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Associate Professor

Li Khim Kwah

Associate Professor
PhD/Doctor of Philosophy, University of Sydney, Australia
Cluster:
Health and Social Sciences
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Biography

A/Prof Kwah Li Khim is a physiotherapist trained in Sydney, Australia. Khim has been a physiotherapist since 2004 and completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Sydney. She has held senior academic and senior clinical positions at universities and hospitals in Sydney before returning home to Singapore in 2018. At present, Khim is the Director of Programmes, Health and Social Sciences Cluster at SIT. She holds a part-time appointment with the Chief Allied Health Officer’s Office at the Ministry of Health (MOH), and leads the Clinical Practice Guidelines sub-team, as part of work for the Community Rehabilitation Transformation Workgroup. She is one of two Singaporeans selected by World Stroke Organisation to be part of the first cohort of Future Stroke Leaders (2020-2022). Khim’s teaching areas include neurological physiotherapy, evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning. Her current MOH and research work focus on bridging the gap between research evidence and clinical practice in rehabilitation, and improving physical activity levels after stroke.

SIT Appointments

  • Associate Professor
    – Present
  • Director of Programmes, Health & Social Sciences
    –
  • Deputy Cluster Director, Health & Social Sciences
    –
  • Chief Interviewer of Allied Health Admissions Interview 2020
    –
  • Chair of HSS Cluster Curriculum Committee
    –
  • Year 3 Co-ordinator of Physiotherapy program
    –
  • Deputy Chief Interviewer of Allied Health Admissions Interview 2019
    –

Education

  • PhD/Doctor of Philosophy
    University of Sydney , Australia
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy)
    University of Sydney , Australia

Achievements

  • Grant: MOE Academic Research Fund Tier 2 (AcRF Tier 2) Grant "Non-invasive online-self-correcting closed-loop brain computer interface for decoding and control of motor imagery hand movement kinematics" - $764,000 (Role: Co-Investigator)
    –
  • Award: Outstanding Research Award (Allied Health), for the paper "Barriers and facilitators to physical activity after stroke in Singapore: A qualitative study informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework.", at the SGH 25th Annual Scientific Meeting
    –
  • Award: SIT Applied Research Excellence Team Award, for the project "MOTIVATE: Multi-mOdal Training program to promote physical activity After sTrokE."
    –
  • Grant: WSO Future Stroke Leaders Programme Project "Improving life after stroke for young people: analysis of unmet needs and development of resources across countries" - USD$20,000 (Role: Co-Investigator)
  • Award: Best oral presentation in neurology scientific track, for the paper “Barriers to physical activity of stroke survivors in Singapore: a face-to-face cross-sectional survey”, presented at the Singapore International Physiotherapy Congress, Singapore
    –
  • Successful candidate for World Stroke Organisation Future Stroke Leaders Program https://www.world-stroke.org/news-and-blog/news/wso-future-stroke-leaders-program | http://wso.optimastaging.co.uk/world-stroke-future-leaders/community-members/P12
    –
  • Grant: SIT Ignition Grant "MOTIVATE: Multi-mOdal Training program to promote physical actIVity After sTrokE." - $124,800 (Role: Principal Investigator)
  • Grant: SIT Advancement of Learning and Teaching (SALT) Grant “iPrac - Interactive videos to enhance learning of practical skills in Neurological Physiotherapy" - $15,000 (Role: Principal Investigator)
  • Award: Best research presentation by a researcher in Neurology, for the paper “Incidence and prediction of contractures after stroke: a prospective cohort study”, presented at the Australian Physiotherapy Association Biennial conference, Brisbane
    –
  • Grant: Physiotherapy Research Foundation Seeding Research Grant (S09-009) “Contractures in the stroke population: Incidence and prognostic factors.” - $4640 (Role: Principal Investigator)
    –
  • Scholarship: PhD scholarship. University of Sydney - $67 866
    –

Professional Certification

  • Behaviour change interventions: introductory principles and practice
    FutureLearn, University College London
    –
  • Lower limb prosthetics course
    Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
    –
  • Principles and practice of University Teaching and Learning
    University of Sydney
    –

Professional Memberships

  • Singapore Physiotherapy Association
    – Present
  • Singapore National Stroke Association
    – Present
  • International Society for Evidence-Based Health Care
    – Present
  • World Stroke Organization
    – Present
  • Stroke Society of Australasia
    – Present
  • Australian Physiotherapy Association
    –

Corporate Experience

  • Member: part of the World Stroke Organisation Rehabilitation Implementation Committee.
    Present
  • President: part of Executive Committee for Singapore Physiotherapy Association. https://www.physiotherapy.org.sg/Organisation
    Present
  • Senior Principal project administrator: part-time appointment with the Chief Allied Health Officer’s Office, Ministry of Health. Co-Lead for Sub-Team 1 Clinical Practice Guidelines, Community Rehabilitation Transformation Workgroup.
    Present
  • Exco member: part of executive committee of Singapore National Stroke Association. https://www.snsasg.org/ourteam
    Present
  • Co-Lead for Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) Singapore satellite centre, a collaboration between PEDro and Singapore Physiotherapy Association: https://pedro.org.au/english/about/satellite-centres/
    Present
  • Teaching faculty: part of teaching team for SGH PGAHI Training Programme “Clinical Reasoning for Physiotherapy Management in Stroke”.
    Present
  • Lead curriculum developer and teaching staff: led curriculum development and team of teaching staff for the One Rehab training workshop(s). https://www.singaporetech.edu.sg/news/moh-national-one-rehab-framework-practice-workshop
    Present
  • Academic chair: part of SingHealth-Singapore Institute of Technology Stroke Community of Practice.
    Present
  • Abstract mentor and reviewer: provided mentorship to abstract authors, and reviewed abstracts for World Confederation for Physical Therapy. https://congress.physio/2021/programme/thanks
    Present
  • Peer reviewer: part of International Review Board at Journal of Physiotherapy. https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-physiotherapy/editorial-board
    Present
  • Peer reviewer: reviewed manuscripts for journals including International Journal of Stroke, Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, Journal of Physiotherapy (see more at Publons: https://publons.com/author/1508766/li-khim-kwah#profile).
    Present
  • Member: part of the Allied Health Professions Council.
    –
  • Vice-chair: part of organising committee for 13th Singapore International Physiotherapy Congress 2024. https://www.physiotherapy.org.sg/SIPC2024
    –
  • Teaching faculty: part of teaching team for SGH PGAHI Training Programme “Stroke Guidelines Translation”.
    –
  • Member: part of the National One Rehab Steering Committee
    –
  • Principal project administrator: part-time appointment with the Chief Allied Health Officer’s Office, Ministry of Health. Lead principle project administrator and member of Community Rehabilitation Transformation Workgroup.
    –
  • Judge and Abstract reviewer: part of abstract review committee for the SingHealth Duke-NUS Scientific Congress 2021.
    –
  • Member: part of World Stroke Organisation Early Career Stroke Professionals Committee. https://www.world-stroke.org/about-wso/committees
    –
  • Honorary secretary: part of Executive Committee for Singapore Physiotherapy Association and mentor to Education committee. https://www.physiotherapy.org.sg/Organisation
    –
  • Abstract reviewer: part of abstract review committee for the SingHealth Duke-NUS Scientific Congress 2020.
    –
  • Grant reviewer: reviewed Project Grant application for Stroke Association (UK).
    –
  • Vice-chair: part of organising committee for 12th Singapore International Physiotherapy Congress 2021. https://www.physiotherapy.org.sg/SIPC2021-Integrate
    –
  • Judge: part of abstract and judging panel sub-committee for CAREhab 6th Singapore Rehabilitation Conference 2020. https://www.carehab-singapore.com/src-conference-2020/scientific-committee
    –
  • Grant reviewer: reviewed Physiotherapy Research Foundation seeding grant applications for Australian Physiotherapy Association.
    –
  • APC assessor: worked with Australian Physiotherapy Council to assess neurological physiotherapy skills of overseas trained physiotherapists.
    –
  • Learning.Futures peer reviewer: reviewed subject outlines from various University of Technology Sydney faculties to ensure compliance with Learning.Futures.
    –
  • Guidelines committee member: worked with National Stroke Foundation to update clinical guidelines. Co-wrote section on falls.
    –
  • Amputee Care Standards committee member: worked with Agency for Clinical Innovation to update New South Wales Amputee Care Standards. Co-wrote section on pain and document on rigid dressings.
    –
  • Abstract reviewer: reviewed abstracts for World Confederation for Physical Therapy.
    –
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Research Interests

  • Stroke rehabilitation
  • Physical activity
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Guideline-based care
  • Implementation science

Current Projects

  • Multi-mOdal Training program to promote physical actIVity After sTrokE: MOTIVATE- a Hybrid Type 1 Randomised Controlled Trial
    – Present
  • Development of the Singapore Stroke Rehabilitation Guidelines
    – Present
  • Prediction models of arm recovery after stroke: a systematic review
    – Present

    Protocol: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=99134

Past Projects

  • Improving life after stroke for young people: analysis of unmet needs and development of resources across countries
    –
  • Use of Experience-Based Co-Design (EBCD) to evaluate and improve rehabilitation care in the community
    –
  • Perspectives on pre-participation screening in people with disabilities in Singapore
    –
  • Development of MOTIVATE: Multi-mOdal Training program to promote physical actIVity After sTrokE
    –
  • Development of an instrument to evaluate the accessibility and usability of outdoors fitness zones for people with mobility limitations
    –
  • Implementing a novel intervention to increase task-specific practice for stroke survivors in inpatient rehabilitation
    –
  • Evaluation of current Physiotherapy practice on physical activity promotion for stroke survivors
    –
  • Assessing barriers to physical activity, and the accessibility and usability of outdoors fitness zones for stroke survivors
    –
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Journal Papers

Conferences

  • Kwah LK, Thilarajah S, Chew E, Loh YJ, Samuel GS, Wee SK, Xu T, Leong CC, Tan C, Pua JHF, Choo S, Moonshi Nasiruddin SM, Gopikannan K, 

    Jalil S, Gan HH, Goh SM, Tan JPP, Kennedy A, Dizon JM and Lynch EA (2025) Using the ADAPTE framework to develop the Singapore Stroke 

    Rehabilitation Guidelines: A national initiative from the Community Rehabilitation Transformation Workgroup, Ministry of Health Chief Allied Health

    Officer’s Office. Oral e-poster presentation at the 17th World Stroke Congress, Barcelona, Spain. 

  • Thilarajah S, Dancza K, Chen ZZ, Wong XQC, Yan CKC, Niam S, Ng YS, Lynch E, Churilov L, Tan WK, Tan E and Kwah LK (2025) Transforming community-based rehabilitation services: A national redesign using Experience-Based Co-Design. Oral e-poster presentation at the 17th World Stroke Congress, Barcelona, Spain. 

  • Wang J, Kwah LK, Doshi K, Wai E, Hollis J, Bird M-L, Pua YH, Thumboo J, Low LL, He H-G, De Silva DA, Niam S, Toh I, Lui YC, Choo S and Thilarajah S (2025) Empowering stroke survivors: Co-designing safe, personalized physical activity interventions for lasting impact. Oral presentation at the International Forum on Quality & Safety in Healthcare, Singapore.

  • Thilarajah S, Dancza K, Chen ZZ, Wong XQC, Yan CKC, Niam S, Ng YS, Lynch E, Churilov L, Tan WK, Tan E and Kwah LK (2025) Transforming community-based rehabilitation services: A national redesign using Experience-Based Co-Design. Oral presentation at the 16th National Allied Health Conference, Adelaide, Australia.

  • Kwah LK (2024) Improving participation in stroke: Future directions for community collaborations. Invited speaker for session “Community & long-term care: ES02 - Continuity of care in neurology” at the International Allied Health Conference, Singapore.

  • Thilarajah S, Doshi K, De Silva DA, Ng WM and Kwah LK (2024) Barriers and facilitators to physical activity after stroke in Singapore: A qualitative study informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Oral presentation at the Singapore General Hospital 25th Annual Scientific Meeting, Singapore. *Won Outstanding Research Award (Allied Health)

  • Kwah LK (2023) Predicting recovery and improving physical activity after stroke. Invited speaker as part of session "Innovation in Stroke Rehabilitation" including Tong R and Li L at the Asia Pacific Stroke Conference, Hong Kong.

  • Thilarajah S, Doshi K, De Silva DA, Wai E and Kwah LK (2023) Development of a complex theory-informed intervention for improving physical activity after stroke in Singapore: A co-design approach. Oral platform presentation at the World Physiotherapy Congress, Dubai.

  • Kwah LK, Doshi K, De Silva DA, Ng WM and Thilarajah S (2023) Barriers and facilitators to physical activity after stroke in Singapore: A qualitative study informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Oral platform presentation at the World Physiotherapy Congress, Dubai.

  • Kwah LK (2023) Resources to improve skills for evidence-based practice. Invited speaker as part of focused symposium "Overcoming barriers to evidence-based clinical practice" including Elkins M, Yamato TP and Paramanandam VS at the World Physiotherapy Congress, Dubai.

  • Demers M, Kwah LK, Thilarajah S, Charalambous M, Bazadona D, Chapman S, Nasreldein A, Yperzeele L, Winstein C, Bernhardt J and Gopaul U (2023) Identification of knowledge and information needs of young people with stroke from eight different countries. Oral presentation at the Advances in Stroke Recovery Scientific Conference, Australia.

  • Gopaul U, Bazadona D, Chapman S, Charalambous M, Kwah LK, Oguntade A, Thilarajah S, Yperzeele L, Bayley M and Demers M (2023) Information resources about self-management addressing the needs of young people with stroke: a scoping review. Poster presentation at the Advances in Stroke Recovery Scientific Conference, Australia.

  • Teo R, Thilarajah S, Liu J, Lim F and Kwah LK (2021) Barriers to physical activity of stroke survivors in Singapore: a face-to-face cross-sectional survey. Oral presentation at the CPISRA International Conference on Physical Activity & Health, Australia.

  • Kwah LK, Teo R, Jiale L, Lim F and Thilarajah S (2021) Barriers to physical activity of stroke survivors in Singapore: a face-to-face cross-sectional survey. Oral presentation at the Singapore International Physiotherapy Congress, Singapore. *Won best oral presentation award in neurology scientific track.

  • Kwah LK, Webb M, Goh L and Harvey LA (2019) Efficacy of rigid dressings in people with transtibial amputations: a Cochrane systematic review. Oral presentation at the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, Geneva, Switzerland.

  • Kwah LK, Green J, Butler J and Lam L (2019) Critical appraisal of clinical practice guidelines for the management of limb amputations: a systematic review. Oral presentation at the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, Geneva, Switzerland.

  • Kwah LK, Harvey LA, Diong JHL and Herbert RD (2011) Incidence and prediction of contractures after stroke: a prospective cohort study. Oral presentation at the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

  • Kwah LK, Herbert RD, Harvey LA, Diong JHL, Clarke J, Hoang P, Martin J, Clarke EC, Bilston LE and Gandevia SC (2011) Passive mechanical properties of gastrocnemius of people with ankle contracture after stroke. Oral presentation at the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

  • Kwah LK, Harvey LA, Diong JHL and Herbert RD (2011) Incidence and prediction of contractures after stroke: a prospective cohort study. Oral presentation at the Australian Physiotherapy Association Biennial conference, Brisbane, Australia. *Won best oral presentation award in neurology scientific track.

  • Kwah LK, Harvey LA, Diong JHL and Herbert RD (2011) Incidence and prediction of ambulation and upper limb recovery after stroke: a prospective cohort study. Oral presentation at the Australian Physiotherapy Association Biennial conference, Brisbane, Australia.

  • Kwah LK, Herbert RD, Harvey LA, Diong JHL, Clarke J, Hoang P, Martin J, Clarke EC, Bilston LE and Gandevia SC (2010) Passive mechanical properties of gastrocnemius muscle and tendon in stroke patients with contracture. Oral presentation at the 6th World Congress on Biomechanics, Singapore.

  • Kwah LK, Harvey LA, Diong JHL and Herbert RD (2010) Contractures after stroke- Incidence and prognostic factors. Oral presentation at the Stroke Society of Australasia 21st annual scientific meeting, Melbourne, Australia.

  • Kwah LK, Herbert RD, Harvey LA, Diong JHL, Clarke J, Hoang P, Martin J, Clarke EC, Bilston LE and Gandevia SC (2009) Passive mechanical properties of gastrocnemius muscle and tendon in stroke patients with contracture. Oral presentation at the Australian Physiotherapy Association Biennial Conference, Sydney, Australia.

  • Kwah LK, Harvey LA, Diong JHL and Herbert RD (2008) Incidence of contractures after stroke. Poster presentation at the University of Sydney 6th Biennial Health Research Conference “From cell to society 6” at Leura, Australia.

Books

  • Book chapter: Kwah LK, Kwakkel G and Veerbeek JM (2018) Prediction of motor recovery and outcomes after stroke. In: Wilson R and Raghavan P, eds. Stroke rehabilitation. Philadelphia, USA: Elsevier. Chapter: https://www.elsevier.com/books/stroke-rehabilitation/wilson/978-0-323-55381-0

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Teaching Modules

Physiotherapy, BSc (Hons)

  • PTY3009 - Clinical Decision Making in Patients with Complex Health Issues
  • PTY2013 - Neurological Physiotherapy 1
  • PTY3801 - Honours Thesis Proposal
  • PTY4801 - Honours Thesis

Past

  • PTY3010 - Neurological Physiotherapy 2 (17701)
  • HSC6002 Evidence Based Practice and Ethics (SIT)
  • HSC6008 Neurological Rehabilitation (SIT)
  • Clinical Assessment and Treatment Planning (UTS)
  • Professional Practice (UTS)
  • Movement Science and Practice 1 (ACU)
  • Neurological Science and Practice 1 (ACU)
  • Neurological Science and Practice 2 (ACU)
  • Physiotherapy Practice 1 (ACU)
  • Neurological Physiotherapy A/1 (USyd)
  • Neurological Physiotherapy B/2 (USyd)
  • Neurological Physiotherapy C (USyd)
  • Cardiopulmonary and Neurological Physiotherapy (USyd)
  • Professional and Scientific Practice (USyd)
  • Physiotherapy for Older Persons (USyd)
  • DTN3801 - Honours Thesis Preparation (16126)
  • DTN4801 - Honours Thesis (16141)
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