Dr Katrina Williams
Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Affiliate of Centre for Neurorehabilitation, Ageing and Balance Research
Centre for Neurorehabilitation, Ageing and Balance Research
Affiliate of University of Queensland Centre for Hearing Research (CHEAR)
Centre for Hearing Research
+61 7 336 54507
Researcher biography
I am a physiotherapist with a clinical specialty in the management of individuals with neurological conditions and vestibular disorders. I have a keen interest in examining how the body's balance systems, including the inner ear (vestibular system), eyes (ocular system), and sensory modalities (touch, proprioception), interact with the brain to optimize movement control, functionality, physical activity, and participation outcomes for individuals affected by neurological and vestibular pathologies. This includes conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cerebellar dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease, myasthenia gravis, motor neuron disease, concussion, Meniere's disease, vestibular migraines, acoustic neuromas, and age-related vestibular dysfunction. Additionally, I am interested in the influence of lifestyle choices on vestibular system functioning and integration, particularly how factors such as physical activity, community integration, sleep, and overall wellness affect both neurological and vestibular conditions, including Meniere's disease, vestibular migraines, and age-related vestibular dysfunction.
Book Chapters
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.
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.
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.
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.
Journal Articles
Alsop, Tahlia, Cassimatis, Marianna, Williams, Katrina L. and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2025). Perspectives of people with myasthenia gravis on physical activity and experience of physical activity advice from health professionals in the Australian context: a qualitative study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 47 (1), 156-163. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2338877
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
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) PII S144396462200033X, 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
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
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
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
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
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, 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
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
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
Williams, Katrina (2012). Progressive supranuclear palsy. Physiotherapy InMotion, 2012 (1), 29-31.
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
Conference Papers
Williams, Katrina L. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2024). Vestibular and visual impairments and associations with walking and balance in people with Multiple Sclerosis. XXXII Bárány Society Meeting 2024, Uppsala, Sweden, 25-28 August 2024.
Williams, Katrina L. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2024). Identifying biophysical markers that predict perceived walking, balance and physical quality of life in people with Multiple Sclerosis. 38th Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Nashville, TN United States, 29 May - 1 June 2024.
Williams, Katrina L. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2023). Vestibular ocular reflex function in people with multiple sclerosis: does it impact on walking and balance?. NOTSA, Auckland, New Zealand, 26-28 October 2023.
Foster, Jacinta, Williams, Katrina L., Timmer, Barbra and Brauer, Sandra G. (2023). Differences in vestibular function in older adults with hearing loss, with and without a history of dizziness, or vertigo. NOTSA, Auckland, New Zealand, 26 - 28 October 2023.
Foster, Jacinta, Williams, Katrina L., Timmer, Barbra and Brauer, Sandra G. (2023). The worse your hearing the worse your balance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. NOTSA, Auckland, New Zealand, 26 - 28 October 2023.
Foster, Jacinta, Williams, Katrina L., Timmer, Barbra and Brauer, Sandra G. (2023). Differences in vestibular function in older adults with hearing loss, with and without a history of dizziness, or vertigo. Australian Physiotherapy Association IGNITE, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 26 - 28 October 2023.
Alsop, Tahlia, Cassimatis, Marianna, Williams, Katrina L. and Gomersall, Sjaan (2023). Perspectives of people with myasthenia gravis on physical activity and experience of advice from health professionals: a qualitative Australian study. Australian Physiotherapy Association IGNITE, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 4-7 October 2023.
Foster, Jacinta, Timmer, Barbra, Williams, Katrina L. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2023). The worse your hearing the worse your balance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Australian Physiotherapy Association IGNITE, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 26 - 28 October 2023.
Williams, Katrina L. and Brauer, Sandra G. (2023). Vestibular and visual impairments and the association with walking and movement limitations in people with Multiple Sclerosis. International Society of Gait and Posture, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 10-13 July 2023.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Thesis
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