Louise Ada is Emeritus Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney, associated with the Sydney School of Health Sciences and Discipline of Physiotherapy. She holds a PhD from the University of New South Wales, an MA from Columbia University, a Graduate Diploma in Physiotherapy from Cumberland College of Health Sciences, and a BSc from the University of New South Wales. Over her extensive career at the University of Sydney, Prof Ada has established herself as a leading researcher in neurological rehabilitation. Her work centers on rehabilitation following stroke, with high-impact studies investigating the effects of muscle training, mental practice, treadmill training with body weight support, and overground walking practice on strength, mobility, balance, and walking ability. She is a member of the Neurological Rehabilitation Research Group, which examines interventions for neurological conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, and facial nerve palsy, addressing impairments like falls and physical inactivity.

Prof Ada's prolific output includes over 237 peer-reviewed publications amassed more than 11,000 citations. Notable contributions encompass randomized controlled trials such as the MOBILISE Trial (2010), which demonstrated that treadmill walking with body weight support establishes walking more effectively in subacute non-ambulatory stroke patients compared to usual care; the AMBULATE trial on improving community ambulation after stroke; and the FAST trial on a home-based intervention to reduce falls after stroke. Additional key works include systematic reviews on mechanically assisted walking with body weight support (2024), backward walking training for stroke recovery (2024), and supportive devices for shoulder subluxation after stroke (2005). She has secured funding for projects like the Out-and-About Trial to increase outdoor journeys post-stroke. Prof Ada received the Australasian Association of Consultants in Rehabilitation Medicine Prize from The Royal Australasian College of Physicians and served as Scientific Editor of the Australian Journal of Physiotherapy. Her research has significantly influenced evidence-based physiotherapy practices in stroke rehabilitation and neurological care.

Professional Email: louise.ada@sydney.edu.au