Professor Natalie Vanicek

Natalie Vanicek is a Professor of Clinical Biomechanics and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). She is Associate Editor in Sports Medicine and Biomechanics for the Journal of Sports Sciences and Associate Member of the British Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in limb Absence Rehabilitation (BACPAR).

Natalie moved to the University of Hull from Canada in 2004 and also spent time working at the University of Sydney. She is passionate about her research in clinical gait analysis and musculoskeletal biomechanics. Her work is aimed at improving quality-of-life and functional mobility, and reducing falls among individuals with a lower limb amputation with limited mobility.

Following a successful feasibility trial (2018-20, NIHR Research for Patient Benefit), Natalie is now the Chief Investigator for the STEPFORWARD trial (2026-29, NIHR Health Technology Assessment). STEPFORWARD is a randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation of the impact of a hydraulic self-aligning ankle-foot on quality of life for patients with a below-knee amputation who have limited mobility. The 4-year trial will involve 10-12 NHS prosthetics centres delivering care to patients in England and Scotland.

Natalie is also Chief Investigator for the ASSIST trial (2026-28, NIHR Research for Patient Benefit) that will investigate the feasbility of a future RCT to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a remouldable socket for patients with a below-knee amputation fitted for their first prosthesis. The 2-year trial will involve up to five prosthetics centres delivering prosthetics therapies to primary patients.

In 2019, Natalie developed the KEEP MOVING community exercise programme for people living with limb loss in Hull. KEEP MOVING won the 2024 Disability Sport Yorkshire Cyril Villiers Organisation award. It is also delivered online to people across the country in partnership with the Limbless Association, the largest national charity for people living with limb loss.