UQ physiotherapy aims to improve mobility of multiple sclerosis sufferers

14 March 2017

An international team of researchers is trialing specially designed shoe insoles aimed at improving the mobility of people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The study, led by UQ School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences physiotherapy lecturer Dr Anna Hatton, is seeking 176 people affected by MS to take part in a three month trial of the insoles.

UQ physiotherapy aims to improve mobility of multiple sclerosis sufferers
Study physiotherapy at the UQ SHRS!

“Many people with MS experience problems with walking which can make day-to-day activities difficult and often leads to falls, so improving walking ability is of primary importance in maintaining health, independence, and quality of life,” Dr Hatton said.
“Evidence suggests that wearing textured shoe insoles, which are designed to stimulate receptors on the soles of the feet, may be one possible option to help improve gait.
“We now need people with MS to help us investigate whether the novel insoles influence the way the leg and trunk muscles work while walking on both even and uneven surfaces.”
The study will also look for changes in the perception of foot sensation and the awareness of foot position.
“Foot sensation plays an important role in keeping the body upright and balanced when walking, yet we know from previous studies that people with MS often have poor sensation on the soles of their feet,” Dr Hatton said.
“Therefore, wearing a specially designed shoe insole, which enhances sensory information at the feet, could help people affected by MS to walk better. “
Dr Hatton’s international research team includes UQ’s Professor Sandra Brauer and Ms Katrina Williams, Professor Graham Kerr of the Queensland University of Technology, Professor Keith Rome of the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, and Dr John Dixon of Teesside University, UK.
The trial is supported through funding from Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia.
“It is hoped that the study leads to the development of a new treatment technique, specifically an inexpensive, easy-to-administer shoe insole, which could assist mobility and independent living,” Dr Hatton said.

About the University of Queensland Physiotherapy program

The University of Queensland offers a learning environment and has assessment requirements designed to facilitate the advanced and intensive learning appropriate for a master’s-level program. The Master of Physiotherapy Studies introduces graduates to the profession of physiotherapy and its key concepts in intensive mode during an initial summer semester. It focuses on developing core knowledge and skills in the areas of musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiorespiratory and physical therapy across the lifespan, and integrates this knowledge and skill and application of clinical reasoning in supervised clinical practice.
Did you know there are 40 spots available in the program; 30 places for domestic Australians and 10 places for international students? For the 2016 intake, 10 international student offers were awarded to OzTREKK students!
Program: Master of Physiotherapy Studies
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Semester intake: November
Duration: 2 years
Application deadline: UQ has a general application deadline of May 30 each year; however, candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Apply now to the UQ Physiotherapy School!

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Would you like more information about studying at UQ Physiotherapy School? Email OzTREKK’s Australian Physiotherapy School Admissions Officer Krista McVeigh at krista@oztrekk.com.

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