Marie-louise Bird
Lecturer
Department of health
University of Tasmania
Australia
Biography
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.
Research Interest
Dr Bird's research aligns with the university's research theme of Better Health. 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 Institute for Medical Research.
Publications
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Pittaway JK, Ahuja KD, Beckett JM, Bird ML, Robertson IK, Ball MJ. Make vitamin D while the sun shines, take supplements when it doesn′ t: a longitudinal, observational study of older adults in Tasmania, Australia. PLoS One. 2013 Mar 18;8(3):e59063.
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Bird ML, Fell J. Positive long-term effects of pilates exercise on the age-related decline in balance and strength in older, community-dwelling men and women. Journal of aging and physical activity. 2014 Jul;22(3):342-7.
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Bird ML, Hill KD, Fell JW. A randomized controlled study investigating static and dynamic balance in older adults after training with Pilates. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation. 2012 Jan 31;93(1):43-9.
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Bird ML, Hill K, Ball M, Williams AD. Effects of resistance-and flexibility-exercise interventions on balance and related measures in older adults. Journal of aging and physical activity. 2009 Oct;17(4):444-54.
