Connell, Louise Anne

Title(s): Professor

Current Position/Designation: Professor of Allied Health Rehabilitation

Institutional Affiliation: Lancaster University/East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

Active Email Address: l.connell2@lancaster.ac.uk

Professor Louise Connell is a clinical-academic physiotherapist with expertise in neurorehabilitation and implementation science. She leads applied research focused on the adoption, evaluation, and sustainability of evidence-based interventions for individuals with neurological conditions. Her work bridges research and frontline services, aiming to improve access, quality, and equity in rehabilitation. She led the development of NeuroRehabilitation OnLine (NROL), a scalable, group-based telerehabilitation model now embedded across multiple NHS sites and recognised as a national exemplar in digital stroke rehabilitation. Nationally, she holds leadership roles with the NIHR, Royal College of Physicians, and other bodies shaping allied health research strategy

Relevant Professional Skills/Experiences

  • Applying implementation science to complex neurorehabilitation interventions
  • Co-design with patients, families, and clinical teams
  • Hybrid designs and mixed-methods evaluations
  • Digital and remote rehabilitation models
  • Evaluation for scalability and sustainability

Relevant Career Highlights

  • Leader of NROL, a telerehabilitation model delivering over 6,500 patient contacts and adopted across multiple regions in the UK.
  • Led implementation science efforts of GRASP, an upper limb stroke rehab programme used in over 200 sites across five continents and cited in multiple clinical guidelines.
  • Published over 80 peer-reviewed papers, with 5,000+ citations and an H-index of 31.
  • Influenced national and international policy, with research cited in NICE guidelines (NG236), WHO rehabilitation packages, and VA/DOD guidelines.
  • Strategic leadership roles: Co-chair of the NIHR Doctoral Fellowship panel, member of MRC Clinical Academic Research Panel.
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