Efficacy And Mechanisms Of Exercise Training In Diastolic Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$385,250.00
Summary
Heart failure is modern epidemic which presents a significant public health burden, due to a high mortality, frequent hospital admissions and impaired functional capacity. Although the typical heart failure patient presents with a reduced contractile function, many patients have typical heart failure symptoms but with normal contraction. The problem in these patients seems to relate to the heart's ability to fill with blood, and this entity is known as diastolic heart failure (DHF). This syndrom ....Heart failure is modern epidemic which presents a significant public health burden, due to a high mortality, frequent hospital admissions and impaired functional capacity. Although the typical heart failure patient presents with a reduced contractile function, many patients have typical heart failure symptoms but with normal contraction. The problem in these patients seems to relate to the heart's ability to fill with blood, and this entity is known as diastolic heart failure (DHF). This syndrome is most frequently due to ischemic or hypertensive heart disease, and most commonly occurs in the elderly. The optimal management of DHF is not well defined, although some drug trials are currently in progress. A number of studies have shown exercise training to improve functional capacity by 15-20% in typical heart failure. However, training has not so far been trialled in DHF. In this multicenter, multi-disciplinary study, we will study a training and control group to determine whether exercise capacity and DHF symptoms are responsive to exercise training. This work will teach us about the optimum exercise prescription, in terms of the duration and nature of training, as well as the safety and effectiveness of exercise training. By using a number of sensitive measurements of heart and vessel function (in which our group has special expertise), we will identify whether exercise training exerts its effect through improvement in vascular function and myocardial properties. If successful, the clinical implications of this study are that; 1. Exercise training will be adopted to improve functional capacity and symptoms of DHF 2. The merits of aerobic and strength training will be identified in DHF 3. Abnormal blood vessel function will be identified as a major and reversible contributor to DHFRead moreRead less
Targeted Strength Training To Improve Functional Walking Capacity Of Adolescents And Young Adults With Cerebral Palsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$263,449.00
Summary
Cerebral palsy is the most common cause of disability in children. Caused by damage to the brain in early childhood cerebral palsy leads to muscle weakness and difficulties in walking. There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but we can help the weak muscles . The purpose of this trial is to establish that exercises to strengthen the weakest muscles will help the walking ability of teenagers and young adults with cerebral palsy, as they make the transition to independence and adulthood.
Cranio-Cervical Dynamometry In The Rehabilitation Of Neck Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,632.00
Summary
Research has demonstrated that exercising particular neck muscles in a specific manner is effective in reducing painful neck symptoms. A device has been developed to quantify the performance of specific neck muscles, permitting more precise rehabilitative exercise, tailored to an individual’s abilities and needs. The effectiveness of this device in the rehabilitation of chronic neck pain will be tested in a clinical trial against other commonly used forms of neck exercise.
A Novel, Technology-based Program Targeting Physical, Cognitive And Mental Well-being To Maximise Fall Prevention In Older People: An Evidence-based Multifactorial Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,475,781.00
Summary
Accidental falling among older people is a significant public health challenge worldwide. This study addresses a key gap in the translation of available evidence to prevent falls in older people more effectively. The proposed trial will provide the first-ever evidence about the cost and effectiveness of a tailored multifactorial fall prevention program using technology and self-management principles.
Otago Exercise Program For Older Adults Recovering From PFF: Feasibility, Gait Analysis And Physical Function.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$88,214.00
Summary
Hip fractures are a common, serious and rapidly growing problem for older people. The consequences for an individual can be devastating including reduced mobility, loss of independence and ultimately admission to a nursing home. This study aims to identify strategies to assist clinicians in the individual prescription of the most appropriate therapy, improve rehabilitation programs and ultimately the outcomes for hip fracture sufferers.
I am an applied physiologist determining risk factors for falls and strategies for prevention in older people and clinical groups with balance disorders. I pursue this research primarily through epidemiological studies.
Implementing Appropriate Exercise And Education For Australians With Knee Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$181,065.00
Summary
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) affects 4% of the population. It is effectively treated with physiotherapy led exercise and education. Most Australian’s with OA do not receive these treatments, and many physiotherapists lack the required knowledge and capability to provide exercise and education. I will develop a program involving workshops and online resources to teach physiotherapists how to provide exercise and education to knee OA patients, and support patients with online education resources.
Chronic Knee Pain: Neuroscience Meets Exercise For Pain Relief
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$286,891.00
Summary
Chronic knee pain impacts negatively on health, finances and quality of life. Exercise is the most efficacious intervention yet can be painful or uninteresting. Current rehabilitation methods fail to address the dysfunctional way the brain controls muscles in people with pain that may contribute to ongoing disability. This study uses novel, innovative techniques in the form of virtual reality combined with exercise to reduce pain, boredom, and critically, target dysfunctional movement control.