I am an aged care rehabilitation researcher seeking to minimise disability and prevent falls in large numbers of older people. I am particularly interested in the role of exercise in falls and disability prevention.
Improving The Health Of Older Australians At Risk Of Dementia - The Role Of Physical Function And Exercise
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$533,120.00
Summary
This fellowship will support novel research to examine whether exercise can improve the cognitive and physical health of individuals at risk of dementia such as those with Type 2 Diabetes or cognitive impairment. Outcomes are likely to delay the onset of dementia and enable older Australians at risk of dementia to maintain independence and improved quality of life.
AVERT-DOSE (Determining Optimal Early Rehabilitation After StrokE): A Multi-arm Covariate-adjusted, Response-adaptive Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,359,564.00
Summary
AVERT-DOSE is an international, investigator-led clinical trial, developed in Australia but recruiting >2500 patients from 6 countries around the world. In this trial we will establish the optimal model of early mobility rehabilitation for people with acute stroke. The protocols we develop will be suitable for adoption in clinical practice in developed and developing countries and help reduce the unacceptably high personal and community burden of stroke-related disability world wide.
Task-specific Strength Training For Mobility Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$184,768.00
Summary
I am a senior physiotherapist working in the traumatic brain injury (TBI) unit at Epworth Rehabilitation. We have identified and described the nature and extent of walking problems following TBI. Previous researchers focused on the impact of balance disorders on walking. Our research found that balance disorders are prevalent; the main cause of walking problems is muscle weakness. We will compare balance and muscle strengthening exercises to determine which has a greater impact on walking.
Neuromuscular Exercise : A Novel Treatment To Reduce Symptoms And Joint Load In Medial Knee Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$719,199.00
Summary
There is currently no cure for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Thus treatments are needed that not only reduce symptoms but also slow disease progression. Exercise is recommended for knee OA but traditional thigh muscle strengthening exercises do not appear to be effective in all cases and may not slow the disease. This project will compare novel 'neuromuscular exercise' and compare it to traditional strengthening exercise. The results have the potential to alter current exercise prescription
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Helps Pelvic Organ Prolapse In Women - Time For Change In Health Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$221,513.00
Summary
Pelvic organ prolapse - or "prolapse" - is a 'hidden epidemic', affecting almost half of all women who have had a baby. Recently, evidence has emerged that pelvic floor muscle training is an effective treatment for this condition. This improvement is not widely known nor implemented in health care. To reduce the untimely evidence-to-practice gap, rapid implementation of these research findings is required, which will influence clinical care and change health policy.
Reduction Of Breast Lymphoedema Symptoms Secondary To Breast Cancer: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,395.00
Summary
Breast lymphoedema is a consequence of treatment for breast cancer that is not typically discussed, despite more than 1/3 of women with lymphoedema reporting symptoms in the breast. To date, no study has investigated the impact of exercise on breast lymphoedema symptoms. The aim of this study is to determine if a general exercise program is safe, acceptable and effective in reducing symptoms for women with breast lymphoedema.
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.
Is Physiotherapy Beneficial For People With Hip Osteoarthritis?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$629,508.00
Summary
Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease that causes pain and reduced function. There is currently no cure so safe, effective treatments are needed. Physiotherapy plays a role in the management of hip OA but there is little evidence of its effectiveness. This project will determine the effects of a 12 week physiotherapy program on pain and function in 148 people with hip OA. The results will help with recommendations as to the best ways to treat this chronic condition.