Peer Support In Maintaining Physical Activity And Health Following An Exercise Training Intervention For Cancer Survivors: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$148,260.00
Summary
With improved screening and treatment, the number of cancer survivors in our ageing population continues to grow. However, a very high number have poor quality of life and reduced functional capacity. Exercise addresses these problems, yet very few cancer survivors exercise regularly. This study will combine high intensity intermittent exercise with peer support for cancer survivors to maintain regular exercise and their health in a community setting.
Workplace Interventions To Reduce The Cost Of Neck Problems In Office Personnel
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,834.00
Summary
Neck pain in office workers is a major burden in industry in terms of lost productivity and personal suffering. This research will evaluate a novel intervention for the prevention and management of neck pain in computer users. The impact and value of neck specific exercises and best practice office ergonomics will be evaluated from the employers (productivity loss) and workers perspective (severity of neck pain). The findings will directly benefit future management of this significant health iss ....Neck pain in office workers is a major burden in industry in terms of lost productivity and personal suffering. This research will evaluate a novel intervention for the prevention and management of neck pain in computer users. The impact and value of neck specific exercises and best practice office ergonomics will be evaluated from the employers (productivity loss) and workers perspective (severity of neck pain). The findings will directly benefit future management of this significant health issue.Read moreRead less
The BEST At Home Pragmatic Fall Prevention Program: Effectiveness, Cost Effectiveness And Implementation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,386,133.00
Summary
Falls are a major public health issue with enormous personal, social and economic consequences. Certain types of exercise can prevent falls, however new strategies are needed to implement these programs more effectively to maximise uptake and adherence by older people. Researchers in fall prevention and health promotion are partnering with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District to evaluate the fall prevention effect of the Otago Exercise Programme when implemented in a group-based worksh ....Falls are a major public health issue with enormous personal, social and economic consequences. Certain types of exercise can prevent falls, however new strategies are needed to implement these programs more effectively to maximise uptake and adherence by older people. Researchers in fall prevention and health promotion are partnering with the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District to evaluate the fall prevention effect of the Otago Exercise Programme when implemented in a group-based workshop format for older community-dwelling people.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
Embedding Sustainable Physical Activity Into The Everyday Life Of Adults With Intellectual Disability
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,613.00
Summary
Adults with intellectual disability are much less physically active than the general community. In Australia, only around half the proportion of adults with intellectual disability compared with the general community meet national guidelines for physical activity. The overarching aim of the project is to sustainably increase physical activity in everyday life among adults with intellectual disability, at least to the level of the general community, to significantly improve their fitness and well ....Adults with intellectual disability are much less physically active than the general community. In Australia, only around half the proportion of adults with intellectual disability compared with the general community meet national guidelines for physical activity. The overarching aim of the project is to sustainably increase physical activity in everyday life among adults with intellectual disability, at least to the level of the general community, to significantly improve their fitness and well-being.Read moreRead less
The efficacy of a referral and physical activity program for survivors of prostate cancer. Although survival rates of prostate cancer are approximately 83 per cent with earlier detection and improved treatment modalities, prostate cancer survivors are at an increased risk of dying from co-morbidities, which may be prevented or ameliorated through participation in physical activity. This project aims to establish an effective and sustainable referral and physical activity program to improve the ....The efficacy of a referral and physical activity program for survivors of prostate cancer. Although survival rates of prostate cancer are approximately 83 per cent with earlier detection and improved treatment modalities, prostate cancer survivors are at an increased risk of dying from co-morbidities, which may be prevented or ameliorated through participation in physical activity. This project aims to establish an effective and sustainable referral and physical activity program to improve the health outcomes of prostate cancer survivors by utilising the influence of clinicians in their delivery of information to patients. This concept of a referral and physical activity program has the potential to translate across all cancer tumour streams to reduce the physiological and psychological burden associated with living with cancer.Read moreRead less
Modelling active play in preschool children using machine learning. This interdisciplinary project explores novel machine learning approaches to modelling physical activity data in preschool children. The approach taken is considered the future of physical activity assessment and is expected to substantially enhance the measurement of physical activity and the evidence base that informs strategies to improve population health through physical activity promotion. The project aims to transform the ....Modelling active play in preschool children using machine learning. This interdisciplinary project explores novel machine learning approaches to modelling physical activity data in preschool children. The approach taken is considered the future of physical activity assessment and is expected to substantially enhance the measurement of physical activity and the evidence base that informs strategies to improve population health through physical activity promotion. The project aims to transform the understanding of young children's physical activity behaviour, and is expected to have important implications for the design of accurate and effective technology-based physical activity monitoring and intervention applications that could be delivered through the e-health initiative in Australia.Read moreRead less
Engaging economically disadvantaged adolescent girls in physical activity and healthy eating to improve health and prevent obesity. Secondary school represents the final opportunity to influence individuals as they develop adult lifestyle behaviours and enter a transitional period in their lives. Considering the increased prevalence of lifestyle diseases among Australian adults and increases in the prevalence of obesity among young Australians, targeting health-promoting behaviours in adolescent ....Engaging economically disadvantaged adolescent girls in physical activity and healthy eating to improve health and prevent obesity. Secondary school represents the final opportunity to influence individuals as they develop adult lifestyle behaviours and enter a transitional period in their lives. Considering the increased prevalence of lifestyle diseases among Australian adults and increases in the prevalence of obesity among young Australians, targeting health-promoting behaviours in adolescents is clearly a national priority. Furthermore, rates of obesity are much higher in economically disadvantaged areas, with girls more susceptible to the SES disadvantages. This project has the potential to develop a knowledge base and improve the health behaviours of current and future Australians most at risk for the development of lifestyle diseases.Read moreRead less
Effectiveness of Intervention Strategies to Promote Physical Activity Among Insufficiently Active Adults. This project will determine the cost-effectiveness of 2 types of physical activity (PA) interventions based around the workplace. 480 participants will be randomly assigned to PA intervention groups or controls. Interventions are either a (1) self-regulated, pedometer-based program or a (2) semi-structured, 40-day initiation to more moderately-vigorous PA. Both are designed to increase self- ....Effectiveness of Intervention Strategies to Promote Physical Activity Among Insufficiently Active Adults. This project will determine the cost-effectiveness of 2 types of physical activity (PA) interventions based around the workplace. 480 participants will be randomly assigned to PA intervention groups or controls. Interventions are either a (1) self-regulated, pedometer-based program or a (2) semi-structured, 40-day initiation to more moderately-vigorous PA. Both are designed to increase self-efficacy and impact on positive PA behaviours. Long-term, behavioural change and job-related outcomes will be evaluated by following participants for 12 months after the interventions.Read moreRead less
Efficacy Of Exercise Physiologist Counselling In Primary Care Patients: A RCT Of Two Pragmatic Approaches
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$940,925.00
Summary
Physical activity is one of the most powerful contributors to health, but population levels of activity are low. General practitioners (GPs) are well placed to provide physical activity counselling, but many are too busy. This project examines the effectiveness of referral of insufficiently active adults to an exercise physiologist (EP), using step counts from a pedometer as the outcome. We compare usual care from the GP with: (1) 5 EP visits, and (2) a single visit and telephone follow up.