Prof Graham Kerr

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Dementia and ageing: a Real Health public lecture

IHBI’s Real Health public seminar on July 21 focused on dementia and ageing. IHBI researchers discussed genetics, challenges, treatment options and the prospects of halting or slowing dementia and age-associated diseases in the future.

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Professor, School of Exercise & Nutrition Sciences

PhD (University of Western Aust.), MPE (University of Otago), BSc (University of Otago)

Research interests Posture, Balance, Gait and Falls in Older People: this research examines the effects of ageing on postural stability and the occurrence of falls. Several projects are underway as part of an NHMRC Injury Prevention Partnership, Prevention of Older Peoples Injuries.
  • Effects of actual and simulated visual deficits, standing balance and walking and the relationship to falls
  • Neurological disease and falls
  • Cardiovascular and aerobic risk factors for falls in older people.
Central nervous system and movement disorders Parkinson’s Disease
  • Evaluating posture and balance control and predisposition to falls in Parkinson's Disease
  • Prediction of driving performance in Parkinson's Disease
  • Posture and limb tremor relationships in Parkinson’s Disease.
Spinal Cord Injury
  • Repair of the injured spinal cord: trialling potential cell therapies.
Proprioceptive control of movement This research provides fundamental knowledge of the role of proprioceptive information in the coordination and control of arm movements. This project examines how arm movements are affected by alterations in
  • afferent information from different muscles
  • vestibular afferents
  • mechanical properties of the arm
  • neurological conditions in which there are proprioceptive deficits.
This knowledge is essential for development of technology for human-machine interfaces, neurally controlled prostheses, and effective rehabilitation procedures. Control of Visually Guided Arm Movements This research examines the control of visually guided movements during pointing, reaching and tracking tasks. This research is directed at understanding how and when visual information is used to control arm movements and how this is affected by ageing, visual impairment and neurological disease.

Additional information

Title
Improving postural stability and reducing falls risk in people with Parkinson's disease using textured insoles: a randomised controlled trial
Primary fund type
CAT 1 - Australian Competitive Grant
Project ID
1048447
Start year
2013
Keywords
falls prevention; balance; gait; Parkinson disease; footwear; balance impairment; injury prevention; risk prediction
Title
Ageing, Falls and Balance Recovery
Primary fund type
CAT 1 - Australian Competitive Grant
Project ID
536508
Start year
2011
Keywords
Title
Dynamic Postural Stability and Falls Prediction in Older People During Walking in Real-world Environments
Primary fund type
CAT 1 - Australian Competitive Grant
Project ID
443210
Start year
2007
Keywords
Falls; Balance; Gait; Older People; Injury Prevention