Michael Kalu

Faculty & School/Dept.

Faculty of Health - School of Kinesiology & Health Science

Degrees

Post doctoral - 2023
Dalhousie University
Halifax Nova Scotia Canada

PhD in Rehabilitation Science - 2022
McMaster University
Hamilton ON Canada

MSc in Rehabilitation Science - 2017
Queens University
Kingston ON Canada

MSc in Gerontology - 2016
University of Southampton
England, the United Kingdom

Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation(Physiotherapy) - 2008
University of Nigeria
Enugu, Nigeria

Biography

Michael Kalu is an Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Therapy: Clinical Treatment & Clinical Care, at the School of Kinesiology and Health Science. He gained interdisciplinary expertise by training as a physiotherapist (Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation - Physiotherapy from the University of Nigeria), a social gerontologist (MSc in Gerontology from the University of Southampton), and a rehabilitation scientist (MSc in Rehabilitation Science from Queen's University & Ph.D in Rehabilitation Science from McMaster University), and furthered his research as a postdoctoral fellow at Dalhousie University.

He is currently the Scientific Director of the Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing - African Network, and continues to conduct aging research in the SubSaharan region of Africa. 

 

Selected Publications

Mobillity and older adults

** -mentees or trainees

• Kalu ME, Chaston A, Alizadehsaravi N, Veras M, mcArthur C. (2024). Simulated real-world feasibility and feedback session for a lift assistance device, RaymexTM : a mixed method descriptive study. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Science – Interventions for Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2024.1455384


• Kalu ME, Rayner D, Nwachukwu E, Ibekaku MC, Ndubuaku, M, Ekezie U, Ezema C, Bhatt V, McArthur C  (2024). Comparison of self-reported and performance-based measures of mobility in community-dwelling older adults in Nigeria: the mediating role of age, cognitive status and chronic conditions. Innovation in Aging. DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igae026/7616460


• Kalu ME, Dal Bello-Haas V, Griffin M, Boamah S, Harris J, Rantanen T. (2023). What mobility factors are critical to include in a Comprehensive Mobility Discharge Assessment Framework for older adults transitioning from hospital-to-home in the community? An international e-Delphi study. Disability and Rehabilitation (imprint).https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2232293


• Kalu ME, Dal Bello-Haas V, Griffin M, Boamah S, Harris J, Zaide M, Rayner D, Khattab N, Abrahim S. (2023). A scoping review of personal, financial and environmental determinants of mobility among older adults. Published (imprint) in Achieves of Physical Rehabilitation and Medicine. Doi.10.1016/j.apmr.2023.04.007 


• **Nwachukwu E, Rayner D, Ibekaku M, Ekezie C, Ezema C, Kalu ME (2023). Testing the Webber’s Comprehensive Mobility Framework using self-reported and performance-based mobility outcomes among community-dwelling older adults in Nigeria. Innovation in Aging. Published ahead of print. doi/10.1093/geroni/igad019/7067181


• **Onyeso O, Odole A, Scott DR, Akinrolie Y, Kalu ME, Awosoga OA (2023). Association between sociodemographic factors and mobility limitation among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Systematic Review 12 (19).  https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-023-02190-9


• **Ndukauba M, Ikele C, Nwachukwu E, Rayner D, Kalu ME (2023) Do personality traits predict mobility outcomes among community-dwelling older adults in Nigeria. Physical & Occupational Therapy In Geriatrics, 41:3, 466-482, DOI: 10.1080/02703181.2023.2172124


• Kalu ME, Dal Bello-Haas V, Griffin M, Boamah S, Harris J. Zaide M, Rayner D, Khattab N, Bhatt V, Goodin C, Song JW, Smal J, Budd N. (2022) Physical Mobility determinants among older adults: a scoping review of self-reported and performance-based measures. European Journal of Physiotherapy. Published ahead of print. https://doi.org/10.1080/21679169.2022.2153303


• Kalu ME, Dal Bello-Haas V, Griffin M, Boamah S, Harris J. Zaide M, Rayner D, Khattab N, Abrahim S. Richardson T, Savaterri N, Tkachyk C, Wang Y. (2022). Cognitive, psychological and social factors of older adults’ mobility: a scoping review of self-reported and performance-based measures. Psychogeriatrics, 22(4): 553-573.   https://doi.org/10.1111/psyg.12848


• Kalu ME, Dal Bello-Haas V, Griffin M, Ploeg J, Richardson J. (2022). Comprehensive Mobility Discharge Assessment Framework for Older Adults Transitioning from Hospital-to-Home in the Community – What Mobility Factors are Critical to Include? Protocol for an International e-Delphi Study. PLOS ONE, 17(9): e0267470. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0267470


• Kalu ME, Bello-Haas D, Hadjistavropoulos T, Thorpe L, Griffin M, Ploeg J, Richardson J. (2021). The effects of a walking intervention on gait parameters in older adults residing in long-term care: A randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 25(9):1099-1105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-021-1683-6. 



 

 

Physiotherapy, Education and Inter/Transdisciplinary 

• Garnett A, Sangrar R, Harvey K, Weldrick R, Hatztifilathis S, Kalu ME, Dunford E, Patocs E, Kajaks T (2023). Silos to synergy: Experiences of an interdisciplinary trainee network. Accepted at Journal of the Scholarship of teaching and Learning. 


• **Onyeso U, ……. Kalu ME. (2022). Musculoskeletal imaging authority, levels of training, attitude, competence and ultisation among clinical physiotherapists in Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Medical Education 222 (701). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-022-03769-x


• Harvey K, Sangrar R, Weldrick R, Garnett A, Kalu ME, Hatzifilatlithis S, Patocs A, Kajaks T. (2022). Interdisciplinary trainee networks to promote research on aging: Facilitators, barriers and next steps.  in Gerontology & Geriatrics Education. Published ahead of print. https://doi.org/10.1080/02701960.2022.2088534


• **Okoh AE, Akinrolie O, Bell-Gam HI, Adandom I, Ibekaku MC, Kalu ME. (2020). Nigerian healthcare workers’ perception of transdisciplinary approach to older adults’ care: A qualitative case study. International Journal of Care Coordination, 23(2-3), 92-106. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F2053434520954362. 


• Kalu ME, Okoh AC, Anieto EM, Okeke CO, Ibekaku MC, Abaraogu UO. (2022). Qualitative research in physiotherapy: A systematic mapping review of 20 years literature from sub-Saharan Africa. The Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 39(4) 704-726: https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2022.2028952.


• Kalu ME, Switzer-Mclntrye S, Quesnel M, Donnelly C, Norman KE. (2020). Clinical instructors’ perceptions of internationally educated physical therapists’ readiness to practise during supervised clinical internships in a bridging programme. Physiotherapy Canada, 73(2), 194-203. https://doi.org/10.3138/ptc-2019-0067. 


• Kalu ME, Switzer-McIntyre S, Quesnel M, Donnelly C, Norman KE. (2019). Clinical performance scores of internationally educated physical therapists during clinical education in a bridging programme. Physiotherapy Canada, 71(3), 271-284. https://doi.org/10.3138%2Fptc.2018-10.e. 

 

Aging, Black and SubSaharan Africa

• **Okoh A, Onyeso OA, Ekemezie W, Oyinlola O, Akinrolie O, Kalu ME (2024) Building consensus on priority areas for Sub-Saharan Africa’s ageing population research: An e-Delphi study protocol". PLOS One DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298541


• Akinrolie O, Iwuagwu A, Kalu ME, Rayner D, Oyinola O, Ezulike CD, Okoh AC…….., for Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing- African Network (2024).  Longitudinal Studies of Aging in Sub-Saharan Africa: Review, limitations and Recommendations in Preparation of Projected Aging Population. Innovation in Aging.  https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igae002


• **Iwuagwu AO, Rayner D, Ngwu C, Kalu ME (2023). “Why I have not taken the COVID-19 Vaccine.” A descriptive qualitative study of older adults’ perceived views of COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Nigeria. Journal of Population Aging. Published ahead of print. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12062-023-09410-z


• **Iwuagwu O, Lai D, Ngwiu CN, Kalu ME (2022). Social workers involvement in developing and implementing social programs for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria: A concept paper and suggestion for action plans. Journal of Gerontological Social Work. 66:5, 590-602 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2022.2135657


• Ojembe B, Kalu ME, Ezulike J, Iwuagwu A, Ekoh P, Oluwagbemiga O, Osifeso T, Makanjuola J, Kapiriri Lydia. (2022). Understanding Social and Emotional Loneliness among Black Older adults: A Scoping review. Published in Journal of Applied Gerontology, 41(12):2594 -2608. Doi: 10.117.07334648221118357


• Kalu ME, Oyinola O, Ibekaku MC, Adandom II, Iwuagu AO, Ezulike C, Nwachukwu EC, Uduonu EM. (2022). A mapping review on the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among adults in Africa using the 5A’s vaccine taxonomy. American Journal of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, 106(6):1688-1697. https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.21-0515


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  Kalu ME, Ojembe BU, Akinrolie O, Okoh AC, Adandom II, Nwankwo HC …….  Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing – African Network. (2022). Methodology and reporting quality of 516 studies on ageing: a continued discussion in setting priorities for ageing research in Africa. Journal of Global Health Economics and Policy. 2:e2022010https://doi.org/10.52872/001c.36188

  
  


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  Kalu ME, Ojembe BU, Akinrolie O, Okoh AC, Adandom II, Nwankwo HC, ... Obi PC. (2021). Setting priorities for ageing research in Africa: A systematic mapping review of 512 studies from sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Global Health, 11:15002 https://doi.org/10.7189/11.15002

  
  

Affiliations

Emerging Researchers & Professionals in Ageing-African Network
Scientific Director

Connected Mind
Member

Canadian Association of Physiotherapy
Member

Ontario Physiotherapy Association
Member

YU-CARE
Member

Canadian Association on Gerontology
Member

Canadian Geriatrics Society
Member

Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research
Faculty Member

KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute - University Health Network, Toronto
Adjunct Scientist

Supervision

Currently available to supervise graduate students: Yes

Currently taking on work-study students, Graduate Assistants or Volunteers: No

Available to supervise undergraduate thesis projects: Yes

Current Research

Michael's research is comprehensive, intersecting the multifactorial (cognitive, environmental, financial, physical, psychological, personal and social determinants), multifaceted (self-reported and objective measures - real-life mobility measure and lab-based), and multidisciplinary aspects of mobility assessment, prevention, and intervention among older adults across various care settings, from hospital-to-home transition to community and long-term care facilities.  Michael's research explores the socio-cultural considerations of older adults' mobility to co-develop mobility-adapted physical activity for "apparently healthy" black older adults or those with neuromuscular conditions using technology (AI) collected mobility data. 

He continued to maintain interest in exploring strategies (e.g., education and practice frameworks) to enhance the transdisciplinary approach to older adult social/functional health grounded in physiotherapy practice philosophies. 

Michael's methodological expertise includes systematic/scoping reviews (including other reviews), qualitative inquiries, co-production, mixed/multi-method approaches, consensus methodologies and emerging/adapted methodologies employed in low resource countries. 

Research Projects

Exploring Challenges in Identifying homebound Black older adults and understanding what strategies work: a comprehensive scoping review and qualitative case study in the Greater Toronto Area.
Role: Principal Investigator
Amount funded: $71, 337
Year Funded: 2024
Duration: 2
Funded by: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

Empowering Health Equity Through Prevention and Self-Management: Co-Designing Culturally Tailored Pre-Clinical & Diabetes Education for Black Older Adults in Peel.
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Amount funded: $99,395.63
Year Funded: 2024
Duration: 1
Funded by: Other...
Other funding: The Novo Nordisk Network for Healthy Populations. 2024 Network Catalyst Grant Competition, 2024-2029

Engaging [Potentially] interested parties: Exploring the Application of the Comprehensive Mobility Discharge Assessment Framework in Evaluating Older Adults’ Mobility during Hospital-to-Home transitio
Role: Principal Investigator
Amount funded: $17402
Year Funded: 2024
Duration: 1
Funded by: Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Championing Change: Enhancing Support for Older Adults with Chronic Conditions Through the Use of Champions within Community-Based Organizations
Role: CoInvestigator
Amount funded: $25000
Year Funded: 2024
Duration: 1
Funded by: Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Bridging Mobility Gaps: Co-designing Culturally Appropriate Mobility AI-Powered Wearable (CAMAiW) Tool (prototypes) for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) older adults
Role: Principal Investigator
Amount funded: $75,000
Year Funded: 2024
Duration: 2
Funded by: Other...
Other funding: York University & Queens University Connected Mind Seed Grant

Developing a data informed care planning improvement intervention in long-term care.
Role: CoInvestigator
Amount funded: $149, 176
Year Funded: 2023
Duration: 2
Funded by: Canadian Institutes of Health Research