Doctor Rocco Cavaleri
Academic Program Advisor, Physiotherapy,
Physiotherapy
Lecturer in Physiotherapy - Cardiorespiratory,
Physiotherapy
Biography
Dr Rocco Cavaleri is a lecturer and the Academic Program Advisor for the Physiotherapy department at Western Sydney University. Rocco completed his PhD in 2022 and also holds a B Health Science (Hons I)/ M Physiotherapy from Western Sydney. In 2023, Rocco received a prestigious Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholarship to work with the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California (USC). He is also an adjunct assistant professor at USC and an honorary research fellow/ adjunct lecturer at Queensland University of Technology. Prior to commencing his PhD, he worked clinically as a physiotherapist across both acute and private practice contexts. He was also a Visiting Research Fellow with the Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health at the University of Queensland.
Rocco currently leads the Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Lab in the School of Health Sciences at Western Sydney. His research is dedicated towards understanding the neurophysiological processes underpinning musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. Rocco uses non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to assess brain changes in response to processes such as pain and motor learning, facilitating the development of novel diagnostic and treatment strategies. His work aims to improve the quality of life of people living with chronic conditions, also striving to better understand the biological and psychosocial determinants of health. Rocco is passionate about education and evidence-based practice, actively supporting the translation of research into clinical practice.
Collaborators:
Other Profiles:
This information has been contributed by Doctor Cavaleri.
Qualifications
- PhD Western Sydney University
- BHlthSci (Hons 1) Western Sydney University
- BHlthSci / MPhysio (with Distinction) Western Sydney University
Professional Memberships
- Western Sydney Brain Rehabilitation and Neuroplasticity Unit (BRAiN-U) (2014)
- Australian Physiotherapy Association (2012)
- Translational Health Research Institute (THRI) (2022)
- Brain Stimulation and Rehabilitation (BrainStAR) Lab (2021)
- Australian Pain Society (2018)
- Golden Key International Honour Society (2012)
- AHPRA (2012)
Awards
- University Medal (Western Sydney University) 2015-12-15
- SMSA Award in Health and Medicine 2015-12-15
- Western Sydney University Award for Academic Excellence 2014-11-14
- NSW APA Award for Academic Achievement 2014-12-14
- Elsevier Paediatrics Award 2014-06-14
- SoHS Commendations for Teaching Excellence 2020-12-12
- SoHS Award for Teaching Excellence 2021-12-10
- Western Sydney University Three-Minute Thesis Winner 2020-02-13
- Asia-Pacific Three Minute Thesis Grand Finalist 2020-10-13
- Seven News Young Achiever Awards (WSU Academic Achievement) Finalist 2019-11-28
- National Physiotherapy Board APA Student Prize 2014-12-14
- SoHS Three-Minute Thesis Winner 2020-08-04
- Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholarship 2023-02-20
- Western Sydney University Teacher of the Year 2022-12-08
- DVCA Excellence in Teaching (Team) 2022-12-08
- DVCA Excellence in Teaching - Early Career Academic 2022-12-08
Interests
- Brain Imaging
- Pain
- transcranial magnetic stimulation
- Motor learning
- Physiotherapy
- Rehabilitation
Organisational Unit (School / Division)
- Physiotherapy
- Physiotherapy
Committees
- Assessment Moderation Guideline Working Group
- Clinical Education Managers of Australia and New Zealand (CEMANZ) committee
- Australian Physiotherapy Association Student Representative Committee
- School of Health Sciences Academic Committee (SAC)
- Physiotherapy Clinical Education Committee
Contact
| Email: | R.Cavaleri@westernsydney.edu.au |
|---|---|
| Phone: | (02) 4620 3994 |
| Mobile: | |
| Location: | 24.2.103 Campbelltown |
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Teaching
Previous Teaching Areas
- 300361 Introduction to Human Biology, 2016
- 400013 Evidence-Based Practice, 2015
- 400013 Evidence-Based Practice, 2016
- 400138 Pathophysiology 1, 2015
- 400138 Pathophysiology 1, 2016
- 400138 Pathophysiology 1, 2017
- 400863 Foundations of Research and Evidence-Based Practice, 2015
- 400863 Foundations of Research and Evidence-Based Practice, 2016
- 400863 Foundations of Research and Evidence-Based Practice, 2017
- 400865 Evidence-Based Practice, 2017
- 400865 Evidence-Based Practice, 2019
- 400870 Population Health and Society, 2015
- 400906 Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice, 2015
- 400982 Core Competencies in Physiotherapy Practice, 2015
- 400982 Core Competencies in Physiotherapy Practice, 2016
- 400984 Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy, 2018
- 400984 Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy, 2019
- 400984 Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy, 2021
- 400985 Clinical Education A (Acute Care), 2019
- 400985 Clinical Education A (Acute Care), 2020
- 400986 Neurological Physiotherapy, 2015
- 400997 Exercise Rehabilitation, 2018
- 400997 Exercise Rehabilitation, 2019
- 400997 Exercise Rehabilitation, 2020
- 401049 Complex Cases and Professional Issues, 2017
- 401107 Physiotherapy for Chronic Illness and Disease, 2016
- 401107 Physiotherapy for Chronic Illness and Disease, 2017
- 401109 Integrating Research into Physiotherapy Practice, 2015
- 401109 Integrating Research into Physiotherapy Practice, 2016
- 401113 Clinical Education E (Advanced Care), 2018
- 401113 Clinical Education E (Advanced Care), 2019
- REHA3001 Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy, 2022
- REHA3001 Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy, 2023
- REHA3004 Clinical Education A (Acute Care), 2022
- REHA3009 Exercise Rehabilitation, 2021
- REHA3009 Exercise Rehabilitation, 2022
- REHA3009 Exercise Rehabilitation, 2023
Publications
Chapters in Books
- Dune, T., Williams, R., McLeod, K., Cavaleri, R. and Workman, A. (2022), 'Social inclusion and cultural competence : moving towards cultural safety in research and practice', Handbook of Social Inclusion, Research and Practice in Health and Social Sciences, Springer International Publishing 9783030895938.
- Cavaleri, R., Mapedzahama, V., Pithavadian, R., Firdaus, R., Ayika, D. and Arora, A. (2021), 'Culturally and linguistically diverse Australians', Culture, Diversity and Health in Australia: Towards Culturally Safe Healthcare, Routledge 9780367686765.
- Workman, A., Cavaleri, R., Machina, E., Alford, S. and Dune, T. (2021), 'Gender and health', Culture, Diversity and Health in Australia: Towards Culturally Safe Healthcare, Routledge 9780367686765.
- Cavaleri, R., Bhole, S. and Arora, A. (2018), 'Critical appraisal of quantitative research', Handbook of Research Methods in Health Social Sciences, Springer 9789811052507.
Journal Articles
- Browne, C., Sheeba, S., Astill, T., Baily, A., Deblieck, C., Mucci, V. and Cavaleri, R. (2024), '[In Press] Assessing the synergistic effectiveness of intermittent theta burst stimulation and the vestibular ocular reflex rehabilitation protocol in the treatment of Mal de Debarquement Syndrome : a randomised controlled trial', Journal of Neurology, .
- Sheeba, S., Cavaleri, R., Summers, S. and Browne, C. (2023), 'Effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments for vestibular and oculomotor dysfunction in patients with persistent post-concussive symptoms : protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis', BMJ Open, vol 13, no 1 .
- Gray, E., Cavaleri, R. and Siegler, J. (2023), 'Mouth rinsing and ingesting salty or bitter solutions does not influence corticomotor excitability or neuromuscular function', European Journal of Applied Physiology, vol 123, no 6 , pp 1179 - 1189.
- Moukhaiber, N., Summers, S., Opar, D., Imam, J., Thomson, D., Chang, W., Andary, T. and Cavaleri, R. (2023), 'The effect of theta burst stimulation over the primary motor cortex on experimental hamstring pain : a randomized, controlled study', Journal of Pain, vol 24, no 4 , pp 593 - 604.
- Cavaleri, R., Imam, J., Rio, E., Moukhaiber, N., Thomson, D. and Summers, S. (2023), 'Investigating interindividual variability in corticomotor reorganization during sustained hamstring pain : a randomized experimental study', Brain and Behavior, vol 13, no 5 .
- Gray, E., Cavaleri, R. and Siegler, J. (2023), 'Mouth rinsing and ingestion of unpleasant salty or bitter solutions does not improve cycling sprint performance in trained cyclists', International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, vol 21, no 4 , pp 316 - 322.
- Cavaleri, R., Withington, A., Chalmers, J. and Blackstock, F. (2023), '[In Press] The influence of stress on student performance during simulation-based learning : a pilot randomized trial', ATS Scholar, .
- Suhood, A., Summers, S., Opar, D., Astill, T., An, W., Rio, E. and Cavaleri, R. (2023), '[In Press] Bilateral corticomotor reorganization and symptom development in response to acute unilateral hamstring pain : a randomized, controlled study', Journal of Pain, .
- Stillianesis, G., Cavaleri, R., Tang, C. and Summers, S. (2022), 'Exploring patient perceptions of noninvasive brain stimulation : a systematic review', Neuromodulation, vol 25, no 4 , pp 487 - 493.
- Stillianesis, G., Cavaleri, R., Summers, S. and Tang, C. (2022), 'Exploring patient perceptions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as a treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain : a qualitative study', BMJ Open, vol 12, no 8 .
- Cavaleri, R., Chipchase, L., Summers, S., Chalmers, J. and Schabrun, S. (2021), 'The relationship between corticomotor reorganization and acute pain severity : a randomized, controlled study using rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation mapping', Pain Medicine, vol 22, no 6 , pp 1312 - 1323.
- Borovskis, J., Cavaleri, R., Blackstock, F. and Summers, S. (2021), 'Transcranial direct current stimulation accelerates the onset of exercise-induced hypoalgesia : a randomized controlled study', Journal of Pain, vol 22, no 3 , pp 263 - 274.
- Cavaleri, R., Imam, J., Moukhaiber, N., Rio, E., Summers, S. and Thomson, D. (2021), 'Investigating neural representations in response to posterior thigh pain : a potential risk factor for hamstring injury recurrence?', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, vol 24, no Suppl. 1 , pp 20 - 21.
- Gray, E., Cavaleri, R. and Siegler, J. (2021), 'Unpleasant tastants do not influence neuromuscular function or corticomotor excitability despite sympathetic nervous system activation', Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, vol 53, no 8S , pp 284 - 285.
- Andary, T., Cavaleri, R., Chang, W., Imam, J., Moukhaiber, N., Summers, S. and Thomson, D. (2021), 'Investigating the effects of Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) on experimentally-induced hamstring pain', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, vol 24, no Suppl. 1 , pp 27 - 27.
- Summers, S., Chalmers, J., Cavaleri, R. and Chipchase, L. (2020), 'Fear of movement is associated with corticomotor depression in response to acute experimental muscle pain', Experimental Brain Research, vol 238 , pp 1945 - 1955.
- Cavaleri, R., Chipchase, L., Masse-Alarie, H., Schabrun, S., Shraim, M. and Hodges, P. (2020), 'Corticomotor reorganization during short-term visuomotor training in the lower back : a randomized controlled study', Brain and Behavior, vol 10, no 8 .
- Summers, S., Chalmers, J., Cavaleri, R. and Chipchase, L. (2020), 'Fear of movement is associated with corticomotor inhibition in response to acute experimental muscle pain', Australian Pain Society Newsletter, vol 40, no 4 , pp 61 - 61.
- Astill, T., Cavaleri, R. and Chalmers, J. (2020), 'The impact of chronic pelvic pain in men : a new assessment tool', Australian Pain Society Newlsetter, vol 40, no 4 , pp 9 - 9.
- Summers, S., Schabrun, S., Hirata, R., Graven-Nielsen, T., Cavaleri, R. and Chipchase, L. (2019), 'Effect of sustained experimental muscle pain on joint position sense', Pain Reports, vol 4 .
- Furman, A., Thapa, T., Summers, S., Cavaleri, R., Fogarty, J., Steiner, G., Schabrun, S. and Seminowicz, D. (2019), 'Cerebral peak alpha frequency reflects average pain severity in a human model of sustained, musculoskeletal pain', Journal of Neurophysiology, vol 122, no 4 , pp 1784 - 1793.
- Cavaleri, R., Chipchase, L., Summers, S. and Schabrun, S. (2019), 'Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the primary motor cortex expedites recovery in the transition from acute to sustained experimental pain : a randomised, controlled study', Pain, vol 160, no 11 , pp 2624 - 2633.
- Summers, S., Chipchase, L., Hirata, R., Graven-Nielsen, T., Cavaleri, R. and Schabrun, S. (2019), 'Motor adaptation varies between individuals in the transition to sustained pain', Pain, vol 160, no 9 , pp 2115 - 2125.
- Summers, S., Blackstock, F., Borovskis, J. and Cavaleri, R. (2019), 'Can non-invasive brain stimulation augment the hypoalgesic effects of exercise?', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, vol 22, no Suppl. 2 , pp 49 - 49.
- Cavaleri, R., Schabrun, S. and Chipchase, L. (2019), 'Assessing the validity and reliability of rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation mapping', Brain Stimulation, vol 12, no 2 , pp 447 - 447.
- Cavaleri, R., Schabrun, S. and Chipchase, L. (2018), 'The reliability and validity of rapid transcranial magnetic stimulation mapping', Brain Stimulation, vol 11, no 6 , pp 1291 - 1295.
- Cavaleri, R., Thapa, T., Beckenkamp, P. and Chipchase, L. (2018), 'The influence of kinesiology tape colour on performance and corticomotor activity in healthy adults : a randomised crossover controlled trial', BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation, vol 10 .
- Cavaleri, R., Schabrun, S. and Chipchase, L. (2017), 'Determining the optimal number of stimuli per cranial site during transcranial magnetic stimulation mapping', Neuroscience Journal, vol 2017 .
- Cavaleri, R., Schabrun, S. and Chipchase, L. (2017), 'The number of stimuli required to reliably assess corticomotor excitability and primary motor cortical representations using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) : a systematic review and meta-analysis', Systematic Reviews, vol 6, no 1 .
- Cavaleri, R., Schabrun, S., Te, M. and Chipchase, L. (2016), 'Hand therapy versus corticosteroid injections in the treatment of de Quervain's disease : a systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Hand Therapy, vol 29, no 1 , pp 3 - 11.
- Chipchase, L., Cavaleri, R. and Jull, G. (2016), 'Can a professional development workshop with follow-up alter practitioner behavior and outcomes for neck pain patients? : a randomized controlled trial', Manual Therapy, vol 25 , pp 87 - 93.
- Cavaleri, R., Short, T., Karunaratne, S. and Chipchase, L. (2016), 'Weight stigmatisation in physiotherapy: a systematic review', Physical Therapy Reviews, vol 21, no 1 , pp 1 - 9.
- Cavaleri, R., Schabrun, S. and Chipchase, L. (2015), 'Determining the number of stimuli required to reliably assess corticomotor excitability and primary motor cortical representations using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) : a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis', Systematic Reviews, vol 4, no 1 .
Conference Papers
- Stillianesis, G., Cavaleri, R., Summers, S. and Tang, C. (2021), 'Exploring patient perceptions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as a treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain : a qualitative study', Australian Pain Society. Annual Scientific Meeting, Virtual.
- Cavaleri, R., Summers, S., Chipchase, L. and Schabrun, S. (2019), 'Accelerating recovery of acute musculoskeletal pain using non-invasive brain stimulation : a randomised controlled trial', Sports Medicine Australia. Conference, Sunshine Coast, Qld..
- Withington, A., Chalmers, J., Cavaleri, R. and Blackstock, F. (2019), 'Learning and anxiety in simulation-based education, is this method truly a "safe learning environment"? : a pilot randomized trial', World Confederation for Physical Therapy. International Congress, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Borovskis, J., Cavaleri, R., Blackstock, F. and Summers, S. (2019), 'Using non-invasive brain stimulation to boost the hypoalgesic effects of exercise', Australian Physiotherapy Association. International Congress, Adelaide, S.A..
- Summers, S., Chipchase, L., Hirata, R., Graven-Nielsen, T., Cavaleri, R. and Schabrun, S. (2018), 'The relationship between motor cortex organisation and motor variability in the transition to sustained muscle pain', International Motor Impairment Conference, Coogee, N.S.W..
- Cavaleri, R., Short, T., Karunaratne, S. and Chipchase, L. (2017), 'Weight stigmatisation in physical therapy', World Confederation for Physical Therapy. International Congress, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Cavaleri, R., Schabrun, S., Te, M. and Chipchase, L. (2017), 'Treating de Quervain's disease : a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing corticosteroid injections and hand therapy', World Confederation for Physical Therapy. International Congress, Cape Town, South Africa.
Current Projects
| Title: | Preventing Chronic Pain: A Novel Treatment Avenue [via Fulbright Commission] |
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| Funder: |
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| Western Researchers: | Rocco Cavaleri |
| Years: | 2023-03-01 - 2024-07-01 |
| ID: | P00028516 |
| Title: | Home-based neuromodulation: Boosting the analgesic effects of exercise |
| Funder: |
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| Western Researchers: | Rocco Cavaleri |
| Years: | 2023-09-08 - 2025-06-01 |
| ID: | P00028828 |
| Title: | Home-based neuromodulation: Preventing the transition from acute to chronic pain |
| Funder: |
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| Western Researchers: | Rocco Cavaleri |
| Years: | 2024-06-01 - 2028-05-31 |
| ID: | P00028744 |
| Title: | Cortical reorganisation post primary total knee joint arthroplasty: An exploratory study [Via Fairfield Hospital] |
| Funder: |
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| Western Researchers: | Rocco Cavaleri and Lucy Chipchase |
| Years: | 2020-06-15 - 2024-09-30 |
| ID: | P00026307 |
Previous Projects
| Title: | Tracking changes in brain activity and balance in athletes following mild traumatic brain injury |
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| Funder: |
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| Western Researchers: | Cherylea Browne and Rocco Cavaleri |
| Years: | 2021-03-08 - 2022-07-15 |
| ID: | P00027029 |
Supervision
Current Supervision
| Thesis Title: | Exploring the clinical utility of non-invasive brain stimulation for the assessment and treatment of chronic pain in people with dementia |
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| Field of Research: | |
| Thesis Title: | Elucidate the clinical utility of vestibular optokinetic stimulation (i.e. light therapy) and theta burst stimulation (TBS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation, in treatment of balance deficits in people with post-concussive syndrome (PCS). |
| Field of Research: |
Previous Supervision
| Thesis Title: | Using music to support efficacy of mental imagery in high performance sports |
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| Field of Research: | |
| Thesis Title: | Exploring the influence of unpleasant salty or bitter tastes on exercise performance. |
| Field of Research: |
Media
| Title: | Pain and the Brain |
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| Description: | Interview featured in book - Back up: Why back pain treatments are not working and the science offering hope (L. Mannix, August 2023) |
| Title: | Australian-American Fulbright Scholars |
| Description: | Fulbright Scholar Profile |
| Title: | Western celebrates 2023 Fulbright Scholarship awardees |
| Description: | Interview for Western Sydney News Centre |
| Title: | Rapid brain mapping: From hours to minutes |
| Description: | Asia-Pacific 3MT Finalist: Multimedia Presentation (October 2020) |
| Title: | Pain Thresholds |
| Description: | Interview on ABC Radio (December 10 Episode, starting at 2:01:23 mark) |
| Title: | United Nations Service - Rocco Cavaleri |
| Description: | Article for United Nations Humanitarian Affairs (January 2020) |
| Title: | Research at Western Sydney |
| Description: | Promotional Video (January 2019) |
| Title: | Accolade Opens Doors for Students |
| Description: | Article in InMotion Magazine (June 2017) |
| Title: | Leadership Recognised |
| Description: | Article in InMotion Magazine (February 2015) |