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Professor Sandy Brauer
Professor

Sandy Brauer

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 336 52317

Overview

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

Qualifications

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

Works

Search Professor Sandy Brauer’s works on UQ eSpace

293 works between 1998 and 2024

41 - 60 of 293 works

2021

Journal Article

Hosting pre-registration physiotherapy students in Australian private practices does not change service and economic outcomes; an economic analysis

Forbes, Roma, Dinsdale, Alana, Brauer, Sandra G., Dunwoodie, Ruth, Fooken, Jonas, Khanna, Diana and Birch, Stephen (2021). Hosting pre-registration physiotherapy students in Australian private practices does not change service and economic outcomes; an economic analysis. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 52 102318, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102318

Hosting pre-registration physiotherapy students in Australian private practices does not change service and economic outcomes; an economic analysis

2021

Journal Article

Factors influencing paretic upper limb use during first 4 weeks after stroke: a cross-sectional accelerometry study

Chin, Lay Fong, Hayward, Kathryn S and Brauer, Sandra G (2021). Factors influencing paretic upper limb use during first 4 weeks after stroke: a cross-sectional accelerometry study. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 100 (2), 153-160. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001539

Factors influencing paretic upper limb use during first 4 weeks after stroke: a cross-sectional accelerometry study

2021

Journal Article

A Self-Empowered Upper Limb Repetitive Engagement program to improve upper limb recovery early post-stroke: phase II pilot randomized controlled trial

Chin, Lay Fong, Hayward, Kathryn S., Chai, Audrey Lik Ming and Brauer, Sandra G. (2021). A Self-Empowered Upper Limb Repetitive Engagement program to improve upper limb recovery early post-stroke: phase II pilot randomized controlled trial. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 35 (9) 15459683211032967, 154596832110329-848. doi: 10.1177/15459683211032967

A Self-Empowered Upper Limb Repetitive Engagement program to improve upper limb recovery early post-stroke: phase II pilot randomized controlled trial

2021

Journal Article

Relation between sensorimotor rhythm during motor attempt/imagery and upper-limb motor impairment in stroke

Chen, Shugeng, Shu, Xiaokang, Jia, Jie, Wang, Hewei, Ding, Li, He, Zhijie, Brauer, Sandra and Zhu, Xiangyang (2021). Relation between sensorimotor rhythm during motor attempt/imagery and upper-limb motor impairment in stroke. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 53 (3), 238-247. doi: 10.1177/15500594211019917

Relation between sensorimotor rhythm during motor attempt/imagery and upper-limb motor impairment in stroke

2020

Journal Article

Dance improves symptoms, functional mobility and fine manual dexterity in people with Parkinson disease: a quasi-experimental controlled efficacy study

Kalyani, Hewa H., Sullivan, Karen A., Moyle, Gene M., Brauer, Sandra G., Jeffrey, Erica R. and Kerr, Graham K. (2020). Dance improves symptoms, functional mobility and fine manual dexterity in people with Parkinson disease: a quasi-experimental controlled efficacy study. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 56 (5), 563-574. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.20.06069-4

Dance improves symptoms, functional mobility and fine manual dexterity in people with Parkinson disease: a quasi-experimental controlled efficacy study

2020

Journal Article

Exploring strategies used by physiotherapy private practices in hosting student clinical placements

Forbes, Roma, Dinsdale, Alana, Dunwoodie, Ruth, Birch, Stephen and Brauer, Sandy (2020). Exploring strategies used by physiotherapy private practices in hosting student clinical placements. Australian Journal of Clinical Education, 7 (1). doi: 10.53300/001c.17206

Exploring strategies used by physiotherapy private practices in hosting student clinical placements

2020

Journal Article

Combined group and home exercise programmes in community‐dwelling falls‐risk older adults: systematic review and meta‐analysis

Teng, Bernadine, Gomersall, Sjaan R., Hatton, Anna and Brauer, Sandra G. (2020). Combined group and home exercise programmes in community‐dwelling falls‐risk older adults: systematic review and meta‐analysis. Physiotherapy Research International, 25 (3) pri.1839, e1839. doi: 10.1002/pri.1839

Combined group and home exercise programmes in community‐dwelling falls‐risk older adults: systematic review and meta‐analysis

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

Center-based group and home-based individual exercise programs have similar impacts on gait and balance in people with Multiple Sclerosis: a randomised trial

2019

Journal Article

Upper limb use differs among people with varied upper limb impairment levels early post-stroke: a single-site, cross-sectional, observational study

Chin, Lay Fong, Hayward, Kathryn S. and Brauer, Sandra (2019). Upper limb use differs among people with varied upper limb impairment levels early post-stroke: a single-site, cross-sectional, observational study. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, 27 (3), 1-12. doi: 10.1080/10749357.2019.1690796

Upper limb use differs among people with varied upper limb impairment levels early post-stroke: a single-site, cross-sectional, observational study

2019

Conference Publication

The effect of a single bout of aerobic exercise on sensori-motor function in a chronic stroke population

Mackay, Christopher, Kuys, Suzanne, Schaumberg, Mia, Leow, Li-Ann and Brauer, Sandy (2019). The effect of a single bout of aerobic exercise on sensori-motor function in a chronic stroke population. SSA Conference, Canberra, Australia, 10 – 13 September 2019. London, United Kingdom: Sage.

The effect of a single bout of aerobic exercise on sensori-motor function in a chronic stroke population

2019

Journal Article

Effects of dance on gait, cognition, and dual-tasking in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Kalyani, H. H. N., Sullivan, Karen, Moyle, Gene, Brauer, Sandy, Jeffrey, Erica Rose, Roeder, Luisa, Berndt, Sara and Kerr, Graham (2019). Effects of dance on gait, cognition, and dual-tasking in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Parkinsons Disease, 9 (2), 335-349. doi: 10.3233/JPD-181516

Effects of dance on gait, cognition, and dual-tasking in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019

Journal Article

An accelerometry and observational study to quantify upper limb use after stroke during inpatient rehabilitation

Chin, Lay Fong, Hayward, Kathryn S., Soh, Aloysius Jun An, Tan, Chin Mei, Wong, Cheryl Jing Ru, Loh, Jia Wei, Loke, Genevieve Jia Hui and Brauer, Sandra (2019). An accelerometry and observational study to quantify upper limb use after stroke during inpatient rehabilitation. Physiotherapy Research International, 24 (4) e1784, e1784. doi: 10.1002/pri.1784

An accelerometry and observational study to quantify upper limb use after stroke during inpatient rehabilitation

2019

Journal Article

Implementing a 6-day physiotherapy service in rehabilitation: exploring staff perceptions

Caruana, Erin L., Kuys, Suzanne S., Clarke, Jane and Brauer, Sandra G. (2019). Implementing a 6-day physiotherapy service in rehabilitation: exploring staff perceptions. Australian Health Review, 43 (1), 29-35. doi: 10.1071/ah17107

Implementing a 6-day physiotherapy service in rehabilitation: exploring staff perceptions

2019

Journal Article

The impact of environmental enrichment in an acute stroke unit on how and when patients undertake activities

Rosbergen, Ingrid C. M., Grimley, Rohan S., Hayward, Kathryn S. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2019). The impact of environmental enrichment in an acute stroke unit on how and when patients undertake activities. Clinical Rehabilitation, 33 (4), 784-795. doi: 10.1177/0269215518820087

The impact of environmental enrichment in an acute stroke unit on how and when patients undertake activities

2019

Journal Article

Impacts of dance on cognition, psychological symptoms and quality of life in Parkinson's disease

Kalyani, H. H.N., Sullivan, K. A., Moyle, G., Brauer, S., Jeffrey, E. R. and Kerr, G. K. (2019). Impacts of dance on cognition, psychological symptoms and quality of life in Parkinson's disease. NeuroRehabilitation, 45 (2), 273-283. doi: 10.3233/NRE-192788

Impacts of dance on cognition, psychological symptoms and quality of life in Parkinson's disease

2018

Journal Article

Steps, duration and intensity of usual walking practice during subacute rehabilitation after stroke: an observational study

Kuys, Suzanne S., Ada, Louise, Paratz, Jennifer and Brauer, Sandra G. (2018). Steps, duration and intensity of usual walking practice during subacute rehabilitation after stroke: an observational study. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 23 (1), 56-61. doi: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2018.06.001

Steps, duration and intensity of usual walking practice during subacute rehabilitation after stroke: an observational study

2018

Journal Article

Allied health weekend service provision in Australian rehabilitation units

Caruana, Erin L., Kuys, Suzanne S. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2018). Allied health weekend service provision in Australian rehabilitation units. Australasian Journal of Ageing, 37 (2), E42-E48. doi: 10.1111/ajag.12500

Allied health weekend service provision in Australian rehabilitation units

2018

Journal Article

Accuracy of wearable physical activity trackers in people with Parkinson's disease

Lamont, Robyn M., Daniel, Hannah L., Payne, Caitlyn L. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2018). Accuracy of wearable physical activity trackers in people with Parkinson's disease. Gait and Posture, 63, 104-108. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.04.034

Accuracy of wearable physical activity trackers in people with Parkinson's disease

2018

Journal Article

The impact of staffing model in a 6-day rehabilitation physiotherapy service

Caruana, E. L., Kuys, S. S., Clarke, J. and Brauer, S. G. (2018). The impact of staffing model in a 6-day rehabilitation physiotherapy service. Physiotherapy Research International, 23 (2) e1701, e1701. doi: 10.1002/pri.1701

The impact of staffing model in a 6-day rehabilitation physiotherapy service

2018

Journal Article

Improving physical activity after stroke via treadmill training and self management (IMPACT): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Brauer, Sandra G., Kuys, Suzanne S., Paratz, Jennifer D. and Ada, Louise (2018). Improving physical activity after stroke via treadmill training and self management (IMPACT): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMC Neurology, 18 (1) 13, 13. doi: 10.1186/s12883-018-1015-6

Improving physical activity after stroke via treadmill training and self management (IMPACT): a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Funding

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

Supervision

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

Completed supervision

Media

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

Need help?

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communications@uq.edu.au