Profile
Laurie Wishart is a physiotherapist (University of Toronto) with a clinical background in adult neurological rehabilitation. She completed a masters in Clinical Epidemiology (1987) and doctoral training in Medical Sciences (1994) at McMaster University. She is an Associate Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science. Her educational interests are in the areas of neurology and aging. She has an Associate position in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University. She is a member of the Mobility, Aging and Participation Research group at McMaster University.
She has three interrelated research interests that are focused on the overall goal in the development of effective rehabilitation interventions for older adults and individuals post-stroke. One interest involves the investigation of the effects of aging and stroke on performing and learning movement skills. Her second interest is the investigation of the effectiveness of motor learning principles in older adult rehabilitation populations in clinical settings. The third area of interest is developing interventions to maintain or increase autonomy of older adults in rehabilitation and home settings.
She has several research graduate students who are working on a variety of thesis work focused on motor learning and aging or stroke rehabilitation intervention in both subacute and rehabilitation populations. Some of these students are clinicians who continue to work part-time while pursuing graduate work.
Research Specialty
Laurie's area of research is in motor learning and control in older adults as well as development and evaluation of rehabilitation interventions focused on older adults and individuals with neurological impairments (stroke).
Fun Fact
A “student” of golf.
Taking Graduate Students
Currently taking students.
Lab/Research Institute
Associate member, Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University
Courses Taught
MSc PT, RS, McMaster University
2010-2011
Unit 4: Advanced Neurological Practice, Unit Chair and Problem Based Tutorial Course Coordinator
RS701: Analysis and Rehabilitation of Functional Movement, Course Coordinator
RS700: The Development, Evaluation and Utilization of Theories in Rehabilitation, Course Coordinator
2009-2010
Unit 3: Fundamentals of Cardiorespiratory and Neurological Practice, Unit Chair and Problem Based Tutorial Coordinator
2008-2009
Unit 4: Advanced Neurological Practice, Problem Based Tutorial Course Coordinator and Tutor
Recent Research
Project Title: Impact of physical guidance schedule on learning of a challenging walking task in adults with a history of stroke: a pilot project
Investigators: DePaul V, Wishart L, Lee TD, Balasubramaniam R.
Funding Agency: Ministry of Health, and Long Term Care, Ontario Stroke System
Amount: $68 869
Funding Period: 2010- 2012
Project title: Dissemination and application of Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke at a non-designated hospital
Investigators: DePaul V, Reaburn-Jones B, Johnson D, Wishart L.
Funding agency: Central South Ontario Regional Stroke Strategy
Funding amount: $699
Funding period: 2009-2010
Project Title: Rehabilitation in the home environment: A knowledge transfer project to implement best practice and ensure continuity of care with stroke.
Investigators: Richardson J, Bosch J, DePaul V, Jack S, Letts L, Moreland J, Wilkins S, Wishart L
Funding Agency: Ontario Stroke Strategy/Ministry of Health and Long-term Care
Amount: $142,078
Funding Period: Jan 2009-Mar 2010
Project Title: A Motor Learning Walking Program versus Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training in community dwelling individuals within six months since stroke onset: A randomized controlled trial.
Investigators: DePaul V, Wishart L, Richardson J, Lee T, Moreland, J.
Funding Agency: Ministry of Health and Long Term Care of Ontario, Ontario Stroke Strategy Grant
Funding Amount: $142 382.00
Funding Period: 2006 – 2010 |