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Associate Professor

Tim XU

SIT Ethics Committee Member
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Sydney, Australia
Cluster:
Health and Social Sciences
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Biography

Dr. Tim Xu is an esteemed Occupational Therapy Associate Professor at the Singapore Institute of Technology. With a PhD in Health Sciences from the University of Sydney, Australia, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his field. With over 24 years of experience, Dr. Xu has dedicated his career to working with older adults and stroke survivors in community rehabilitation settings in Singapore and Australia.

Dr. Xu's passion for promoting active participation and independent living in the community has led him to collaborate closely with various community organizations. Through his dedicated efforts, he has successfully developed two groundbreaking programs. The first, the Community Reintegration after Stroke program (formerly known as the Stepping On after Stroke program), aims to support stroke survivors in their journey towards regaining independence and reintegrating into their communities. The second program, known as Say No To Frailty, caters to the needs of community-living older adults, helping them maintain their physical functions, self-efficacy, and overall well-being.

The Say No To Frailty program has proven to be a resounding success, showcasing significant clinical effectiveness in various health outcomes such as physical functions, self-efficacy, community participation, and fall reductions. This remarkable achievement has gained recognition and acclaim, leading to its inclusion in the National Frailty Strategy Policy Report published by the Ministry of Health, Singapore in 2023.

Driven by his commitment to improving the lives of older adults in the community, Dr. Xu is currently focused on rolling out the Say No To Frailty program to a wider audience in Singapore. By extending its reach, he aims to empower more older adults and enhance their quality of life through active engagement and independence.

SIT Appointments

  • SIT Ethics Committee Member
    – Present
  • Deputy Programme Director, SIT BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
    –
  • Lecturer
    –

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy
    University of Sydney , Australia
  • Master of Occupational Therapy
    La Trobe University , Australia
  • Bachelor in Sciences (Occupational Therapy)
    Curtin University of Technology , Australia
  • Diploma in Occupational Therapy
    Nanyang Polytechnic , Singapore

Achievements

  • First prize, Outstanding Paper of the First "One Belt One Road" Evidence Science Forum in China
  • Finalist of the Innovation of the Year – Health Programme, the 8th Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards, Singapore
  • Bronze A’Design Award, A’Design Award & Competition (Differently Abled & Seniors Assistance Design Category), Milan Italy
  • Service Appreciation Award (5 years), Singapore Institute of Technology
  • Best Clinician Innovation Award, Singapore National Occupational Therapy Conference 2018
  • Silver Award, Singapore Health Quality Service Award
  • Long Service Award (10 years), Ang Mo Kio - They Hua Kwan Hospital
  • MOH HMDP-ILTC Overseas Scholarship Award (Master of Occupational Therapy, Latrobe University)
    –

Professional Certification

  • Certificate in Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
    University of Alabama, USA / St Luke’s Hospital, Singapore
  • Advanced Certificate in Neuro- Developmental Treatment (NDT) (Hands & Gait Training)
    Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association (USA) / St Luke’s Hospital, Singapore
  • Certificate in Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT) in the management and treatment of adult with hemiplegia
    Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association (USA) / St Luke’s Hospital, Singapore

Professional Memberships

  • Member, Gerontological Society of Singapore
    – Present
  • Registered Occupational Therapist, Singapore Allied Health Professions Council
    – Present
  • Member of Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists
    – Present
  • World Federation of Occupational Therapists
    –

Corporate Experience

  • Committee member, Building and Construction Authority Code Review Committee
    Present
  • Member, Community Rehabilitation Transformation Workgroup, Ministry of Health, Singapore
    Present
  • Co-chair, Volunteer Committee, National Kidney Foundatoin, Singapore
    Present
  • Expert reviewer, World Health Organization Rehabilitation Programme on the development of the Package of Interventions for Stroke Rehabilitation
    –
  • Cluster Outreach Committee Chairperson, Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology
    –
  • Chairperson, SAOT Powered Mobility Clinical Practice Guideline Committee
    –
  • Member, Singapore Allied Health Professions Council Complaint Committee
    –
  • Organizing Chairperson, 3rd & 4th Singapore National Occupational Therapy Conference. 2012 - 2013
    –
  • Operation manager/Principal Occupational Therapist, Thye Hua Kwan Therapy Services
    –
  • Executive Council Member, Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists (SAOT)
    –
  • Principal Occupational Therapist, Ang Mo Kio – Thye Hua Kwan Hospital
    –
  • Centre manager, Day Rehabilitation Centre, Ang Mo Kio – Thye Hua Kwan Hospital
    –
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Research Interests

  • Community stroke rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation technology
  • Frailty management in older adults
  • Falls prevention in older adults and people after stroke

Current Projects

  • Effectiveness of a multicomponent frailty management program for community-dwelling older adults in Singapore: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial Study
    – Present

Past Projects

  • Evaluation and Development of Falls Prevention and Management in the Community of Central and North of Singapore for older adults age 65 years and above
    –
  • Developing a community reintegration after stroke program for community-living stroke survivors in Singapore
    –
  • Piloting the Stepping On after Stroke fall prevention program in Singapore (Principal Investigator)
    –

    Funded by Singapore Association of Occupational Therapists Research Grant

  • Arm Skate Rehabilitation Device for Post-Stroke Exercise (Co-investigator)
    –

    Funded by Singapore Institute of Technology Ignition Grant 

  • Tele-Rehabilitative Technologies for Home Therapy in Patients in Need of Post-Discharge Rehabilitation (Co-investigator)
    –

    Funded by Singapore Millennium Foundation

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Journal Papers

  • Xu., T. (2024). Falls prevention and frailty management in community-living older adults: Current challenges in community practices. Journal of Geriatric Medicine. 6(1): 1-6. https://doi.org/10.30564/jgm.v5i1.6339

  • Xu., T., Soh., S.L.H., Chua., C., Pearpilai., J., Wee., S.L. (2024). Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a multicomponent frailty management program “Say No To Frailty” in Singapore: A cluster-randomized controlled trial protocol. Contemporary Clinical Trials. 107546. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2024.107546

  • Lai, W.X., Chan, A.W., Ansah, J.P., Matchar, D.B., Wong, C.H., Lien, C.T.C., Ismail, N.H., Ho, V.W.T., Tan, P.J., Xu, T., Manap, N., Sim, R.S.C., Lee, J.M.L. (2023). Group Model Building on Causes and Interventions for Falls in Singapore: Insights from a Systems Thinking Approach. BMC Geriatrics, 21(3), 1-17.

  • Poh, J.X.Y., Chan, K.H., Tan, S.S.L. & Xu, T. (2023). Occupational therapists’ perceptions of the feasibility of using tele-assessment for remote prescription of assistive devices in Singapore: A qualitative study. Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-230168 

  • Qu, X., Hua, Y., Xu, T. & Khan, B.A. (2023). Sociodemographic and health-related determinants for activity participation among patients receiving haemodialysis in community-based centres in Singapore. The Singapore Family Physician, 49(8), 70-79. 

  • Koh, V. J. W., Matchar, D. B., Chan, A. W. M., Lee, J. M. L., Lai, W. X., Rosario, D., ... & Xu, T. (2023). Reducing falls among community-dwelling older adults from clinicians’ perspectives: A systems modelling approach. Innovation in Aging, igad077. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igad077

  • Tan, P. J., Ginting, M. L., Lim, Z. Z. B., Balachandar, N., Sultana, R., Kadir, M. M., Xu. T., ... & Wong, C. H. (2023). Pragmatic multicentre stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial to investigate the effectiveness of community-based falls prevention programme for older adults with falls risk in Singapore: a protocol paper. BMJ open, 13(6), e072029. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072029

  • Xu, T., Yeh, T., Ng, Y.J., Wong, W.R., Koh, S.J. (2023). Testing the effects of a Multicomponent Frailty Management Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Singapore: A Feasibility Study. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2022-0084.

  • Soh, S.L.-H, Tan, C.W., Xu, T., Yeh, T.-T., Bte Abdul Rahman, F., Soon, B., Gleeson, N., &  Lane, J. (2022): The Balance Recovery Confidence (BRC) Scale, Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2022.2135420

  • Lim, P.Y., Chia, C.H.W., Ong, S.L., Lim, M.L & Xu, T. (2022). The impact of mobility scooter on occupational participation among older adults in Singapore: An exploratory study, Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology,  1-9 https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2022.2121008   

  • Lee, P.N., Lee, J.A., & Xu, T. (2022). Impact of COVID-19 on the lifestyles among Singaporean adults: A qualitative study. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12812

  • Soh, S. L.-H., Lane, J., Gleeson, N., Xu, T., Bte Abdul Rahman, F., Yeh, T.-T., Soon, B., & Tan, C.-W. (2021). Validation of a new patient-reported outcome measure of balance recovery confidence (BRC) for community-dwelling older adults: A study protocol. Physical Therapy Reviews, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/10833196.2021.1938867

  • Soh, S.L.-H.,  Tan, C.W., Thomas, J.I., Tan, G., Xu, T., Ng, Y.L., Lane, J. (2021). Falls efficacy: Extending the understanding of self-efficacy in older adults towards managing falls. Journal of Frailty, Sarcopenia and Falls, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.22540%2FJFSF-06-131

  • Soh, S. L.-H., Lane, J., Xu, T., Gleeson, N., & Tan, C. W. (2021). Falls efficacy instruments for community-dwelling older adults: a COSMIN-based systematic review. BMC geriatrics, 21(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-020-01960-7

  • Soh, S. L.-H., Lane, J., Gleeson, N., Xu, T., Bte Abdul Rahman, F., Yeh, T.-T., Soon, B., & Tan, C.-W. (2021). Validation of a new patient-reported outcome measure of balance recovery confidence (BRC) for community-dwelling older adults: A study protocol. Physical Therapy Reviews, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/10833196.2021.1938867

  • Xu, T., Clemson, L., O’Loughlin, K., Lannin, N., Dean, C., & Koh, G. (2020). The Stepping On after Stroke fall prevention program for community stroke survivors in Singapore: A feasibility study. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 86(4), 366-375. https://doi.org/10.1177/0308022620946640

  • Xu, T., O’Loughlin, K., Clemson, L., Lannin, N. A., Dean, C., & Koh, G. (2019). Developing a falls prevention program for community-dwelling stroke survivors in Singapore: Client and caregiver perspectives. Disability and Rehabilitation, 41(9), 1044-1054. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2017.1419293

  • Xu, T., O’loughlin, K., Clemson, L., Lannin, N. A., Koh, G., & Dean, C. (2019). Therapists’ perspectives on adapting the Stepping On falls prevention programme for community-dwelling stroke survivors in Singapore. Disability and Rehabilitation, 41(21), 2528-2537. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2018.1471168

  • Xu, T., Clemson, L., O’Loughlin, K., Lannin, N., Dean, C., & Koh, G. (2017). Fall risk factors for community stroke survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 99(3), 563-573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2017.06.032

  • Wang, P., Koh, G. C. H., Boucharenc, C. G., Xu, T. M., & Yen, C. C. (2017, March). Developing a Tangible Gaming Board for Post-Stroke Upper Limb Functional Training. In Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction (pp. 617-624). ACM.

  • Kumar, Y., Yen, S. C., Tay, A., Lee, W., Gao, F., Xu, T., ... & Koh, K. (2015). Wireless wearable range-of-motion sensor system for upper and lower extremity joints: A validation study. Healthcare technology letters, 2(1), 12-17. https://doi.org/10.1049/htl.2014.0100

  • Lee, W., Yen, S., Tay, E., Zhao, Z., Xu, T., Koh, K., Ng, Y., Chew, E., Cheong, A. & Koh, G. (2014). A smartphone-centric system for the range of motion assessment in stroke patients. IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics, 18(6), 1839-1847. https://doi.org/10.1109/JBHI.2014.2301449

Conferences

  • Xu, T. (2023). Frailty management in community-living older adults (keynote speech). The 4th International Conference on Aging and Gerontology 2023, 2-4 June, Chendu, China.

  • Xu, T., Lim, P.Y., Chia, C.H.W., Sing, L.O. & Lim, M.L. (2022). The impact of mobility scooter on occupational participation among older adults in Singapore: an exploratory study, World Federation of Occupational Therapy Congress, 28-31 August, Paris, France.

  • Xu, T., Yeh, T., Ng, Y.J., Wong, W.R., Koh, S.J. (2022). Feasibility and effectiveness of a multicomponent frailty management program in Singapore: A pilot-controlled trial. Seirei International Research Conference 2022, 3-4 March, Hamamatsu, Japan.

  • Xu, T. (2021). Frailty management in community-living older adults. The 3rd China Evidence-Based Social Science Alliance (Campbell China Alliance) Academic Annual Conference and the 1st "Belt and Road" Evidence Science Forum, 19 December, Nanjing Technology University, China.

  • Xu, T. (2021). Can a multicomponent frailty management program reduce falls in older adults? The 9th Biennial Australian and New Zealand Falls Prevention Conference (ANZFPS 2021), 1-3 December, Auckland, New Zealand.

  • Xu, T. (2021). Frailty and falls in community-living older adults (keynote speech). The International Conference on Aging & Gerontology 2021, 1-3 June, Guilin, China.

  • Xu, T. (2019). Testing the acceptability and applicability of the group-based Community Reintegration After Stroke Program in Singapore. Rehabilitation International Asia Pacific Regional Conference 2019, 26 June 2019, Macau, China.

  • Xu, T., Clemson, L., O’Loughlin, K., Lannin, N., Koh, G., & Dean, C. (2018). Piloting the Stepping On after Stroke program in Singapore: A feasibility study. 8th Biennial Australia and New Zealand Falls Prevention Conference. 19 November 2018, Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

  • Xu, T. (2018). Piloting an Occupation-focused frailty management program in community-living older adults in Singapore. National Occupational Therapy Conference 2018, 20 October, One Farrer Hotel & Spa, Singapore.

  • Xu, T., Clemson, L., O’Loughlin, K., Lannin, N., Dean, C., & Koh, G. (2017, November). Piloting the Stepping On after Stroke program for community stroke survivors in Singapore: a feasibility study. Paper presented at the 8th National Occupational Therapy Conference, Singapore.

  • Xu, T., Clemson, L., O’Loughlin, K., Lannin, N., & Dean, C. (2017, July). Understanding falls prevention after stroke from client and family perspectives in Singapore. Paper presented at the Occupational Therapy Australia 27th National Conference and Exhibition 2017, Perth, WA, Australia.

  • Xu, T., Clemson, L., O’Loughlin, K., Lannin, N., & Dean, C. (2017, October). Determining the key elements of Stepping On after Stroke falls prevention program for community stroke survivors: a modified Delphi study. Paper presented at the 1st Asia-Pacific Occupational Therapy Symposium, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, China.

  • Wang, P., Koh, G. C. H., Boucharenc, C. G., Xu, T. M., & Yen, C. C. (2017, March). Developing a Tangible Gaming Board for Post-Stroke Upper Limb Functional Training. In Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction (pp. 617-624). ACM

  • Xu, T., Clemson, L., O’Loughlin, K., Lannin, N., & Dean, C. (2016, November). Therapists’ perspectives on adapting stepping on falls prevention program for community stroke survivors in Singapore. Paper presented at the 10th Pan-Pacific Conference on Rehabilitation, Shanghai, China.

  • Xu, T., Clemson, L., O’Loughlin, K., Lannin, N., & Dean, C. (2016, November). Fall risk factors for community stroke survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Paper presented at the 7th Biennial Australian and New Zealand Falls Prevention Conference, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

  • Xu, T., Clemson, L., O’Loughlin, K., Lannin, N., & Dean, C. (2015, October). Fall risk factors for community stroke survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis (Preliminary findings). Paper presented at the 6th National Occupational Therapy Conference, Singapore.

  • Xu, T., Clemson, L., O’Loughlin, K., Lannin, N., & Dean, C. (2015, October). Fall risk factors for community stroke survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Poster presentation at Singapore Health & Biomedical Congress, Singapore.

  • Xu, T. (2013, October). Community Rehabilitation & Wellness Programme for Seniors. Paper presented at the 4th National Occupational Therapy Conference, Singapore.

  • Ng, Z.J., Rajaratnam, B. & Xu, T.M. (2012, July). Can virtual reality integrated within conventional rehabilitation enhance balance recovery after stroke? Paper presented at the 6th International Conference on Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology, Singapore.

  • Xu, T. (2012, October). Rehabilitation model for community hospitals in Singapore: Integrated Rehabilitation Program (IRP) towards seamless care. Paper presented at the 3rd National Occupational Therapy Conference, Singapore.

  • Xu, T., Lim, J & Toh, E.L.S. (2011, November). Falls in the elderly population in Singapore: when, why, what, where and how? Poster presented at the 5th Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

  • Xu, T. (2011, August). Community independent living for the elderly in Singapore. Paper presented at Defence, Science and Research Conference, Singapore.

  • Xu, T. (2011, November). Integrated Rehabilitation Program (IRP) in a Community Hospital in Singapore: A New Approach From Occupational Therapists’ Perspective. Poster presented at the 5th Asia Pacific Occupational Therapy Congress, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

  • Xu, T. & Teh, C. (2010, October). Effectiveness and efficacy in lower limb amputee rehab in a community hospital in Singapore. Paper presented at the 7th Pan-pacific Conference on Rehabilitation, Hong Kong.

  • Xu, T., Lim, P.Y., Chia, H.W.C, Ong, S.L., & Lim, L.M. (2022 Aug). The impact of mobility scooter on occupational participation among older adults in Singapore: an exploratory study. The WFOT International Congress 2022, France, Paris. 

Books

  • Koh W.K., Nguyen Q.H., Yang Y.O., Xu T., Nguyen B.P., Chua M.C.H. (2021). End-to-End Hand Rehabilitation System with Single-Shot Gesture Classification for Stroke Patients. In: Phuong N.H., Kreinovich V. (eds) Soft Computing: Biomedical and Related Applications. Studies in Computational Intelligence, vol 981. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76620-7_5

  • Xue, A., Tan, A., Chong, D., and Xu, T. (2020). Applied education, vocational and professional education design and multi-disciplinarity: co-creation in practice. In Hong, C., & Ma, W. W. (Ed.), Applied degree education and the future of work. Singapore: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-3142-2

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Teaching Modules

Occupational Therapy, BSc

  • OTY1008 - Leisure and Community Participation
  • HSC4003 - Professionalism, Ethics and Global Health – An IPE Approach

Occupational Therapy, BSc (Hons)

  • OTY1102 - Occupational Therapy Process and Skills
  • OTY3003 - Contemporary Occupational Therapy Practice with Older Adults
  • OTY3004 - Chronic Disease Management, Palliative Care and Occupational Performance

Diagnostic Radiography, BSc

  • HSC4003 - Professionalism, Ethics and Global Health – An IPE Approach

Physiotherapy, BSc (Hons)

  • HSC4003 - Professionalism, Ethics and Global Health – An IPE Approach

Radiation Therapy, BSc (Hons)

  • HSC4003 - Professionalism, Ethics and Global Health – An IPE Approach

Dietetics and Nutrition, BSc (Hons)

  • HSC4003 - Professionalism, Ethics and Global Health – An IPE Approach

Speech and Language Therapy, BSc (Hons)

  • HSC4003 - Professionalism, Ethics and Global Health – An IPE Approach

Past

  • HSC3002 - Professionalism, Ethics and Legal Aspects of Healthcare (1611)
  • HSC4002 - Interprofessional and Professional Issues for Entry into Practice (1621)
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