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Dr Katrina Williams
Dr

Katrina Williams

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 54507

Overview

Background

I am a physiotherapist with a clinical specialty in the management of individuals with neurological conditions and vestibular disorders. I have a keen interest in examining how the body's balance systems, including the inner ear (vestibular system), eyes (ocular system), and sensory modalities (touch, proprioception), interact with the brain to optimize movement control, functionality, physical activity, and participation outcomes for individuals affected by neurological and vestibular pathologies. This includes conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebellar dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease, myasthenia gravis, motor neuron disease, concussion, Meniere's disease, vestibular migraines, acoustic neuromas, and age-related vestibular dysfunction. Additionally, I am interested in the influence of lifestyle choices on vestibular system functioning and integration, particularly how factors such as physical activity, community integration, sleep, and overall wellness affect both neurological and vestibular conditions, including Meniere's disease, vestibular migraines, and age-related vestibular dysfunction.

Availability

Dr Katrina Williams is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland
  • Masters (Coursework), University of Sydney
  • Postgraduate Diploma, University of Sydney
  • Doctor of Philosophy of Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
  • Member, Australian Physiotherapy Association, Australian Physiotherapy Association

Research interests

  • Exploration of mobility in persons with Multiple Sclerosis - impact of disability level on assessment and treatment

    Exploring how disability levels play a role in assessment needs and finding in people with MS, to expand on treatment options.

  • Sensory and vestibular funciton in people with Multiple Sclerosis

    Understanding the role of somatosensory and vestibular impairments and how this influences movement control, participation and physical activity.

  • Exploring Biosocial and Physical markers affecting balance outcomes in persons with Neurological and Vestibular Disorders

    Understanding the intersection of symptoms and body structure impairments that impact of physical function - balance - participation.

  • Symptom impacts on function and quality of life in persons with Meniere's Disease

    How symptoms reported and body structure impairments influence activity, participation, sleep and physical activity in persons with Meniere's Disease and their pathology load.

  • Using vestibular and oculomotor assessment to diagnose and manage concussion across the lifespan

    Can oculomotor and vestibular assessments identify concussion or persistent concussive symptoms.

  • Exploring function in persons with Myasthenia Gravis

    Understanding the silent symptoms and body function in persons with MG and their impacts on Lifestyle behaviors including Physical Activity and Sleep.

  • Developing a biosocial and physical model to predict fatigue impacts in people with Multiple Sclerosis

    Establishing the complexity of symptoms and body structure impairment contribution to fatigue so optimal assessment and treatment can be explore to reduce fatigue in people with MS

Research impacts

My research on individuals with Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, Migraines, and Vestibular pathologies has deepened clinicians' understanding of patient assessments, emphasizing disability level as a crucial factor in evaluating system impairment and its impact on functionality. This work has underscored the roles of physical activity and sleep dysfunction as key behavioral traits that can be modified, thereby presenting opportunities for improved functional and pathology outcomes, further findings have highlighted the need to consider balance and function outcomes using a bio-social and physical model, underpinning the integration of key somato-sensory systems as an interface to motor outputs for balance and function. The insights gained from my research have identified gaps in medical diagnostic wellness, advocating for adaptations in medical delivery models to enhance patient outcomes throughout their lifespan. Furthermore, my collaboration with the Whirled Foundation (formerly known as Meniere's Australia) has provided critical evidence to the National Government during the Hearing Health Australia initiative, advocating for the vestibular system to be recognized as a vital area affected by hearing dysfunctions and recommending it for further research exploration.

Works

Search Professor Katrina Williams’s works on UQ eSpace

37 works between 2009 and 2024

1 - 20 of 37 works

2024

Journal Article

Perspectives of people with myasthenia gravis on physical activity and experience of physical activity advice from health professionals in the Australian context: a qualitative study

Alsop, Tahlia, Cassimatis, Marianna, Williams, Katrina L. and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2024). Perspectives of people with myasthenia gravis on physical activity and experience of physical activity advice from health professionals in the Australian context: a qualitative study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1-8. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2338877

Perspectives of people with myasthenia gravis on physical activity and experience of physical activity advice from health professionals in the Australian context: a qualitative study

2023

Journal Article

Exploring impairments and allied health professional utilisation in people with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study

Cavanagh, Neve, Shrubsole, Kirstine, Alsop, Tahlia and Williams, Katrina (2023). Exploring impairments and allied health professional utilisation in people with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 114, 9-16. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2023.05.012

Exploring impairments and allied health professional utilisation in people with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study

2023

Journal Article

Clinimetrics: Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12)

Williams, Katrina and Hatton, Anna (2023). Clinimetrics: Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12). Journal of Physiotherapy, 69 (4), 275-275. doi: 10.1016/j.jphys.2023.08.004

Clinimetrics: Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12)

2022

Journal Article

Effects of wearing textured versus smooth shoe insoles for 12 weeks on gait, foot sensation and patient-reported outcomes, in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled trial

Hatton, Anna L., Williams, Katrina, Chatfield, Mark D., Hurn, Sheree, Maharaj, Jayishni N., Gane, Elise M., Cattagni, Thomas, Dixon, John, Rome, Keith, Kerr, Graham and Brauer, Sandra G. (2022). Effects of wearing textured versus smooth shoe insoles for 12 weeks on gait, foot sensation and patient-reported outcomes, in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled trial. Brain Impairment, 24 (2) PII S144396462200033X, 1-20. doi: 10.1017/brimp.2022.33

Effects of wearing textured versus smooth shoe insoles for 12 weeks on gait, foot sensation and patient-reported outcomes, in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled trial

2022

Other Outputs

Exploring the relationship between sensory symptoms, function and participation in people with Multiple Sclerosis

Williams, Katrina (2022). Exploring the relationship between sensory symptoms, function and participation in people with Multiple Sclerosis. PhD Thesis, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/1059a4b

Exploring the relationship between sensory symptoms, function and participation in people with Multiple Sclerosis

2022

Journal Article

Immediate effects of wearing textured versus smooth insoles on standing balance and spatiotemporal gait patterns when walking over even and uneven surfaces in people with multiple sclerosis

Hatton, Anna L., Williams, Katrina, Chatfield, Mark D., Hurn, Sheree E., Maharaj, Jayishni N., Gane, Elise M., Cattagni, Thomas, Dixon, John, Rome, Keith, Kerr, Graham and Brauer, Sandra G. (2022). Immediate effects of wearing textured versus smooth insoles on standing balance and spatiotemporal gait patterns when walking over even and uneven surfaces in people with multiple sclerosis. Disability and Rehabilitation, 45 (20), 1-9. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2122600

Immediate effects of wearing textured versus smooth insoles on standing balance and spatiotemporal gait patterns when walking over even and uneven surfaces in people with multiple sclerosis

2022

Journal Article

Fragmented care and missed opportunities: the experiences of adults with myasthenia gravis in accessing and receiving allied health care in Australia

Devlin, Isobel, Williams, Katrina L. and Shrubsole, Kirstine (2022). Fragmented care and missed opportunities: the experiences of adults with myasthenia gravis in accessing and receiving allied health care in Australia. Disability and Rehabilitation, 45 (15), 1-9. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2094481

Fragmented care and missed opportunities: the experiences of adults with myasthenia gravis in accessing and receiving allied health care in Australia

2022

Journal Article

An investigation of sensorimotor impairments in individuals 4 weeks to 6 months following mild traumatic brain injury

Galea, Olivia, O'Leary, Shaun, Williams, Katrina and Treleaven, Julia (2022). An investigation of sensorimotor impairments in individuals 4 weeks to 6 months following mild traumatic brain injury. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 103 (5), 921-928. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.10.029

An investigation of sensorimotor impairments in individuals 4 weeks to 6 months following mild traumatic brain injury

2022

Journal Article

Walking impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis: the impact of complex motor and non-motor symptoms across the disability spectrum

Williams, Katrina L. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2022). Walking impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis: the impact of complex motor and non-motor symptoms across the disability spectrum. Australian Journal of General Practice, 51 (4), 215-219. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-08-21-6116

Walking impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis: the impact of complex motor and non-motor symptoms across the disability spectrum

2022

Journal Article

Concurrent validity of the Garmin Vivofit®4 to accurately record step count in older adults in challenging environments

Foster, Jacinta I., Williams, Katrina L., Timmer, Barbra H.B. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2022). Concurrent validity of the Garmin Vivofit®4 to accurately record step count in older adults in challenging environments. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 30 (5), 1-9. doi: 10.1123/japa.2021-0231

Concurrent validity of the Garmin Vivofit®4 to accurately record step count in older adults in challenging environments

2022

Journal Article

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study

Alsop, Tahlia, Williams, Katrina and Gomersall, Sjaan (2022). Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases, 9 (1), 137-146. doi: 10.3233/jnd-210722

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study

2022

Journal Article

The association between hearing impairment and postural stability in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Foster, Jacinta I., Williams, Katrina L., Timmer, Barbra H. B. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2022). The association between hearing impairment and postural stability in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Trends in Hearing, 26, 1-22. doi: 10.1177/23312165221144155

The association between hearing impairment and postural stability in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021

Journal Article

Do people with Myasthenia Gravis need speech-language pathology services? A national survey of consumers’ experiences and perspectives

Shrubsole, Kirstine, Davies, Chloe and Williams, Katrina L. (2021). Do people with Myasthenia Gravis need speech-language pathology services? A national survey of consumers’ experiences and perspectives. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 24 (2), 1-12. doi: 10.1080/17549507.2021.1961862

Do people with Myasthenia Gravis need speech-language pathology services? A national survey of consumers’ experiences and perspectives

2020

Journal Article

Center-based group and home-based individual exercise programs have similar impacts on gait and balance in people with Multiple Sclerosis: a randomised trial

Williams, K., Low Choy, N. and Brauer, S.G. (2020). Center-based group and home-based individual exercise programs have similar impacts on gait and balance in people with Multiple Sclerosis: a randomised trial. PM&R, 13 (1) pmrj.12377, 9-18. doi: 10.1002/pmrj.12377

Center-based group and home-based individual exercise programs have similar impacts on gait and balance in people with Multiple Sclerosis: a randomised trial

2019

Conference Publication

Vestibular migraine: can oculomotor, vestibular and postural stability measures aid in identification of vestibular migraine patients?

Alsop, K., Treleavan, J. and Williams, K. L. (2019). Vestibular migraine: can oculomotor, vestibular and postural stability measures aid in identification of vestibular migraine patients?. Transform - Australian Physiotherapy Association Conferene, Adelaide, SA Australia, 16-19 October 2019.

Vestibular migraine: can oculomotor, vestibular and postural stability measures aid in identification of vestibular migraine patients?

2019

Conference Publication

Feedback provided to physiotherapy students by standardised patients: key stakeholder perspectives

Mandrusiak, Allison, Forbes, Roma and Williams, Katrina (2019). Feedback provided to physiotherapy students by standardised patients: key stakeholder perspectives. Australian Physiotherapy Association National Conference, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 17-19 October, 2019.

Feedback provided to physiotherapy students by standardised patients: key stakeholder perspectives

2019

Conference Publication

Identifying biophysical markers that predict perceived walking, balance and physical life in people with Multiple Sclerosis

Williams, K. L, Low Choy, N. L and Braeur, S. G (2019). Identifying biophysical markers that predict perceived walking, balance and physical life in people with Multiple Sclerosis. Transform - Australian Physiotherapy Association Conference, Adelaide, SA Australia, 16-19 October 2019.

Identifying biophysical markers that predict perceived walking, balance and physical life in people with Multiple Sclerosis

2017

Journal Article

Simulator sickness in patients with neck pain and vestibular pathology during virtual reality tasks

Tyrrell, Ryan, Sarig-Bahat, Hilla, Williams, Katrina, Williams, Grace and Treleaven, Julia (2017). Simulator sickness in patients with neck pain and vestibular pathology during virtual reality tasks. Virtual Reality, 22 (3), 1-9. doi: 10.1007/s10055-017-0324-1

Simulator sickness in patients with neck pain and vestibular pathology during virtual reality tasks

2017

Journal Article

Cervical kinematics in patients with vestibular pathology vs. patients with neck pain: a pilot study

Williams, Grace, Sarig-Bahat, Hilla, Williams, Katrina, Tyrrell, Ryan and Treleaven, Julia (2017). Cervical kinematics in patients with vestibular pathology vs. patients with neck pain: a pilot study. Journal of Vestibular Research-Equilibrium & Orientation, 27 (2-3), 137-145. doi: 10.3233/VES-170615

Cervical kinematics in patients with vestibular pathology vs. patients with neck pain: a pilot study

2017

Journal Article

Use of neck torsion as a specific test of neck related postural instability

Williams, Katrina, Tarmizi, Ahmad and Treleaven, Julia (2017). Use of neck torsion as a specific test of neck related postural instability. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 29, 115-119. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.03.012

Use of neck torsion as a specific test of neck related postural instability

Funding

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2027
    Losing touch: Exploring the neurophysiological effects of bionic sensory insole technology for balance rehabilitation
    NHMRC IDEAS Grants
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2018 - 2024
    The effect of individualised, vibrotactile neurofeedback training on postural stability in older adults with hearing impairment: a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial
    Sonova AG
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Establishing a Sonova-UQ Hearing and Balance Research Centre
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2019
    Improving gait by way of plantar tactile stimulation: an exploratory randomized controlled trial of the effects of prolonged wear of textured shoe insoles in people with Multiple Sclerosis
    Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Dr Katrina Williams is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • Influence of somato-sensory and vestibular function in people with Neurological Pathologies

    Understanding the impact or influence of patient symptoms and body structure impairments on function, physical activity, sleep in people with Neurological and Vestibular Pathologies would enhance the development of more individualised and targeted treatment.

  • Exploring the influence of optimal Physical activity, participation and sleep on patient symptoms and body structure function in persons with Neurological and Vestibular disorders

    Purpose to gain an understanding the potential protective or restorative benefits of modifiable behavioural lifestyle choices, such as sleep and physical activity on patient symptoms and body structure impairments for improvement in quality of life and reduction of medical intevention requirements.

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Implementing visual rehabilitation for stroke and brain injury survivors

    Principal Advisor

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Postural stability and vestibular function in older adults with hearing loss: the effect of vibrotactile neurofeedback training

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Barbra Timmer, Professor Sandy Brauer

Media

Enquiries

Contact Dr Katrina Williams directly for media enquiries about:

  • Balance
  • Cerebellar
  • Dizziness
  • Meniere's Disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Neurological disorders
  • Oculomotor
  • Parkinsons
  • Physical Activity
  • Physiotherapy
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Vertigo
  • Vestibular
  • Vision
  • Walking

Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

communications@uq.edu.au