Alan Breen

Professor Alan Breen

  • Professor Of Musculoskeletal Research
  • AECC
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Biography

Mechanical disorders of the spine add more to world disability than any other illness and the annual cost of them runs to many billions. High quality biomechanics research into these conditions is essential, but problematical given the location of the spine deep in the body.

Currently, my role at BU is Professor of Musculoskeletal Research in the Faculty of Science and Technology, which follows my visiting Professorships in the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and in CoPMRE. I am also Clinical Director for Special Imaging at the AECC and Director of the Centre for Biomechanics Research there.

My main research activity is the application of novel measurement techniques to the identification of the bio-mechanisms in people with spinal disorders. (In other words – a biomechanical marker for nonspecific back pain.) The aim is to subgroup patients into categories that can be treated in more individualized and effective ways. This brings me into working contact with many physical and clinical scientists and health professionals...

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Research

Since 2003, a lot of my work has been in the development and validation of the QF technology, and the promotion of its transfer into the medical diagnostics market. This involved studies of the reliability, validity, measurement properties and normative values of a new set of clinical measurements to support regulatory approvals. Concurrently, I led a number of multidisciplinary research projects looking into the applications of these. This led to research into the interactions between the different control systems of the spine in health and disease and how individualized predictive strain models can be developed.

Favourites

  • Breen, A., De Carvalho, D., Funabashi, M., Kawchuk, G., Pagé, I., Wong, A.Y.L. and Breen, A., 2021. A Reference Database of Standardised Continuous Lumbar Intervertebral Motion Analysis for Conducting Patient-Specific Comparisons. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 9.
  • Breen, A., Mellor, F. and Breen, A., 2018. Aberrant intervertebral motion in patients with treatment-resistant nonspecific low back pain: a retrospective cohort study and control comparison. European Spine Journal, 27 (11), 2831-2839.
  • Zanjani-Pour, S., Meakin, J.R., Breen, A. and Breen, A., 2018. Estimation of in vivo inter-vertebral loading during motion using fluoroscopic and magnetic resonance image informed finite element models. Journal of Biomechanics, 70, 134-139.
  • Breen, A. and Breen, A., 2018. Uneven intervertebral motion sharing is related to disc degeneration and is greater in patients with chronic, non-specific low back pain: an in vivo, cross-sectional cohort comparison of intervertebral dynamics using quantitative fluoroscopy. European Spine Journal, 27 (1), 145-153.

Journal Articles

  • Nematimoez, M., Breen, A. and Breen, A., 2023. Spatio-temporal clustering of lumbar intervertebral flexion interactions in 127 asymptomatic individuals. Journal of Biomechanics, 154.
  • Breen, A., Carvil, P., Green, D.A., Russomano, T. and Breen, A., 2023. Effects of a microgravity SkinSuit on lumbar geometry and kinematics. European Spine Journal, 32 (3), 839-847.
  • Lindstrøm, R., Breen, A., Qu, N., du Rose, A., Andersen, V.B. and Breen, A., 2021. Novel assessment of the variation in cervical inter-vertebral motor control in a healthy pain-free population. Scientific Reports, 11 (1).
  • Breen, A., De Carvalho, D., Funabashi, M., Kawchuk, G., Pagé, I., Wong, A.Y.L. and Breen, A., 2021. A Reference Database of Standardised Continuous Lumbar Intervertebral Motion Analysis for Conducting Patient-Specific Comparisons. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 9.
  • Gefen, A., Pearcy, M., Breen, A. and Burton, K., 2021. Clinical Biomechanics is 35 years old: Protecting and growing a legacy. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon), 88, 105446.
  • Breen, A., Maynard, C. and Ayer, R., 2021. Re-Stabilization of an Unstable Lumbosacral Segment in a Patient with Chronic back Pain: A Case Report. EC Orthopaedics, 12.8, 94-101.
  • du Rose, A.J., Branney, J. and Breen, A.C., 2021. Association of Spinal Manipulative Therapy With Changes in Cervical Motion Segment Interactions in Patients With Neck Pain: An Observational Study With Matched Asymptomatic Controls. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 44 (6), 475-486.
  • To, D., Breen, A., Breen, A., Mior, S. and Howarth, S.J., 2020. Investigator analytic repeatability of two new intervertebral motion biomarkers for chronic, nonspecific low back pain in a cohort of healthy controls. Chiropractic and Manual Therapies, 28 (1).
  • Breen, A., Mellor, F., Morris, A. and Breen, A., 2020. An in vivo study exploring correlations between early-to-moderate disc degeneration and flexion mobility in the lumbar spine. European Spine Journal, 29 (10), 2619-2627.
  • Brownhill, K., Mellor, F., Breen, A. and Breen, A., 2020. Passive intervertebral motion characteristics in chronic mid to low back pain: A multivariate analysis. Medical Engineering and Physics, 84, 115-125.
  • Côté, P., Breen, A. et al., 2020. A united statement of the global chiropractic research community against the pseudoscientific claim that chiropractic care boosts immunity. Chiropractic and Manual Therapies, 28 (1).
  • Breen, A. and Breen, A., 2020. Dynamic interactions between lumbar intervertebral motion segments during forward bending and return. Journal of Biomechanics, 102.
  • Breen, A., Claerbout, E., Hemming, R., Ayer, R. and Breen, A., 2019. Comparison of intra subject repeatability of quantitative fluoroscopy and static radiography in the measurement of lumbar intervertebral flexion translation. Scientific Reports, 9 (1).
  • Cholewicki, J., Breen, A., Popovich, J.M., Peter Reeves, N., Sahrmann, S.A., Van Dillen, L.R., Vleeming, A. and Hodges, P.W., 2019. Can biomechanics research lead to more effective treatment of low back pain? A point-counterpoint debate. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 49 (6), 425-436.
  • Breen, A., Hemming, R., Mellor, F. and Breen, A., 2019. Intrasubject repeatability of in vivo intervertebral motion parameters using quantitative fluoroscopy. European Spine Journal, 28 (2), 450-460.
  • du Rose, A., Breen, A. and Breen, A., 2018. Relationships between muscle electrical activity and the control of inter-vertebral motion during a forward bending task. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, 43, 48-54.
  • Breen, A., Mellor, F. and Breen, A., 2018. Aberrant intervertebral motion in patients with treatment-resistant nonspecific low back pain: a retrospective cohort study and control comparison. European Spine Journal, 27 (11), 2831-2839.
  • Breen, A., 2018. Anti-directional cervical intervertebral motion: could it have gone any other way? J Spine Surg, 4 (2), 461-464.
  • Breen, A., 2018. Low back pain: Identifying sub-groups, clinical prediction rules and measuring results. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 31, 335-337.
  • Zanjani-Pour, S., Meakin, J.R., Breen, A. and Breen, A., 2018. Estimation of in vivo inter-vertebral loading during motion using fluoroscopic and magnetic resonance image informed finite element models. Journal of Biomechanics, 70, 134-139.
  • Breen, A. and Breen, A., 2018. Uneven intervertebral motion sharing is related to disc degeneration and is greater in patients with chronic, non-specific low back pain: an in vivo, cross-sectional cohort comparison of intervertebral dynamics using quantitative fluoroscopy. European Spine Journal, 27 (1), 145-153.
  • Breen, A. and Breen, A., 2016. Accuracy and repeatability of quantitative fluoroscopy for the measurement of sagittal plane translation and finite centre of rotation in the lumbar spine. Medical Engineering and Physics, 38 (7), 607-614.
  • Du Rose, A. and Breen, A., 2016. Relationships between lumbar inter-vertebral motion and lordosis in healthy adult males: A cross sectional cohort study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 17 (1).
  • du Rose, A. and Breen, A., 2016. Relationships between paraspinal muscle activity and lumbar inter-vertebral range of motion. Healthcare (Switzerland), 4 (1).
  • Shilton, M., Branney, J., Vries, B.P. and Breen, A.C., 2015. Does cervical lordosis change after spinal manipulation for non-specific neck pain? A prospective cohort study. Chiropractic and Manual Therapies, 23 (1).
  • Mellor, F.E., Thomas, P.W., Thompson, P. and Breen, A.C., 2014. Proportional lumbar spine inter-vertebral motion patterns: a comparison of patients with chronic, non-specific low back pain and healthy controls. European Spine Journal, 23 (10), 2059-2067.
  • Mellor, F.E., Breen, A.C., Thomas, P.W. and Thompson, P., 2014. Proportional lumbar spine inter-vertebral motion patterns: a comparison of patients with chronic, non-specific low back pain and healthy controls. European Spine Journal.
  • Mellor, F.E., Thomas, P. and Breen, A., 2014. Moving back: The radiation dose received from lumbar spine quantitative fluoroscopy compared to lumbar spine radiographs with suggestions for dose reduction. Radiography, 20 (3), 251-257.
  • Branney, J. and Breen, A.C., 2014. Does inter-vertebral range of motion increase after spinal manipulation? A prospective cohort study. Chiropr Man Therap, 22, 24.
  • Georgy, E.E., Carr, E.C.J. and Breen, A.C., 2013. Back pain management in primary care: Development and validity of the patients' and doctors' expectations questionnaire. Quality in Primary Care, 21 (2), 113-122.
  • Georgy, E.E., Carr, E.C.J. and Breen, A.C., 2013. Met or matched expectations: What accounts for a successful back pain consultation in primary care? Health Expectations, 16 (2), 143-154.
  • Clark, C., Khattab, A., Carr, E., Breen, A. and Grahame, R., 2012. Functional Impairments in Patients with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome and Developmental Coordination Disorder In IFOMPT 2012: A Rendez-Vous of Hands and Minds, September 30–October 5, 2012, Québec City, Canada. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 42 (10), A49.
  • Clark, C., Thomas, S., Carr, E. and Breen, A., 2012. Development and Validation of the Functional Difficulties Questionnaire for Assessing Developmental Coordination Disorder in Adults. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 10 (42), A50.
  • Mieritz, R.M., Bronfort, G., Kawchuk, G., Breen, A. and Hartvigsen, J., 2012. RELIABILITY AND MEASUREMENT ERROR OF 3-DIMENSIONAL REGIONAL LUMBAR MOTION MEASURES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. JOURNAL OF MANIPULATIVE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS, 35 (8), 645-656.
  • Parsons, S., Harding, G., Breen, A., Foster, N., Pincus, T., Vogel, S. and Underwood, M., 2012. Will shared decision making between patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors improve patient care? FAMILY PRACTICE, 29 (2), 203-212.
  • Breen, A.C., Teyhen, D.S., Mellor, F.E., Breen, A.C., Wong, K.W.N. and Deitz, A., 2012. Measurement of intervertebral motion using quantitative fluoroscopy: report of an international forum and proposal for use in the assessment of degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine. Adv Orthop, 2012, 802350.
  • Froud, R., Breen, A. et al., 2011. Reporting outcomes of back pain trials: A modified Delphi study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAIN, 15 (10), 1068-1074.
  • Breen, A.C., Carr, E., Langworthy, J.E., Osmond, C. and Worswick, L., 2011. Back pain outcomes in primary care following a practice improvement intervention:- A prospective cohort study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 12.
  • Clark, C.J., Carr, E.C.J. and Breen, A.C., 2010. Hypermobility, coordination and spinal pain: an inherent association. Manipulative Assocition of Chartered Physiotherapists Study Day.
  • Evans, D.W., Breen, A.C., Pincus, T., Sim, J., Underwood, M., Vogel, S. and Foster, N.E., 2010. The effectiveness of a posted information package on the beliefs and behavior of musculoskeletal practitioners: The UK chiropractors, osteopaths, and musculoskeletal physiotherapists low back pain managemENT (COMPLeMENT) randomized trial. Spine, 35 (8), 858-866.
  • Georgy, E.E., Carr, E.C.J. and Breen, A.C., 2010. Are they thinking alike? Back pain patients and doctors expectations: A feasibility study. World Family Medicine Journal incorporating the Middle East Journal of Family Medicine, 8, 3-11.
  • Georgy, E.E., Carr, E.C.J. and Breen, A.C., 2010. Are they thinking alike? Back pain patients and doctors expectations: A feasibility study. South Asia Journal of Family Medicine, 1.
  • Breen, A., 2009. In praise of chiropractic. J Health Serv Res Policy, 14 (3), 188-189.
  • Mellor, F., Muggleton, J., Bagust, J., Mason, W., Thomas, P. and Breen, A.C., 2009. Midlumbar lateral flexion stability measured in healthy volunteers by in-vivo fluoroscopy. Spine, 34, E811-E817.
  • Georgy, E.E., Carr, E.C.J. and Breen, A.C., 2009. Back pain management in primary care: patients’ and doctors’ expectations. Quality in Primary Care, 17, 405-413.
  • Clark, C.J., Carr, E.C.J. and Breen, A.C., 2009. Joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS) and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in adults: comorbid or overlapping disorders? Dyspraxia Foundation Professional Journal, 8, 2-26.
  • Pincus, T., Santos, R., Breen, A., Burton, A.K. and Underwood, M., 2008. A review and proposal for a core set of factors for prospective cohorts in low back pain: A consensus statement. Arthritis Care and Research, 59 (1), 14-24.
  • Parsons, S., Breen, A., Foster, N.E., Letley, L., Pincus, T., Vogel, S. and Underwood, M., 2007. Prevalence and comparative troublesomeness by age of musculoskeletal pain in different body locations. Family Practice, 24 (4), 308-316.
  • Carnes, D., Parsons, S., Ashby, D., Breen, A., Foster, N.E., Pincus, T., Voge, S. and Underwood, M., 2007. Chronic musculoskeletal pain rarely presents in a single body site: results from a UK population study. RHEUMATOLOGY, 46 (7), 1168-1170.
  • Pincus, T., Foster, N.E., Vogel, S., Santos, R., Breen, A. and Underwood, M., 2007. Attitudes to back pain amongst musculoskeletal practitioners: A comparison of professional groups and practice settings using the ABS-mp. MANUAL THERAPY, 12 (2), 167-175.
  • Langworthy, J.M. and Breen, A.C., 2007. Psychosocial factors and their predictive value in chiropractic patients with low back pain: A prospective inception cohort study. Chiropractic and Osteopathy, 15.
  • Austin, H., Breen, A.C., Campion-Smith, C., Carr, E.C.J. and Mann, E., 2007. "You feel so hopeless": a qualitative study of GP management of acute back pain. European Journal of Pain, 11, 21-29.
  • Parsons, S., Harding, G., Breen, A., Foster, N., Pincus, T., Vogel, S. and Underwood, M., 2007. The influence of patients' and primary care practitioners' beliefs and expectations about chronic musculoskeletal pain on the process of care - A systematic review of qualitative studies. CLINICAL JOURNAL OF PAIN, 23 (1), 91-98.
  • Mootz, R.D., Hansen, D.T., Breen, A. and Killinger, L.Z., 2007. Health services research related to chiropractic: Review and recommendations for research prioritization by the chiropractic profession - Reply. JOURNAL OF MANIPULATIVE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS, 30 (6), 479-480.
  • Konstantinou, K., Foster, N., Rushton, A., Baxter, D., Wright, C. and Breen, A., 2007. Flexion mobilizations with movement techniques: The immediate effects on range of movement and pain in subjects with low back pain. JOURNAL OF MANIPULATIVE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS, 30 (3), 178-185.
  • Breen, A., Voge, S., Pincus, T., Foster, N., Underwood, M. and Collabor, M.P.C., 2006. Systematic review of spinal manipulation - A balanced review of evidence? JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF MEDICINE, 99 (6), 277.
  • Parsons, S., Carnes, D., Pincus, T., Foster, N., Breen, A., Vogel, S. and Underwood, M., 2006. Measuring troublesomeness of chronic pain by location. BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS, 7.
  • Van Tulder, M., Becker, A., Bekkering, T., Breen, A., Del Real, M.T.G., Hutchinson, A., Koes, B., Laerum, E. and Malmivaara, A., 2006. Chapter 3: European guidelines for the management of acute nonspecific low back pain in primary care. European Spine Journal, 15 (SUPPL. 2).
  • Breen, A.C., Muggleton, J.M. and Mellor, F.E., 2006. An objective spinal motion imaging assessment (OSMIA): Reliability, accuracy and exposure data. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 7.
  • Breen, A.C., Van Tulder, M.W., Koes, B.W., Jensen, I., Reardon, R. and Bronfort, G., 2006. Mono-disciplinary or multidisciplinary back pain guidelines? How can we achieve a common message in primary care? European Spine Journal, 15, 641-647.
  • Pincus, T., Vogel, S., Breen, A.C., Foster, N.E.L. and Underwood, M., 2006. Persistent back pain – why do physical therapy clinicians continue treatment? A mixed methods study of chiropractors osteopaths and physiotherapists. European Journal of Pain, 10, 67-76.
  • Mootz, R.D., Hansen, D.T., Breen, A., Killinger, L.Z. and Nelson, C., 2006. Health services research related to chiropractic: Review and recommendations for research prioritization by the chiropractic profession. JOURNAL OF MANIPULATIVE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS, 29 (9), 707-725.
  • Langworthy, J., Clow, W. and Breen, A., 2005. Low back pain: Barriers to effective clinical governance. Clinical Governance, 10 (4), 281-290.
  • Evans, D.W., Foster, N.E., Underwood, M., Vogel, S., Breen, A.C. and Pincus, T., 2005. Testing the effectiveness of an innovative information package on practitioner reported behaviour and beliefs: The UK Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists Low back pain ManagemENT (COMPLeMENT) trial [ISRCTN77245761]. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 6.
  • Breen, A.C., Muggleton, J., Mellor, F. and Morris, A., 2005. Lumbar intervertebral motion in asymtomatic and post-fusion subjects. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume, 87-B, 35.
  • Evans, D., Foster, N.E.L., Vogel, S., Breen, A.C., Underwood, M. and Pincus, T., 2005. Can practitioners’ beliefs and behaviour towards low back pain be changed? A large-scale RCT using a contextualised educational package. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume, 87-B, 208-209.
  • Evans, D.W., Foster, N.E.L., Vogel, S. and Breen, A.C., 2005. Implementing evidence-based practice in the UK physical therapy professions: do they want it and do they feel they need it? Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume, 87-B, 39.
  • Langworthy, J.M. and Breen, A.C., 2005. The effect of clinical governance on the implementation and audit of evidence-based care for acute low back pain in primary care. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume, 87-B, 35.
  • Parsons, S., Harding, G., Underwood, M., Breen, A.C., Foster, N.E.L., Pincus, T. and Vogel, S., 2005. Listening to patients or psychological management? What do patients in pain want and what do their practitioners believe that they should provide? Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume, 87-B, 208.
  • Parsons, S., Underwood, M., Breen, A.C., Foster, N.E.L., Pincus, T. and Vogel, S., 2005. Factors influencing the consulting behaviour of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume, 87-B, 208.
  • Parsons, S., Underwood, M., Breen, A.C., Foster, N.E.L., Pincus, T. and Vogel, S., 2005. What is the prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain in the community? Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume, 87-B, 207.
  • Pincus, T., Vogel, S., Santos, R., Breen, A.C., Foster, N.E.L. and Underwood, M., 2005. The attitudes to back pain scale in musculoskeletal practitioners (abs – mp); the development and testing of a new questionnaire. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery - British Volume, 87-B, 207.
  • Breen, A.C., Carr, E.C.J., Mann, E. and Crossen-White, H., 2004. Acute back pain management in primary care: a qualitative pilot study of the feasibility of a nurse-led service in general practice. Journal of Nursing Management, 12, 201-209.
  • Foster, N.E., Pincus, T., Underwood, M., Vogel, S., Breen, A. and Harding, G., 2003. Treatment and the process of care in musculoskeletal conditions - A multidisciplinary perspective and integration. ORTHOPEDIC CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA, 34 (2), 239-+.
  • Parsons, S., Breen, A., Foster, N., Vogel, S. and Underwood, M., 2003. BELIEFS AND EXPECTATIONS ABOUT CHRONIC MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. RHEUMATOLOGY, 42, 63.
  • Foster, N.E., Pincus, T., Underwood, M.R., Vogel, S., Breen, A. and Harding, G., 2003. Understanding the process of care for musculoskeletal conditions - why a biomedical approach is inadequate. RHEUMATOLOGY, 42 (3), 401-403.
  • Harvey, E., Burton, A.K., Moffett, J.K., Breen, A. and Team, U.K.B.E.A.M.T., 2003. Spinal manipulation for low-back pain: a treatment package agreed by the UK chiropractic, osteopathy and physiotherapy professional associations. MANUAL THERAPY, 8 (1), 46-51.
  • Breen, A. and Breen, R., 2003. Back pain and satisfaction with chiropractic treatment: what role does the physical outcome play? Clin J Pain, 19 (4), 263-268.
  • Lewith, G.T., Breen, A., Filshie, J., Fisher, P., McIntyre, M., Mathie, R.T. and Peters, D., 2003. Complementary medicine: evidence base, competence to practice and regulation. CLINICAL MEDICINE, 3 (3), 235-240.
  • Lewith, G.T. and Breen, A., 2003. Complementary medicine: evidence base, competence to practise and regulation - In response. CLINICAL MEDICINE, 3 (5), 482.
  • Ernst, E., Lewith, G.T. and Breen, A., 2003. Complementary medicine: Evidence base, competence to practise and regulation [2] (multiple letters). Clinical Medicine, 3 (5), 481-482.
  • Breen, A., 2002. Manipulation of the neck and stroke: time for more rigorous evidence. MEDICAL JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA, 176 (8), 364-365.
  • Langworthy, J.M., Breen, A.C., Vogel, S. and Collier, R., 2002. Chiropractic and the national health care system: A basis for partnership in the UK. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 25 (1), 21-33.
  • Brussee, W.J., Assendelft, W.J.J. and Breen, A.C., 2001. Communication between general practitioners and chiropractors. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 24 (1), 12-16.
  • Breen, A., Carrington, M., Collier, R. and Vogel, S., 2000. Communication between general and manipulative practitioners: a survey. Complement Ther Med, 8 (1), 8-14.
  • Barrett, A.J. and Breen, A.C., 2000. Adverse effects of spinal manipulation. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 93 (5), 258-259.
  • Breen, A., 1999. Chiropractic for low back pain - Experts in both UK and US believe that chiropractic works. BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL, 318 (7178), 261.
  • Breen, A., Leerberg, E., Pedigo, M.D., Waddell, G., Giles, L.G.F., Ernst, E. and Assendelft, W.J.J., 1999. Chiropractic for low back pain. BMJ, 318 (7178), 261.
  • Breen, A., Leerberg, E., Pedigo, M.D., Waddell, G., Giles, L.G.F., Ernst, E. and Assendelft, W.J.J., 1999. Chiropractic for low back pain (multiple letters) [7]. British Medical Journal, 318 (7178), 261-263.
  • Wight, S., Osborne, N. and Breen, A.C., 1999. Incidence of ponticulus posterior of the atlas in migraine and cervicogenic headache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 22 (1), 15-20.
  • Bolton, J.E. and Breen, A.C., 1999. The Bournemouth questionnaire: A short-form comprehensive outcome measure. I. Psychometric properties in back pain patients. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 22 (8), 503-510.
  • Jay, T.C., Jones, S.L., Coe, N. and Breen, A.C., 1998. A chiropractic service arrangement for musculoskeletal complaints in industry: A pilot study. Occupational Medicine, 48 (6), 389-395.
  • Scheurmier, N. and Breen, A.C., 1998. A pilot study of the purchase of manipulation services for acute low back pain in the United Kingdom. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 21 (1), 14-18.
  • Langworthy, J.M., Phil, M. and Breen, A.C., 1997. Rationalizing back pain: The development of a classification system through cluster analysis. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 20 (5), 303-310.
  • Breen, A., 1997. Evidence-based practice: Friend or foe? British Journal of Chiropractic (United Kingdom), 1 (1), 2-3.
  • Breen, A., 1996. The chiropractic treatment of painful conditions: A review of scope and limitations. Pain Reviews, 3 (4), 293-305.
  • WALSH, M. and BREEN, A.C., 1995. RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE METRECOM SKELETAL ANALYSIS SYSTEM IN THE ASSESSMENT OF SAGITTAL PLANE LUMBAR ANGLES. CLINICAL BIOMECHANICS, 10 (4), 222-223.
  • BREEN, A.C., 1994. BACK PAIN. JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF MEDICINE, 87 (3), 184.
  • Pedersen, P. and Breen, A.C., 1994. An overview of European chiropractic practice. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 17 (4), 228-237.
  • Thorkeldsen, A. and Breen, A.C., 1994. Gray scale range and the marking of vertebral coordinates on digitized radiographic images. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 17 (6), 359-363.
  • Peters, D., Goodman, J., Roet, B. and Breen, A.C., 1993. How I would treat migraine. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 1 (4), 198-199.
  • Breen, A.C., 1993. Current concepts in low back pain: a review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 1 (4), 203-207.
  • Breen, A., Peterson, C., Ellis, R. and Kondracki, M., 1992. Digital videofluoroscopy and the vacuum phenomenon. Journal of Manual Medicine, 6 (6), 208-211.
  • Breen, A., 1992. The reliability of palpation and other diagnostic methods. J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 15 (1), 54-56.
  • Breen, A., 1990. Low back pain: Comparison of chiropractic and hospital outpatient treatment (II). British Medical Journal, 301 (6747), 341.
  • Breen, A.C., Allen, R. and Morris, A., 1989. Spine kinematics: a digital videofluoroscopic technique. J Biomed Eng, 11 (3), 224-228.
  • Breen, A., Allen, R. and Morris, A., 1989. A digital videofluoroscopic technique for spine kinematics. Journal of Medical Engineering and Technology, 13 (1-2), 109-113.
  • BREEN, A.C., ALLEN, R. and MORRIS, A., 1989. AN IMAGE-PROCESSING TECHNIQUE FOR THE RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF VERTEBRAL DERANGEMENTS. JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHIC SCIENCE, 37 (3-4), 131-133.
  • Breen, A., Allen, R. and Morris, A., 1988. An image processing method for spine kinematics-preliminary studies. Clinical Biomechanics, 3 (1), 5-10.
  • COMPARISON OF CHIROPRACTIC AND HOSPITAL OUTPATIENT MANAGEMENT OF LOW-BACK-PAIN - A FEASIBILITY STUDY. JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH, 40 (1), 12-17.
  • Breen, A.C., 1977. Chiropractors and the treatment of back pain. Rheumatology, 16 (1), 46-53.

Chapters

  • Breen, A., Vogel, S. and McCarthy, C., 2018. Manual Therapy in the Management of Pain of Lumbar Origin. In: Boden, S., ed. Non-Operative Approaches to Low Back Pain. International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine.
  • Deitz, A.K., Breen, A.C., Mellor, F.E., Teyhen, D.S., Wong, K.W.N. and Panjabi, M.M., 2011. Kinematics of the Aging Spine: A Review of Past Knowledge and Survey of Recent Developments, with a Focus on Patient-Management Implications for the Clinical Practitioner. The Comprehensive Treatment of the Aging Spine. 51-62.
  • Deitz, A.K., Breen, A.C., Mellor, F.E., Teyhen, D.S., Wong, K.W.N. and Panjabi, M.M., 2010. Kinematics of the Aging Spine: A Review of Past Knowledge and Survey of Recent Developments, with a Focus on Patient-Management Implications for the Clinical Practitioner. The Comprehensive Treatment of the Aging Spine: Minimally Invasive and Advanced Techniques. 51-62.

Conferences

  • Breen, A., 2022. Intervertebral motion biomarkers in chronic, nonspecific back pain? In: Back2Back 5-6 April 2022 Oxford.
  • Breen, A., De Carvalho, D., Funabashi, M., Kawchuk, G., Pagé, I., Wong, A.Y.L. and Breen, A., 2021. A Reference Database of Standardised Continuous Lumbar Intervertebral Motion Analysis for Conducting Patient-Specific Comparisons. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 9.
  • Breen, A., Haig, L. and Breen, A., 2019. Retrospective kinematic analysis of intervertebral stability in 10 patients with lytic spondylolisthesis. In: Physiotherapy UK 1-2 November 2019 Birmingham.
  • Breen, A. and Breen, A., 2019. Dynamic lumbar intervertebral motion sharing in back pain patients and controls. In: 10th Interdisciplinary World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Girdle Pain 28 October 2018-31 October 2020 Antwerp.
  • Breen, A. and Breen, A., 2019. Dynamic interactions between lumbar intervertebral motion segments during forward bending. In: 2nd International Workshop on Spine Loading and Deformation 4-6 July 2019 Berlin.
  • Breen, A., Watts, M., Claerbout, E., Merifield, J. and Breen, A., 2019. Evidence-based lumbar spine biomechanics for assessment of treatment-resistant low back pain. In: World Federation of Chiropractic Bienniel Conference 8-11 May 2019 Berlin.
  • Breen, A., Hemming, R., Claerbout, E. and Breen, A., 2018. A comparison of plain radiographs and quantitative fluoroscopy for the measurement of translatory slip in the lumbar spine. In: Society for Back Pain Research Annual Meeting 15-16 November 2018 Groningen.
  • Breen, A., de Carvalho, D., Wong, A., Kawchuk, G., Funabashi, M., Swain, M. and Breen, A., 2018. Apportionment of lumbar intervertebral motion in a standardised flexion and return protocol using fluoroscopy: basic data to improve current spine models. In: 8th Work Conference of Biomechanics 20-23 June 2018 Dublin.
  • Breen, A., 2018. Individualised assessment of aberrant intervertebral mechanics. In: Imaging Workshop of the Cardiff Institute for Tissue Engineering and Repair 8 January 2018 Cardiff University.
  • Mellor, F., Breen, A., Thomas, P. and Thompson, P., 2018. UPPER AND LOWER CUT OFF LIMITS FOR STATIC AND DYNAMIC LUMBAR IV-ROM IN NON-SPECIFIC CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN. In: Society of Back Pain Research 5-6 November 2016 Bournemouth, UK.
  • Carvil, P., Jones, M., Horne, D., Ayer, R., Osbourne, N., Breen, A., Breen, A., Russpomano, T. and Green, D., 2017. The effect of 4-hour partial axial reloading via the Mk VI SkinSuit upon recumbent lumbar geometry and kinematics after 8-hour hyper-buoyancy flotation. In: 2nd Human Physiology Workshop 9 December 2017 Cologne.
  • Zanji_Pour, S., Meakin, J., Breen, A. and Breen, A., 2017. Estimation of in vivo inter-vertebral loading during motion using fluoroscopic and magnetic resonance image informed finite element models. In: 2nd International workshop on spine loading and deformation 18-20 May 2017 Berlin.
  • Du Rose, A., Breen, A. and Breen, A., 2017. Spinal muscle electrical activity and the stabilisation of lumbar motion segments during flexion. In: International Back and Neck Research Forum 2017 14-15 September 2017 Oslo 2017.
  • Breen, A., Breen, A.C. and Mellor, F., 2017. Intra subject repeatability of intervertebral motion parameters for clinical studies. In: International Back and Neck Pain Research Forum 12-17 September 2017 Oslo.
  • Breen, A., 2016. Low back pain and control of segmental lumbar movement. In: 9th World Conference on Low Back and Pelvic Pain 31 October-3 November 2016 Singapore.
  • Branney, J., Shilton, M., Penning de Vries, B. and Breen, A., 2016. Does cervical lordosis change after spinal manipulation for neck pain? A prospective cohort study. In: IFOMPT 2016 4-8 July 2016 Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow. Manual Therapy, 25 (100), 158 Elsevier.
  • Breen, A., Breen, A., Mellor, F., du Rose, A. and Bentman, S., 2015. Control of intervertebral motion: A critical element of spine control and a target for treatment. In: State of the Art in Spine Control, Expert Forum 16-18 October 2015 Chicago.
  • Branney, J. and Breen, A., 2015. Are there differences in cervical inter-vertebral laxity or translation motion between patients with neck pain and healthy controls? In: World Federation of Chiropractic 13th Biennial Congress 13-16 May 2015 Athens, Greece. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2 (14), 100.
  • Branney, J.N. and Breen, A.C., 2014. Cervical spine manipulation is associated with increased inter-vertebral motion. In: European Chiropractors' Union Convention 29-31 May 2014 Dublin, Ireland.
  • Branney, J.N. and Breen, A.C., 2014. Does spinal manipulation change cervical inter-vertebral motion? In: BritSpine 1-4 April 2014 University of Warwick. European Spine Journal, 128.
  • Branney, J.N. and Breen, A.C., 2013. Measurement of cervical inter-vertebral motion with quantitative fluoroscopy: Observer and intra-subject repeatability. In: NIHR Statistics Group - Imaging in Translational Research 1 October 2013 Pembroke College, University of Oxford.
  • Branney, J.N. and Breen, A.C., 2013. The objective measurement of continuous cervical inter-vertebral motion in living subjects. In: World Federation of Chiropractic 12th Biennial Congress 8-13 April 2013 Durban, South Africa. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2 (12), 111-112.
  • Breen, A., Breen, A.C. and Mellor, F., 2013. Lumbar intervertebral motion in vivo: a preliminary comparison of recumbent and weight bearing motion patterns in adult males. In: Society of Back Pain Research 9-11 November 2012 Douglas, Isle of Man. Bone & Joint Journal Orthopaedic Proceedings Supplement, 95 (SUPP 17), 20 British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery.
  • Clark, C., Khattab, A., Carr, E., Breen, A. and Grahame, R., 2012. An Exploration of Neurophysiological Symptoms in Patients with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome and their Impact on Quality of Life. In: Physiotherapy UK 12-13 October 2012 Liverpool, UK. http://www.physiotherapyuk.org.uk/visiting/programme/presentations/1699.
  • Nait-Charif, H., Breen, A. and Thompson, P., 2012. Vertebrae Tracking in Lumbar Spinal Video-Fluoroscopy Using Particle Filters with Semi-automatic Initialisation. ISVC (2), 7432, 61-69 Springer.
  • Clark, C., Khattab, A., Carr, E., Breen, A. and Grahame, R., 2012. An Exploration of Neurophysiological Symptoms in Patients with Joint Hypermobility Syndrome and their Impact on Quality of Life. In: Physiotherapy UK 2012 2012 Liverpool Convention Centre, Liverpool,UK. http://www.cspcongress.co.uk/visiting/programme/presentations/1699.
  • Clark, C.J., Carr, E.C.J. and Breen, A.C., 2011. Hypermobility, coordination and spinal pain: an inherent association. In: 16th International WCPT Congress 20-23 June 2011 Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 16th International WCPT Congress 20-23 June 2011 (WPT 2011) · Abstract: A-210-0069-01350.
  • Clark, C.J., Carr, E.C.J. and Breen, A.C., 2011. Exploring joint hypermobility syndrome, developmental coordination disorder and pain. In: 2nd European Sensory Integration Conference 27-29 May 2011 Algarve, Portugal. http://www.sensoryintegration.org.uk/2nd-european-congress: 2nd European Sensory integration Conference.
  • Evans, D.W. and Breen, A.C., 2006. A biomechanical model for mechanically efficient cavitation production during spinal manipulation: Prethrust position and the neutral zone. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 29 (1), 72-82.
  • Breen, A. and Allen, R., 1989. Image presentations for spinal kinematic analysis using digital videofluoroscopy. IEE Conference Publication, 343-347.
  • Breen, A., Allen, R. and Morris, A., 1988. Spine kinematics: A digital videofluoroscopic technique. IEEE/Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Annual Conference, 10 (pt 1), 493-494.

Theses

  • Georgy, E.E., 2011. Met or matched expectations: what accounts for a successful back pain consultation in primary care. PhD Thesis. Bournemouth University; School of Health and Social Care.

Posters

  • Breen and Breen, A., 2017. Disc degeneration and uneven lumbar intervertebral motion sharing are related in patients with chronic back pain.
  • Breen and Breen, A., 2017. Uneven lumbar Inter vertebral motion sharing accompanied by disc degeneration is a pathomechanism in chronic, nonspecific low back pain.
  • Breen, mellor, F. and Breen, 2017. Intra subject repeatability of intervertebral motion parameters for clinical studies.
  • Breen and Breen, A., 2017. Intervertebral motion sharing in the lumbar spine and chronic back pain.

PhD Students

  • Sheila Breeze, 2027. Anthopology of the hominid hand, (In progress)

Grants

  • AI for automatic vertebral motion tracking of fluoroscopic images (MRC, 21 Aug 2022). Awarded

Journal Reviewing/Refereeing

  • European Spine Journal, Anonymous peer review, 01 Feb 2016

Public Engagement & Outreach Activities

  • Back Pain: Another way of looking at it. (15 Apr 2019)

External Media and Press