Rate My Professor Anna Hatton

Associate Professor Anna Hatton is Head of Physiotherapy in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences within the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at the University of Queensland. Originally from the UK, she is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and holds a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy and a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from Teesside University. In 2010, she undertook an Australian Endeavour Postdoctoral Research Fellowship and Baroness Robson Travel Scholarship from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy at Neuroscience Research Australia in Sydney, mentored by Professor Stephen Lord. She serves as Co-Director of the Centre for Neurorehabilitation, Ageing and Balance Research, Associate Editor for Gait & Posture, and Elected Secretary for the Executive Committee of the Australian and New Zealand Falls Prevention Society.

Hatton's research specializations include the development and evaluation of novel textured and vibratory shoe insoles to enhance postural control, gait, foot sensory function, and physical activity in healthy young and older people, older fallers, adults with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and lower limb musculoskeletal conditions. She has secured over $1.7 million in research funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia, Diabetes Australia, and the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering. Major publications encompass 'The effects of wearing textured versus smooth shoe insoles for 4-weeks in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a randomised controlled trial' (Disability and Rehabilitation, 2025), 'The effects of vibrating shoe insoles on standing balance, walking, and ankle-foot muscle activity in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy' (Gait and Posture, 2024), 'Effects of wearing textured versus smooth shoe insoles for 12 weeks on gait, foot sensation and patient-reported outcomes, in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomised controlled trial' (Brain Impairment, 2022), and book chapters 'Postural stability measurement: implications for footwear interventions' (CRC Press, 2013). She received the 2016 Young Tall Poppy Science Award from the Australian Institute of Policy and Science and a 2020 Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning in the Australian Awards for University Teaching for inspiring learning in gerontology through early clinical experiences. Her work has translated into clinical practices for neurorehabilitation, ageing, and balance research.