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.
Orthostatic Tolerance During FES-evoked Stepping In Paraplegia: A Safety And Viability Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$244,900.00
Summary
In the past 30 years, there has been growing interest in the potential benefits of functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the paralysed leg muscles as a means of restoring movement in the lower limbs. FES uses electrical impulses generated by a stimulator to elicit purposeful muscle contractions via skin-surface electrodes placed over the muscles. Although traditionally limited to health-related activities such as stationary cycling exercise, recent bioengineering advances in the area of FES ....In the past 30 years, there has been growing interest in the potential benefits of functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the paralysed leg muscles as a means of restoring movement in the lower limbs. FES uses electrical impulses generated by a stimulator to elicit purposeful muscle contractions via skin-surface electrodes placed over the muscles. Although traditionally limited to health-related activities such as stationary cycling exercise, recent bioengineering advances in the area of FES present the SCI person with a means of restoring upright mobility and reinstating functional tasks. Yet, while this technological innovation remains promising for optimising functional outcomes after SCI, there remains a distinct lack of knowledge of the physiological stresses placed upon the individual. In this preliminary safety and viability study, the physiological implications central to enhanced upright mobility will be investigated during FES-evoked prolonged stepping. The responses during FES-stepping will be contrasted with the responses observed during stepping performed without FES. The study will investigate the blood pressure responses during FES-gait, but also address possible physiological mechanisms underlying those blood pressure responses. The findings from this study will identify whether there is a phsiological limitation to the performance of FES-evoked functional mobility. Current physiotherapy practice recognises blood pressure control and orthostatic hypotension as a significant barrier to functional standing and stepping, yet little is known about the physiology underpinning the condition. If FES does present a limitation to the performance of upright functional activities, this study will also assist in devising alternative physiotherapy gait training regimens.Read moreRead less
A Supervised Exercise Programme Following Hospitalisation For Heart Failure: Does It Add To Disease Management?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$730,966.00
Summary
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common, disabling condition. Outcomes are improved by a post-hospital disease management programme (DMP) including education, support and followup from a team of nurses, doctors and other health professionals. This study looks at whether adding a supervised exercise programme to a DMP can reduce death rates and hospital stays, and improve physical function and depression in patients with a recent hospital stay for CHF.
Can Exercise And Improved Nutrition Normalise Rat Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Biogenesis Following Growth Restriction?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$338,128.00
Summary
Being born small is associated with the development of adult diseases such as insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Mitochondria are responsible for generating energy within all cells and impaired mitochondrial function is implicated in the development of these diseases. We have exciting preliminary data demonstrating that being born small impairs the synthesis of mitochondria in adult rat skeletal muscles. This project will determine if lifestyle interventions such as ....Being born small is associated with the development of adult diseases such as insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Mitochondria are responsible for generating energy within all cells and impaired mitochondrial function is implicated in the development of these diseases. We have exciting preliminary data demonstrating that being born small impairs the synthesis of mitochondria in adult rat skeletal muscles. This project will determine if lifestyle interventions such as exercise and improved nutrition after birth in rats that were born small can normalise the molecular signals responsible for mitochondrial synthesis in muscle. Understanding these mechanisms responsible for mitochondrial function will provide insight into early life interventions that may lessen the adverse consequences of being born small. This research will increase the likelihood that practical public health interventions can be developed to improve adult health.Read moreRead less
Heart muscle cells have little potential for regeneration, and after a heart attack or in response to chronic hypertension, they grow bigger, resulting in deterioration of function and heart failure. We have compelling evidence that the c-kit protein limits heart regeneration and function. We expect to demonstrate that c-kit inactivation can greatly improve heart regeneration and function after cardiac injury/stress. Our work will have major clinical significance for future heart failure treatme ....Heart muscle cells have little potential for regeneration, and after a heart attack or in response to chronic hypertension, they grow bigger, resulting in deterioration of function and heart failure. We have compelling evidence that the c-kit protein limits heart regeneration and function. We expect to demonstrate that c-kit inactivation can greatly improve heart regeneration and function after cardiac injury/stress. Our work will have major clinical significance for future heart failure treatment strategies.Read moreRead less
Exercise Therapy For Prevention Of Falls In People With Parkinsons Disease: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,820.00
Summary
Despite optimal medication regimes, people with Parkinson's disease frequently and recurrently experience falls. Up to 68% of the 100,000 people living in Australia with Parkinson's disease fall every year and fall-related injuries are the most common reason why people with Parkinson's disease are admitted to hospital. This project will implement an exercise program targeting risk factors for falls and will determine the efficacy and the cost effectiveness of the program.