Rate My Professor Sean Horan

Dr. Sean Horan is a Senior Lecturer in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in the School of Health Sciences and Social Work at Griffith University Gold Coast campus. He holds a PhD in Biomechanics (Griffith University, 2012), Master of Physiotherapy (MPhty), Bachelor of Exercise Science (BExSc), and Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (GCertHigherEd, 2013). Since joining Griffith University in January 2010 as a Lecturer, he has advanced to Senior Lecturer and serves as Program Director for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours), and Bachelor of Rehabilitation Sciences programs. Horan teaches courses such as Lower Limb Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (2405AHS), Leadership and Professional Skills (4408AHS), and supervises honours and PhD students. He maintains clinical practice as a consultant physiotherapist in golf injury and performance and has contributed to initiatives like hosting training weeks for Oceania athletes.

Horan's research focuses on musculoskeletal biomechanics, neuromotor function assessment, motor control of the golf swing, and rehabilitation interventions for cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and osteoporosis. With 42 publications, over 1,377 citations, and 30,373 reads on ResearchGate, his work demonstrates impact in clinical and sports physiotherapy. Key publications include 'High-Intensity Resistance and Impact Training Improves Bone Mineral Density and Physical Function in Postmenopausal Women With Osteopenia and Osteoporosis: The LIFTMOR Randomized Controlled Trial' (Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2019); 'Functional electrical stimulation cycling, goal-directed training, and adapted cycling for children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial' (Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 2020); 'Antagonism of 5-HT2 receptors attenuates self-sustained firing of human motor units' (Journal of Physiology, 2024); 'Motor unit discharge and torque steadiness is reduced in people with Multiple Sclerosis when performing voluntary muscle contractions' (2025); and 'ACTIVE STRIDES-CP: protocol for a randomised trial of intensive rehabilitation for children with moderate-to-severe bilateral cerebral palsy' (BMJ Open, 2023). In 2017, he received a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning from the Australian Awards for University Teaching for scholarly design and innovations in physiotherapy education promoting engagement and deep learning. He is part of the Physiotherapy Deadly Curriculum Work Group, awarded Excellence in Programs in the 2025 Vice Chancellor's Excellence Awards.