Current research

Merridy completed her PhD at La Trobe University in 2025, examining how foot structure and function differ between people with and without midfoot osteoarthritis. The research combined 3D foot scanning, x-ray and MRI with assessment of muscle strength, joint range of motion, and the kinematics and kinetics of walking and functional tasks. The findings have been published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, Arthritis Care & Research, Gait & Posture and the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research.

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Her current work builds on this. She is continuing to analyse the midfoot osteoarthritis gait dataset, and is collaborating with colleagues at La Trobe University and the University of Sydney on projects spanning foot orthoses for midfoot osteoarthritis, 3D foot shape in hallux valgus, treatments for plantar heel pain, and foot health in falls prevention for older adults.

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Across all of it the aim is the same: a clearer understanding of why foot and lower limb problems develop, and better-informed decisions in the clinic.