Marie-louise Bird PhD, BPhty, DipEd

Dr Marie-Louise Bird studied physiotherapy at the University of Queensland and worked clinically for 15 years in a variety of acute hospital, community and rural settings. This background has provided depth for her teaching and research interests. As well this has impacted on the professional and leadership roles she has nationally. She has led projects in rural health and for the Australian Physiotherapy Association in education, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning. She has lectured at the University of Tasmania since 2004. She is the Tasmanian representative on the Gerontology Physiotherapy Association, and a former member of AHPRA. She is an invited reviewer for The Physiotherapy Research Fund grant applications serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Fitness Research.

The main focus of Dr Bird's research is to improve engagement of older adults with relevant types of physical activity and exercise, with the goal of reducing sedentary behaviour and reducing fall risks. To do this she works within the 'Exercise' and 'SPORT' groups in the School of Health Sciences. Present topics of particular interest include the growing area of use of technology for functional clinical assessment and interventions across diverse populations. Examples include measurement and enhancement of activity in community older adults, to kinect based software for rehabilitation in stroke. As well exercise interventions to reduce fall risk remain a passion. She currently has research links with the National Aging Research Institute (NARI), Menzies Research Institute.