Dr Prasath Jayakaran from CHARR, School of Physiotherapy has been awarded an HRC emerging researcher grant. Prasath's research project is entitled 'Sensory organisation for balance control in children with strabismus'
About the project
Strabismus, or misalignment of the eyes, is a relatively common childhood disorder with an incidence of about 4 per cent in children under 6 years. While it primarily affects the visual field and the perception of the environment, its effects on balance control is largely unexplored.
The research will investigate whether balance control is affected in children with strabismus. Results will provide insight about the nature of compensatory postural adjustments taking place in children with the disease and whether an intervention is needed to improve balance in these children.
About Prasath
Prasath completed his undergraduate degree in physiotherapy and a Masters in Sports physiotherapy from India. Further to this he worked as a physiotherapist in a multi-specialty teaching mission hospital in Southern India, where he developed interest in exploring balance and motor control.
In 2008, he embarked on my PhD journey at the School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago and completed his thesis in 2012. He 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).
He then successfully applied for a confirmation-path Lecturer position at the School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, in March 2017.
For further information
Contact: Dr Prasath Jayakaran