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)

261 - 280 of 293 works

2006

Journal Article

Validation and reliability of the Modified Elderly Mobility Scale

Kuys, Suzanne S. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2006). Validation and reliability of the Modified Elderly Mobility Scale. Australasian Journal On Ageing, 25 (3), 140-144. doi: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2006.00169.x

Validation and reliability of the Modified Elderly Mobility Scale

2006

Conference Publication

Training-induced brain plasticity in stroke survivors with severe and chronic upper limb paresis as revealed with TMS

Brauer, S. G., Barker, R. N. and Carson, R. G. (2006). Training-induced brain plasticity in stroke survivors with severe and chronic upper limb paresis as revealed with TMS. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 14-18 October, 2006. Online: Neuroscience Society.

Training-induced brain plasticity in stroke survivors with severe and chronic upper limb paresis as revealed with TMS

2006

Conference Publication

Training improves upper limb motor function in chronic stroke survivors with severe paresis

Brauer, S. G., Barker, R. N. and Carson, R. G. (2006). Training improves upper limb motor function in chronic stroke survivors with severe paresis. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 14-18 October, 2006. Online: Society for Neuroscience.

Training improves upper limb motor function in chronic stroke survivors with severe paresis

2005

Conference Publication

Differences in sensor-motor function in women aged 20 to 80 years who fail postural stability tasks

Choy, Nancy Low, Brauer, Sandra and Nitz, Jennife C. (2005). Differences in sensor-motor function in women aged 20 to 80 years who fail postural stability tasks. HOBOKEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL.

Differences in sensor-motor function in women aged 20 to 80 years who fail postural stability tasks

2005

Journal Article

Is the method of signal analysis and test selection important for measuring standing balance in subjects with persistent whiplash?

Treleaven, Julia, Murison, Robert, Jull, Gwendolen, Lowchoy, Nancy and Brauer, Sandy (2005). Is the method of signal analysis and test selection important for measuring standing balance in subjects with persistent whiplash?. Gait & Posture, 21 (4), 395-402. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2004.04.008

Is the method of signal analysis and test selection important for measuring standing balance in subjects with persistent whiplash?

2005

Conference Publication

Does a multifocal exercise program have a positive effect on the perceived health of osteopenic women?

Nitz, J. C., Brauer, S. G., O'Neill, S., Wong, J. and Hourigan, S. R. (2005). Does a multifocal exercise program have a positive effect on the perceived health of osteopenic women?. Health Outcomes 2005: Making a Difference. 11th Annual National Health Outcomes Conference, Canberra ACT, Australia, 17-18 August 2005. Wollongong, Australia: Australian Health Outcomes Collaboration (AHOC).

Does a multifocal exercise program have a positive effect on the perceived health of osteopenic women?

2005

Journal Article

Somatosensation, circulation and stance balance in elderly dysvascular transtibial amputees

Quai, TM, Brauer, SG and Nitz, JC (2005). Somatosensation, circulation and stance balance in elderly dysvascular transtibial amputees. Clinical Rehabilitation, 19 (6), 668-676. doi: 10.1191/0269215505cr857oa

Somatosensation, circulation and stance balance in elderly dysvascular transtibial amputees

2005

Journal Article

Upper limb recovery after stroke: The stroke survivors' perspective

Barker, RN and Brauer, SG (2005). Upper limb recovery after stroke: The stroke survivors' perspective. Disability And Rehabilitation, 27 (20), 1213-1223. doi: 10.1080/09638280500075717

Upper limb recovery after stroke: The stroke survivors' perspective

2005

Journal Article

Does the type of concurrent task affect preferred and cued gait in people with Parkinson's disease?

Galletly, R and Brauer, SG (2005). Does the type of concurrent task affect preferred and cued gait in people with Parkinson's disease?. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 51 (3), 175-180. doi: 10.1016/S0004-9514(05)70024-6

Does the type of concurrent task affect preferred and cued gait in people with Parkinson's disease?

2004

Conference Publication

Determining age-related changes in vestibular function using clinical measures

Choy, Nancy Low, Brauer, Sandra and Nitz, Jennifer (2004). Determining age-related changes in vestibular function using clinical measures. HOBOKEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL.

Determining age-related changes in vestibular function using clinical measures

2004

Journal Article

Simplest tasks have greatest dual task interference with balance in brain injured adults

Brauer, SG, Broome, A, Stone, C, Clewett, S and Herzig, P (2004). Simplest tasks have greatest dual task interference with balance in brain injured adults. Human Movement Science, 23 (3-4), 489-502. doi: 10.1016/j.humov.2004.08.020

Simplest tasks have greatest dual task interference with balance in brain injured adults

2004

Book Chapter

Effects of dual task interference on postural control, movement and physical activity in healthy older people and those with movement disroders

Brauer, S. G. and Morris, M. (2004). Effects of dual task interference on postural control, movement and physical activity in healthy older people and those with movement disroders. Optimizing Exercise and Physical Activity in Older People. (pp. 267-287) edited by M. E. Morris and A.M.M. Schoo. London: Butterworth Heinemann. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7506-5479-1.50016-9

Effects of dual task interference on postural control, movement and physical activity in healthy older people and those with movement disroders

2004

Journal Article

Hip strategy for balance control in quiet standing is reduced in people with low back pain

Mok, N. W., Brauer, S. G. and Hodges, P. W. (2004). Hip strategy for balance control in quiet standing is reduced in people with low back pain. Spine, 29 (6), E107-E112. doi: 10.1097/01.BRS.0000115134.97854.C9

Hip strategy for balance control in quiet standing is reduced in people with low back pain

2003

Conference Publication

The Decline in Balance with Age is More than Strength: What about somato-sensation?

Choy, Nancy Low, Brauer, Sandra and Nitz, Jennifer (2003). The Decline in Balance with Age is More than Strength: What about somato-sensation?. HOBOKEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL.

The Decline in Balance with Age is More than Strength: What about somato-sensation?

2003

Journal Article

Changes in postural stability in women aged 20 to 80 years

Low Choy, N., Brauer, S. G. and Nitz, J. C. (2003). Changes in postural stability in women aged 20 to 80 years. The Journals of Gerontology. Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 58A (6), 525-530. doi: 10.1093/gerona/58.6.m525

Changes in postural stability in women aged 20 to 80 years

2003

Journal Article

Facilitation of clinician-initated research

Brauer, S. G. (2003). Facilitation of clinician-initated research. Physiotherapy Research International, 8 (3), 3-5. doi: 10.1002/pri.278

Facilitation of clinician-initated research

2003

Conference Publication

Balance impairment in persons with low back pain

Mok, N.W., Hodges, P. and Brauer, S. G. (2003). Balance impairment in persons with low back pain. 14th International Conference of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy, Barcelona, Spain, 7-12 June, 2003.

Balance impairment in persons with low back pain

2003

Conference Publication

Suboptimal balance strategy in persons with low back pain

Mok, N.W., Hodges, P. and Brauer, S. G. (2003). Suboptimal balance strategy in persons with low back pain. International Society for Postural and Gait Research, Sydney, Australia, 23-27 March, 2003. Sydney:

Suboptimal balance strategy in persons with low back pain

2002

Journal Article

Differences in postural control and movement performance during goal directed reaching in children with developmental coordination disorder

Johnston, Leanne M., Burns, Yvonne R., Brauer, Sandra G. and Richardson, Carolyn A. (2002). Differences in postural control and movement performance during goal directed reaching in children with developmental coordination disorder. Human Movement Science, 21 (5-6), 583-601. doi: 10.1016/S0167-9457(02)00153-7

Differences in postural control and movement performance during goal directed reaching in children with developmental coordination disorder

2002

Journal Article

The influence of a concurrent cognitive task on the compensatory stepping response to a perturbation in balance-impaired and healthy elders

Brauer, S. G., Woollacott, M. and Shumway-Cook, A. (2002). The influence of a concurrent cognitive task on the compensatory stepping response to a perturbation in balance-impaired and healthy elders. Gait and Posture, 15 (1), 83-93. doi: 10.1016/S0966-6362(01)00163-1

The influence of a concurrent cognitive task on the compensatory stepping response to a perturbation in balance-impaired and healthy elders

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

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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

    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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding key components contributing to sustained physical activity and walking 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

    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

    Understanding and improving community mobility after stroke

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Niru Mahendran

  • 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

    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

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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