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)

61 - 80 of 293 works

2018

Conference Publication

Aerobic exercise and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in people post-stroke and other neurological disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Mackay, Christopher P., Kuys, Suzanne S. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2018). Aerobic exercise and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in people post-stroke and other neurological disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Stroke 2018 Conference, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 7–10 August 2018. London, United Kingdom: Sage Publications. doi: 10.1177/1747493018778666

Aerobic exercise and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in people post-stroke and other neurological disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2018

Conference Publication

The effect of an enriched acute stroke unit environment on timing and nature of patient activities

Rosbergen, Ingrid C. M., Grimley, Rohan S., Hayward, Kathryn S. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2018). The effect of an enriched acute stroke unit environment on timing and nature of patient activities. Stroke 2018 Conference, Sydney, NSW Australia, 7–10 August 2018. London, United Kingdom: Sage. doi: 10.1177/1747493018778666

The effect of an enriched acute stroke unit environment on timing and nature of patient activities

2018

Journal Article

Which impairments,activity limitations and personal factors at hospital discharge predict walking activity across the first 6 months poststroke?

Mahendran, Niruthikha, Kuys, Suzanne S. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2018). Which impairments,activity limitations and personal factors at hospital discharge predict walking activity across the first 6 months poststroke?. Disability and Rehabilitation, 42 (6), 1-7. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1508513

Which impairments,activity limitations and personal factors at hospital discharge predict walking activity across the first 6 months poststroke?

2018

Conference Publication

Delivering a self-management intervention: how do we do?

Kuys, Suzanne, Ada, Louise, Mackay, Christopher, Paratz, Jenny and Brauer, Sandra G. (2018). Delivering a self-management intervention: how do we do?. Stroke 2018 Conference, Sydney, NSW Australia, 7–10 August 2018. London, United Kingdom: Sage. doi: 10.1177/1747493018778666

Delivering a self-management intervention: how do we do?

2017

Journal Article

Qualitative investigation of the perceptions and experiences of nursing and allied health professionals involved in the implementation of an enriched environment in an Australian acute stroke unit

Rosbergen, Ingrid C. M., Brauer, Sandra G., Fitzhenry, Sarah, Grimley, Rohan S. and Hayward, Kathryn S. (2017). Qualitative investigation of the perceptions and experiences of nursing and allied health professionals involved in the implementation of an enriched environment in an Australian acute stroke unit. BMJ Open, 7 (12) e018226, 1-11. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018226

Qualitative investigation of the perceptions and experiences of nursing and allied health professionals involved in the implementation of an enriched environment in an Australian acute stroke unit

2017

Journal Article

SMART Arm Training With Outcome-Triggered Electrical Stimulation in Subacute Stroke Survivors With Severe Arm Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Barker, Ruth N., Hayward, Kathryn S., Carson, Richard G., Lloyd, David and Brauer, Sandra G. (2017). SMART Arm Training With Outcome-Triggered Electrical Stimulation in Subacute Stroke Survivors With Severe Arm Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 31 (12), 1005-1016. doi: 10.1177/1545968317744276

SMART Arm Training With Outcome-Triggered Electrical Stimulation in Subacute Stroke Survivors With Severe Arm Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2017

Journal Article

An exploratory study examining factors underpinning postural instability in older adults with idiopathic neck pain

Quek, June, Treleaven, Julia, Clark, Ross A and Brauer, Sandra G (2017). An exploratory study examining factors underpinning postural instability in older adults with idiopathic neck pain. Gait & posture, 60, 93-98. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017.11.016

An exploratory study examining factors underpinning postural instability in older adults with idiopathic neck pain

2017

Journal Article

Embedding an enriched environment in an acute stroke unit increases activity in people with stroke: a controlled before-after pilot study

Rosbergen, Ingrid C. M., Grimley, Rohan S., Hayward, Kathryn S., Walker, Katrina C., Rowley, Donna, Campbell, Alana M., McGufficke, Suzanne, Robertson, Samantha T., Trinder, Janelle, Janssen, Heidi and Brauer, Sandra G. (2017). Embedding an enriched environment in an acute stroke unit increases activity in people with stroke: a controlled before-after pilot study. Clinical Rehabilitation, 31 (11), 1516-1528. doi: 10.1177/0269215517705181

Embedding an enriched environment in an acute stroke unit increases activity in people with stroke: a controlled before-after pilot study

2017

Journal Article

The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in People with Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Mackay, Christopher P., Kuys, Suzanne S. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2017). The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in People with Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Neural Plasticity, 2017 4716197, 1-10. doi: 10.1155/2017/4716197

The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in People with Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2017

Journal Article

The concurrent validity and intrarater reliability of the Microsoft Kinect to measure thoracic kyphosis

Quek, June, Brauer, Sandra G., Treleaven, Julia and Clark, Ross A. (2017). The concurrent validity and intrarater reliability of the Microsoft Kinect to measure thoracic kyphosis. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 40 (3), 279-284. doi: 10.1097/MRR.0000000000000237

The concurrent validity and intrarater reliability of the Microsoft Kinect to measure thoracic kyphosis

2017

Journal Article

Falls in people with Parkinson's disease: a prospective comparison of community and home-based falls

Lamont, Robyn M., Morris, Meg E., Menz, Hylton B., McGinley, Jennifer L. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2017). Falls in people with Parkinson's disease: a prospective comparison of community and home-based falls. Gait and Posture, 55, 62-67. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017.04.005

Falls in people with Parkinson's disease: a prospective comparison of community and home-based falls

2017

Journal Article

Repetitive reaching training combined with transcranial Random Noise Stimulation in stroke survivors with chronic and severe arm paresis is feasible: a pilot, triple-blind, randomised case series

Hayward, Kathryn S., Brauer, Sandra G., Ruddy, Kathy L., Lloyd, David and Carson, Richard G. (2017). Repetitive reaching training combined with transcranial Random Noise Stimulation in stroke survivors with chronic and severe arm paresis is feasible: a pilot, triple-blind, randomised case series. Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation, 14 (1) 46, 46. doi: 10.1186/s12984-017-0253-y

Repetitive reaching training combined with transcranial Random Noise Stimulation in stroke survivors with chronic and severe arm paresis is feasible: a pilot, triple-blind, randomised case series

2017

Journal Article

Barriers and enablers to the implementation of the 6-PACK falls prevention program: a preimplementation study in hospitals participating in a cluster randomised controlled trial

Ayton, Darshini R., Barker, Anna L., Morello, Renata T., Brand, Caroline A., Talevski, Jason, Landgren, Fiona S., Melhem, Mayer M., Bian, Evelyn, Brauer, Sandra G., Hill, Keith D., Livingston, Patricia M. and Botti, Mari (2017). Barriers and enablers to the implementation of the 6-PACK falls prevention program: a preimplementation study in hospitals participating in a cluster randomised controlled trial. PLoS One, 12 (2) e0171932, e0171932. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171932

Barriers and enablers to the implementation of the 6-PACK falls prevention program: a preimplementation study in hospitals participating in a cluster randomised controlled trial

2017

Conference Publication

Clinical characteristics and physical activity behaviours of people with and without fatigue early after stroke

Mahendran, N., Kuys, S. and Brauer, S. (2017). Clinical characteristics and physical activity behaviours of people with and without fatigue early after stroke. 27th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Stroke Society of Australasia , Queenstown, New Zealand, 23 – 25 August 2017. London, United Kingdom: Sage. doi: 10.1177/1747493017720548

Clinical characteristics and physical activity behaviours of people with and without fatigue early after stroke

2017

Conference Publication

Staff perspective of working in an enriched environment embedded in the Acute Stroke Unit

Rosbergen, I., Fitzhenry, S., Grimley, R. S., Brauer, S. G. and Hayward, K. S. (2017). Staff perspective of working in an enriched environment embedded in the Acute Stroke Unit. 27th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Stroke Society of Australasia, Queenstown, New Zealand, 23-25 August 2017. London, United Kingdom: Sage. doi: 10.1177/1747493017720548

Staff perspective of working in an enriched environment embedded in the Acute Stroke Unit

2017

Journal Article

Promoting physical activity after stroke via self-management: a feasibility study

Preston, Elisabeth, Dean, Catherine M., Ada, Louise, Stanton, Rosalyn, Brauer, Sandy, Kuys, Suzanne and Waddington, Gordon (2017). Promoting physical activity after stroke via self-management: a feasibility study. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, 24 (5), 353-360. doi: 10.1080/10749357.2017.1304876

Promoting physical activity after stroke via self-management: a feasibility study

2017

Conference Publication

Are the effects of an enriched environment on patient activity sustained over time in an acute stroke unit?

Rosbergen, I., Grimley, R. S., Hayward, K. S., Walker, K. C., Rowley, D., Campbell, A. M., McGufficke, S., Robertson, S. T., Trinder, J., Janssen, H. and Brauer, S. G. (2017). Are the effects of an enriched environment on patient activity sustained over time in an acute stroke unit?. 27th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Stroke Society of Australasia, Queenstown, New Zealand, 23-25 August 2017. London, United Kingdom: Sage. doi: 10.1177/1747493017720548

Are the effects of an enriched environment on patient activity sustained over time in an acute stroke unit?

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

Are changes in gait and balance across the disease step rating scale in multiple sclerosis statistically significant and clinically meaningful?

2016

Journal Article

Are accelerometers and GPS devices valid, reliable and feasible tools for measurement of community ambulation after stroke?

Mahendran, Niruthikha, Kuys, Suzanne S., Downie, Emma, Ng, Phoebe, Brauer, Sandra G. and Ng, Phoebe (2016). Are accelerometers and GPS devices valid, reliable and feasible tools for measurement of community ambulation after stroke?. Brain Impairment, 17 (2), 151-161. doi: 10.1017/BrImp.2016.13

Are accelerometers and GPS devices valid, reliable and feasible tools for measurement of community ambulation after stroke?

2016

Journal Article

Accelerometer and global positioning system measurement of recovery of community ambulation across the first 6 months after stroke: an exploratory prospective study

Mahendran, Niruthikha, Kuys, Suzanne S. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2016). Accelerometer and global positioning system measurement of recovery of community ambulation across the first 6 months after stroke: an exploratory prospective study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 97 (9), 1465-1472. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2016.04.013

Accelerometer and global positioning system measurement of recovery of community ambulation across the first 6 months after stroke: an exploratory prospective study

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

    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

    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

    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

    Understanding key components contributing to sustained physical activity and walking 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

    Understanding and improving community mobility 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding key components contributing to sustained physical activity and walking after 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall

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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