Dr Ashford incorporates clinical practice with research and implementation science in neurological rehabilitation. Dr Ashford has developed with local, national and international colleagues a programme of research, which builds strongly on his clinical expertise in management of spasticity and the physical aspects of neurological rehabilitation. The programme has incorporated development of outcome measurement using Goal Attainment Scaling in conjunction with measures such as the Arm Activity measure and Leg Activity measure. Dr Ashford edited the national guidelines on spasticity management published in 2018 by the Royal College of Physicians, with a revision to the guideline planned. He was awarded a Fellowship of ACPIN in 2016 and of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in 2018.

He is currently running research programmes focused on management of spasticity, in particular rehabilitation planning after spasticity treatment through a project called ‘Direct-Rehab’. A further body of research work incorporates a programme called ‘UnContract’ in considering the risk factors for contracture development in people with brain injury (often with spasticity) and how we might mitigate these to prevent contracture. Dr Ashford is also involved in projects looking at ongoing treatment with botulinum toxin, management of hemiplegic shoulder pain (particularly when spasticity is a factor) and rehabilitation within palliative and life limiting conditions (including neurological conditions).

https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/stephen-ashford(0ffaad18-c07a-41d8-a2a1-925a3fc1b3ce).html