Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

Contact Details

Phone
+64 3 479 7411
Email
prasath.jayakaran@otago.ac.nz
Position
Senior Lecturer, and Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies), School of Physiotherapy
Qualifications
BPT MPTh PhD
Research summary
Postural balance, gait, motor control, Parkinson’s, and ageing
Teaching
  • Selected modules in undergraduate physiotherapy papers
  • Undergraduate clinical teaching/supervision (Year 2)
  • Research Methods paper fr postgraduate students (PHTY610)
  • Postgraduate research supervision (PhD and masters’)
Memberships
  • Co-director, Tū Ora Otago Falls Network
  • International Society for Posture and Gait Research
  • Finance Advisory Committee, International Neurological Physiotherapy Association
Clinical
Prasath has a strong commitment to working with people living with Parkinson’s disease and leads the weekly Balance Wise exercise class, delivered along with students undertaking clinical placements.

Research

Prasath Jayakaran completed his PhD investigating balance and postural control in people with lower-limb amputations, work that laid the foundation for his ongoing research programme. His research interests focus on balance and motor control across the lifespan, with particular attention to individuals living with neurological conditions and middle-aged adults. Through this work, he aims to improve functional movement, participation, and overall quality of life.

Prasath uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to examine complex aspects of balance and movement and to inform practical, evidence-based approaches to support individuals in their daily lives. His research is strengthened by collaborations with community organisations, including Parkinson’s New Zealand and Age Concern, ensuring that his work remains both scientifically robust and relevant to real-world needs.

Additional details

Regular peer-reviewer for:

  • Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
  • Disability and Rehabilitation
  • Prosthetics and Orthotics International

Publications

Jayakaran, P., Mitchell, L., Terry, J., Parkinson, J., Taylor, R., Hale, L., & Whitney, S. (2025). Postural control in children with strabismus: A longitudinal investigation on sensory weighting. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 53(1), (pp. S28). doi: 10.15619/ncjp.v53i1.478 Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Still, A., Hale, L., Alam, S., Morris, M. E., & Jayakaran, P. (2024). Relationships between physical activities performed under free-living conditions and non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation, 38(11), 1534-1551. doi: 10.1177/02692155241272967 Journal - Research Article

Leung, C., Hale, L., Swain, N., & Jayakaran, P. (2024). Perceptions of people with Parkinson's on non-motor symptoms and functional ability. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 52(2), 85-97. doi: 10.15619/nzjp.v52i2.360 Journal - Research Article

Othman, R., Swain, N., Tumilty, S., Jayakaran, P., & Mani, R. (2023). Sensitivity to movement-evoked pain, central sensitivity symptoms, and pro-nociceptive profiles in people with chronic shoulder pain: A parallel-group cross-sectional investigation. Pain Practice, 23, 41-62. doi: 10.1111/papr.13152 Journal - Research Article

Wilson, L., Harcombe, H., Jayakaran, P., Burga, L., Antony, J., Morgaine, K., Garelja, M., Middleton, A., Anwar, M., & Milne, T. (Eds.). (2022). Proceedings of the 264th Otago Medical School Research Society (OMSRS) Meeting: Masters/Honours Student Speaker Awards. Dunedin, New Zealand: OMSRS. Retrieved from https://ourarchive.otago.ac.nz/handle/10523/12839 Conference Contribution - Edited volume of conference proceedings

Back to top