
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
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
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
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
2020
Other Outputs
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour In People With Myasthenia Gravis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Alsop, Tahlia, Williams, Katrina and Gomersall, Sjaan (2020). Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour In People With Myasthenia Gravis: A Cross-Sectional Study. doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-113875/v1
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
2017
Conference Publication
The Efficacy of Vestibular Rehabilitation in People Reporting Dizziness with Multiple Sclerosis: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Danicic, Joseph, Williams, Katrina, Semciw, Adam and Henneken, Emma (2017). The Efficacy of Vestibular Rehabilitation in People Reporting Dizziness with Multiple Sclerosis: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian-and-New-Zealand-Association-of-Neurologists (ANZAN), Gold Coast Australia, May 9-12, 2017. LONDON: BMJ Group. doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2017-316074.42
2017
Conference Publication
The efficacy of repeated botulinum toxin treatment cycles in the management of spasticity post stroke - A systematic review
Cave, Catherine, Williams, Katrina and Semciw, Adam (2017). The efficacy of repeated botulinum toxin treatment cycles in the management of spasticity post stroke - A systematic review. SMART STROKES 2017 Conference, Gold Coast, QLD Australia, 10–11 August 2017. London, United Kingdom: Sage Publications.
2016
Journal Article
Are changes in gait and balance across the disease step rating scale in multiple sclerosis statistically significant and clinically meaningful?
Williams, Katrina L., Choy, Nancy L. Low and Brauer, Sandra G. (2016). Are changes in gait and balance across the disease step rating scale in multiple sclerosis statistically significant and clinically meaningful?. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 97 (9), 1502-1508. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2016.03.020
2016
Conference Publication
Do textured insoles alter gait, foot sensation & proprioception in people with multiple sclerosis?
Hatton, A., Dixon, J., Rome, K., Brauer, S., Williams, K. and Kerr, G. (2016). Do textured insoles alter gait, foot sensation & proprioception in people with multiple sclerosis?. Foot International 2016 Congress, Berlin, Germany, 23-25 June 2016. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.fas.2016.05.280
2016
Journal Article
The effects of prolonged wear of textured shoe insoles on gait, foot sensation and proprioception in people with multiple sclerosis: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Hatton, Anna L., Dixon, John, Rome, Keith, Brauer, Sandra G., Williams, Katrina and Kerr, Graham (2016). The effects of prolonged wear of textured shoe insoles on gait, foot sensation and proprioception in people with multiple sclerosis: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials, 17 (208) 208, 1-10. doi: 10.1186/s13063-016-1337-x
2016
Journal Article
Healthcare students’ experiences of an interprofessional, student-led neuro-rehabilitation community-based clinic
Gustafsson, Louise, Hutchinson, Laura, Theodoros, Deborah, Williams, Katrina, Copley, Anna, Fagan, Amy and Desha, Laura (2016). Healthcare students’ experiences of an interprofessional, student-led neuro-rehabilitation community-based clinic. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 30 (2), 259-261. doi: 10.3109/13561820.2015.1086730
2015
Conference Publication
Can physiotherapy students deliver a high intensity of therapy to people with stroke? An observational study
Riggall, J., Barr, C., Williams, K. and Hayward, K. (2015). Can physiotherapy students deliver a high intensity of therapy to people with stroke? An observational study. *, *, *. HOBOKEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL.
2014
Journal Article
Effects of balance strategy training in myasthenia gravis: a case study series
Wong, Shi Hui, Nitz, Jennifer C., Williams, Katrina and Brauer, Sandra G. (2014). Effects of balance strategy training in myasthenia gravis: a case study series. Muscle and Nerve, 49 (5), 654-660. doi: 10.1002/mus.24054
2013
Conference Publication
Does balance strategy training improve function in people with myasthenia gravis
Wong, S. H., Nitz, J. C., Williams, K. L. and Brauer, S. G. (2013). Does balance strategy training improve function in people with myasthenia gravis. New Moves, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 17-20 October 2013.
2013
Conference Publication
Does balance and gait differe across the disease steps in people with Multiple Sclerosis
Williams, K. L., Low Choy, N. L. and Brauer, S. G. (2013). Does balance and gait differe across the disease steps in people with Multiple Sclerosis. News Moves, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 17-20 October 2013.
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.
-
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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