Dr Adaora Okemuo

Having practised for over five years in Nigeria and the UK, I bring a wealth of direct clinical experience in managing chronic neurological disorders, chronic low back pain, and HIV. My expertise encompasses physical activity in neurorehabilitation, rebound exercise for rehabilitation and health promotion, research studies and systematic reviews, women’s health physiotherapy, and HIV physiotherapy. My teaching approach is practical and patient-focused, drawing from my experiences and continually linking complex clinical challenges with classroom learning. 

After establishing my clinical foundation, I spent five years lecturing at the University of Nigeria, integrating real case studies and research into my teaching while collaborating across multiple projects. My academic journey continued in the UK, where I earned a prestigious scholarship to support my PhD. My research focused on pioneering rebound exercise therapy for individuals with neurological conditions - transforming mini-trampolines into evidence-based interventions for balance, mobility, cognition, and quality of life. Seeing this work evolve has been deeply rewarding, and it has been recognised through peer-reviewed publications and during Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) conferences. My ongoing research collaborations, CSP presentations, and published papers allow me to integrate current trends and challenges into my lectures. I’ve also co-authored and published over 38 papers in peer-reviewed journals. 

As well as lecturing at UCB, I also teach at Buckinghamshire New University, and I’m able to foster interesting collaborations between students and staff across both universities. I regularly connect with UCB’s Sports department, as well as colleagues back in Nigeria, and these connections ensure that my teaching and research remain current and impactful.

What most inspires me is witnessing neuroplasticity in action - the moment when a patient with a neurological disorder achieves what was deemed impossible. Early in my career in Nigeria, I treated a stroke survivor who regained independent walking after months of paralysis. That experience ignited my belief in the nervous system’s capacity to adapt, even in resource-limited settings. I'm therefore deeply passionate about making rehabilitation accessible to everyone. 

In my spare time, I love to learn new skills, and I'm currently learning French and German, and how to make clothes. I also enjoy spending time with my family, watching good films and TV series such as Squid Game.