Jean-Francois Esculier

Jean-Francois Esculier

Leader of Research and Development Kelowna

PT, PhD, Sport Physiotherapy Certificate

As a physiotherapist since 2009, Jean-Francois Esculier is driven by a willingness to improve care in rehabilitation and sports medicine. He converted to being a clinician-researcher early in his career, and is now living in beautiful British Columbia to combine his passions: knowledge translation and transfer as well as teaching with The Running Clinic, clinical practice with his mobile physiotherapy clinic (MoveMed Physiotherapy), and research with his Clinical Assistant Professor position in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia. JF is a recreational runner who enjoys running for fun and health, and to discover the world around him.

Education

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Department of Physical Therapy and Motion Analysis and Biofeedback Laboratory - MABLab (University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; 2017-2019)
    • Running and knee osteoarthritis
  • Ph.D. Experimental medicine: patellofemoral pain (PFP) in recreational runners (Laval University, Quebec City, Canada; 2014-2017)
    • Randomized clinical trial comparing treatment approaches in runners with PFP
    • Gait retraining for runners with PFP
    • Development of the Minimalist Index, which aims at characterizing the level of minimalism of running shoes
  • Master's degree in Experimental medicine: PFP in recreational runners (Laval University, Quebec City, Canada; 2012-2014)
    • Comparing running biomechanics of runners with and without PFP (kinematics, kinetics, EMG)
    • Intervention study on pain, function and running biomechanics of runners with PFP
    • Questionnaires about PFP
  • Bachelor degree in Physiotherapy (Summa Cum Laude) (University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; 2005-2009)
  • Certificate in Sports Physiotherapy (Sport Physiotherapy Canada, a branch of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association; 2013)

Teaching Experience

  • The Running Clinic 1.10 PEACE & LOVE: Management of Soft-Tissue Injuries
    • Online course, since 2020
  • The Running Clinic 1.6 Science in Practice: Applying Research for Clinicians
    • Online course, since 2022
  • The Running Clinic 1.0 Fundamentals of Running Injuries
    • >100 courses (since 2011)
    • Canada, USA, France, Belgium, Italy, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand
  • The Running Clinic 1.1 Diagnosis of Running Injuries: Practical Aspects
    • >15 courses (since 2016)
    • Canada, France, Belgium, Italy
  • The Running Clinic 2.0 Expert in Running Injuries
  • Masters of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia (since 2016)
  • Post-graduate level teaching, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University (2016-2018)
  • Courses in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year of Physiotherapy, Laval University (2013-2016)

 

Continuing Education

  • Several orthopaedic and sport injuries conferences and symposia (ACSM, APTA-CSM, CASEM, CPA, OARSI, PFP Retreat, Danish SportsKongres, etc.)
  • Clinical Reasoning (University of Montreal)
  • Patellofemoral pain: A Critical Review of Evaluation and Treatment Techniques (Christopher Powers)
  • Functional Biomechanics of the Lower Quarter II: Evaluation and Treatment of Movement Dysfunction: Gait and Running (Christopher Powers)
  • Evaluation and treatment of the injured runner (Irene Davis)
  • Functional Movement Assessment for the Manual Therapist (FMS/SFMA) (Kyle Kiesel)
  • Building a running clinic: more than a treadmill and a camera (Bryan Heiderscheit, Blaise Williams, Scott Miller)
  • Therapeutic Exercises (Bruce Craven)
  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement System Impairment Syndromes (Shirley Sahrmann)
  • McKenzie MDT
    • Part A (lumbar spine)
    • Part B (cervical and thoracic spine)
  • Neuroproprioceptive taping Level 1
  • Sports First Responder
  • Manual Therapy
    • CAMPT: Level 1, Level 2 (upper quadrant), Level 2 (lower quadrant)
    • Evaluation and treatment of the pelvis

Professional Achievements

  • President, BC Sports & Exercise Medicine Research Foundation (since 2019)
  • Chair of Scientific Committee, 3rd World Congress of Sports Physical Therapy, Vancouver Oct 4-5, 2019
  • Physiotherapist for various regional and provincial sporting events (2009-2015)
  • Physiotherapist for les Jeux du Québec 2012 (Shawinigan, QC)
  • Physiotherapist for the Quebec Open Jeep Beach Volley-ball (2011)
  • Physiotherapist for les Elans du College FX Garneau AAA Men’s soccer team (2010)
  • Physiotherapist for les Jeux du Québec 2010 (Gatineau, QC)
  • Physiotherapist for Champlain St-Lawrence Women’s AAA Basketball team (2009-2010)
  • Physiotherapist for Champlain St-Lawrence College athletes (2009-2010)

Research in Physiotherapy

50. Esculier JF, Barton C. (2022). Recreational running is not bad for healthy people's joints - it is time to study the safety of running in people with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. Online ahead of print.

49. Nguyen AP, Gillain L, Delieux L, Detrembleur C, Mahaudens P, Esculier JF. (2022). Opinions about running shoes in runners and non-runners. Footwear Science. Online ahead of print.

48. Esculier JF, Besomi M, De Oliveira Silva D, Passigli S, Rathleff MS, Van Middelkoop M, Barton C, Callaghan MJ, Harkey MS, Hoens AM, Krowchuk NM, Teoli A, Vicenzino B, Willy RW, Hunt MA. (2022) Do the general public and healthcare professionals think running is bad for the knees? A cross-sectional international multi-language online survey. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 10(9):23259671221124141.

47. Khan MCM, O'Donovan J, Charlton JM, Roy JS, Hunt MA, Esculier JF. (2022). Authors' Reply to Dahmen et al.: "The Influence of Running on Lower Limb Cartilage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis". Sports Medicine. Online ahead of print.

46. Esculier JF, Charlton JM, Krowchuk NM, De Pieri J, Hunt MA. (2022). Immediate effects of manipulating footwear or cadence on the lower limb biomechanics of female Masters runners. Journal of Applied Biomechanics. 38(5):312-319.

45. Mauvieux B, Hingrand C, Drigny J, Hodzic A, Baron P, Hurdiel R, Jouffroy R, Vauthier JC, Pessiglione M, Wiehler A, Degache F, Pavailler S, Heyman E, Plard M, Dubois B, Esculier JF, Nguyen AP, Van Cant J, Roy Baillargeon O, Pairot de Fontenay B, Delaunay PL, Besnard S. (2022). Study of the kinetics of the determinants of performance during a mountain ultra marathon: Multidisciplinary protocol of the first Trail Scientifique de Clécy 2021. JMIR Research Protocols. 11(6):e38027.

44. Hébert-Losier K, Finlayson SJ, Lamb PF, Driller MW, Hanzlikova I, Dubois B, Esculier JF, Beaven CM. (2022). Kinematics of recreational male runners in ‘super’, minimalist, and habitual shoes. Journal of Sport Sciences. 40(13):1426.1435.

43. Ezzat AM, Esculier JF, Lord Ferguson S, Napier C, Wong ST. (2022). Canadian physiotherapists integrate virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physiotherapy Canada. In Press.

42. Vicenzino BT, Rathleff MS, Holden S, Maclachlan L, Smith BE, de Oliveira Silva D, van Middelkoop M, Patellofemoral Pain and Psychology Consensus Group. (2022). Developing Clinical and Research Priorities for Pain and Psychological Features in People With Patellofemoral Pain: An International Consensus Process With Health Care Professionals. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 52(1):29-39.

41. Fredette A, Roy JS, Perreault K, Dupuis F, Napier C, Esculier JF. (2022). The association between running injuries and training parameters: A systematic review. Journal of Athletic Training. In Press.

40. Khan MCM, O'Donovan J, Charlton JM, Roy JS, Hunt MA, Esculier JF. (2022). The Influence of Running on Lower Limb Cartilage: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports Medicine. 52(1):55-74.

39. de Souza Júnior JR, Rabelo PHR, Lemos TV, Esculier JF, Carto JPDS, Matheus JPC. (2021). Effects of gait retraining with focus on impact versus gait retraining with focus on cadence on pain, function and lower limb kinematics in runners with patellofemoral pain: Protocol of a randomized, blinded, parallel group trial with 6-month follow-up. PLoS One. 16(5):e0250965.

38. Maselli F, Esculier JF, Storari L, Mourad F, Rossettini G, Barbari V, Pennella D, Cataldi F, Viceconti A, Geri T, Testa M. (2021). Low back pain among Italian runners: A cross-sectional survey. Physical Therapy in Sport. 48:136-145.

37. Fredette A, Roy JS, Esculier JF, Perreault K. (2021). Most Military Runners Report Recent Changes in Running Parameters Prior to Lower Limb Injury Onset. Military Medicine. 186(11-12):e1140-e1148.

36. Charlton JM, Esculier JF, Kobsar D, Thatcher D, Hunt MA. (2020). Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis is associated with worse but stable quality of life and physical function regardless of the compartmental involvement: Data from the OAI. Osteoarthritis & Cartilage Open. 100117.

35. Hébert-Losier K, Finlayson SJ, Driller M, Dubois B, Esculier JF, Beaven CM. (2021). Metabolic and performance responses of male runners wearing three footwear: Nike Vaporfly 4%, racing flats, and own shoes. Journal of Sport and Health Science. S2095-2546(20)30163-0.

34. Esculier JF, Maggs K, Maggs E, Dubois B. (2020). A contemporary approach to patellofemoral pain in runners. Journal of Athletic Training. 55(12):1206–1214.

33. Dhillon GK, Hunt MA, Reid, AL, Esculier JF. (2020). What are the perceptions of runners and healthcare professionals on footwear and running injury risk? BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. 6(1):e000767.

32. Graffos A, Mohtajeb M, Mony M, Esculier JF, Cibere J, Wilson D, Zhang C, Zakani S, Hunt MA. (2020). Biomechanics during cross-body lunging in individuals with and without painful cam and/or pincer morphology. Clinical Biomechanics. 76:105030.

31. Van Cant J, Dawe-Coz A, Aoun E, Esculier JF. (2020). Quadriceps strengthening with blood flow restriction for the rehabilitation of patients with knee conditions: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 33(4):529-544.

30. Kobsar D, Charlton JM, Tse C, Esculier JF, Graffos A, Krowchuk NM, Thatcher D, Hunt MA. (2020). Validity and Reliability of Wearable Inertial Sensors in Healthy Adult Walking: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation. 17(1):62.

29. Pairot de Fontenay B, Roy JS, Dubois B, Bouyer L, Esculier JF. (2020). Validating commercial wearable sensors for running gait parameters estimation. IEEE Sensors Journal. 20(14):7783-7791.

28. Hunt MA, Charlton JM, Esculier JF. (2020). Osteoarthritis year in review 2019: mechanics. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 28(3):267-274.

27. Voight M, Esculier JF. (2019) Abstracts from the 3rd World Congress of Sports Physical Therapy. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 14(6):1-28.

26. Dubois B, Esculier JF. (2019). Soft tissue injuries simply need PEACE & LOVE. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 54(2):72-73.

25. Esculier JF, Jarrett M, Krowchuk NM, Rauscher A, Wiggermann V, Taunton JE, Wilson D, Gatti A, Hunt MA. (2019). Cartilage recovery in runners with and without knee osteoarthritis: A pilot study. The Knee. 26(5):1049-1057.

24. Hollman H, Ezzat A, Esculier JF, Gustafson P, Scott A. (2019). Effects of tailored advice on injury prevention knowledge and behaviours in runners: secondary analysis from a randomised controlled trial. Physical Therapy in Sport. 37:164-170.

23. Esculier JF, Barton CJ, Whiteley R, Napier C. (2018). Involving clinicians in sports medicine and physiotherapy research – “Design thinking” to help bridge gaps between practice and evidence. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 52(24):1550-1551.

22. Esculier JF, Krowchuk NM, Li LC, Taunton JE, Hunt MA. (2018). What are the perceptions about running and knee joint health among the public and healthcare practitioners in Canada? PLoS One. 13(10):e0204872.

21. Esculier JF, Dubois B, Roy JS. (2018). Response to: ‘Optimising the efficacy of gait retraining’. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 53(9):530-531.

20. Esculier JF, Silvini T, Bouyer LJ, Roy JS. (2018). Video-based assessment of foot strike pattern and step rate is valid and reliable in runners with patellofemoral pain. Physical Therapy in Sport. 29:108-112.

19. Barton CJ, Esculier JF. (2018). Letter to the Editor: No evidence exists to support manual therapy in physical therapy practice for patellofemoral pain. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy. 48(7):598-599.

18. Pairot de Fontenay B, Esculier JF, Bouyer LB, Roy JS. (2018). Hip kinematics during functional tasks in females with patellofemoral pain: Modification following rehabilitation and correlation with clinical improvement. Physical Therapy in Sport. 32:7-14.

17. Esculier JF, Bouyer LJ, Dubois B, Frémont P, Moore L, McFadyen BJ, Roy JS. (2018). Is combining gait retraining or an exercise programme with education better than education alone in treating runners with patellofemoral pain? A randomised clinical trial. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 52(10):659-666.

16. Esculier JF, Bouyer LJ, Dubois B, Leblond J, Brisson M, Chau L, Roy JS. (2018). Predictors of clinical success in runners with patellofemoral pain: secondary analyses of a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 21(8):777-782.

15. Esculier JF, Willy RW, Baggaley M, Meardon SA, Willson JD. (2017). Sex-specific kinetic and kinematic indicators of medial tibiofemoral force during walking and running. The Knee. 24(6):1317-1325.

14. Napier C, Esculier JF, Hunt MA. (2017). Gait retraining: out of the lab and onto the streets with the benefit of wearables. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 51(23):1642-1643.

13. Esculier JF, Dubois B, Bouyer LJ, McFadyen BJ, Roy JS. (2017). Footwear characteristics are related to running mechanics in runners with patellofemoral pain. Gait & Posture. 6(54):144-147.

12. Esculier JF, Bouyer LJ, Dubois B, Frémont P, Moore L, McFadyen BJ, Roy JS. (2017). Infographic: treating runners with patellofemoral pain: appropriate education is key. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 52(13):824-825.

11. Esculier JF, Bouyer LJ, Frémont P, Moore L, Roy JS. (2016). Effects of rehabilitation approaches for runners with patellofemoral pain: Protocol of a randomised clinical trial addressing specific underlying mechanisms. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 17(1):5.

10. Crossley KM, Stefanik JJ, Selfe J, Collins NJ, Davis IS, Powers CM, McConnell J, Vicenzino B, Bazett-Jones DM, Esculier JF, Morrissey D, Callaghan MJ. (2016). 2016 Patellofemoral pain consensus statement from the 4th International Patellofemoral Pain Research Retreat, Manchester. Part 1: Terminology, definitions, clinical examination, natural history, patellofemoral osteoarthritis and patient-reported outcome measures. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 50(14):839-843.

9. Esculier JF, Roy JS, Bouyer LJ. (2016). The effects of a multimodal rehabilitation program on symptoms and ground reaction forces in runners with patellofemoral pain. Journal Sport Rehabilitation. 25(1):23-30.

8. Esculier JF, Dubois B, Dionne CE, Leblond J, Roy JS. (2015). A consensus definition and rating scale for minimalist shoes. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. 8:42.

7. Esculier JF, Roy JS, Bouyer LJ. (2015). Lower limb control and strength in runners with and without patellofemoral pain syndrome. Gait & Posture. 41(3):813-819.

6. Dubois B, Esculier JF, Moore L, Richards C, Frémont P. (2015). Effects of minimalist and traditional running shoes on injury rates: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Footwear Science. 7(3):159-164.

5. Esculier JF, Vaudrin J, Tremblay LE. (2014). Corticomotor excitability in Parkinson's disease during observation, imagery and imitation of action: effects of rehabilitation using Wii Fit and comparison to healthy controls. Journal of Parkinson's disease. 4(1):67-75.

4. Roy JS, Esculier JF, Maltais DB. (2013). Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the French version of the Knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale. Clinical Rehabilitation. 28(6):614-623.

3. Esculier JF, Roy JS, Bouyer LJ. (2013). Psychometric evidence of self-reported questionnaires for patellofemoral pain syndrome: a systematic review. Disability and Rehabilitation. 35(26):2181-2190.

2. Esculier JF, Vaudrin J, Bériault P, Gagnon K, Tremblay LE. (2012). Home-based balance training programme using Wii Fit with balance board for Parkinsons's disease: a pilot study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 44(2):144-150.

1. Roy JS, Esculier JF. (2011). Psychometric evidence for clinical outcome measures assessing shoulder disorders. Physical Therapy Reviews. 16(5):331-346.

Research Funding

Scholarships / Salary awards

  1. Fellowship award for post-doctoral fellows (2017-2019): Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
  2. Fellowship award for PhD studies (2015-2017): Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
  3. International internship at East Carolina University (2015-2016): REPAR.
  4. René-Lamontagne Award, Faculty of Medicine (2015): Laval University.
  5. Doctorate Training for Applicants with a Professional Degree (2014-2017): Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQ-S).
  6. Doctoral admission scholarship Pierre J. Durand (2014): Laval University.
  7. Master's Training for Applicants with a Professional Degree (2012-2014): Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQ-S).
  8. Master's student award (2012): Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration.
  9. Renewable admission scholarship (2005-2009): University of Ottawa.
  10. Francophony scholarship (2005): University of Ottawa.

 

Interests

  • Running injuries
  • Patellofemoral pain
  • Sports injuries
  • Running footwear
  • Clinical research in physiotherapy

Others

Bilingual (French-English)