
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
2012
Journal Article
Progressive supranuclear palsy
Williams, Katrina (2012). Progressive supranuclear palsy. Physiotherapy InMotion, 2012 (1), 29-31.
2011
Journal Article
Dynamic and functional balance tasks in subjects with persistent whiplash: A pilot trial
Stokell, Raina, Yu, Annie, Williams, Katrina and Treleaven, Julia (2011). Dynamic and functional balance tasks in subjects with persistent whiplash: A pilot trial. Manual Therapy, 16 (4), 394-398. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2011.01.012
2009
Book Chapter
Ataxia and tremor in people with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Williams, Katrina and Hoang, Phu (2009). Ataxia and tremor in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS practice for health professionals. (pp. 1-12) edited by Erika Coxhead and Kathy Hutton. Lidcombe, Australia: Multiple Sclerosis Australia.
2009
Book Chapter
Balance for people with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Williams, Katrina (2009). Balance for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS practice for health professionals. (pp. 1-14) edited by Phu Hoang, Robyn Smith and Kathy Hutton. Lidcombe, Australia: Multiple Sclerosis Australia.
2009
Book Chapter
Management of complex symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS)
Williams, Katrina, Fultcher, Gary, Longley, Wendy, Robinson, Paula- Jane and Stevens, Caroline (2009). Management of complex symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS). MS practice for health professionals. (pp. 1-20) edited by Phu Hoang and Kathy Hutton. Lidcombe, Australia: Multiple Sclerosis Australia.
2009
Book Chapter
Strength and cardiorespiratory exercises for people with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Williams, Katrina and Hoang, Phu (2009). Strength and cardiorespiratory exercises for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS practice for the health professional. (pp. 1-14) edited by Erika Coxhead and Kathy Hutton. Lidcombe, Australia: Multiple Sclerosis Australia.
2009
Conference Publication
Two physiotherapy models of service delivery for people with multiple sclerosis
Williams, K.L. and Hoang, P. (2009). Two physiotherapy models of service delivery for people with multiple sclerosis. Teamwork, Trends, and Technology: New Solutions in Multiple Sclerosis, Atlanta, GA USA, 27-30 May 2009. doi: 10.7224/1537-2073-11.S2.1
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.
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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.
-
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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