Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterised by impairments in motor control, postural stability, and gait. While pharmacological treatments such as Levodopa and surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation can partially improve balance and gait, their effects often remain limited when compared to healthy controls. Emerging evidence suggests that dry needling, a minimally invasive technique targeting myofascial trigger points, may offer therapeutic benefits for motor symptoms in PD. 

This project proposes a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the short-term effects of dry needling on both gait and balance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Objective assessments will include validated clinical tests (e.g., TUG, 10MWT) and instrumented balance measures (e.g., stabilometry, postural sway, and center of pressure oscillations) using a pressure platform.

The study aims to determine whether dry needling can serve as an effective complementary intervention to improve motor function and reduce fall risk in PD patients. 

The Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) provides funding to support both domestic and international students undertaking Research Doctorate and Research Master’s degrees. At UWA, RTP funding is used to support eligible students through the following types of scholarships:

Domestic RTP Tuition Fees Offset Scholarships - automatically provided to all domestic HDR students, without the need for a competitive application process.

International RTP Tuition Fees Offset Scholarships - awarded to a limited number of international students, via a competitive selection process.

RTP Stipend Scholarships (living allowance) - awarded to a limited number of domestic and international students, via a competitive selection process. The current value in 2025 is $37,000 per annum.

RTP Allowances - awarded to assist students with ancillary costs of Higher Degree by Research, such as relocation expenses.

For the latest information, visit 

https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/scholarships-and-fees/scholarships/hdr-scholarships

beatriz.alija@uwa.edu.au

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Master in Apply Performance Human science, Master Physiotherapist and related health care professionals.
Must meet the standard University admission requirements for the PhD course.