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)

141 - 160 of 293 works

2013

Journal Article

The efficacy of SMART Arm training early after stroke for stroke survivors with severe upper limb disability: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Brauer, Sandra G., Hayward, Kathryn S., Carson, Richard G., Cresswell, Andrew G. and Barker, Ruth N. (2013). The efficacy of SMART Arm training early after stroke for stroke survivors with severe upper limb disability: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMC Neurology, 13 (71) 71, 1-8. doi: 10.1186/1471-2377-13-71

The efficacy of SMART Arm training early after stroke for stroke survivors with severe upper limb disability: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

2013

Journal Article

SMART arm with outcome-triggered electrical stimulation: a pilot randomized clinical trial

Hayward, Kathryn S., Barker, Ruth N., Brauer, Sandra G., Lloyd, David, Horsley, Sally A. and Carson, Richard G. (2013). SMART arm with outcome-triggered electrical stimulation: a pilot randomized clinical trial. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, 20 (4), 289-298. doi: 10.1310/tsr2004-289

SMART arm with outcome-triggered electrical stimulation: a pilot randomized clinical trial

2013

Journal Article

Physical activity for older people

Brauer, Sandra (2013). Physical activity for older people. Journal of Physiotherapy, 59 (3), 213-213. doi: 10.1016/S1836-9553(13)70192-9

Physical activity for older people

2013

Journal Article

Paediatric neuromuscular weakness

Brauer, Sandra (2013). Paediatric neuromuscular weakness. Journal of Physiotherapy, 59 (2), 133-133. doi: 10.1016/S1836-9553(13)70172-3

Paediatric neuromuscular weakness

2013

Journal Article

Falls in older people

Brauer, Sandra (2013). Falls in older people. Journal of Physiotherapy, 59 (3), 213-213. doi: 10.1016/S1836-9553(13)70191-7

Falls in older people

2013

Journal Article

Cardiovascular disease risk

Brauer, Sandra (2013). Cardiovascular disease risk. Journal of Physiotherapy, 59 (2). doi: 10.1016/S1836-9553(13)70173-5

Cardiovascular disease risk

2013

Journal Article

Rasch-based scoring offered more precision in differentiating patient groups in measuring upper limb function

Khan, Asaduzzaman, Chien, Chi-Wen and Brauer, Sandra G. (2013). Rasch-based scoring offered more precision in differentiating patient groups in measuring upper limb function. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 66 (6), 681-687. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2012.12.014

Rasch-based scoring offered more precision in differentiating patient groups in measuring upper limb function

2013

Journal Article

Cost effectiveness of patient education for the prevention of falls in hospital: economic evaluation from a randomized controlled trial

Haines, Terry P., Hill, Anne-Marie, Hill, Keith D., Brauer, Sandra G., Hoffmann, Tammy, Etherton-Beer, Christopher and McPhail, Steven M. (2013). Cost effectiveness of patient education for the prevention of falls in hospital: economic evaluation from a randomized controlled trial. Bmc Medicine, 11 (1) 135. doi: 10.1186/1741-7015-11-135

Cost effectiveness of patient education for the prevention of falls in hospital: economic evaluation from a randomized controlled trial

2013

Journal Article

Effect of body position on ventilation distribution in ventilated preterm infants

Hough, Judith L., Johnston, Leanne, Brauer, Sandy, Woodgate, Paul and Schibler, Andreas (2013). Effect of body position on ventilation distribution in ventilated preterm infants. Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, 14 (2), 171-177. doi: 10.1097/PCC.0b013e31826e708a

Effect of body position on ventilation distribution in ventilated preterm infants

2013

Conference Publication

Dynamic single-leg balance performance is impaired in individuals with hip chondropathy

Hatton, A. L., Kemp, J. L., Brauer, S. G., Clark, R. A. and Crossley, K. M. (2013). Dynamic single-leg balance performance is impaired in individuals with hip chondropathy. World Congress of the Osteoarthritis-Research-Society-International (OARSI), Philadelphia Pa, Apr 18-21, 2013. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier Ltd. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2013.02.112

Dynamic single-leg balance performance is impaired in individuals with hip chondropathy

2013

Conference Publication

Factors influencing the consultants' decision to admit a stroke survivor to and then continue or cease inpatient stroke rehabilitation: a statewide survey

Hayward, K. S., Aitkin, P. D., Barker, R. N. and Brauer, S. G. (2013). Factors influencing the consultants' decision to admit a stroke survivor to and then continue or cease inpatient stroke rehabilitation: a statewide survey. 24th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Stroke Society of Australia, Darwin, NT Australia, 31 July – 2 August 2013.. Richmond, VIC Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/ijs.12143

Factors influencing the consultants' decision to admit a stroke survivor to and then continue or cease inpatient stroke rehabilitation: a statewide survey

2013

Conference Publication

Does balance and gait differe across the disease steps in people with Multiple Sclerosis

Williams, K. L., Low Choy, N. L. and Brauer, S. G. (2013). Does balance and gait differe across the disease steps in people with Multiple Sclerosis. News Moves, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 17-20 October 2013.

Does balance and gait differe across the disease steps in people with Multiple Sclerosis

2013

Conference Publication

Stroke survivors with severe motor disability can make clinically important improvements during inpatient rehabilitation

Hayward, K. S., Kuys, S. S., Barker, R. N. and Brauer, S. G. (2013). Stroke survivors with severe motor disability can make clinically important improvements during inpatient rehabilitation. 24th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Stroke Society of Australia, Darwin, NT Australia, 31 July – 2 August 2013. Richmond, VIC Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/ijs.12142

Stroke survivors with severe motor disability can make clinically important improvements during inpatient rehabilitation

2013

Conference Publication

Does balance strategy training improve function in people with myasthenia gravis

Wong, S. H., Nitz, J. C., Williams, K. L. and Brauer, S. G. (2013). Does balance strategy training improve function in people with myasthenia gravis. New Moves, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 17-20 October 2013.

Does balance strategy training improve function in people with myasthenia gravis

2013

Journal Article

Frozen shoulder

Brauer, Sandra (2013). Frozen shoulder. Journal of Physiotherapy, 59 (1), 61-61. doi: 10.1016/S1836-9553(13)70154-1

Frozen shoulder

2013

Conference Publication

The validity and reliability of accelerometers and GPS for the purpose of free-living community ambulation measurement post-stroke

Mahendran, N., Downie, E., Ng, P., Kuys, S. and Brauer, S. (2013). The validity and reliability of accelerometers and GPS for the purpose of free-living community ambulation measurement post-stroke. 9th Australasian Nursing and Allied Health Stroke Conference, Queensland, Australia, 22 – 23 August 2013. Richmond, VIC Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/ijs.12172

The validity and reliability of accelerometers and GPS for the purpose of free-living community ambulation measurement post-stroke

2013

Conference Publication

Stroke survivors with severe upper limb disability: how much and what do they do during inpatient rehabilitation?

Hayward, K. S., Barker, R. N., Wiseman, A. H. and Brauer, S. G. (2013). Stroke survivors with severe upper limb disability: how much and what do they do during inpatient rehabilitation?. 24th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Stroke Society of Australia, Darwin, NT Australia, 31 July – 2 August 2013. Richmond, VIC Australia: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia. doi: 10.1111/ijs.12143

Stroke survivors with severe upper limb disability: how much and what do they do during inpatient rehabilitation?

2013

Journal Article

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Brauer, Sandra (2013). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Journal of Physiotherapy, 59 (1), 61-61. doi: 10.1016/S1836-9553(13)70155-3

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

2013

Journal Article

Dose and content of training provided to stroke survivors with severe upper limb disability undertaking inpatient rehabilitation: An observational study

Hayward, Kathryn S., Barker, Ruth N., Wiseman, Amy H. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2013). Dose and content of training provided to stroke survivors with severe upper limb disability undertaking inpatient rehabilitation: An observational study. Brain Impairment, 14 (3), 392-405. doi: 10.1017/BrImp.2013.31

Dose and content of training provided to stroke survivors with severe upper limb disability undertaking inpatient rehabilitation: An observational study

2012

Journal Article

Hand, hip, and knee osteoarthritis

Brauer, Sandra (2012). Hand, hip, and knee osteoarthritis. Journal of Physiotherapy, 58 (3). doi: 10.1016/S1836-9553(12)70117-0

Hand, hip, and knee osteoarthritis

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

    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

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

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Andrew Burton-Jones

  • Doctor Philosophy

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

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Barbra Timmer, Associate Professor Wayne Wilson

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall

  • Doctor Philosophy

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

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Barbra Timmer, Associate Professor Wayne Wilson

  • Doctor Philosophy

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

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Niru Mahendran

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Understanding and improving community mobility after stroke

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Niru Mahendran

  • Doctor Philosophy

    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

    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

    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

    Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall

  • Doctor Philosophy

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

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Alejandro Melendez-Calderon

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Professor Sandy Brauer directly for media enquiries about:

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

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