Dr Prasath Jayakaran is the lead researcher for balance and vestibular research at the School.
He talks to us about his interest in the area and his aspirations as a researcher in the area of rehabilitation of balance and motor control in individuals with disability.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I completed my undergraduate degree in physiotherapy and a Masters in Sports physiotherapy from India. Further to this I worked as a physiotherapist in a multi-specialty teaching mission hospital in Southern India, where I developed interest in exploring balance and motor control.
Prasath at Balance Wise. Balance Wise is the weekly community exercise programme for older adults with self-reported memory loss and balance deficits he has been running since 2017.
In 2008, I embarked on my PhD journey at the School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago and completed my thesis in 2012. I went on to complete two postdoctoral fellowships: (1) Brunel University London (February 2013 to January 2014) and (2) School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago (January 2014 to November 2016).
I then successfully applied for a confirmation-path Lecturer position at the School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, in March 2017.
Why balance research?
The main focus of my research is around balance, particularly around peripheral sensory information processing. I developed an interest in this during my clinical physiotherapist practice in India. I worked in a multidisciplinary clinic where I was involved in the rehabilitation of individuals with upper and lower limb amputation.
The answers I was looking for to support my clinical practice me led to do my PhD studies on sensory information and postural control in individuals with a dysvascular lower limb amputation. Further to completing my PhD I have continued my investigations in this area in my postdoctoral fellowship positions.
In my current role as a Lecturer, I am working on three broad research areas:
- Sensory-motor reorganisation in individuals with a limb amputation
- Peripheral sensory information and organisation for postural control, particularly in children with strabismus
- Physical activity in individuals with compromised balance and function
How does your research contribute to Physiotherapy practice?
Balance and postural control is directly related to carrying out activities of daily living, and will health and wellbeing.
Outcomes of this research will advance knowledge in the area of balance and functional rehabilitation and further trials exploring rehabilitation.
Having done my higher research degree on a question that I had during my clinical practice, I am always looking to research ideas that support clinical practice, particularly in individuals with physical disability.
Further information
Learn more about the Balance and Vestibular research facility
Contact: Dr Prasath Jayakaran