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20022026

Research activity per year

Personal profile

Biography

Prof. Arnold Wong is a clinician-scientist. He attained his BSc in Biology from The University of Hong Kong, and BSc in Physiotherapy (first class honor) from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. After practicing as a physiotherapist in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for several years, he obtained his MPhil in Orthopaedics and Traumatology from The University of Hong Kong, and completed his PhD training from the University of Alberta, Canada. He obtained the Human Research and Medical Research Fellowship to visit the University of Sydney for further training. 

Prof. Wong’s research interests focus on identifying the mechanisms that lead to and maintain spinal disorders osteoarthritis, and musculoskeletal pain. Since the causes of spinal disorders (e.g., scoliosis) or musculoskeletal pain is multifactorial, Prof. Wong adopts multiple strategies (e.g. magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, spinal stiffness testing, AI modeling) to quantify the relative contributions of these factors in causing and maintaining pain. These findings can improve both researchers and clinicians in understanding and treating spinal disorders and musculoskeletal pain. 

Prof. Wong is ranked as one of the top 2% cited scientist in the orthopedic field according to Stanford University since 2022. He has received over 50 academic accolades from various agencies in Hong Kong, Canada, Switzerland, and the USA (e.g. Canadian Institutes of Health Research, SOSORT best paper awards 2019 and 2025, and International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine Prize 2026 in the Bioengineering Category). His research has resulted in nearly 200 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious international journals (e.g., Lancet Rheumatology, JAMA Network Open, The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Pain, Sleep Medicine Reviews, The Spine Journal, Aging Research Reviews, etc.). 

He actively contributes to the international spinal community via his leadership roles as the Deputy Editor of the European Spine Journal, Treasurer of the International Society on Scoliosis Orthpaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment, Education Committee Member of the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine (ISSLS), Co-Chair of the ISSLS Taskforcce on Diagnosis and Treatment of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, Chair of the Organizing Committee of the 20th International Forum for Back and Neck Pain Research in Primary Care. 

Research interests

  • Associations between spinal function and spinal pain
  • Spinal pain and aging
  • Psychological factors affecting spinal pain
  • Scoliosis and back pain
  • Epidemiology of back pain in different populations (e.g., dancers, teenagers, older adults)
  • Sleep and pain
  • Chronic pain and brain changes

Education/Academic qualification

Diploma in Acupuncture for Physiotherapists, Sun Yat-Sen University

Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Bachelor of Science in Biology, The University of Hong Kong

Master of Philosophy in Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong

Certificate in Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Management, The University of Hong Kong, School of Professional and Continuing Education

Foundation Certificate in Nutrition (Weight Management), The University of Hong Kong, School of Professional and Continuing Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Alberta

Keywords

  • RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

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