Professor Sandy Brauer
Professor

Sandy Brauer

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 52317

Background

Research to improve balance and gait in older adults and those with Neurological Disorders.

Impaired postural control, or poor balance, can have devastating effects on the lives of individuals, resulting in falls, dependence, and reduced quality of life. Prof Brauer leads a number of studies to better understand the underlying motor control mechanisms contributing to altered postural control, particularly in populations with neurological disorders or advanced age, and use this information to better develop physiotherapy assessment techniques and rehabilitation strategies. This research has subsequently developed to encompass prevention strategies and the investigation of the cost-effectiveness of intervention, to better facilitate the translation of research evidence into clinical practice.

Current research themes include:

Improving physical activity after stroke

Training dual tasking when walking in people with Parkinson’s Disease.

Community mobility in older adults, particularly in people with Parkinson’s Disease and stroke.

Retraining reaching following stroke, using the SMART Arm device.

The prevention of falls, particularly in hospitals.

Availability

Professor Sandy Brauer is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Clinical sciences Sports science and exercise

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours), The University of Queensland
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Search Professor Sandy Brauer’s works on UQ eSpace

293 works between 1998 and 2024
All (293) Journal Article (216) Book Chapter (2) Conference Publication (73) Book (1) Other Outputs (1)

221 - 240 of 293 works

2009

Journal Article

The immediate effect of physical activity on standing balance in healthy and balance-impaired older people

Egerton, T., Brauer, S. G. and Cresswell, A. G. (2009). The immediate effect of physical activity on standing balance in healthy and balance-impaired older people. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 28 (2), 93-96. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2009.00350.x

The immediate effect of physical activity on standing balance in healthy and balance-impaired older people

2009

Journal Article

A break-even analysis of a community rehabilitation falls prevention service

Comans, T., Brauer, S. and Haines, T. (2009). A break-even analysis of a community rehabilitation falls prevention service. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 33 (3), 240-245. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2009.00382.x

A break-even analysis of a community rehabilitation falls prevention service

2009

Journal Article

Telephone reliability of the Frenchay Activity Index and EQ-5D amongst older adults

McPhail, Steven, Lane, Paul, Russell, Trevor, Brauer, Sandra G., Urry, Steven, Jasiewicz, Jan, Condie, Peter and Haines, Terry (2009). Telephone reliability of the Frenchay Activity Index and EQ-5D amongst older adults. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 7 (1) 48, 48.1-48.8. doi: 10.1186/1477-7525-7-48

Telephone reliability of the Frenchay Activity Index and EQ-5D amongst older adults

2009

Journal Article

A specific inpatient aquatic physiotherapy program improves strength after total hip or knee replacement surgery: A randomised controlled trial

Rahmann, Ann E., Brauer, Sandra G. and Nitz, Jennifer C. (2009). A specific inpatient aquatic physiotherapy program improves strength after total hip or knee replacement surgery: A randomised controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 90 (5), 745-755. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2008.12.011

A specific inpatient aquatic physiotherapy program improves strength after total hip or knee replacement surgery: A randomised controlled trial

2009

Conference Publication

Which is more effective at reducing falls and improving quality of life in older fallers? Domiciliary versus centre-based rehabilitation

Haines, T., Comans, T., Currin, M., Peters, C. and Brauer, S. (2009). Which is more effective at reducing falls and improving quality of life in older fallers? Domiciliary versus centre-based rehabilitation. 42nd National Conference of the Australian Association of Gerontology, National Convention Centre, Canberra, ACT, Australia, 25–27 November 2009. Richmond, VIC Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia.

Which is more effective at reducing falls and improving quality of life in older fallers? Domiciliary versus centre-based rehabilitation

2009

Conference Publication

Task switching during dual task gait training is difficult for people with Parkinson's disease

Brauer, S. G., Morris, M. E., Woollacott, M. and Lamont, R. M. (2009). Task switching during dual task gait training is difficult for people with Parkinson's disease. 13th International Congress of Parkinsons Disease and Movement Disorders, Paris France, Jun 07-11, 2009. Hoboken, NJ, United States: John Wiley & Sons.

Task switching during dual task gait training is difficult for people with Parkinson's disease

2009

Journal Article

Stroke

Brauer, Sandra (2009). Stroke. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 55 (2), 143-143. doi: 10.1016/S0004-9514(09)70051-0

Stroke

2009

Journal Article

Physical activity and public health: physical activity and public health: updated recommendations for adults from the ACSM and AHA

Brauer, Sandra (2009). Physical activity and public health: physical activity and public health: updated recommendations for adults from the ACSM and AHA. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 55 (3), 215-215. doi: 10.1016/S0004-9514(09)70089-3

Physical activity and public health: physical activity and public health: updated recommendations for adults from the ACSM and AHA

2009

Journal Article

Rehabilitation for low back pain: interventional therapies, surgery and interdisciplinary rehabilitation for low back pain

Brauer, Sandra (2009). Rehabilitation for low back pain: interventional therapies, surgery and interdisciplinary rehabilitation for low back pain. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 55 (3), 215-215. doi: 10.1016/S0004-9514(09)70089-3

Rehabilitation for low back pain: interventional therapies, surgery and interdisciplinary rehabilitation for low back pain

2009

Journal Article

Degenerative spondylolisthesis

Brauer, Sandra (2009). Degenerative spondylolisthesis. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 55 (2), 143-143. doi: 10.1016/S0004-9514(09)70050-9

Degenerative spondylolisthesis

2009

Book Chapter

Quantitative Research: measurement issues

Brauer, S. G. (2009). Quantitative Research: measurement issues. Handbook for Allied Health Researchers. (pp. 52-59) Melbourne: Menzies Foundation.

Quantitative Research: measurement issues

2009

Journal Article

Chronic whiplash associated disorders

Brauer, Sandra (2009). Chronic whiplash associated disorders. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 55 (1), 67-67. doi: 10.1016/S0004-9514(09)70069-8

Chronic whiplash associated disorders

2009

Conference Publication

Training dual tasking during gait in Parkinson's disease

Brauer, S. G. and Morris, M. E. (2009). Training dual tasking during gait in Parkinson's disease. 13th International Congress of Parkinsons Disease and Movement Disorders, Paris France, Jun 07-11, 2009. HOBOKEN: WILEY-LISS.

Training dual tasking during gait in Parkinson's disease

2009

Journal Article

Fatigue after physical activity in healthy and balance-impaired elderly

Egerton, T., Brauer, S. G. and Cresswell, A. G. (2009). Fatigue after physical activity in healthy and balance-impaired elderly. Journal of Aging And Physical Activity, 17 (1), 89-105. doi: 10.1123/japa.17.1.89

Fatigue after physical activity in healthy and balance-impaired elderly

2009

Conference Publication

Age rationing and prudential lifespan account in Norman Daniels' Just health

Brauer, S. (2009). Age rationing and prudential lifespan account in Norman Daniels' Just health. doi: 10.1136/jme.2008.024398

Age rationing and prudential lifespan account in Norman Daniels' Just health

2009

Journal Article

Evaluation of the effect of patient education on rates of falls in older hospital patients: Description of a randomised controlled trial

Hill, A., Hill, K., Brauer, S., Oliver, D., Hoffmann, T., Beer, C., McPhail, S. and Haines, T. P. (2009). Evaluation of the effect of patient education on rates of falls in older hospital patients: Description of a randomised controlled trial. BMC Geriatrics, 9 (14) 14, online-online. doi: 10.1186/1471-2318-9-14

Evaluation of the effect of patient education on rates of falls in older hospital patients: Description of a randomised controlled trial

2009

Journal Article

Lumbar spinal stenosis

Brauer, Sandra (2009). Lumbar spinal stenosis. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 55 (1), 67-67. doi: 10.1016/S0004-9514(09)70068-6

Lumbar spinal stenosis

2008

Journal Article

Immediate effect of treadmill walking practice versus overground walking practice on overground walking pattern in ambulatory stroke patients: An experimental study

Kuys, Suzanne S., Brauer, Sandra G., Ada, Louise and Russell, Trevor G. (2008). Immediate effect of treadmill walking practice versus overground walking practice on overground walking pattern in ambulatory stroke patients: An experimental study. Clinical Rehabilitation, 22 (10-11), 931-939. doi: 10.1177/0269215508094245

Immediate effect of treadmill walking practice versus overground walking practice on overground walking pattern in ambulatory stroke patients: An experimental study

2008

Journal Article

Balance control in the elderly: do Masters athletes show more efficient balance responses than healthy older adults?

Brauer, Sandra G., Neros, Christina and Woollacott, Marjorie (2008). Balance control in the elderly: do Masters athletes show more efficient balance responses than healthy older adults?. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 20 (5), 406-411. doi: 10.1007/BF03325145

Balance control in the elderly: do Masters athletes show more efficient balance responses than healthy older adults?

2008

Journal Article

Positive effects of exercise on falls and fracture risk in osteopenic women

Hourigan, S. R., Nitz, J. C., Brauer, S. G., O'Neill, S., Wong, J. and Richardson, C. A. (2008). Positive effects of exercise on falls and fracture risk in osteopenic women. Osteoporosis International, 19 (7), 1077-1086. doi: 10.1007/s00198-007-0541-7

Positive effects of exercise on falls and fracture risk in osteopenic women

Current funding

  • 2020 - 2026
    ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Joint Biomechanics (ITRP led by Queensland University of Technology)
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2025
    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

Past funding

  • 2019 - 2020
    Measuring intensity of activity after stroke using accelerometers and cadence
    University of Canberra
    Open grant
  • 2018
    Establishing a Sonova-UQ Hearing and Balance Research Centre
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2024
    A physiotherapy exercise program with a self-management approach to improve physical activity in people with mild-moderate Parkinson's disease: A RCT
    Wesley Medical Research Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Fun 'n fitness: Evaluation of the Churches of Christ in Queensland Falls Prevention Exercise Program for its Aged Care Residents
    Churches of Christ in Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2016
    Lifespace and people with dementia: Measuring and reenabling continued community participation
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2014
    High Definition Transcranial direct current stimulation system for use during functional magnetic resonance imaging
    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
  • 2014
    Use of tRNS as an adjunct to SMART Arm training in chronic stroke survivors with severe arm paresis: An exploratory pilot study
    National Stroke Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2017
    IMproving Physical ACtivity with Treadmill training following stroke: the stroke-IMPACT trial
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2016
    Improving postural stability and reducing falls risk in people with Parkinson's disease using textured insoles: a randomised controlled trial (NHMRC Project Grant administered by QUT)
    Queensland University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Understanding lateral reactive balance control mechanisms in older adults with hip osteoarthritis
    PA Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2016
    The stroke IMPACT trial: IMproving Physical ACtivity via Treadmill training
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Gait analysis for clinical research
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Non-invasive brain stimulation for the treatment of gait disturbances in Parkinson's disease
    Parkinson's Queensland Inc
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Measuring and understanding community walking in people with Parkinson disease
    Parkinson's Queensland Inc
    Open grant
  • 2010
    An ultrasound imaging suite for investigating musculoskeletal and cardiovascular function in health and disease
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2013
    The efficacy of novel, non-robotic devices to train reaching post stroke
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2008 - 2012
    Training dual task performance during gait in Parkinson disease
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Students as standardised patients: Improving clinical reasoning, peer-learning and communication in physiotherapy students
    UQ Teaching & Learning Strategic Grants
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    Randomised controlled trial of multimedia patient education approaches to preventing in-hospital falls
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2009
    The contribution of dopamine to regulation of orofacial, limb and trunk control: System or function specific effects?
    NHMRC Project Grant
    Open grant
  • 2006
    NHMRC_Infrastructure Item_Pedar-x/Expert System: Portable in-shoe measuring pedography system
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2008
    The Effect of Fatigue on Postural Control: Influence of Age and Frailty
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2006
    Training Dual Tasking in Parkinson's Disease
    Australian Brain Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2002
    Are problems with attention associated with poor balance in depressed older adults
    Princess Alexandra Hospital R&D Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2002
    A randomised, controlled, double-blind trial to investigate the ability of a school-based, group physiotherapy program to reduce functional motor difficulties and improve neuromuscular measures of mot
    Physiotherapy Research Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2003
    Neuromuscular control of postural stability in balance-impaired adults
    UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2002
    The role of attention in balance performance in brain injured adults
    Princess Alexandra Hospital R&D Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2001
    The efficacy of a circuit training program to improve balance and mobility skill for post-acute traumatic brain injury clients who are community based; implications from pilot data
    Brain Research Fund
    Open grant
  • 1996 - 1997
    Postural control: implications for fallers in the elderly population
    PHRDC - Project Grants
    Open grant

Availability

Professor Sandy Brauer is:
Available for supervision

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

Available projects

  • Measurement and rehabilitation of the shoulder and upper limb

    We are seeking up to two PhD candidates eligible for a UQ Graduate School Scholarship, Australia to undertake a PhD in the area of measurement of upper limb motion and use. The project is part of an Industrial Transformation Training Centre (ITTC) funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and led by researchers at Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland. The centre aims to advance personalised surgical treatment of joints by integrating computer tools for pre-surgical planning and decision making, computer simulation systems and robot simulators for surgical training. Understanding the effectiveness of these treatments requires assessment and analysis of functional movements in clinical and real-world environments. The successful PhD candidate will use new sensor and/or robotic assessment technologies in conjunction with advanced motion capture systems to record shoulder and upper limb functional movements.

    Project areas include:

    • developing novel movement & muscle function assessments for the shoulder & upper limb;
    • examining functional movements in people with shoulder or upper limb dysfunction or injury;
    • developing new wearable & robotic technologies to optimise upper limb functional movement;
    • developing new virtual / augmented reality technologies for rehabilitation.

    The project requires a background in movement science, biomechanics, biomedical engineering or a related discipline. Experience in 3D motion analysis and electromyography is highly desirable.

    The PhD student will be supervised by a team that may include Prof Sandra Brauer, Prof Paul Hodges, Dr Alejandro Melendez-Calderon, Dr Antonio Padilha Lanari Bo, Prof Graham Kerr. The PhD students will work in the labs of the UQ Professors as part of an interdisciplinary team with skills spanning rehabilitation, imaging, neurophysiology, physiology, motor control, biomechanics, and computational modelling. The student will collaborate with other students and researchers at Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland and Neuroscience Research Aust.

    Eligible candidates will be supported to apply for a UQ Graduate School Scholarship that provides a 3-year scholarship (with possible extension for 6 months if required) at a rate of $28,597 p.a. tax free. An additional top up of $8,000 p.a. tax free, will be provided for these projects. Due to international border restrictions, this opportunity is most suitable for onshore applicants.

    Essential criteria: An undergraduate degree with first or second class division 1 Honours in movement science, biomechanics, physiotherapy, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline; eligibility for admission to the PhD program at The University of Queensland; knowledge of 3D motion analysis; excellent communication skills (written and verbal) in English.

    Desirable criteria: Experience in rehabilitation science; biomechanics, and muscle physiology

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Implementation and evaluation of a clinician-led stroke Electronic Medical Record (EMR) enhancement

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Andrew Burton-Jones

  • Doctor Philosophy

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

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Katrina Williams, Dr Barbra Timmer

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Implementation and evaluation of a clinician-led stroke Electronic Medical Record (EMR) enhancement

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Andrew Burton-Jones

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Implementation and evaluation of a clinician-led stroke Electronic Medical Record (EMR) enhancement

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Andrew Burton-Jones

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Implementation and evaluation of a clinician-led stroke Electronic Medical Record (EMR) enhancement

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Andrew Burton-Jones

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding key components contributing to sustained physical activity and walking after stroke.

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Niru Mahendran

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Helping people with stroke return to meaningful and healthy lives early after stroke

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Melanie Hoyle, Dr Niru Mahendran

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Hearing aid use, vibrotactile neurofeedback and balance in older adults with hearing impairment

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Barbra Timmer, Associate Professor Wayne Wilson

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The effect of individualized, vibrotactile neurofeedback training on postural stability in older adults with hearing loss

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Barbra Timmer, Associate Professor Wayne Wilson

  • Doctor Philosophy

    What is the effect of manipulating dose of rehabilitation therapy on recovery post stroke?

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Niru Mahendran

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding and improving community mobility after stroke

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Niru Mahendran

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding key components contributing to sustained physical activity and walking after stroke.

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Niru Mahendran

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Upper-limb assessment of neuromuscular impariments using robotics and computer vision

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Alejandro Melendez-Calderon

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Sandy Brauer directly for media enquiries about:

  • Balance - physiotherapy
  • Brain and movement - physiotherapy
  • Gait - physiotherapy
  • Motor control
  • Motor control - physiotherapy
  • Neurology - physiotherapy
  • Older adults - falls
  • Parkinson`s Disease
  • Physiotherapy
  • Stroke
  • Walk - physiotherapy

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