Paul Ashworth

Paul is actively involved in teaching across all three years of the Sports Therapy Degree. Paul also supervises research projects for both Master's and PhD students.

Paul has a keen interest in research, with a focus on saddle and handle bar positions and spinal biomechanics of cyclists, with and without low back pain. In addition to being a course leader and module leader, Paul is also a personal tutor for the Foundation Degree students, and the students on the Sports Therapy Degree where he offers academic guidance throughout their journey here.

Paul's journey began after graduating with a First Class, BSc (Hons) degree in Sports Therapy. Paul gained invaluable insights into the world of professional sport whilst working at Preston North End Football Club for 3 years. However, his passion for knowledge led him to pursue a career in academia. He worked as a Sports Therapy Lecturer at Staffordshire University for 3 years before joining the University of Central Lancashire in 2014, where he joined the Sports Therapy team.

Transitioning to academia, Paul found his passion for research and has a keen interest in investigating low back pain in cyclists, a topic that holds significant relevance in the world of Sports Therapy and cycling. Paul completed his Master's (by Research) in 2022, with a thesis investigating the effects changes to the saddle and handlebar position has on spinal biomechanics in symptomatic and asymptomatic cyclists. Through his research, Paul aims to improve the well-being of cyclists and contribute to the understanding and prevention of low back pain through evidence-based research.

Alongside lecturing, Paul also works in private practice as a Sports Therapist, treating many of the North West’s runners, cyclists and triathletes.