Dr. Calum Downie’s research focuses on improving physical health outcomes for ageing populations, particularly those with musculoskeletal conditions such as knee osteoarthritis.

His work investigates biomechanical, physiological, and cognitive factors influencing balance recovery and fall prevention. By integrating advanced methodologies in motion analysis, muscle activity measurement, and posture assessment, Dr. Downie aims to develop innovative interventions that enhance functional mobility and reduce injury risks. Additionally, his research interests extend to educational methodologies, including improving learning outcomes in health sciences through constructive alignment and block mode teaching. Through these efforts, Dr. Downie seeks to bridge the gap between clinical application and academic scholarship, fostering both individual well-being and professional development in health education.

Dr. Calum Downie is an accomplished researcher and educator specialising in physical health, biomechanics, and learning methodologies.

His research focuses on the intersection of biomechanics, physiology, and cognitive science to improve balance recovery and reduce falls in ageing populations, particularly those with musculoskeletal conditions such as knee osteoarthritis. Dr. Downie’s work has provided significant insights into the biomechanical and physiological mechanisms underpinning balance recovery, demonstrating the critical role of full-body posture, muscle activation, and cognitive load in fall prevention. His studies have been pivotal in advancing the understanding of how chronic pain and joint dysfunction impair balance recovery, contributing to the development of targeted interventions for at-risk populations.

Dr. Downie has published extensively in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and presented his findings at prestigious international conferences. His work on balance recovery under dual-task conditions and during obstacle negotiation has informed clinical and practical strategies to improve mobility and reduce injury risks in older adults. In addition to his contributions to the field of biomechanics, Dr. Downie has been instrumental in translating his research into actionable outcomes, including co-developing digital health interventions to support patients awaiting orthopedic care.

Beyond his individual research contributions, Dr. Downie has demonstrated a commitment to fostering a culture of research excellence. He established and leads the Physical Health Research (PHAR) Incubator at Torrens University, an initiative designed to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and drive innovation in the field of physical health. Under his leadership, PHAR has become a dynamic platform for mentorship, collaborative project development, and knowledge exchange, bridging the gap between research and application in clinical and educational contexts.

Dr. Downie’s research interests also extend to the scholarship of learning and teaching, where he explores innovative approaches to enhance student outcomes in health education. His work in this area includes integrating constructive alignment principles and block mode teaching to improve engagement and skill acquisition in complex subjects like anatomy, biomechanics, and research methods. His pedagogical innovations have been recognised through awards, such as the Universities Australia Award for University Teaching, and continue to shape the next generation of health science professionals.

Dr. Downie’s commitment to advancing physical health research and education is underscored by his role as an Adjunct Research Fellow at the Institute for Health and Sport at Victoria University. Here, he continues his groundbreaking work on the impact of musculoskeletal conditions on mobility and fall prevention. His career-long focus on translational research, mentorship, and leadership ensures his work has a lasting impact on both academic scholarship and practical health outcomes.

- Anatomy

- Biomechanics

- Exercise Prescription