Dr Claire Melanie Boucher

Claire gained her first-class undergraduate degree in BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science from Canterbury Christ Church University in 2017, focusing her studies on increasing physical activity in clinical and inactive populations. This supported her industry experience as a personal trainer and exercise referral instructor and enabled her to support more individuals. 

Following her undergraduate degree, Claire joined the University of Kent in 2019 as a graduate teaching assistant whilst she completed her PhD supervised by Dr. Kyra De Coninck and Prof. Lex Mauger. Claire completed her PhD titled “Can ultrasound imaging be used to detect adaptations in the thoracolumbar fascia of people with lower back pain?” in 2023 and now continues her research to investigate fascia. 

Alongside her work at the University of Kent, Claire is an executive director for the Fascia Research Society where she assists with the organisation of the International Fascia Research Congress amongst other roles.

Claire is particularly interested in continuing her research on the thoracolumbar fascia, with a focus on understanding the morphological differences seen using ultrasound imaging. 

Likewise, from her research and industry experience she is interested in the use of physical activity as an adjunctive treatment for lower back pain and other chronic health conditions.

You will find Claire teaching across the BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science and BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation degrees on the following modules: 

SPOR5230 Exercise Prescription, Referral and Rehabilitation

SPOR3530 – Sport and Remedial Massage 

SPOR5580 – Soft Tissue Techniques