Dr Kirsty McDonald | UNSW Research

Fields of Research (FoR)

Biomechanics, Human Movement and Sports Science, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Devices, Motor Control

Biography

I sit at the intersection of health and engineering with a strong background in human biomechanics, physiology, and motor control. My research program explores what humans seek to optimise in various locomotor contexts (e.g., energy cost, stability, pain, musculoskeletal loading), and how we satisfy these competing objectives. I apply the insights gained from this work to improve the quality of life of people with movement disabilities (e.g.,...view more

My Grants

2023
Chief Investigator. UNSW Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Seed Grant Scheme. Development of a novel system for administering a pain stimulus during locomotion. McDonald, K.A., Aplin, F.P., Birznieks, I., Gibbs, M., Dickson, B., Thom, J. $14,647 AUD

Co-Investigator. UNSW Medicine & Health Neuroscience, Mental Health and Addiction Theme Collaborative Seed Funding. Development and Validation of a Paddle Trip System to Deliver Unanticipated, Controlled and Realistic Obstacle Trips in Older People. Investigators: Okubo, Y., McDonald, K., Wu, L., Silva Pelicioni, P.H., Treacy, D., Lord, S., Brodie, M.A., Humburg, P., Walker, M., McCouat, K. $36,755 AUD

2022
Chief Investigator. ASICS Oceania. Adding a spring to your step: can footwear reduce muscle fatigue in running? Investigators: McDonald, K.A., Héroux, M. Nahan, K. $7,100 AUD

Co-Investigator. UNSW Research Infrastructure Scheme. Mobile Motion Capture Suite. Investigators: Modenese, L., Kark, L., Stevens, M., Argha, R., Shivdasani, M., Brodie, M., Bolseterlee, B., Gustin, S., Alam, M., Shariati, N., McDonald, K., Ward, R., Pelicioni, P., Sturnieks, D. $131,117 AUD

Chief Investigator. UNSW Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Seed Grant Scheme. Adding a spring in your step: can the “Super Shoe” reduce muscle fatigue in running? Investigators: McDonald, K.A., Nahan, K., Broderick, C., Lee, M., Héroux, M. $3,936 AUD

Co-Investigator. American Society of Biomechanics Grants for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (GRADE) Program. Ensuring a sustainable future for the International Women in Biomechanics Community. Investigators: Banks, C., Daniels, K., Ebrahimi, A., McDonald, K. $5,000 USD (~$7500 AUD)

2021
Chief Investigator. UNSW Research Infrastructure Scheme. A portable solution for metabolic measurements. Investigators: McDonald, K., Arnold, R., Endre, Z., Héroux, M., Kark, L., Letton, M., Sturnieks, D., Thom, J., van Schooten, K., Ward, R. $83,045 AUD

Chief Investigator. UNSW Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Networking Seed Grant Scheme. Exploring device use recommendations to optimize health outcomes for children who use lower limb prostheses. Investigators: McDonald, K.A., Broderick, C., van Doorn, N., Scott, T. $5,000 AUD

My Qualifications

PhD, School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia: 2018
BSc (Hons), School of Sport Science Exercise and Health, The University of Western Australia: 2013
BSc, School of Sport Science Exercise and Health, The University of Western Australia: 2011

My Awards

Early Career Educator of the Year, School of Health Sciences, University of New South Wales: 2022
Australian Postgraduate Award and The University of Western Australia Safety Net Top-Up Scholarship, The University of Western Australia: 2014-7
Semi-finalist, Nike Ease Challenge: 2016
Valedictorian, The University of Western Australia: 2014
Rod Fry Prize, The University of Western Australia: 2013
Frank Pyke Memorial Scholarship, The University of Western Australia: 2013

My Research Activities

Journal articles

Santos, L.H.C.C., Freitas, S.M.S.F., Silva, T.H.G., McDonald, K.A., Alty, J., Latt, M.D., Pelicioni, P.H.S., 2024.The effect of dyskinesia on postural control, balance, gait, and risk of falling in people with Parkinson’s disease: a protocol of systematic review. Geriatrics, Gerontology and Aging (Accepted)
Molitor, S.L., Zelik, K.E. and McDonald, K.A., 2024. Lower-limb dominance does not explain subject-specific foot kinematic asymmetries observed during walking and running. Journal of Biomechanics, 162, p.111877.
Huang, S., Teater, R.H., Zelik, K.E. and McDonald, K.A., 2023. Biomechanical effects of an articulating prosthetic toe joint during stair navigation for individuals with unilateral, below-knee limb loss. Journal of Biomechanics, 161, p.111841.
Teater, R.H., Wolf, D.N., McDonald, K.A. and Zelik, K.E., 2023. Unilateral transtibial prosthesis users load their intact limb more than their prosthetic limb during sit-to-stand, squatting, and lifting. Clinical Biomechanics, 108, p.106041.
Nahan, K., Héroux, M., Kerr, J., Bastia, D., Finn, H. and McDonald, K.A., 2023. Effect of muscle fatigue on metabolic cost in running and implications for footwear design. Footwear Science, 15(sup1), pp.S132-S133.
Ziemnicki, D.M., McDonald, K.A., Wolf, D.N., Molitor, S.L., Egolf, J.B., Gupta, M. and Zelik, K.E., 2023. Combining an Artificial Gastrocnemius and Powered Ankle Prosthesis: Effects on Transtibial Prosthesis User Gait. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 145(6), p.061009.
Armitage, L., McDonald, K.A., Kark, L., Buller, A. and Ford, B., 2023. Transtibial prosthetic socket fitting: Australian prosthetist perspectives on primary challenges, management strategies, and opportunities for workflow and technological innovation. Prosthetics and Orthotics International, 47(2), pp.194-203.
Ebrahimi, A., Daniels, K.A., Gaffney, B.M., Banks, C.L., McDonald, K.A., Kessler, S.E. and Maharaj, J.N., 2023. International Women in Biomechanics: Promoting, supporting, and sustaining the careers of women in biomechanics. Journal of Biomechanics, 146, p.111419.
McDonald, K.A., Cusumano, J.P., Hieronymi, A. and Rubenson, J., 2022. Humans trade off whole-body energy cost to avoid overburdening muscles while walking. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 289(1985), p.20221189.
McDonald, K.A., Teater, R.H., Cruz, J.P. and Zelik, K.E., 2022. Unilateral below-knee prosthesis users walking on uneven terrain: The effect of adding a toe joint to a passive prosthesis. Journal of biomechanics, 138, p.111115.
Ziemnicki, D.M., Caputo, J.M., McDonald, K.A. and Zelik, K.E., 2021. Development and evaluation of a prosthetic ankle emulator with an artificial soleus and gastrocnemius. Journal of Medical Devices, 15(4), p.045001.
McDonald, K.A., Teater, R.H., Cruz, J.P., Kerr, J.T., Bastas, G. and Zelik, K.E., 2021. Adding a toe joint to a prosthesis: walking biomechanics, energetics, and preference of individuals with unilateral below-knee limb loss. Scientific Reports, 11(1), p.1924.
Yandell, M.B., Ziemnicki, D.M., McDonald, K.A. and Zelik, K.E., 2020. Characterizing the comfort limits of forces applied to the shoulders, thigh and shank to inform exosuit design. PloS one, 15(2), p.e0228536.
McDonald, K.A., Cusumano, J.P., Peeling, P. and Rubenson, J., 2019. Multi-objective control in human walking: insight gained through simultaneous degradation of energetic and motor regulation systems. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 16(158), p.20190227.
McDonald, K.A., Honert, E.C., Cook, O.S. and Zelik, K.E., 2019. Unholey shoes: Experimental considerations when estimating ankle joint complex power during walking and running. Journal of Biomechanics, 92, pp.61-66.
McDonald, K.A., Devaprakash, D. and Rubenson, J., 2019. Is conservation of center of mass mechanics a priority in human walking? Insights from leg-length asymmetry experiments. Journal of experimental biology, 222(9), p.jeb195172.
Nicholas, J.C., McDonald, K.A., Peeling, P., Jackson, B., Dimmock, J.A., Alderson, J.A. and Donnelly, C.J., 2019. Pole dancing for fitness: the physiological and metabolic demand of a 60-minute class. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 33(10), pp.2704-2710.
McDonald, K., Honert, E., Cook, O. and Zelik, K., 2019. Ankle joint complex power during walking and running: effects of marker location, and shoe-vs. skin-mounted markers. Footwear Science, 11(sup1), pp.S51-S52.
McDonald, K.A., Stearne, S.M., Alderson, J.A., North, I., Pires, N.J. and Rubenson, J., 2016. The role of arch compression and metatarsophalangeal joint dynamics in modulating plantar fascia strain in running. PloS one, 11(4), p.e0152602.
Stearne, S.M., McDonald, K.A., Alderson, J.A., North, I., Oxnard, C.E. and Rubenson, J., 2016. The foot’s arch and the energetics of human locomotion. Scientific reports, 6(1), p.19403.
Caulfield, S., McDonald, K.A., Dawson, B., Stearne, S.M., Green, B.A., Rubenson, J., Clemons, T.D. and Peeling, P., 2016. A comparison of haemolytic responses in fore-foot and rear-foot distance runners. Journal of Sports Sciences, 34(15), pp.1485-1490.

Conference abstracts

Kerr, J., Modenese, L., Nahan, K., Armitage, L., Kark, L., McDonald, K.A., 2023. The effect of real-time visual feedback on ground reaction force symmetry of prosthesis users. Regional ABC Sydney, Sydney Australia (Awarded the Australian and New Zealand Society of Biomechanics People’s Choice Presentation Award)
Nahan, K., Héroux, M., Kerr, J., Ward, R., Finn, H., McDonald, K.A., 2023. Exploring the effect of footwear on the metabolic cost of running with fatigued plantarflexors: a pilot analysis of experienced runners. Regional ABC Sydney, Sydney Australia
Lim, M., van Schooten, K.S., McDonald, K.A., Okubo, Y., Jung, D., Sturnieks, D., 2023. Effects of anxiety on reactive balance following trip-like perturbations in older people. Australia and New Zealand Falls Prevention Society & World Falls Congress 2023 Joint Conference, Perth, Australia
Jung, D., Sturnieks, D.L., McDonald, K.A., Song, P.Y.H., Davis, M.K., Lord, S., Okubo, Y., 2023. Treadmill belt accelerations do not replicate kinematic responses to trips on a walkway in older people. International Society of Posture & Gait Research World Congress 2023, Brisbane, Australia
Nahan, K., Héroux, M., Kerr, J., Bastia, D., Finn, H., McDonald, K.A., 2023. The effect of knee extensor fatigue on metabolic cost in running. XXIX Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics, Fukuoka, Japan
Nahan, K., Héroux, M., Kerr, J., Bastia, D., Finn, H., McDonald, K.A., 2023 Effect of muscle fatigue on metabolic cost in running and implications for footwear design. 16^th Biennial Footwear Biomechanics Symposium, Osaka, Japan
Huang, S., Teater, R.H., Zelik, K.E., McDonald, KA., 2023. Biomechanical effects of adding a flexible toe joint to foot prostheses during stair ascent and descent. American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists 49^th Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium, Nashville, USA
Teater, R.H., Wolf, D.N., McDonald, KA., Zelik, K.E., 2023. Lower-limb loading asymmetries persist for tasks prosthesis users don’t find challenging. American Academy of Orthotists & Prosthetists 49^th Academy Annual Meeting & Scientific Symposium, Nashville, USA
Ziemnicki, D.M., Molitor, S., Egolf, J., Cruz, J.P., Zelik, K.E., McDonald, K.A., 2022. Design and evaluation of a bimodal pediatric prosthetic foot for walking and running. North American Congress on Biomechanics 2022, Ottawa, Canada
Teater, R., Wolf, D., McDonald, K., Zelik, K., 2022. Characterizing Strategies and Exploring Interventions for Transtibial Prosthesis Users during Activities of Daily Living. RehabWeek 2022, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Teater, R.T., Wolf, D., Ausec, B., McDonald, K.A., Zelik, K.E., 2022. Transtibial Prosthesis User Biomechanics during Functional Tasks: Characterizing Strategies and Evaluating Effects of Increased Prosthetic Ankle and Toe Range of Motion. 9th World Congress of Biomechanics, Taiwan
Eveld, M.E., Wolfe, A.E., Cruz, J.P., Sifuentes, N.J., Ausec, B.N., Zelik, K.E., McDonald, K.A., 2021. Task-specific device use in paediatric prosthesis users. 12^th Australasian Biomechanics Congress, Virtual
McDonald, K.A., Teater, R., Zelik, K.E., 2021. Does a prosthetic toe joint affect mechanics or preference when persons with limb loss walk on uneven terrain? XXVIII Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics, Virtual
Teater, R.T., McDonald, K.A., Zelik, K.E., 2021. Exploring Effects of Prosthetic Ankle and Toe Joint Range of Motion on Activities of Daily Living. XXVIII Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics, Virtual
Ebrahimi, A., Kessler, S., Montgomery, J., Banks, C., McDonald, K., Daniels, K., Maharaj, J., 2021. What womxn want: Using the International Womxn in Biomechanics organization to help womxn in biomechanics thrive. XXVIII Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics, Virtual
Ziemnicki, D.M., Caputo, J., McDonald, K.A., Zelik., K.E., 2021. Effects of an artificial gastrocnemius and powered ankle prosthesis on transtibial prosthesis user gait. 45th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics, Virtual
Molitor, S., Zelik, K., McDonald, K., 2020. On the importance of applying appropriate joint angle normalization to multi-segment foot models. Biomedical Engineering Society Conference, Virtual
Molitor, S., Zelik, K., McDonald, K., 2020. Comparison of joint mechanics of the dominant vs non-dominant lower limbs during locomotion. 44th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics, Virtual
Teater, R.T., McDonald, K.A., Bastas, G., Zelik, K.E., 2020. Asymmetry, Instability and Functional Deficits in Transtibial Prosthesis Users During Squatting, Lifting and Sit-to-Stand. 44th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics, Virtual
Ziemnicki, D.M., McDonald, K.A., Zelik., K.E., 2020. Combining an Artificial Gastrocnemius and Powered Ankle Prosthesis: Effects on Transtibial Prosthesis User Gait. 44th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics, Virtual
McDonald, K.A., Cusumano, J.P., Hieronymi, A., Rubenson, J., 2020. Decoupling the metabolic and neuromuscular cost of human walking. Dynamic Walking 2020, Virtual
McDonald, K.A., Teater, R.H., Cook, O.S., Bastas, G., Zelik, K.E., 2019. The Biomechanical and Met-toe-bolic Effects of Walking on a Passive Prosthetic Foot with an Added Toe Joint. XXVII Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics, Calgary, Canada
Teater, R.H., McDonald, K.A., Cook, O.S., Bastas, G., Zelik, K.E., 2019. Addition of a Passive Toe Joint: Considerations for Passive and Powered Ankle-Foot Prosthesis Design. XXVII Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics, Calgary, Canada
McDonald, K.A., Honert, E.C., Cook, O.S., Zelik, K.E., 2019. Ankle joint complex power during walking and running: effects of marker location, and shoe- vs. skin-mounted markers. XXVII Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics, Calgary, Canada
McDonald, K.A., Hieronymi, A., Cusumano, J.P., Rubenson, J., 2019. Optimization in Human Walking: Decoupling Whole-Body Energetics and Local Muscle Effort. XXVII Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics, Calgary, Canada
McDonald, K.A., Honert, E.C., Cook, O.S., Zelik, K.E., 2019. Ankle joint complex power during walking and running: effects of marker location, and shoe- vs. skin-mounted markers. 14th Biennial Footwear Biomechanics Symposium, Kananaskis, Canada
Nicholas, J.C., McDonald, K.A., Peeling, P., Jackson, B., Dimmock, J.A., Alderson, J.A., Donnelly, C.J., 2018. The physiological and metabolic demand of a standardized 60-minute pole dancing class. 23rd Annual Congress of the European College for Sport Science, Dublin, Ireland
McDonald, K.A., Peeling, P., Rubenson, J., 2016. Preferred walking speed selection in normal and perturbed gait environments. 40th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Biomechanics, Raleigh, USA
McDonald, K.A., Peeling, P., Rubenson, J., 2016. Preferred walking speed selection in normal and unstable gait environments. Biomechanics and Neural Control of Movement, Sterling, USA
McDonald, K.A., Stearne, S.M., North, I., Alderson, J.A., Rubenson, J., 2015. The role of arch compression and metatarsophalangeal joint dynamics in modulating plantar fascia strain in running. XXV Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics, Glasgow, UK

My Research Supervision

Supervision keywords

Areas of supervision

PhD & Masters
The Locomotion Research Group (LRG) is always on the lookout for applicants with a keen interest in locomotor biomechanics, optimality and/or assistive technology. Domestic and international candidates can apply for an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship through the University of New South Wales, with multiple rounds/start dates available each year. Please get in touch via email if you would like to discuss these opportunities further. Learn more about LRG here: https://sites.google.com/view/locomotionresearchgroup.

Undergraduate
Undergraduate students from the University of New South Wales who are interested in i) learning more about ILP/Research Internships/Honours, or ii) volunteering as a research assistant, are encouraged to email Dr McDonald to discuss.

Currently supervising

John Kerr, PhD student (Primary Supervisor)
Key Nahan, PhD student (Primary Supervisor)
Priscila Nobrega De Sousa, PhD student (Co-Supervisor)
Phillip Ringer, Master's student (Primary Supervisor)
Ella Li, Hons student (Primary Supervisor)
Raffy Beylerian, Med ILP student (Primary Supervisor)
Jia Yao Foong, Hons student (Co-Supervisor)