The Obstructive Sleep Apnoea syndrome (OSA) refers to a condition in which throat blockage occurs during sleep leading to breathing difficulties, including cessation of breathing for short periods of time. OSA is amongst the commonest chronic disorders of adult males, occurring in 5% of men over the age of 45 years. We will examine how muscles in the throat act to keep the airway open. We will also study how tongue and jaw position influences throat blockage. The throat is lined with fluid which ....The Obstructive Sleep Apnoea syndrome (OSA) refers to a condition in which throat blockage occurs during sleep leading to breathing difficulties, including cessation of breathing for short periods of time. OSA is amongst the commonest chronic disorders of adult males, occurring in 5% of men over the age of 45 years. We will examine how muscles in the throat act to keep the airway open. We will also study how tongue and jaw position influences throat blockage. The throat is lined with fluid which may become dry and sticky if, for example, breathing takes place via the mouth rather than the nose. We will study the effects of this throat lining fluid and examine ways in which treatments might help to avoid throat blockage during sleep by keeping the throat lined with non-sticky fluid. These studies will increase our understanding of OSA and help to design better treatments for the condition. People who have OSA also may develop high blood pressure associated with the nervous system response to breathing difficulties during sleep over a long period of time. In the same way as is used in the lie detector test, we will use measurements of the electrical conductivity of the skin to assess this nervous system response during sleep. These studies will help to understand how hypertension develops in OSA and who is likely to be affected. Asthma is a major health problem in Australia affecting around 20% of children and 12% of adults. Asthmatics react to inhaled pollens etc. The nose normally acts as a filter to remove many such particles from the inhaled air. If breathing takes place via the mouth more and larger particles can gain access to the lungs. We will investigate whether asthmatics breathe through their nose only or breathe through the mouth more than normal (particularly during sleep), if treatments can alter this and whether such treatments reduce the occurence of asthma attacks.Read moreRead less
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.
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.
Physical Activity Coaching For Adults With Physical Disabilities: A Pragmatic Randomised Controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,371,185.00
Summary
People with impaired mobility can achieve substantial benefits from appropriate physical activities but face many barriers to being active so require targeted interventions and health professional support. This trial (n=600) will test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an enhanced physical activity coaching intervention (home-visit from a physiotherapist, phone coaching, technology) with phone coaching alone and with no intervention.
Harnessing The Benefits Of Autonomous Vehicles For Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$738,596.00
Summary
The arrival of autonomous vehicles (AVs) will have huge implications for health behaviours, including physical activity and diet. It is critical that appropriate planning processes are undertaken as early as possible to prevent cities of the future being designed around AVs rather than people, thereby losing the potential for this new technology to be harnessed as a means of enhancing health. This project will facilitate the inclusion of health considerations in AV implementation processes.