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
Fields of research
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Using vestibular and oculomotor assessment to diagnose and manage concussion across the lifespan
Can oculomotor and vestibular assessments identify concussion or persistent concussive symptoms.
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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.
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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
Featured
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, 47 (1), 1-8. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2338877
Featured
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
Featured
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
Featured
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
Featured
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
2024
Conference Publication
Vestibular and visual impairments and associations with walking and balance in people with Multiple Sclerosis
Williams, Katrina L. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2024). Vestibular and visual impairments and associations with walking and balance in people with Multiple Sclerosis. XXXII Bárány Society Meeting 2024, Uppsala, Sweden, 25-28 August 2024.
2024
Conference Publication
Identifying biophysical markers that predict perceived walking, balance and physical quality of life in people with Multiple Sclerosis
Williams, Katrina L. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2024). Identifying biophysical markers that predict perceived walking, balance and physical quality of life in people with Multiple Sclerosis. 38th Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Nashville, TN United States, 29 May - 1 June 2024.
2023
Conference Publication
Vestibular ocular reflex function in people with multiple sclerosis: does it impact on walking and balance?
Williams, Katrina L. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2023). Vestibular ocular reflex function in people with multiple sclerosis: does it impact on walking and balance?. NOTSA, Auckland, New Zealand, 26-28 October 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Differences in vestibular function in older adults with hearing loss, with and without a history of dizziness, or vertigo
Foster, Jacinta, Williams, Katrina L., Timmer, Barbra and Brauer, Sandra G. (2023). Differences in vestibular function in older adults with hearing loss, with and without a history of dizziness, or vertigo. NOTSA, Auckland, New Zealand, 26 - 28 October 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
The worse your hearing the worse your balance: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Foster, Jacinta, Williams, Katrina L., Timmer, Barbra and Brauer, Sandra G. (2023). The worse your hearing the worse your balance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. NOTSA, Auckland, New Zealand, 26 - 28 October 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Differences in vestibular function in older adults with hearing loss, with and without a history of dizziness, or vertigo
Foster, Jacinta, Williams, Katrina L., Timmer, Barbra and Brauer, Sandra G. (2023). Differences in vestibular function in older adults with hearing loss, with and without a history of dizziness, or vertigo. Australian Physiotherapy Association IGNITE, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 26 - 28 October 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Perspectives of people with myasthenia gravis on physical activity and experience of advice from health professionals: a qualitative Australian study
Alsop, Tahlia, Cassimatis, Marianna, Williams, Katrina L. and Gomersall, Sjaan (2023). Perspectives of people with myasthenia gravis on physical activity and experience of advice from health professionals: a qualitative Australian study. Australian Physiotherapy Association IGNITE, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 4-7 October 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
The worse your hearing the worse your balance: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Foster, Jacinta, Timmer, Barbra, Williams, Katrina L. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2023). The worse your hearing the worse your balance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Australian Physiotherapy Association IGNITE, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 26 - 28 October 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Vestibular and visual impairments and the association with walking and movement limitations in people with Multiple Sclerosis
Williams, Katrina L. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2023). Vestibular and visual impairments and the association with walking and movement limitations in people with Multiple Sclerosis. International Society of Gait and Posture, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 10-13 July 2023.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Katrina Williams is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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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.
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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.
-
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
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Doctor Philosophy
Implementing visual rehabilitation for stroke and brain injury survivors
Principal Advisor
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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
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