Anne Sinnott

“BAT’s modus operandi provides a greater appreciation of the varied human response to all aspects of rehabilitation requirements, adding to the body of knowledge of the great challenges in the ‘pursuit of independence’ as the penultimate rehabilitation goal. Complex stuff indeed…”

K. Anne Sinnott Jerram

Research and Strategic Adviser


As a young child growing up in Fiji, Anne became aware of privilege versus deprivation and the different opportunities that existed between different groups of people.  This has provided a backdrop for her research studies which began in her early 30’s following a personal health crisis.  Returning to university became a sort of ‘rehabilitation’.

Anne has had a long and varied association with BAT.  A particular highlight has been her contribution to the Transitionz Programme and the key role she had in the early development of our person with lived experience consultation work, the Peer Group and scholarship programme.  Her current role is entirely strategic.  Most of Anne’s research has dealt primarily with spinal cord injury, both lived experience and clinician derived.  She has mentored many students along the way and finds it very rewarding to see them go on to excel in their careers.

She is hoping to finish her PhD this year after dedicating herself to three years of full time study.

Her favourite place in the world is Paris and she loves to bike madly on the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail.  As soon as she gets time she plans to read the novels piling up on the bedside table …

Qualifications and Experience:

Anne’s main research interest is the perceived experience of living with chronic health conditions. During 2005-2008 she has was appointed to co-ordinate the Western Pacific region for the ICF Core Set for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) project. Anne is also coordinating the development of a prospective cohort study to look at upper limb surgery ‘real life’ outcomes for persons with tetraplegia. Anne worked as a clinician for 12 years in a variety of countries and rehabilitation settings before returning to the University of Otago in 1995 to pursue post graduate studies in Physiotherapy and Behavioural Science. She was awarded a Master’s degree in 1998 and is currently completing a doctorate by publication.

Publications:

Peer-Reviewed Journals

  • Sinnott Jerram K.A., Dunn, J.A., Smaill, R.P., Middleton, J.W. (2019) Using mixed methods to better appreciate the life impact of upper limb reconstruction surgeries for tetraplegia in New Zealand. JSM Orthopedics and Rheumatology,5;1-7
  • Sinnott Jerram K.A., Dunn, J.A., Smaill, R.P., Middleton, J.W. (2019) Using mixed methods to better appreciate the life impact of upper limb reconstruction surgeries for tetraplegia in New Zealand. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury. Under review
  • Bourke, J. A., Nunnerley, J. L., Snell, D. L., & Sinnott Jerram, K. A. (2019). The Burwood Academy: Incorporating the principles of the Independent Living paradigm into rehabilitation research. International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare (in press).
  • Snell, D.L., Hipango, J., Sinnott K.A., Dunn, J.A., Rothwell, A.G., Hsieh C.J., Gerben DeJong G., Hooper G. (2017): Rehabilitation after total joint replacement: a scoping study, Disability and Rehabilitation, DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1300947
  • Harvey, L.A., Dunlop, S.A., Churilov, L., Galea M.P.,…..Sinnott KA…..Spinal Cord Injury Physical Activity (SCIPA) Hands On Trial Collaborators. (2016) Early intensive hand rehabilitation is not more effective than usual care plus one-to-one hand therapy in people with sub-acute spinal cord injury (‘Hands On’):a randomised trial. Journal of Physiotherapy 62 (2016) 88–95
  • Dunn, J. A., Sinnott, K. A., Rothwell, A. G., Mohammed, K. D., & Simcock, J. W. (2016). Tendon transfer surgery for people with tetraplegia: An overview. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 97(6, Suppl. 2), S75-S80. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2016.01.034
  • Dunn, J. A., Hay-Smith, E. J., Keeling, S., & Sinnott, K. A. (2016). Decision-making about upper limb tendon transfer surgery by people with tetraplegia for more than 10 years. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 97(6, Suppl. 2), S88-S96. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.09.026
  • Sinnott, K. A., Dunn, J. A., Wangdell, J., Johanson, M. E., Hall, A. S., & Post, M. W. (2016). Measurement of outcomes of upper limb reconstructive surgery for tetraplegia. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 97(6, Suppl. 2), S169-S181. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.10.110
  • Dunn, J.A., Hay-Smith, E.J.C., Keeling, S, Sinnott , K.A. (2015) Making the decision to have upper limb surgery for tetraplegia after many years. Archives of Phys Med. Accepted
  • Dunn, J.A., Sinnott , K.A., Rothwell, A.G., Mohammed, K.D, Simcock, J. (2015) Upper limb reconstructive surgery for people with tetraplegia – An overview. Archives of Phys Med.. Under review.
  • Sinnott KA, Dunn JA, Wangdell J, Johanson ME, Hall AS, Rothwell AG. (2015) Outcome measures for upper limb reconstructive surgery. Arch Phys Med.
  • Post MWM, Charlifue S, Biering-Sørensen F, Catz A, Dijkers M, Geyh S, J Horsewell J, Noonan V, Noreau N, Tate D, Sinnott KA. (2015). International spinal cord injury data set for activities and participation. Spinal Cord.
  • Martin R, Levack W, Sinnott KA. (2015) Life goals and social identity in people with severe acquired brain injury: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Disabil Rehabil.;37(14):1234-41. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2014.961653.
  • Biering-Sorenson F. Bryden AM, Curt A, Friden J, Harvey L, Mulcahey MJ, Popovic M, Prochazka A, Sinnott KA, Snoek G. (2014) International spinal cord injury upper extremity basic data set. Spinal Cord. doi: 10.1038/sc.2014.87
  • Sinnott KA, Dunn JA, Rothwell AG, Hall AS, Post MWM. (2014) The development of the NZ upper limb surgery registry for tetraplegia. Spinal Cord. 52:8, 611-615
  • Dunn JA, Rothwell AG, Mohammed KM, Sinnott KA. The effects of aging on upper limb tendon transfers in patients with tetraplegia. 2014. J Hand Surg Am,39(2),317-323
  • Graham, F., Sinnott , A., Snell, D., Martin, R., Freeman, C. (2013). Experiences of residents, family, staff and managers use of Active Support at a residential facility for people with physical and intellectual impairments. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability (in press).
  • Geyh, S., Ballert, C., Sinnott KA, Charlifue, S., Catz, A., D’Andrea Greve, J. M., & Post, M. W. M. (2013). Quality of life after spinal cord injury: A comparison across six countries. Spinal Cord, 51(4), 322-326
  • Hay-Smith, E.J.C., Dickson, B., Nunnerley, J.L., Sinnott , K.A.(2013). The experience of return to employment following SCI in New Zealand. Disability and Rehabilitation 35(17):1436-46. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2012.737079
  • Bourke, J.A., Snell, D.L., Sinnott , K.A., Cassidy, B. (2012). A user-led consultation model: making inclusion of service users in research a reality. Ethnicity and Inequalities in Health and Social Care, 5(2), 61-69.
  • CharlifueS, MW Post MW, Biering-SørensenF, CatzA, DijkersM, GeyhS, J Horsewell J, Noonan V, NoreauN, TateD,( 2011)Sinnott, K.A. International Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Basic Data Set. Spinal Cord – in press
  • Sinnott, K.A., Cassidy, B., Nunnerley, J.L., Bourke, J., &Kunowski, T. (2010). Commentary on Community Participation Following Spinal Cord Injury in New Zealand. Topics in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation; 15(4):63–71
  • Kirchberger I, Sinnott, K.A, Charlifue S, Kovindha A, Lüthi H, Campbell R, Zwecker M, Scheuringer M, Cieza A. Functioning and disability in spinal cord injury from the consumer perspective: an international qualitative study using focus groups and the ICF.Spinal Cord 48:305-312
  • Cieza A, Kirchberger I, Biering-Soerensen F, Baumberger M, Charlifue S, Post M, Campbell R, Kovindha A, Ring H, Sinnott KA, Kostanjsek N, Stucki G. (2010) ICF Core Sets for individuals with spinal cord injury in the long-term context. Spinal Cord:48; 305-312
  • Kirchberger I, Cieza A, Biering-Soerensen F, Baumberger M, Charlifue S, Post M, Campbell R, Kovindha A, Ring H, Sinnott KA, Kostanjsek N, Stucki G. (2010) ICF Core Sets for individuals with spinal cord injury in the early post-acute context. Spinal Cord 48:297-304.
  • Verkaaik, J., Sinnott , K.A., Cassidy, B., Freeman, C., &Kunowski, T. (2010). The Productive Partnerships (P2) Framework: Harnessing health consumer knowledge and autonomy to create and predict successful rehabilitation outcomes. Disability and Rehabilitation 32 (12): 978-985.
  • Sinnott, K.A., Brander P. Rothwell A. Siegert R. (2009) Life impacts following reconstructive hand surgery for tetraplegia. Topics in Spinal Cord InjRehabil; 15(2):90-97
  • Dunn, J.A., Sinnott K.A., Nunnerley, J.L., Scheuringer, M. (2009) Utilization of consumer perspective to validate clinical measures of outcome in spinal cord injury.Disability & Rehabilitation. 31(12) 967-975
  • Dunn, J.A., Sinnott , K.A., Bryden A.M., Connolly S., Rothwell A. (2008) Measurement Issues Related to Upper Limb Interventions in Persons with Tetraplegia. Hand Clinics. Hand Clinics 24 (2) 161 -8
  • Bryden AM, Sinnott KA, Mulcahey MJ. (2005) Innovative Strategies for Improving Upper Extremity Function in Person with Tetraplegia and Considerations in Measuring Functional Outcomes. Topics in SCI Rehabilitation, 10(4):75-93
  • Sinnott K.A., Dean S. (2005) Choosing appropriate measures in inpatient rehabilitation. Hosp Med,66(4):205-209
  • Sinnott K.A., Dunn J Rothwell A. (2004) The use of the ICF for evaluation of outcome measures used in 10 year re-review following reconstructive hand surgery. Int J Spinal Cord, 42(7):396-400
  • Rothwell, A., Sinnott , K.A.,Dunn, J.A., Mohammed K, Sinclair S. (2003) 10 year re-review following reconstructive upper limb surgery. J Hand Surg (Am).;28(3):489-497
  • Sinnott, K.A., Mercer S. (2000) Shoulder problems and paraplegia: A clinical dilemma. NZ J of Physiotherapy, 28(3);36-41
  • Sinnott, K.A., McNaughton H., Milburn P. (2000) The functional implications of rotator cuff disorders associated with chronic paraplegia. Int J Spinal Cord, 38(12):748-753

Conference Proceedings

  • Sinnott Jerram K.A., Dunn, J.A., Smaill, R.P., Middleton, J.W. (2019) International Spinal Cord Society (ISCOS) meeting, Nice, France. Oral presentation. A Mixed Methods approach to better appreciate arm/hand reconstructions for tetraplegia in New Zealand
  • Sinnott Jerram K.A., Dunn, J.A., Smaill, R.P., Middleton, J.W. (2019) Australian New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZSCOS) meeting, Melbourne Australia. Oral presentation. Relativity of upper limb surgery outcomes for tetraplegia: a mixed methods study
  • Sinnott Jerram K.A., Dunn, J.A., Smaill, R.P., Middleton, J.W.  (2018) International Spinal Cord Society (ISCOS) meeting, Sydney, Australia. Poster presentation. Life impacts described by individuals and clinical assessments for arm/hand surgical reconstruction: reporting the qualitative case series phase.
  • Sinnott KA. Bourke JA, Nicholson L. (2014) A strategy to create career pathways for SCI researchers in the science of SCI based on patient reported outcomes (PROs). Abstract accepted for Invited Panel Speaker at the Australia New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZCoS) meeting, Auckland.
  • Sinnott KA, Dunn JA, Rothwell AG, Hall AS, Post MWM. (2014) Patient reported outcomes (PROs) and upper limb surgery. Abstract accepted for poster presentation at the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCOS) meeting, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
  • Graham, F., Sinnott , K.A., Snell, D.L.,Martin, R., Freeman, C. (2013). A more normal life: Residents, family, staff and managers experience of Active Support at a residential facility for people with physical and intellectual impairments. Paper accepted for New Zealand rehabilitation Association Conference, 8-10 March, 2013.
  • Sinnott KA, Dunn JA, Rothwell AG, Hall AS, Post MWM. (2013) Reaching an international consensus on outcome measurement for upper limb surgery and tetraplegia. Abstract accepted for Invited Speaker at the International Tetraplegia and Upper Limb Surgery Scientific Meeting, Hong Kong.
  • Sinnott KA, Dunn JA, Rothwell AG, Hall AS, Post MWM. (2013) Patient reported outcomes (PROs) and upper limb surgery. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the International Tetraplegia and Upper Limb Surgery Scientific Meeting, Hong Kong.
  • Sinnott KA, Dunn JA, Rothwell AG, Hall AS, Post MWM. (2012) Design innovations for upper limb surgery and tetraplegia using the NZ based registry. Abstract accepted for a poster presentation at theAustralia New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZCoS) meeting, Melbourne Australia.
  • Sinnott KA, Dunn JA, Rothwell AG, Hall AS, Post MWM. (2011) The experience of reaching a therapist consensus on upper limb surgery outcomes measurement. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the Australia New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZCoS) meeting, Brisbane. Australia.
  • Sinnott KA, Dunn JA, Rothwell AG, Hall AS. (2010) The experience of reaching an international consensus on outcome measurement for upper limb surgery and tetraplegia. Abstract accepted for Invited Speaker at the International Tetraplegia and Upper Limb Surgery Scientific Meeting, Paris, France.
  • Sinnott KA, Verkaaik J, MacDonald R. (2009) The Independent Living (IL) development of transitional rehabilitation at the Burwood Spinal Unit. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the AFRM, NZRA, NIRR Conference, Queenstown.
  • Sinnott KA, Verkaaik J, Nunnerley JL. (2009) The Independent Living (IL) development of transitional rehabilitation at the Burwood Spinal Unit. Abstract accepted for an oral presentation at the Australia New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZCoS) meeting, Perth, Australia.
  • Nunnerley, J.L., Hay-Smith, E.J., Dickenson, B., Sinnott , K.A. (2009). Critical success factors of early intervention Vocational Rehabilitation. Workshop Presentation: Australia New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZCoS) meeting Perth, Australia.
  • Sinnott KA, Nunnerley JL, Dunn JA. (2008) Focus Group enquiry for the ICF Core Set Development for SCI in New Zealand. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the NZ Society of Physiotherapy Conference Dunedin.
  • Sinnott KA, Verkaaik J, MacDonald R, Lagerstrom A-C, Wahman K. (2008) The Independent Living (IL) development of transitional rehabilitation at the Burwood Spinal Unit. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the Australia New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZCoS) Conference, Christchurch.
  • Sinnott KA, Nunnerley JL, Dunn JA. (2008) Outcome measurement and the ICF – the NZ experience. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the Australia New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZCoS) Conference, Christchurch.
  • Nunnerley, J.L., Dunn, J.A., Sinnott , K.A. (2007). The qualitative aspect of the ICF project the New Zealand Perspective. Presentation: Australia New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZCoS) meeting Sydney, Australia.
  • Sinnott , K.A., Nunnerley, J.L., Dunn, J.A., (2007). Validating outcome measures using the ICF Core sets Data. Presentation:Australia New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZCoS) meeting Sydney, Australia.
  • Sinnott KA, Scheuringer M, Nunnerley JL, Dunn JA. (2007)Focus Group enquiry for the ICF Core Set Development for SCI. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) meeting, Reykjavik, Iceland.
  • Sinnott KA, Dunn JA, Rothwell AG. (2007) Whose outcome is it anyway? Abstract accepted for Workshop Invited Speaker at the International Tetraplegia and Upper Limb Surgery Scientific Meeting, Philadelphia, USA.
  • Sinnott KA, Dunn JA, Rothwell AG. (2007) Use of the ICF to interpret measurement of hand surgery outcomes for tetraplegia. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the International Tetraplegia and Upper Limb Surgery Scientific Meeting, Philadelphia, USA.
  • Sinnott KA, Scheuringer M, Nunnerley JL, Dunn JA. (2007) Focus Group enquiry for the ICF Core Set Development for SCI. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the International Consensus Conference for ICF Core Sets for SCI, ICF Research Branch, Nottwil, Switzerland.
  • Sinnott KA, Nunnerley JL, Dunn JA. (2006) The pragmatics of the ICF Core Set Development for SCI. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the Australia New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZCoS) meeting, Melbourne. Australia.
  • Sinnott KA.,(2005) The ICF – a Framework for Measuring Functional Outcomes. Abstract accepted for Invited Speaker oral presentation at the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Meeting, Dallas, USA.
  • Sinnott KA, Dunn JA, Rothwell AG. (2004) Use of the ICF framework to interpret hand function outcomes following tendon transfer surgery for tetraplegia. Abstract accepted for workshop presentation at the International Tetraplegia and Upper Limb Surgery Scientific Meeting, Christchurch.
  • Sinnott KA, Brander P, Siegert R, Rothwell AG. (2004) Life Impacts following upper limb surgery for tetraplegia. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the International Tetraplegia and Upper Limb Surgery Scientific Meeting, Christchurch.
  • Sinnott KA, Milburn P, Mercer S, McNaughton H. (2003) The consequences of spinal cord injury over time. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the NZ Society of Physiotherapy Conference, Christchurch.
  • Sinnott KA. (2003) Shouldering the Burden. Abstract accepted for Invited Speaker oral presentation at the NZ Community Physiotherapy Conference, Dunedin.
  • Sinnott KA, Dunn JA, Rothwell AG., (2002) A 10 year re-review of upper limb reconstructive surgery for tetraplegia. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the Australia New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZCoS) meeting, Auckland.
  • Sinnott KA, Dunn JA, Rothwell AG. (2001) Consensus on Long-term Outcomes – can we reach an agreement? Abstract accepted for workshop presentation at the International Tetraplegia Association Scientific Meeting, Bologna, Italy.
  • Sinnott KA, Dunn JA, Rothwell AG. (2001) A 10 year re-review of upper limb reconstructive surgery for tetraplegia. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the NZ Rehabilitation Association Conference, Wellington, 2001.
  • Sinnott KA. (2001) Back to Basics – Functional Anatomy and Rehabilitation. Abstract accepted for Invited Speaker oral presentation at the NZ Society of Physiotherapy Southern Symposium, Queenstown.
  • Sinnott KA, Milburn P, Mercer S, McNaughton H. (2000) Shoulder Pain and Long-term Paraplegia. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the NZ Pain Society Conference, Timaru.
  • Sinnott KA, Milburn P, Mercer S, McNaughton H. (2000) Are paraplegics a homogenous group? Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the NZ Society of Physiotherapy Conference, Wellington.
  • Sinnott KA, Milburn P, Mercer S, McNaughton H. (2000) The Rotator Cuff Disorders associated with paraplegia. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the NZ Rehabilitation Association Conference, Wellington.
  • Sinnott KA, Chirnside L, (1999) The ISIS Screening Tool development. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the NZ Rehabilitation Association Conference, Auckland.
  • Sinnott KA, Milburn P, Mercer S. (1999) The functional implications of rotator cuff disorders and paraplegia. Abstract accepted for oral presentation at the NZ Rehabilitation Association Conference, Auckland.

Occasional, Published & Unpublished Reports

  • Partridge, T., Sinnott , K.A., Snell, D., (2012). A narrative review of community re-integration for adults with acquired brain injury. Occasional Report#3. ISSN 2230-3952.
  • Dickson, B., Sinnott , K.A., Nunnerley, J.L., Hay-Smith, E.J.C., (2012). The experience of employment in NZ following Spinal Cord Injury. Occasional Report#2. ISSN 2230-3952.
  • Sinnott, K.A., Nunnerley, J.L., Verkaaik, J. (2010). A Narrative review of the Independent Living movement and the contribution to Spinal Cord Rehabilitation in NZ. Occasional Report#1. ISSN 2230-3952.
  • Sinnott, KA. (2008) The Development of ICF Core Sets for SCI Unpublished Report.

Book Chapters

  • Bickenbach B, Bodine C, Brown D, Burns A, Campbell R, Cardenas D, Sinnott KA, et al., editors. International Perspectives on Spinal Cord Injury Geneva: WHO; 2013.
  • Lagerstrom AC, Wahman K. The Art of Healthy Living – English editor Sinnott KA. 2014. Poland: Panthera.