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Evidence-based Approaches For Lifestyle Interventions To Improve Physical And Cognitive Functions In Old Age.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$351,886.00
Summary
As Australia’s population ages, our public health system faces the challenge of an increase in chronic conditions. Many of these can be prevented or better managed by regular physical activity. New public health recommendations have evolved to strongly encourage all adults to engage in physical activity as an integral part of their “lifestyle”. My research will expand the evidence for endorsing the benefits of this “lifestyle” approach for the physical and cognitive functions of older people.
There is increasing evidence that regular physical activity contributes considerably to better physical fitness and good health of individuals and nations. Unfortunately, many individuals in Australia are not regularly active. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Physical activity guidelines encourage participation in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, ....There is increasing evidence that regular physical activity contributes considerably to better physical fitness and good health of individuals and nations. Unfortunately, many individuals in Australia are not regularly active. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Physical activity guidelines encourage participation in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week. Walking is one of the most common forms of physical activity undertaken by adults, however there is a relatively poor understanding of the physiological demands of this task. A better understanding of walking for people of different age, gender, size and shape would provide for improvements in the categorisation of intensity of physical activity for use in population measures of physical activity and exercise prescription for individuals who are obese. The aim of the proposed study is to assess the relationship between energy cost of walking and body composition of adults. The main purpose is to consider how people of different age, gender, size and shape manage self-paced walking relative to maximal capacity. The energy cost of walking is an important determinant of a person's functional capacity, physical fitness and health status. The main outcomes of the study: An increased knowledge and understanding of the energy expenditure of self-paced walking relative to maximal aerobic power; More reliable assessment of physical activity status using a variety of commonly employed indirect assessment techniques; A comprehensive understanding of the inter-individual differences in walking characteristics based on age, gender or body fatness; A better understanding of the energy cost of walking and the subsequent promotion of this form of physical activity has potential to impact on the health of Australians, particularly those who are sedentary and overweight or obese.Read moreRead less
Many older people who fracture their hip do not recover to their previous level of function. This study will test whether it is possible to help recovery of function, particularly walking, after hip fracture by using different and more intensive physiotherapy treatment. The treatment will concentrate on exercise when standing, will be provided twice daily and will continue after the person with hip fracture has returned home. Four months after the hip fracture it is expected that walking ability ....Many older people who fracture their hip do not recover to their previous level of function. This study will test whether it is possible to help recovery of function, particularly walking, after hip fracture by using different and more intensive physiotherapy treatment. The treatment will concentrate on exercise when standing, will be provided twice daily and will continue after the person with hip fracture has returned home. Four months after the hip fracture it is expected that walking ability, strength and balance will be improved by the new treatment methods.Read moreRead less
Exercise Self-management To Improve Long-term Functioning And Prevent Falls After Hip Fracture.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$848,478.00
Summary
Up to 20,000 older Australians suffer hip fractures each year. Many people don't fully recover. We have designed a self-management training program which incorporates individualised exercise prescription. This novel program is designed for people who have completed usual treatment and rehabilitation for hip fracture. We will conduct a well-designed randomised controlled trial to test the effects of this program on disability, falls and hospital readmissions and to assess its cost-effectiveness.