Michael Cole

Michael Cole is Professor and Associate Dean (Research) for the Faculty of Health Sciences at Australian Catholic University, leading the Development and Disability over the Lifespan program. He specializes in assessing balance, mobility, and neuromuscular function using high-technology systems in healthy populations and people with neurological impairments.

His research examines:

• Postural instability, gait disability and falls in Parkinson's disease
• Safety and efficacy of invasive (DBS) and non-invasive therapies
• Biomechanics of movement disorders

Cole has led major projects including an NHMRC Early Career Researcher Fellowship investigating trunk control in Parkinson's disease and contributed to NHMRC-funded gait assessment projects. He collaborates with clinicians to ensure research translation to improved Parkinson's care.

His publications demonstrate consistent focus on Parkinson's disease biomechanics with recent expansion into developmental coordination disorder, cerebral palsy, and advanced movement analysis technologies.