Neck pain and disability are common after whiplash injury and up to 50 % have persistent symptoms called whiplash associated disorders (WAD). Despite decades of research the cause of persistent pain and disability are largely unknown and effective treatment and diagnostic tools are lacking. My work expands musculoskeletal and neuromuscular function, and biopsychosocial factors related to neck pain.
Gunnel Peterson
Affiliated Researcher, Docent
Presentation
My aim is to contribute to development of diagnostic methods and evidence-based exercise interventions in chronic whiplash and improve knowledge of neck muscle function and structure in neck pain.
Publications
Selected publications
2026
Factors associated with 1-year health-related quality of life after neck-specific exercise in chronic whiplash-associated disorders: an exploratory secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, Vol. 27, Article 871
(Article in journal)
https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12891-026-10581-x
Experiences of an internet-based rehabilitation program: An interview study among individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders
Digital Health, Vol. 12, Article 20552076261483535
(Article in journal)
https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/20552076261483535
Analgesic use after internet-supported versus clinic-based neck-specific exercise in people with whiplash: a secondary analysis
Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Vol. 69, Article 102152
(Article in journal)
https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rehab.2026.102152
Physiotherapists' experiences of the implementation of neck-specific exercise for patients with chronic neck pain: A qualitative study
Physiotherapy, Vol. 132, Article 101863
(Article in journal)
https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.physio.2025.101863
Effect of neck-specific exercises on trapezius muscle function in chronic whiplash-associated disorders: a longitudinal case-control study using ultrasound and speckle-tracking analyses
Scientific Reports, Vol. 16, Article 7725
(Article in journal)
https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35963-y
