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.
Physical activity has many health and psychological benefits, however many programs aimed at increasing physical activity have failed to show the expected results. This may be because when people increase their level of exercise, they decrease the amount of energy they use in other areas of their lives. This project will examine how two different exercise programs affect overall physical activity level. Findings may cause us to reconsider how to prescribe exercise.
Working Out For The Thin Blue Line: Evaluating Exercise To Improve Physical And Mental Health Of Police Officers With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Through their occupation, Police Officers are at high risk of experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This fellowship aims to investigate the impact of structured exercise in order to reduce the severity of symptoms, promote recovery and improve overall physical health. A clinical trial will be conducted using exercise in addition to routine treatment as usual, among NSW Police Officers diagnosed with PTSD.
A COMMUNITY BASED STRENGTH TRAINING PROGRAM TO IMPROVE WORK TASK PERFORMANCE IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,649.00
Summary
This study will compare the outcomes of a 10 week twice a week community-based weight training program for young adults with Down syndrome with an art program. It will establish if a student-led exercise program can improve their performance of work tasks and their activity levels. Should the program prove beneficial, we aim to achieve the long-term outcome of exercise being implemented as a sustainable, inclusive recreation option for this group.
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
Impact Of The Extension Of The Sydney Light Rail System On The Prevalence Of Physical Activity Participation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$105,647.00
Summary
Regular participation in physical activity is associated with a range of physical and mental health benefits in adults, including reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes, overweight, hypertension, osteoporosis, some cancers and anxiety and depression. Regular participation in physical activity also improves the ability to meet the demands of work and to engage in leisure activities. Approximately half of all adult Australians are insufficiently active to gain the ....Regular participation in physical activity is associated with a range of physical and mental health benefits in adults, including reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes, overweight, hypertension, osteoporosis, some cancers and anxiety and depression. Regular participation in physical activity also improves the ability to meet the demands of work and to engage in leisure activities. Approximately half of all adult Australians are insufficiently active to gain the many health benefits associated with participation in regular physical activity. Modification of the physical environment is one avenue through which the prevalence of physcial activity participation might be increased. More specifically, there has been considerable speculation about the role of public transportation systems in increasing the proportion of adults who are adequately physically active, but no empirical evidence is available. This study will employ a quasi-experimental design to determine if the extension of the Sydney Light Rail System to Lilyfield results in an increase in the prevalence of physical activity (primarily walking) in the affected area, in comparison with a demographically similar area which is not affected by the light rail extension.Read moreRead less
Physical Activity In Community Dwelling People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,204.00
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a serious lung condition causing severe breathlessness. Participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life but is unavailable to most people who only see their local doctor. These studies will look at the effect of a new home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program on how much physical activity people do and the best ways to measure exercise ability at home.