter SM. 2021. The mutual benefits of patient and public involvement in research: an example from a feasibility study (MoTaStim-Foot). Res Involv Engagem, 87, vol. 7(1). link> doi> full text>
    • Aries AM, Pomeroy VM, Sim J, Hunter SM. 2021. Sensory stimulation of the foot to improve balance and gait following stroke: a systematic review.
    • Aries AM, Pomeroy VM, Sim J, Read S, Hunter SM. 2021. Sensory Stimulation of the Foot and Ankle Early Post-stroke: A Pilot and Feasibility Study. Front Neurol, 675106, vol. 12. link> doi> full text>
    • Watkins CA, Higham E, Gilfoyle M, Townley C, Hunter S. 2021. Age suit simulation replicates in healthy young adults the functional challenges to balance experienced by older adults: an observational study. BMJ Simul Technol Enhanc Learn, 581-585, vol. 7(6). link> doi> full text>
    • Aburub A, Ledger SJ, Sim J, Hunter SM. 2020. Cardiopulmonary function and aerobic exercise in Parkinson's: a systematic review of the literature. Movement Disorders Clinical Practice, Article mdc3.13011. doi> link> full text>
    • Purton J, Sim J, Hunter SM. 2021. The experience of upper-limb dysfunction after stroke: a phenomenological study. Disabil Rehabil, 3377-3386, vol. 43(23). link> doi> full text>
    • Pomeroy VM, Hunter SM, Johansen-Berg H, Ward NS, Kennedy N, Chandler E, Weir CJ, Rothwell J, Wing A, Grey M, Barton G, Leavey N. 2018. Functional strength training versus movement performance therapy for upper limb motor recovery early after stroke: a RCT. Efficacy and mechanism evaluation, vol. 5(3). doi> link> full text>
    • Hunter SM. 2018. Intensive somatosensory stimulation to improve upper limb recovery and reduce unilateral neglect after stroke. British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing. doi> full text>
    • Hunter SM, Johansen-Berg H, Ward N, Kennedy N, Chandler E, Weir C, Rothwell J, Wing A, Grey M, Barton G, Leavey N, Havis C, Lemon R, Burridge J, Dymond A, Pomeroy VM. 2018. Functional Strength Training and Movement Performance Therapy for upper limb recovery early post-stroke – efficacy, neural correlates, predictive markers and cost-effectiveness: FAST-INdiCATE trial. Frontiers in Neurology, vol. 8(733). doi> link> full text>
    • Hunter SM, Johansen-Berg H, Ward N, Kennedy N, Chandler E, Weir C, Rothwell J, Wing AM, Grey M, Barton G, Leavey N, Havis C, van Vliet P, Lemon R, Burridge J, Dymond A, Pomeroy VM. 2018. Functional strength training and movement performance therapy for upper limb recovery early post-stroke: efficacy, neural correlates, predictive markers and cost-effectiveness: FAST-INdiCATE trial. Frontiers in Neurology: Stroke. doi> full text>
    • van Vliet P, Hunter SM, Donaldson C, Pomeroy V. 2016. Using the TIDieR Checklist to Standardize the Description of a Functional Strength Training Intervention for the Upper Limb After Stroke. J Neurol Phys Ther, 203-208, vol. 40(3). link> doi> full text>
    • Aries AM and Hunter S. 2015. Optimising rehabilitation potential after stroke: a 24 hour interdisciplinary approach. British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 268-273, vol. 10(6). link> doi> link>
    • Szkornik L, Beardmore R, Boylan J, Hider S, Hunter SM, Montana-Williams K, Morgan C, Sherman S, Watts J. 2015. The Aurora Women's Leadership Programme: reflections from the inaugural Keele cohort. Journal of Academic Development and Education, 54-57, vol. 3.
    • Jarvis K, Reid G, Hunter S, Edelstyn. 2014. Development of the Occupational Therapy Stroke Arm and Hand Record: An Upper Limb Treatment Schedule. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 126-133, vol. 77(3). doi> link>
    • Pomeroy VM, Ward NS, Johansen-Berg H, van Vliet P, Burridge J, Hunter SM, Lemon RN, Rothwell J, Weir CJ, Wing A, Walker AA, Kennedy N, Barton G, Greenwood RJ, McConnachie A, FAST INdICATE Investigators. 2014. FAST INdiCATE Trial protocol. Clinical efficacy of functional strength training for upper limb motor recovery early after stroke: neural correlates and prognostic indicators. Int J Stroke, 240-245, vol. 9(2). link> doi> full text>
    • Winter JM, Crome P, Sim J, Hunter SM. 2012. Effects of mobilization and tactile stimulation on chronic upper-limb sensorimotor dysfunction after stroke. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 693-702, vol. 94(4). doi>
    • Winter J, Hunter SM, Sim J, Crome P. 2012. Hands-on therapy interventions for upper limb motor dysfunction after stroke. Stroke, e1-e2, vol. 43. doi>
    • Hunter SM, Hammett L, Ball S, Smith N, Anderson C, Clark A, Tallis R, Rudd A, Pomeroy VM. 2011. Dose-response study of mobilisation and tactile stimulation therapy for the upper extremity early after stroke: a phase I trial. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 314-322, vol. 25(4). doi>
    • Hunter SM, Crome P, Sim J, Pomeroy VM. 2008. Effects of mobilization and tactile stimulation on recovery of the hemiplegic upper limb: a series of replicated single-system studies. Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2003-2010, vol. 89(10). link> doi>
    • Winter J, Hunter S, Sim J, Crome P. 2011. Hands-on therapy interventions for upper limb motor dysfunction following stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, CD006609, vol. 2011(6). link> doi>
    • Hunter SM, Crome P, Sim J, Donaldson, C, Pomeroy, VM. 2006. Development of treatment schedules for research: a structured review to identify methodologies used and a worked example of 'mobilisation and tactile simulation' for stroke patients. Physiotherapy, 195-207, vol. 92(4). doi>
    • STEVENSON K, CHADWICK AV, HUNTER SM. 2004. A national survey of lecturer-practitioners in physiotherapy. Physiotherapy, 139-144, vol. 90(3). doi>
    • Hunter SM and Crome P. 2002. Hand Function and Stroke. Reveiws in Clinical Gerontology, 68-81. doi>
    • Garbutt S. 2002. The effects of retraining hand sensation on the recovery of upper limb function after stroke. Ageing and Health.
    • Aries AM, Pomeroy VM, Sim J, Hunter SM. Comparison of mobilisation and tactile stimulation versus textured insoles, combined with task-specific gait training, for enhancing lower limb recovery early post stroke: MoTaStim-Foot feasibility study protocol.
    • Hunter SM and Alabbad B. Self-management support for people with Multiple Sclerosis: a structured review.

    Other

    • Barwell K, Aries AM, Hunter SM. 2019. Stroke survivors' perceptions and opinions of receiving aspects of hands-on physical therapy interventions from a trained carer or other health professional. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE (p. 39, vol. 14). link>
    • Harding O, Rousan A, Aries AM, Hunter SM. 2019. The reliability of the MoTaStim-Foot trial algorithm for testing touch pressure sensory threshold on the plantar surface of the foot using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE (p. 45, vol. 14). link>
    • Aries A, Cooke L, Hunter S. Mobilization and tactile (sensory) stimulation (MTS) for the foot post stroke: opinions and perceptions of experienced therapists. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation (vol. 26). Mark Allen Healthcare. doi> link>
    • Lancellotti E, Aries A, Hunter S. A narrative review exploring hippotherapy as a method to improve postural control and motor function in children with Cerebral Palsy. Physiotherapy. Elsevier.
    • Aries AM, Pomeroy VM, Sim J, Read S, Hunter SM. 2018. Sensory stimulation of the foot and ankle early post-stroke: a feasibility study (MoTaStim - Foot). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE (p. 43, vol. 13). link> full text>
    • Aries AM, Pomeroy V, Sim J, Read S, Hunter S. MoTaStim-Foot, a Randomized, Single-blinded, Mixed-methods, Feasibility Study Exploring Sensory Stimulation of the Foot and Ankle Early Post-stroke. Journal of Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair (p. 1104, vol. 32). SAGE journals. full text>
    • Purton J, Hunter SM, Sim J. Therapy for the upper limb after stroke: a longitudinal, phenomenological study of the experiences and perceptions of stroke survivors.
    • Jarvis K, Hunter SM, Edelstyn N. 2017. Implementing a complex interventions: A mixed methods study of constraint induced movement therapy. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation (pp. 166-167, vol. 24).
    • Aries A, Pomeroy V, Hunter SM. 2017. Developing physical therapy protocols for the lower limb post stroke utilising a modified Nominal Group Technique (mNGT). International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation (pp. 164-165, vol. 24). Mark Allen Publishing Ltd..
    • Aries A and Hunter S. 2016. Characterising physical therapy for the lower limb post stroke: A modified Nominal Group Technique (mNGT). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE (pp. S59-S60, vol. 11). link>
    • Hunter SM. 2016. Effects of stroke on sensorimotor function in the upper limbs following stroke. International Journal of Stroke (p. 55, vol. 11).
    • Hunter SM. 2016. Response to Mobilisation and Tactile Stimulation (MTS) applied to the hemiplegic left upper limb in a stroke survivor with unilateral hemineglect. International Journal of Stroke (p. 53, vol. 11).
    • Purton J, Hunter S, Sim J. 2015. A longitudinal exploration of stroke survivors' experiences of upper limb dysfunction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE (p. 21, vol. 10). link> full text>
    • Purton J, Hunter SM, Sim J. Hopes and expectations for recovery of the upper limb: a qualitative study of stroke survivors' experiences (Poster Presentation). http://www.csp.org.uk/news-events/physiotherapy-uk-conference/presentations-physiotherapy-uk-2015.
    • Aries A and Hunter S. 2014. A vital part of the jig-saw - The value of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) to inform research. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE (p. 19, vol. 9). link>
    • Lee N, Aries A, Hunter S. 2014. The long-term needs of stroke survivors: A systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE (p. 42, vol. 9). link>
    • Jarvis K, Edelstyn N, Reid G, Hunter S. 2014. Therapists' perceptions of implementing constraint induced movement therapy: the enablers and barriers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE (p. 48, vol. 9). link>
    • Trofimowicz S and Hunter SM. 2014. Barriers to returning to work after stroke: a systematic review. International Journal of Stroke (p. 47, vol. 9 (suppl 4)). Blackwell.
    • Hunter SM and Venizelou E. 2013. Conventional physical therapy to promote upper limb sensorimotor recovery after stroke: a Cypriot perspective. International Journal of Stroke (p. 13, vol. 8 (suppl 3)). Blackwell.
    • Jarvis KA, Hunter SM, Edelstyn NMJ. 2013. Facilitators and barriers to undertaking a Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) protocol in sub-acute stroke: a synthesis of the literature. CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES (p. 217, vol. 35). link>
    • Jarvis KA, Reid GA, Edelstyn NMJ, Hunter SM. 2012. A treatment schedule to record current occupational therapy to treat the upper limb after stroke: a consensus development study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE (p. 19, vol. 7). link>
    • Hunter SM and Winter JM. 2012. Patterns and latency of recovery in the upper limb post-stroke: a series of single system studies following intensive distal-focused therapy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE (p. 21, vol. 7). link>
    • Quintero I and Hunter SM. 2012. Upper limb treatment is a team affair: a non-participant intervention study describing upper limb interventions provided by a team of health care professionals in a case of severe stroke. Cerebrovascular Diseases (p. 475, vol. 33 (suppl 2)). S. Karger AG.
    • Purton J, Perry N, Thompson G, Hunter SM. 2010. The upper limb after stroke: a focus group to explore areas of importance to stroke survivors. International Journal of Stroke (p. 57, vol. 5 (suppl 3)). Blackwell.
    • Hunter SM, Hall E, O'Mara M, Statham J, Roffe C. 2010. Early supported discharge for stroke: activity of a specialised and co-ordinated rehabilitation service in a 6 month period. Cerebrovascular Diseases (p. 330, vol. 29).
    • HUNTER S. 2010. Evaluation of acute stroke workshops in the West Midlands.
    • Hunter SM and Read SC. 2010. Loss after stroke: survivor and carer perceptions and long-term support needs. A proposed study. Cerebrovascular Diseases (p. 335, vol. 29).
    • Hunter SM, Hall E, O'Mara M, Statham J, Roffe C. 2010. Providing acute stroke rehabilitation in the home: views from a stroke early supported discharge team. Cerebrovascular Diseases (pp. 336-337, vol. 29).
    • Hunter SM, Jackson M, Read SC. 2010. Stories of loss: a stroke survivor perspective. International Journal of Stroke (p. 26, vol. 5).
    • Winter JM, Crome P, Hunter SM, Sim J. 2009. Chronic upper limb sensorimotor dysfunction following stroke: its perceived impact on social participation and re-integration. Cerebrovascular Diseases (p. 213).
    • Hunter SM, Beech R, Crome P, Hall E, O'Mara M, Roffe C, Rushton J, Statham J. 2009. Early supported discharge after stroke: evaluation of a new service in North Staffordshire. Cerebrovascular Diseases (p. 236, vol. 27).
    • HUNTER S. 2009. Early supported discharge for stroke: an evaluation of a pilot service.
    • Hammett L, Hunter SM, Anderson C, Smith N, Ball S, Tallis R, Clark A. 2009. Mobilisation and Tactile Stimulation (MTS) therapy to enhance upper limb recovery after stroke. Phase I investigation of acceptable dose, and efficacy. Cerebrovascular Diseases (pp. 208-209, vol. 27).
    • Hunter SM, Beech R, Crome P, Hall E, O'Mara M, Roffe C, Rushton J, Statham J. 2009. Patient and carer views of and satisfaction with a Stroke Early Supported Discharge (SESD) service. International Journal of Stroke (p. 25, vol. 4).
    • Hunter SM, Beech R, Crome P, Hall E, O'Mara M, Roffe C, Rushton J, Statham J. 2009. Reduced length of stay and saved bed days following introduction of a Stroke Early Supported Discharge (SESD) service. International Journal of Stroke (p. 25, vol. 4).
    • Winter JM, Hunter SM, Sim J, Crome P. 2009. The effects of mobilization and tactile stimulation (MTS) on chronic upper limb sensorimotor dysfunction following stroke. Cerebrovascular Diseases (p. 215). doi>
    • Hunter SM, Crome P, Sim J, Pomeroy VM. 2003. Describing current hands-on therapy for the hemiplegic upper limb. Clinical Rehabilitation (p. 576, vol. 17).
    • Hunter SM, Crome P, Sim J, Pomeroy V. 2003. Development of a comprehensive description of hands on therapy for the hemiplegic upper limb and treatment schedule to record individual treatments. Cerebrovascular Diseases.
    • Hunter SM, Crome P, Wing AM, Pomeroy V. 2002. Dexterity and automatic grip responses following stroke. Age and Ageing (p. 51, vol. 31).
    • Hunter SM, Crome P, Wing AM, Pomerory V. 2002. Dexterity and automatic grip responses following stroke. Age and Ageing.
    • Hunter SM, Crome P, Pomeroy V, Wing AM. 2002. Dexterity, prehension and age. Age and Ageing (p. 55, vol. 31).
    • Hunter SM, Crome P, Wing AM, Pomerory V. 2002. Dexterity, prehension and age. Age and Ageing.
    • Knight R and Hunter SM. The identification and management of frailty in an elderly population from a physiotherapy perspective: a narrative review.

    School of Allied Health Professions
    MacKay Building
    Keele University
    Staffordshire
    ST5 5BG

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