About
Dr Jack Parker is a Senior Lecturer in Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation in the School of Health, Sport and Rehabilitation at the University of Derby, Assistant Head of Discipline for Sport and Exercise Science, and Deputy Lead of the Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Research Centre. He is an established interdisciplinary academic with a strong national and international profile in clinical exercise, rehabilitation, and neurodisability research.
Following a 13-year career as a Royal Marines Commando specialising in physical training and rehabilitation, Jack completed a First Class BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy at Sheffield Hallam University and went on to undertake a PhD entitled “Stroke patients’ utilisation of extrinsic feedback from computer-based technology in the home: a multiple case study realistic evaluation.” His doctoral research, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, made a significant contribution to understanding how technology can support self-managed rehabilitation in real-world settings.
Jack has an extensive publication record spanning high-quality peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and NIHR outputs, and his work has been widely disseminated through invited talks, keynote lectures, and chaired sessions at national and international conferences. He has lectured extensively across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for physiotherapists, sports therapists, medical students, and allied health professionals, as well as delivering teaching and research training within NHS and university settings.
His academic work is characterised by methodological rigour, strong stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to research with clear clinical, educational, and societal impact. Jack’s unique combination of clinical, academic, and leadership experience underpins his contribution to research development, teaching excellence, and interdisciplinary collaboration at the University of Derby.
Research interests
Jack’s research programme focuses on the development, implementation, and evaluation of complex interventions in health and rehabilitation. Key research interests include:
- Innovative models of service delivery in health, education, and community settings
- Realist evaluation, mixed-methods, and qualitative research methodologies
- Self-managed rehabilitation for long-term neurological and musculoskeletal conditions
- Physical activity and psychosocial interventions for children and young people
- Rehabilitation technologies including wearables, virtual reality, biofeedback, and thermal imaging
He has led or contributed to over 30 funded research bids and has published extensively in international peer-reviewed journals.
Recent publications
Published:
Taylor, A., R. Dias, L. Powell, J. Parker, et al. 2026. “Experiences of Young People, Parents and Delivery Staff of the Social Prescribing Intervention ‘Safety Nets’: A Qualitative Investigation.” International Journal of Mental Health Nursing 35, no. 1: e70204. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.70204.
Phelan, I., Carrion-Plaza, A., Furness, P.J., Parker, J., Nicolaou, N. and Dimitri, P., 2025. Immersive virtual reality rehabilitation after lower limb surgery in paediatric patients. Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, p.18758894241313093.
Powell, L., Parker, J., Stott, J. and Colbert, E.J., 2025. The Impact of Psychoeducation Interventions on Social Skills in Autistic 5–12-Year-Olds: A Narrative Systematic Review. Neurodiversity, 3,p.27546330251356718. https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330251356718
Powell, L., Spencer, S., Clegg, J., Wood, M. L. et al. (2024). A country that works for all children and young people: An evidence-based approach to supporting children in the preschool years, doi.org/10.48785/100/2
Atkinson, A. L., Papen, U., Wood, M. L. et al. (2024). A country that works for all children and young people: An evidence-based plan for addressing the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) assessment and support crisis, doi: doi.org/10.48785/100/268
Garside, M., Taylor, A., Dias, R., Powell, L., Parker, J., Fenton, C., & Roscoe, C. M. P. (2024). Safety Nets: A Social Prescribing Intervention to Support Young People on CAMHS Waiting Lists. Child & Youth Services, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/0145935X.2024.2389114
Dias, R., Parker, J., Powell, L., Teige, C., Garside, M. and Wright, B., 2023. ‘Safety Nets’: a community based social prescribing intervention involving combined physical activity and psychoeducation for young people on mental health service waiting lists: a pilot service evaluation. Advances in Mental Health, pp.1-14.
Professional interests
Jack's professional interests include:
- Clinical exercise and rehabilitation
- Neurodisability across the lifespan (including ADHD and autism)
- Musculoskeletal and spinal rehabilitation
- Physical activity as a therapeutic intervention
- Digital health, assistive technologies, and rehabilitation technologies
- Inclusive practice in higher education
Experience in industry
Jack has extensive experience working with:
- NHS Trusts, including Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and CAMHS services
- NIHR-funded research collaborations (CLAHRC Yorkshire & Humber and South Yorkshire)
- Industry partners developing rehabilitation technologies, digital health platforms, and assistive devices
- Charities and third-sector organisations supporting children, young people, veterans, and people with long-term conditions
He has managed multi-million-pound research programmes and worked closely with clinicians, engineers, designers, and service users.
International experience
Jack has led and collaborated on international research projects involving partners across Europe and beyond. His work has been presented at major international conferences, and he has published with international research teams in fields including rehabilitation science, digital health, and neurodevelopmental conditions
Teaching responsibilities
Jack teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within Sport, Exercise, and Rehabilitation Sciences. His primary teaching responsibilities include:
-
Module Leader for Advanced Musculoskeletal: Spinal (Level 6, 40 credits)
-
Teaching across undergraduate modules in sports therapy, rehabilitation, and clinical exercise
-
Supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research projects
-
Director of Studies and supervisor for PhD students
-
Personal Academic Tutor for undergraduate and postgraduate students
He is committed to applied, inclusive, and research-informed teaching, with particular expertise in supporting neurodiverse students and early career researchers.