A Multicentre Randomised Clinical Trial Of Physical Activity For The Treatment Of Patients With Alzheimers Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$773,752.00
Summary
The number of older adults living with Alzheimer's disease (AD) will increase from 26.6 million to 106.2 million by 2050. In the absence of curative treatment options it is important to focus on non-pharmacological interventions such as physical activity. We propose to investigate whether a home-based physical activity program of 24 weeks for patients with AD can successfully decrease the rate of cognitive and functional declince and improve quality of life and psychological well-being.
Understanding The Unique Contribution Of Sedentary Behaviour To The Cardio Metabolic Health Of Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,149.00
Summary
The risk of heart disease for women increases significantly with the menopause. New evidence suggests that sedentary behaviour (too much sitting as distinct from too little exercise) is also related to heart disease risk. Ms Howard's PhD research will identify whether TV time and other prolonged sitting pose a particular risk for women during and after the menopause. Her studies will identify whether there is a need for women's health recommendations on reducing sitting time.
Assessment Of The Efficacy Of A Brief Behaviour Intervention Designed To Improve Physical Activity In Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$691,206.00
Summary
The treatment options for patients with poor peripheral blood supply are currently limited. In particular there are limited means to help patients' to change poor health behaviours. This trial assesses the efficacy of a validated means to improve physical activity using motivational interviewing techniques in patients with poor peripheral blood supply.
Studies Of Metabolites Of Synthetic Flavonols For The Treatment Of Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$207,440.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, is the leading killer of Australians. A promising new drug, NP202, can reduce the amount of tissue damaged from a heart attack; however, its mechanism of action remains obscure. NP202 is metabolized to a range of compounds, one of which is partly responsible for its beneficial effects. In this project we will identify other metabolites of NP202 and characterize their biological activity to gain insight into its mechanism of action.
Phase III Study Of The Impact Of A Physical Activity Program On Disease-free Survival For Early Colon Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,556,385.00
Summary
There is clear evidence that physical activity can reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer and some evidence suggesting it may decrease the risk of a recurrence of bowel cancer. This study will provide reliable evidence as to whether people who participate in a structured physical activity programme after treatment for stage II or III colorectal cancer can increase their likelihood of being alive without a cancer recurrence at three years, compared to those who have standard follow-up.
This Program Aims To Examine Socio-ecological Factors Associated With Motor Skill (actual And Perceived) And Physical Activity From Early Childhood To Adolescence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$302,123.00
Summary
Helping children to be physically active is vital, because activity helps prevent various lifestyle diseases. Motor skill ability (the ability to catch, throw or jump) helps children to be more active. This fellowship aims to understand i) more about how children’s actual skill and also their ‘perceived’ skill relates to how active they are and ii) whether children who participate in motor skill programs are more likely to be active and skilled in the long term.
The Role Of The Neighbourhood Built Environment On Physical Activity And Sedentary Behaviour Among Youth And Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,564.00
Summary
Modifying the built environment by improving parks is potentially a sustainable way to increase population level physical activity. This research aims to examine how features of parks may increase usage, provide greater opportunities for physical activity, and decrease sedentary behaviours among families primarily living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. This research will provide evidence for policy makers and will assist planners to design parks that promote use and activity within parks.
Ringing Pavlov’s Bell – Using Conditioning Tasks To Enhance Physical Activity And Reduce Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
The aim of this project is examine an innovative technique to increase the effectiveness of web-based physical activity interventions that can reduce cardiovascular disease risk across large populations at a low cost. Using games and puzzles, we want to influence people’s feelings about being active by connecting it with something they feel positively about (e.g., vacation spots, cute animals). This technique is often used in advertising, but has never been applied to increase physical activity.
Eco-RESIDE: An Economic Evaluation Of Urban Design As A Means Of Promoting Physical Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$422,612.00
Summary
The significance of this project lies in the health problem that it seeks to address and the intervention that is being evaluated. Physical inactivity ranks second only to tobacco use in terms of the costs of diseases associated with behavioural risk factors. Declining rates of physical activity have been associated with increasing rates of obesity and overweight in Australian children and adults. The association that one sees between features of the urban environment and physical activity level ....The significance of this project lies in the health problem that it seeks to address and the intervention that is being evaluated. Physical inactivity ranks second only to tobacco use in terms of the costs of diseases associated with behavioural risk factors. Declining rates of physical activity have been associated with increasing rates of obesity and overweight in Australian children and adults. The association that one sees between features of the urban environment and physical activity levels suggests that urban planning guidelines may be a cost-effective means of promoting health and achieving other social objectives such as sustainable use of natural resources. Furthermore, not enough is known about the economic value of investing in health promoting interventions and this project is among the first to measure the costs and benefits of intervening at the environmental level. The information that it provides will be highly useful for local government and health service planners alike.Read moreRead less