Megan Towns

Megan Towns is a PhD candidate (2014- ) in the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto and is supervised by Dr Virginia Wright. She has a BSc in molecular biology and an MScPT in Physical Therapy from U of T. In the past, Megan practiced as a pediatric physiotherapist at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital within Complex Continuing Care, Specialized Orthopedics and Developmental Rehabilitation, Child Development Program, and the Prosthetics Department. Her PhD project is entitled: “The relationships between balance confidence, balance capabilities, and participation in children with mild to moderate neurmotor disabilities.” From studies on adults with balance deficits, there is strong evidence that balance confidence can influence participation to a greater degree than actual balance abilities. As such, this project seeks to provide clinicians who work with children and youth the tools to evaluate the balance confidence in children and youth with balance deficits and to better understand the complex relationships and mediating and moderating factors. Ultimately, this may help to inform clinical practice by identifying factors that impact balance confidence, and, consequently, lead to improved participation.