Michael Kalu

Assistant Professor

Locations / Contact Info:

328 Stong College - SC
Keele Campus

Email address(es):

mkalu@yorku.ca

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, 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. 

  • Kalu ME, Okoh AC, Nwankwo H, Anieto E, Adandom I, Jumbo S, ... Abaraogu UO. (2020). Physiotherapists’ role during hospital-to-home transition for older adults with hip fracture and mobility limitation: A research protocol. International Journal of Care Coordination, 23(2-3), 123-128. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F2053434520937408. 

  • **Adandom II, Jumbo SU, Diameta E, Nwankwo HC, Akinola B, Kalu ME. (2020). Managing psycho-social-cognitive factors during hip/knee fracture rehabilitation for older adults: Clinicians' experiences. Nigerian Hospital Practice, 26(1-2), 23-32.

  • **Nwankwo HC, Akinrolie O, Adandom I, Obi PC, Ojembe BU, Kalu ME. (2019). The clinical experiences of Nigerian physiotherapists in managing environmental and socioeconomic determinants of mobility for older adults. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 37(12):1391-1403. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2019.1700579

  • Kalu ME, Vlachantoni A, Norman KE. (2019). Knowledge about risk factors for falls and practice about fall prevention in older adults among physiotherapists in Nigeria. Physiotherapy Research International, 24(1), e1742. https://doi.org/10.1002/pri.1742



 



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




  • **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


  • 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




  • 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




  • Akinrolie O, Okoh AC, Kalu ME. (2020). Intergenerational support between older adults and adult children in Nigeria: The role of reciprocity. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 63(5), 478-498. https://doi.org/10.1080/01634372.2020.1768459. 




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

Supervision

Currently available to supervise graduate students: Yes

Currently taking on work-study students, Graduate Assistants or Volunteers: Yes

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.