Brooke Patterson

Brooke is a physiotherapist, graduating from La Trobe University in 2011. Brooke has worked in hospital, private practice and sports settings, and is currently completing her PhD at the La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre. In 2020 she completed her PhD under the supervision of Professor Kay Crossley, investigating the impact of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) on the lives of young adults (early osteoarthritis, symptoms and quality of life), and how potentially modifiable factors are associated with changes over time. Brooke coordinated a pilot randomized controlled trial to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a physiotherapy intervention for individuals at risk of poor outcomes after ACLR. During her PhD Brooke was a high-level athlete in the Australian Football League (AFL) national womens competition. She has also previously sustained an ACL injury playing basketball. Brooke is involved in current AFL projects, aimed at monitoring and reducing injuries in women and girls playing Australian football. Brooke is currently a full-time Research Fellow at La Trobe University, as a clinical trial coordinator. The trial is investigating the effectiveness of an injury prevention program in over 150 community football teams (>2500 players) in Victoria in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Brooke is also a football coach for Melbourne Football club AFLW team, and the Casey Demons VFLW team.