Dr Victoria Salmon

About me:

My research focuses on developing, implementing and evaluating complex behaviour change interventions to help people engage in and maintain physical activity and therapeutic exercise for improving health and well-being. I am particularly interested in women's health in and around pregnancy, and the role of physical activity/exercise in prevention and self-management of long term health conditions, such as urinary incontinence. I have experience in a range of research methods (for example, systematic reviews, intervention development, qualitative research). Public and Patient Involvement (PPI), including stakeholder consultation, is strongly embedded in all my work.

I am a chartered physiotherapist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. I have previously worked as a clinical physiotherapist, and as a professional adviser at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, supporting physiotherapists in clinical practice and promoting the role of physiotherapists and allied health professionals in the UK health system.

Interests:

My main research interests relate to developing, implementing and evaluating complex interventions that enable engagement, and enhance motivation and adherence to physical activity and/or therapeutic exercise to help prevent and/or self-manage long term health conditions.

My interests include

• involving patients, public and other key stakeholders at all stages of intervention development
• improving implementation of existing, evidence-based physical activity/therapeutic exercise interventions (e.g. pelvic floor muscle training)
• designing training and resources to support intervention implementation and delivery
• supporting healthcare and other fitness/exercise professionals to effectively communicate about health promotion and self-management strategies relating to physical activity.

Research experience includes systematic reviews, critical interpretive synthesis, qualitative methods (interviews and focus groups), PPI and stakeholder consultation, person-based and theory-based approaches to intervention development and process evaluation. 

Qualifications:

• PhD, Health and Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, 2016
• MSc, Physiotherapy, Kings College, University of London, 2004
• BSc (hons) Equine Science, University of Bristol, 2002

Career:

• 2021-present: Programme Manager in Implementation, Health Innovation South West
• 2016 - present: Research Fellow in Women's Health, University of Exeter
• 2017 - 2021: Joint lead, Council for Allied Health Professions Research (CAHPR), South West region
• 2015-2016: Research Fellow, 'Physical Activity Works', University of the West of England, Bristol
• 2012-2015: Clinical Doctoral Research Fellow, University of the West of England, Bristol
• 2011-2012: Professional adviser, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, London
• 2004-2011: Physiotherapist, various roles in UK, New Zealand and France