
Education
BS in Physical Therapy, University of Ibadan
MS in Physical Therapy, Obafemi Awolowo University
PhD in Neurologic Physical Therapy, Obafemi Awolowo University
Postdoc in Neurorehabilitation and Health Services Research, University of British Columbia
Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
General Background
Dr. Obembe’s journey has taken her through clinical practice, teaching, and research across Nigeria, Canada, and the United States. Across these settings, she has built strong expertise in evidence-based practice, guiding students to critically appraise research, translate evidence into clinical decision-making, and bridge the gap between what the literature recommends and what patients truly need in real-world contexts. At College of Saint Mary, she teaches and mentors students in research in graduate health professions programs. She is known for making research feel approachable and relevant, guiding students with clarity, patience, and high expectations, while reminding them that behind every data point is a real human story. Her research interests focus on neurorehabilitation, particularly in improving function, participation, and quality of life.
Additional Information
Smith, M. E., Osborne, M., Stussy, C., Cain, M., & Obembe, A. (2025). Effects of virtual reality on social participation & occupational engagement among adults with a traumatic brain injury: A systematic review (Abstract). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(Supplement_2), 7911500389p1-7911500389p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.79S2-PO374
Hoppe, M., Eastman, M., Peterson, C., Watts-Johnson, A., Obembe, A., & Riley, B. (2025). Social groups for improving social participation & symptoms in postpartum depression: A systematic review (Abstract). The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(Supplement_2), 7911500398p1-7911500398p1. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.79S2-PO383
Balogun, J. A., & Obembe, A. O. (2025). Physical therapist management of Poliomyelitis. In Balogun, J. A. (Ed.), Contemporary and Global Perspectives in Physical Therapy. Springer. https://link.springer.com/book/9783031865572 (Book Chapter)
Ahmad, R. Y., Balogun, J. A., Obembe, A. O., & Obajuluwa, A. M. (2025). Physical therapist management of stroke. In Balogun, J. A. (Ed.), Contemporary and Global Perspectives in Physical Therapy. Springer. https://link.springer.com/book/9783031865572 (Book Chapter)
Obembe, A. O., Odole, C. O., & Akinnawo, A. O. (2024). Effectiveness of physical therapy interventions via telerehabilitation in stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Physical Therapy Reviews, 29(5-6), 266-282 https://doi.org/10.1080/10833196.2024.2429341
White, M., Smith, M., Obembe, A., & Haas, K. (2024). Visualize whole-self model – An instructional design for occupational therapy education. Journal of Occupational Therapy Education, 8(4), https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/vol8/iss4/15
Obembe, A., Simpson, L., & Eng, J. (2023). The relationship between REACH scale affected arm-use assessment, activity and participation after stroke. Physiotherapy Research International, 28(4), e2010. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/pri.2010
Cusic, E., Maureen Hoppe, M., Sultenfuss, M., Jacobs, K., Holler, H., & Obembe, A. (2022). A systematic review on multisensory environments for improving outcomes of occupational engagement in dementia. Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 40(3), 275–294. https://doi.org/10.1080/02703181.2022.2028954
Shim, A., Shannon, D., Waller, M., Townsend, R., Obembe, A., & Ross, M. (2022). Tactical Vests worn by law enforcement: Is this improving stability for optimal job performance? International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. 29(1), 177–180. https://doi.org/10.1080/10803548.2021.2024993
Sakakibara, B. M., Obembe, A. O., & Eng, J. J. (2019). The prevalence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and its association with physical activity, diet, and stress in Canada: Evidence from a population-based cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, 19, 1361. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-7682-4
Obembe, A. O., Simpson, L. A., Sakakibara, B. M., & Eng, J. J. (2019). Healthcare and support service utilization after stroke – A population-based study. BMC Health Services Research, 19, 192. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4020-6
Obembe, A. O., Goldsmith, C. H., Simpson, L. A., Sakakibara, B. M., & Eng, J. J. (2018). Support service utilization and out-of-pocket payments for health services in a population-based sample of adults with neurological conditions. PLOS One, 13, e0192911. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.
Obembe, A. O., & Eng, J. J. (2016). Rehabilitation interventions for improving social participation after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 30, 384–392. https://doi.org/10.1177/1545968315597072
Obembe, A. O., Olaogun, M. O., Bamikole, A. A., Komolafe, M. A., & Odetunde, M. O. (2014). Awareness of stroke risk factors and warning signs in a Nigerian university. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 17, 749–758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2013.06.036