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)

121 - 140 of 293 works

2014

Journal Article

Senior physiotherapy students as standardised patients for junior students enhances self-efficacy and satisfaction in both junior and senior students

Mandrusiak, Allison M., Isles, Rosemary, Chang, Angela T., Low Choy, Nancy L., Toppenberg, Rowena, McCook, Donna, Smith, Michelle D., O'Leary, Karina and Brauer, Sandra G. (2014). Senior physiotherapy students as standardised patients for junior students enhances self-efficacy and satisfaction in both junior and senior students. BMC Medical Education, 14 (1) 105, 105. doi: 10.1186/1472-6920-14-105

Senior physiotherapy students as standardised patients for junior students enhances self-efficacy and satisfaction in both junior and senior students

2014

Journal Article

Effects of balance strategy training in myasthenia gravis: a case study series

Wong, Shi Hui, Nitz, Jennifer C., Williams, Katrina and Brauer, Sandra G. (2014). Effects of balance strategy training in myasthenia gravis: a case study series. Muscle and Nerve, 49 (5), 654-660. doi: 10.1002/mus.24054

Effects of balance strategy training in myasthenia gravis: a case study series

2014

Journal Article

Impairment of dynamic single-leg balance performance in individuals with hip chondropathy

Hatton, Anna L., Kemp, Joanne L., Brauer, Sandra G., Clark, Ross A. and Crossley, Kay M. (2014). Impairment of dynamic single-leg balance performance in individuals with hip chondropathy. Arthritis Care and Research, 66 (5), 709-716. doi: 10.1002/acr.22193

Impairment of dynamic single-leg balance performance in individuals with hip chondropathy

2014

Journal Article

Validity and intra-rater reliability of an Android phone application to measure cervical range-of-motion

Quek, June, Brauer, Sandra G., Treleaven, Julia, Pua, Yong-Hao, Mentiplay, Benjamin and Clark, Ross Allan (2014). Validity and intra-rater reliability of an Android phone application to measure cervical range-of-motion. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 11 (1) 65, 65.1-65.6. doi: 10.1186/1743-0003-11-65

Validity and intra-rater reliability of an Android phone application to measure cervical range-of-motion

2014

Journal Article

Activity limitations experienced by people with stroke who receive inpatient rehabilitation: differences between 2001, 2005, and 2011

Kuys, Suzanne S., Bew, Paul G., Lynch, Mary R. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2014). Activity limitations experienced by people with stroke who receive inpatient rehabilitation: differences between 2001, 2005, and 2011. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95 (4), 741-746. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2013.12.008

Activity limitations experienced by people with stroke who receive inpatient rehabilitation: differences between 2001, 2005, and 2011

2014

Journal Article

The effect of altering a single component of a rehabilitation programme on the functional recovery of stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Hayward, Kathryn S., Barker, Ruth N., Carson, Richard G. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2014). The effect of altering a single component of a rehabilitation programme on the functional recovery of stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation, 28 (2), 107-117. doi: 10.1177/0269215513497601

The effect of altering a single component of a rehabilitation programme on the functional recovery of stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2014

Journal Article

Assessing fitness to drive

Brauer, Sandra (2014). Assessing fitness to drive. Journal of Physiotherapy, 60 (2), 114-114. doi: 10.1016/j.jphys.2014.01.003

Assessing fitness to drive

2014

Journal Article

Clinically important improvements in motor function are achievable during inpatient rehabilitation by stroke patients with severe motor disability: a prospective observational study

Hayward, Kathryn S., Kuys, Suzanne S., Barker, Ruth N. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2014). Clinically important improvements in motor function are achievable during inpatient rehabilitation by stroke patients with severe motor disability: a prospective observational study. NeuroRehabilitation, 34 (4), 773-779. doi: 10.3233/NRE-141076

Clinically important improvements in motor function are achievable during inpatient rehabilitation by stroke patients with severe motor disability: a prospective observational study

2014

Journal Article

New insights into neck-pain-related postural control using measures of signal frequency and complexity in older adults

Quek, June, Brauer, S. G., Clark, Ross and Treleaven, Julia (2014). New insights into neck-pain-related postural control using measures of signal frequency and complexity in older adults. Gait and Posture, 39 (4), 1069-1073. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2014.01.009

New insights into neck-pain-related postural control using measures of signal frequency and complexity in older adults

2014

Journal Article

Urinary incontinence

Brauer, Sandra (2014). Urinary incontinence. Journal of Physiotherapy, 60 (3), 169-169. doi: 10.1016/j.jphys.2014.06.001

Urinary incontinence

2014

Journal Article

Factors affecting the ability of the stroke survivor to drive their own recovery outside of therapy during inpatient stroke rehabilitation

Eng, Xue Wen, Brauer, Sandra G., Kuys, Suzanne S., Lord, Matthew and Hayward, Kathryn S. (2014). Factors affecting the ability of the stroke survivor to drive their own recovery outside of therapy during inpatient stroke rehabilitation. Stroke Research and Treatment, 2014 (Article ID 626538) 626538, 626538-8. doi: 10.1155/2014/626538

Factors affecting the ability of the stroke survivor to drive their own recovery outside of therapy during inpatient stroke rehabilitation

2014

Journal Article

Can stroke survivors with severe upper arm disability achieve a clinically important change in arm function during inpatient rehabilitation? A multicentre, prospective, observational study

Hayward, Kathryn S., Kuys, Suzanne S., Barker, Ruth N. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2014). Can stroke survivors with severe upper arm disability achieve a clinically important change in arm function during inpatient rehabilitation? A multicentre, prospective, observational study. Neurorehabilitation, 35 (1), 17-23. doi: 10.3233/NRE-141096

Can stroke survivors with severe upper arm disability achieve a clinically important change in arm function during inpatient rehabilitation? A multicentre, prospective, observational study

2014

Conference Publication

Community life with Parkinson's disease: developing lifespace-movement and lifespace-quality of life maps to understand participation and outcomes

Liddle, J., Ireland, D., Brauer, S. G., Lamont, R. M., McBride, S., Karunanithi, M., Ding, H., Gustafsson, L., Silburn, P. A. and Chenery, H. J. (2014). Community life with Parkinson's disease: developing lifespace-movement and lifespace-quality of life maps to understand participation and outcomes. 18th International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Stockholm, Sweden, 8-12 June 2014. Hoboken, NJ, United States: John Wiley & Sons.

Community life with Parkinson's disease: developing lifespace-movement and lifespace-quality of life maps to understand participation and outcomes

2014

Journal Article

Overweight and obesity

Brauer, Sandra (2014). Overweight and obesity. Journal of Physiotherapy, 60 (2), 114-114. doi: 10.1016/j.jphys.2014.01.004

Overweight and obesity

2014

Journal Article

Measuring the lifespace of people with Parkinson's disease using smartphones: proof of principle

Liddle, Jacki, Ireland, David, McBride, Simon J., Brauer, Sandra G., Hall, Leanne M., Ding, Hang, Karunanithi, Mohan, Hodges, Paul W., Theodoros, Deborah, Silburn, Peter A. and Chenery, Helen J. (2014). Measuring the lifespace of people with Parkinson's disease using smartphones: proof of principle. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 16 (3) e13, e1-e13. doi: 10.2196/mhealth.2799

Measuring the lifespace of people with Parkinson's disease using smartphones: proof of principle

2014

Journal Article

Chronic pain

Brauer, Sandra (2014). Chronic pain. Journal of Physiotherapy, 60 (3), 169-169. doi: 10.1016/j.jphys.2014.06.006

Chronic pain

2014

Conference Publication

Monitoring the impact of Parkinson's disease on community life using everyday technology: development of a remote monitoring platform using smartphones

Chenery, H. J., Liddle, J., Ireland, D., Brauer, S. G., Theodoros, D., Wiles, J., McBride, S., Karunanithi, M., Ding, H., Lamont, R. and Silburn, P. A. (2014). Monitoring the impact of Parkinson's disease on community life using everyday technology: development of a remote monitoring platform using smartphones. 18th International Congress of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, Stockholm, Sweden, 8-12 June 2014. Hoboken, NJ United States: John Wiley & Sons. doi: 10.1002/mds.25914

Monitoring the impact of Parkinson's disease on community life using everyday technology: development of a remote monitoring platform using smartphones

2013

Journal Article

Brain injury rehabilitation

Brauer, Sandra (2013). Brain injury rehabilitation. Journal of Physiotherapy, 59 (4), 278-278. doi: 10.1016/S1836-9553(13)70213-3

Brain injury rehabilitation

2013

Journal Article

Chronic obstructive lung disease

Brauer, Sandra (2013). Chronic obstructive lung disease. Journal of Physiotherapy, 59 (4), 278-278. doi: 10.1016/S1836-9553(13)70212-1

Chronic obstructive lung disease

2013

Journal Article

The effect of Parkinson's disease and levodopa on adaptation of anticipatory postural adjustments

Hall, L. M., Brauer, S. G., Horak, F. and Hodges, P. W. (2013). The effect of Parkinson's disease and levodopa on adaptation of anticipatory postural adjustments. Neuroscience, 250, 483-492. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.07.006

The effect of Parkinson's disease and levodopa on adaptation of anticipatory postural adjustments

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

    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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