I am a Physiotherapy with a Clinical Speciality in the managment of persons with Neurological conditions and vestibular disorders and have been awarded a fellowship to the Australian College of Physiotherapy Neurological Fellow in 2008.
I have an interest in exploring how the systems of balance, - inner ear (vestibular system), eyes (ocular system), sensory (touch, proprioception) interface with the brain to optimise movement control and funciton / participation outcomes in persons with Neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebellar dysfunciton, Parkinsons Disease, Myasthenia Gravis, Motor Neuron Disease and Concussion to name a few.
My research in persons with Multiple Sclerosis has contributed to the knowledge of clinicians in how to assess considering disability level as a key aspect to system impairment involvement to funciton. My involvment with the Whirled Foundation - previosuly Menieres Australia provided evidence to the National Government during their Hearing Health Australia initiative to include the vestibuilar system as a key system often impacted in person with hearing dysfuncion as one of their recommendation for further resarch exploration.
Journal Article: Exploring impairments and allied health professional utilisation in people with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study
Cavanagh, Neve, Shrubsole, Kirstine, Alsop, Tahlia and Williams, Katrina (2023). Exploring impairments and allied health professional utilisation in people with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 114, 9-16. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2023.05.012
Journal Article: Clinimetrics: Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12)
Williams, Katrina and Hatton, Anna (2023). Clinimetrics: Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12). Journal of Physiotherapy, 69 (4), 275-275. doi: 10.1016/j.jphys.2023.08.004
Hatton, Anna L., Williams, Katrina, Chatfield, Mark D., Hurn, Sheree, Maharaj, Jayishni N., Gane, Elise M., Cattagni, Thomas, Dixon, John, Rome, Keith, Kerr, Graham and Brauer, Sandra G. (2022). Effects of wearing textured versus smooth shoe insoles for 12 weeks on gait, foot sensation and patient-reported outcomes, in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled trial. Brain Impairment, 24 (2), 1-20. doi: 10.1017/brimp.2022.33
(2018–2024) Sonova AG
Establishing a Sonova-UQ Hearing and Balance Research Centre
(2018) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
(2014–2019) Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia
The effect of vibrotactile feedback on postural stability and vestibular function in older adults with hearing impairment
Doctor Philosophy
Influence of somato-sensory and vestibular function in people with Neurological Pathologies
Ataxia and tremor in people with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Williams, Katrina and Hoang, Phu (2009). Ataxia and tremor in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS practice for health professionals. (pp. 1-12) edited by Erika Coxhead and Kathy Hutton. Lidcombe, Australia: Multiple Sclerosis Australia.
Balance for people with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Williams, Katrina (2009). Balance for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS practice for health professionals. (pp. 1-14) edited by Phu Hoang, Robyn Smith and Kathy Hutton. Lidcombe, Australia: Multiple Sclerosis Australia.
Management of complex symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS)
Williams, Katrina, Fultcher, Gary, Longley, Wendy, Robinson, Paula- Jane and Stevens, Caroline (2009). Management of complex symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS). MS practice for health professionals. (pp. 1-20) edited by Phu Hoang and Kathy Hutton. Lidcombe, Australia: Multiple Sclerosis Australia.
Strength and cardiorespiratory exercises for people with multiple sclerosis (MS)
Williams, Katrina and Hoang, Phu (2009). Strength and cardiorespiratory exercises for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS practice for the health professional. (pp. 1-14) edited by Erika Coxhead and Kathy Hutton. Lidcombe, Australia: Multiple Sclerosis Australia.
Cavanagh, Neve, Shrubsole, Kirstine, Alsop, Tahlia and Williams, Katrina (2023). Exploring impairments and allied health professional utilisation in people with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 114, 9-16. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2023.05.012
Clinimetrics: Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12)
Williams, Katrina and Hatton, Anna (2023). Clinimetrics: Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12). Journal of Physiotherapy, 69 (4), 275-275. doi: 10.1016/j.jphys.2023.08.004
Hatton, Anna L., Williams, Katrina, Chatfield, Mark D., Hurn, Sheree, Maharaj, Jayishni N., Gane, Elise M., Cattagni, Thomas, Dixon, John, Rome, Keith, Kerr, Graham and Brauer, Sandra G. (2022). Effects of wearing textured versus smooth shoe insoles for 12 weeks on gait, foot sensation and patient-reported outcomes, in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled trial. Brain Impairment, 24 (2), 1-20. doi: 10.1017/brimp.2022.33
Hatton, Anna L., Williams, Katrina, Chatfield, Mark D., Hurn, Sheree E., Maharaj, Jayishni N., Gane, Elise M., Cattagni, Thomas, Dixon, John, Rome, Keith, Kerr, Graham and Brauer, Sandra G. (2022). Immediate effects of wearing textured versus smooth insoles on standing balance and spatiotemporal gait patterns when walking over even and uneven surfaces in people with multiple sclerosis. Disability and Rehabilitation, 45 (20), 1-9. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2122600
Devlin, Isobel, Williams, Katrina L. and Shrubsole, Kirstine (2022). Fragmented care and missed opportunities: the experiences of adults with myasthenia gravis in accessing and receiving allied health care in Australia. Disability and Rehabilitation, 45 (15), 1-9. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2094481
Galea, Olivia, O'Leary, Shaun, Williams, Katrina and Treleaven, Julia (2022). An investigation of sensorimotor impairments in individuals 4 weeks to 6 months following mild traumatic brain injury. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 103 (5), 921-928. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.10.029
Williams, Katrina L. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2022). Walking impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis: the impact of complex motor and non-motor symptoms across the disability spectrum. Australian Journal of General Practice, 51 (4), 215-219. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-08-21-6116
Foster, Jacinta I., Williams, Katrina L., Timmer, Barbra H.B. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2022). Concurrent validity of the Garmin Vivofit®4 to accurately record step count in older adults in challenging environments. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 30 (5), 1-9. doi: 10.1123/japa.2021-0231
Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study
Alsop, Tahlia, Williams, Katrina and Gomersall, Sjaan (2022). Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases, 9 (1), 137-146. doi: 10.3233/jnd-210722
Foster, Jacinta I., Williams, Katrina L., Timmer, Barbra H. B. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2022). The association between hearing impairment and postural stability in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Trends in Hearing, 26, 1-22. doi: 10.1177/23312165221144155
Shrubsole, Kirstine, Davies, Chloe and Williams, Katrina L. (2021). Do people with Myasthenia Gravis need speech-language pathology services? A national survey of consumers’ experiences and perspectives. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 24 (2), 1-12. doi: 10.1080/17549507.2021.1961862
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
Simulator sickness in patients with neck pain and vestibular pathology during virtual reality tasks
Tyrrell, Ryan, Sarig-Bahat, Hilla, Williams, Katrina, Williams, Grace and Treleaven, Julia (2017). Simulator sickness in patients with neck pain and vestibular pathology during virtual reality tasks. Virtual Reality, 22 (3), 1-9. doi: 10.1007/s10055-017-0324-1
Cervical kinematics in patients with vestibular pathology vs. patients with neck pain: a pilot study
Williams, Grace, Sarig-Bahat, Hilla, Williams, Katrina, Tyrrell, Ryan and Treleaven, Julia (2017). Cervical kinematics in patients with vestibular pathology vs. patients with neck pain: a pilot study. Journal of Vestibular Research-Equilibrium & Orientation, 27 (2-3), 137-145. doi: 10.3233/VES-170615
Use of neck torsion as a specific test of neck related postural instability
Williams, Katrina, Tarmizi, Ahmad and Treleaven, Julia (2017). Use of neck torsion as a specific test of neck related postural instability. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 29, 115-119. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.03.012
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
Hatton, Anna L., Dixon, John, Rome, Keith, Brauer, Sandra G., Williams, Katrina and Kerr, Graham (2016). The effects of prolonged wear of textured shoe insoles on gait, foot sensation and proprioception in people with multiple sclerosis: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials, 17 (208) 208, 1-10. doi: 10.1186/s13063-016-1337-x
Gustafsson, Louise, Hutchinson, Laura, Theodoros, Deborah, Williams, Katrina, Copley, Anna, Fagan, Amy and Desha, Laura (2016). Healthcare students’ experiences of an interprofessional, student-led neuro-rehabilitation community-based clinic. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 30 (2), 259-261. doi: 10.3109/13561820.2015.1086730
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
Progressive supranuclear palsy
Williams, Katrina (2012). Progressive supranuclear palsy. Physiotherapy InMotion, 2012 (1), 29-31.
Dynamic and functional balance tasks in subjects with persistent whiplash: A pilot trial
Stokell, Raina, Yu, Annie, Williams, Katrina and Treleaven, Julia (2011). Dynamic and functional balance tasks in subjects with persistent whiplash: A pilot trial. Manual Therapy, 16 (4), 394-398. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2011.01.012
Feedback provided to physiotherapy students by standardised patients: key stakeholder perspectives
Mandrusiak, Allison, Forbes, Roma and Williams, Katrina (2019). Feedback provided to physiotherapy students by standardised patients: key stakeholder perspectives. Australian Physiotherapy Association National Conference, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 17-19 October, 2019.
Williams, K. L, Low Choy, N. L and Braeur, S. G (2019). Identifying biophysical markers that predict perceived walking, balance and physical life in people with Multiple Sclerosis. Transform - Australian Physiotherapy Association Conference, Adelaide, SA Australia, 16-19 October 2019.
Alsop, K., Treleavan, J. and Williams, K. L. (2019). Vestibular migraine: can oculomotor, vestibular and postural stability measures aid in identification of vestibular migraine patients?. Transform - Australian Physiotherapy Association Conferene, Adelaide, SA Australia, 16-19 October 2019.
Danicic, Joseph, Williams, Katrina, Semciw, Adam and Henneken, Emma (2017). The Efficacy of Vestibular Rehabilitation in People Reporting Dizziness with Multiple Sclerosis: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian-and-New-Zealand-Association-of-Neurologists (ANZAN), Gold Coast Australia, May 9-12, 2017. LONDON: BMJ Group. doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2017-316074.42
Cave, Catherine, Williams, Katrina and Semciw, Adam (2017). The efficacy of repeated botulinum toxin treatment cycles in the management of spasticity post stroke - A systematic review. SMART STROKES 2017 Conference, Gold Coast, QLD Australia, 10–11 August 2017. London, United Kingdom: Sage Publications.
Hatton, A., Dixon, J., Rome, K., Brauer, S., Williams, K. and Kerr, G. (2016). Do textured insoles alter gait, foot sensation & proprioception in people with multiple sclerosis?. Foot International 2016 Congress, Berlin, Germany, 23-25 June 2016. London, United Kingdom: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.fas.2016.05.280
Riggall, J., Barr, C., Williams, K. and Hayward, K. (2015). Can physiotherapy students deliver a high intensity of therapy to people with stroke? An observational study. *, *, *. HOBOKEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL.
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 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.
Two physiotherapy models of service delivery for people with multiple sclerosis
Williams, K.L. and Hoang, P. (2009). Two physiotherapy models of service delivery for people with multiple sclerosis. Teamwork, Trends, and Technology: New Solutions in Multiple Sclerosis, Atlanta, GA USA, 27-30 May 2009. doi: 10.7224/1537-2073-11.S2.1
Williams, Katrina (2022). Exploring the relationship between sensory symptoms, function and participation in people with Multiple Sclerosis. PhD Thesis, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/1059a4b
(2018–2024) Sonova AG
Establishing a Sonova-UQ Hearing and Balance Research Centre
(2018) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
(2014–2019) Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia
The effect of vibrotactile feedback on postural stability and vestibular function in older adults with hearing impairment
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.
Influence of somato-sensory and vestibular function in people with Neurological Pathologies