Katherine M. Martinez
Papers
2
Total Citations
65
H-Index
2
About
Katherine M. Martinez is a leading researcher in the neurorehabilitation of movement disorders, with a primary focus on Parkinson’s disease (PD). Her work centers on understanding and improving the critical interface between posture and locomotion, specifically through the study of anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) and step initiation. Her seminal 2006 paper, with 49 citations, established the acute benefits of a lateral postural assist in overcoming the delayed, altered APAs that characterize gait freezing in PD patients. Building on this, her 2009 work demonstrated that short-term, posture-assisted step training can produce measurable improvements in the speed and quality of rapid step initiation. These contributions are foundational to the development of targeted physical therapy interventions that address the impaired postural-locomotor coupling in PD. By systematically analyzing how external cues can normalize APA timing and weight transfer, Martinez has provided a clear, evidence-based pathway for clinicians to improve mobility, reduce fall risk, and enhance the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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