Maya Panisset

Dr. Maya Panisset (she/they) is a clinician researcher (physiotherapist) with a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Melbourne, specialising in neurorehabilitation, co-design and digital health. They have a passion for person-centred care and early intervention for people with neurological conditions. With a special interest in mobility, balance and falls prevention, Dr. Panisset was substantially involved in the development and conduct of an inaugural community-based trial of group-based exercise and social program for older adults at risk of falls utilising specially designed Seniors Exercise Parks, of which there are now fourteen parks installed in greater Melbourne and interstate.

Dr. Panisset specialises in the study of novel neuromodulation techniques to enhance neurorehabilitation, including the PONsTM device for translingual neuromodulation. As a Senior Research Fellow in the Dept. of Medicine (RMH), they currently coordinate a global-first early adaptive trial of transcutaneous spinal cord neuromodulation (TESCoN) led by Prof. Mary Galea to restore upper limb function in people living with tetraplegia, funded by the MRFF and TAC, and located within the Victorian Spinal Cord Service at the Royal Talbot Spinal Rehabilitation Centre.

The research team is also exploring the application of innovative non-linear metrics for walking and standing balance, utilizing inertial sensors (IMUs) in collaboration with the MS Immunology Centre at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. The ultimate goal is to create a mobile health tool that empowers individuals with MS to remotely monitor their condition, facilitating early detection of deterioration and ensuring timely access to preventative interventions. This is especially crucial given the absence of a cure for MS.