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A reduced capacity to recover balance following an imbalance episode contributes to the high incidence of falls in older adults. The goal of the present study is to determine how age-related differences in lower extremity neuromuscular and biomechanical properties are related to balance recovery capacity and falls incidence. A detailed understanding of this relationship is necessary for the development of efficacious exercise-based interventions for the prevention of falls.
Establishing Pathways To Implement And Sustain Evidence Based Fall Prevention In Primary Care: The ISOLVE Project
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,156,546.00
Summary
Researchers in allied health and primary care are partnering with Northern Sydney Medicare Local and the NSW State Falls Program (Clinical Excellence Commission) to establish a multi-disciplinary pathway model for fall prevention. The aim is to establish integrated processes and pathways at the levels of practitioner, practice, and program to identify older people at risk of falls and engage a whole of primary care approach to fall prevention. This project will employ multi-methodologies.
Dynamic Postural Stability And Falls Prediction In Older People During Walking In Real-world Environments.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$680,793.00
Summary
The increased occurrence of falls with advancing age (33-50% of people aged >65 years) is a significant cause of mortality (1014 deaths in 1998), morbidity, and disability, affecting not only the individuals concerned, but the health care system (45,069 fall related hospitalizations in 1998 in Australia) and the broader community (National falls Prevention Initiative, 2004). Although there are a number of falls risk tests, most rely on determination of body sway while standing when the body i ....The increased occurrence of falls with advancing age (33-50% of people aged >65 years) is a significant cause of mortality (1014 deaths in 1998), morbidity, and disability, affecting not only the individuals concerned, but the health care system (45,069 fall related hospitalizations in 1998 in Australia) and the broader community (National falls Prevention Initiative, 2004). Although there are a number of falls risk tests, most rely on determination of body sway while standing when the body is static rather than in motion. Given that up to 70% of falls occur during walking and performing transfers, there is a clear need to develop tests of falls risk prediction that incorporate indices of postural stability measured during more dynamic activities. Test development needs to be underpinned by clear evidence of how age-related sensory and motor deficits affect postural stability during walking. The studies outlined in this application will develop and utilise new accelerometer-based technologies to determine the fundamental mechanisms underlying balance control during walking in older people. Specifically, this project will aim to develop a clear understanding of how changes in factors as vision, neuromuscular function (strength, stiffness) and proprioception contribute to the overall decline in stability and balance during walking in older people. Combined with physiological assessment measures developed by the research team, the research will allow the development of a more definitive predictive test of stability and falls risk. This test will be able to be used by health professionals for assessment of older people to determine the most effective therapeutic and-or exercise interventions to target those individuals at risk. This technology will also be adaptable to a biofeedback device to allow individuals to monitor their own stability.Read moreRead less
Assessing The Benefit Of Low Dose Aspirin In The Prevention Of Severe Sepsis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$391,880.00
Summary
Recent discoveries suggest that low doses of aspirin may save lives in patients with infection by limiting its severity. We will conduct a large-scale primary prevention study using daily low-dose aspirin to explore whether this widely used drug can safely prevent severe infection. This study is made possible by collaborative involvement in an existing Australian and USA funded study called ASPREE. Finding a treatment that helps prevent severe effects and outcomes of infection would be a major h ....Recent discoveries suggest that low doses of aspirin may save lives in patients with infection by limiting its severity. We will conduct a large-scale primary prevention study using daily low-dose aspirin to explore whether this widely used drug can safely prevent severe infection. This study is made possible by collaborative involvement in an existing Australian and USA funded study called ASPREE. Finding a treatment that helps prevent severe effects and outcomes of infection would be a major health advance.Read moreRead less
Fall Surveillance: Evaluation Of Patients, Practitioners, And Health Data Sources
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$102,680.00
Summary
In Queensland falls account for the highest proportion of injury-related death and hospitalisation among older people. The project aims to provide a comprehensive picture of falls and related injuries in Queensland and assess the possibilities of linking a range of injury-related data sources in primary and acute care. It is anticipated that harmonisation of data collection practices would facilitate greater understanding of falls and inform improved prevention practices and health outcomes.
Fall Prevention And Physical Activity Promotion For Older Adults: Cluster Trial Of Effectiveness And Cost-effectiveness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,291,950.00
Summary
This cluster randomised controlled trial will establish the impact on physical activity and falls of an intervention program that targets both physical activity and falls using assessment, advice and health coaching. The trial will involve 60 established groups of older people, recruited from local chapters of community organisations including Probus, the Older Women’s Network, registered clubs and church groups (estimated average group size of 10; total n = 600).
Whole Body Vibration For Osteoporosis: Shaking Up Our Treatment Options
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$961,017.00
Summary
Our aim is to examine the ability of vibration alone and in combination with osteoporosis drugs to reduce hip fracture in postmenopausal women. In Australia, 1 in 2 women >60yrs, will sustain an osteoporotic fracture. Only drugs notably decrease fracture; however none are entirely effective and some patients don’t respond. Whole body vibration has emerged as a potentially effective therapy. A combination of vibration and drugs may enhance the effects of both and revolutionise treatment.
A Multi-centre RCT To Prevent Secondary Falls In Older People Presenting To The Emergency Department With A Fall
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,534,471.00
Summary
Falls are a leading cause for presentation to Emergency Departments (EDs) by older patients. More than 50% who present to ED with a fall injury have fallen in the previous year. RESPOND is an innovative post-ED discharge program designed to reduce secondary falls in older people. RESPOND extends current falls prevention research and practice by incorporating patient-centred education with behaviour change strategies proven to be effective in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events.
Planning for Later Life: an Ethnographic Analysis of Aging among Transnational Papua New Guineans. This project addresses the global problem of ageing populations by looking at how transnational Papua New Guinean families plan for old age. It explores how Papua New Guineans resident in North Queensland make specific decisions about later life that balance the value of relations with kin, friends, neighbours while also dealing with the social services provided by the state and the market. The pro ....Planning for Later Life: an Ethnographic Analysis of Aging among Transnational Papua New Guineans. This project addresses the global problem of ageing populations by looking at how transnational Papua New Guinean families plan for old age. It explores how Papua New Guineans resident in North Queensland make specific decisions about later life that balance the value of relations with kin, friends, neighbours while also dealing with the social services provided by the state and the market. The project will describe the tensions that emerge in transnational decision making concerning old age. The resulting knowledge of how Papua New Guineans prepare for old age will help to critically inform policies concerning the wellbeing of people engaged with ageing.Read moreRead less
Emerging from the shadows: the evaluation of intervention strategies to reduce social isolation amongst the aged. Social isolation imposes a high cost on affected individuals and the community at large. This project will determine what interventions work in addressing social isolation amongst the older population.