PhD (UQ), BPhty (Hons)(UQ), GCMgmt (QH) (QUT)
Position
Senior Lecturer, School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Gold Coast campus
Brief History Research & Interests:
Dr Laakso graduated from The University of Queensland in 1981 and worked as a clinical physiotherapist for over 20 years, mainly in the public sector (Queensland Health and NWS Health) but also in private practice. Liisa completed her PhD as a clinical physiotherapist at the Royal Brisbane Hospital and with the support of a prestigious Menzies Memorial Foundation Allied health Scholarship. She was employed in a part-time conjoint Lecturer position with The University of Queensland Department of Physiotherapy and the Department of Physiotherapy at the then Royal Brisbane Hospital from 1999 to 2002. Dr Laakso has been in full-time academe at Griffith University since July 2002. She is heavily involved in professional activities and sits on a number of Boards, panels and organisations undertaking a range of official roles and responsibilities.
symptom control in the pain and cancer care fields primarily in the field of physiotherapy techniques and methods such as laser therapy
translational research in the area of oncology / palliative care
chronic disease and e-Health
Methodological Interests:
- Clinical research methodology
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Quantitative methodology
- Scientific (laboratory-based) and translational research to address questions for informing clinical practice
Current Research:
- physical activity and function (along with the benefits of psychosocial, dietary and nutritional factors) for improving survival / health determinants in those with, or at risk of chronic disease especially cancer