I-Medic (Intelligent Monitoring And Early Diagnosis In Communities)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,946.00
Summary
Falls cost $500 million annually and are increasing as our population ages. Dr Brodie has developed i-Medic, Intelligent Monitoring and Early Diagnosis In Communities. He is answering the questions: Why do people fall? How can we predict falls? And how do we prevent falls? His software, which may be incorporated into all future mobile phones, is capable of detecting, predicting and therefore preventing falls. In the event of a fall the software also activates an emergency response.
Falls and broken bones are costly health problems among the elderly, even more so when there is a growing older population aged over 65 years. In Australia about 1 million older people have at least one fall each year and about 40-60% will sustain major injuries including broken bones. Therefore there is a need to identify effective ways to reduce falls and improve outcomes of those who break a bone, especially of the hip.
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.
Widespread Implementation Of Interventions To Prevent Falls In Older People
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,565,291.00
Summary
A major new fall prevention intervention will be implemented and funded by the NSW Department of Health who is the partner organisation for this application. The researchers have worked closely with NSW Health for many years and together we now propose a research program to evaluate the NSW Health initiative and guide future interventions.
Understanding And Preventing Physical And Cognitive Decline And Falls In Older People With Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$509,626.00
Summary
Falls are common in people with dementia and are more likely to result in injury, death and institutionalisation. There is limited evidence that falls can be prevented in this group. Strategies aimed at maintaining independence and preventing decline and falls are urgently needed. This research will a) further our understanding of fall risk and functional decline and b) explore novel fall and decline prevention programs, including the use of technology in older people with dementia.
Bridging The Gap Between Laboratory And Clinic Using Low Cost, High Tech Physical Function Assessment Tools
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
Gold-standard testing protocols for assessing standing balance, gait and activities of daily living is often a primary focus for therapeutic interventions. They often incorporate multiple force platforms and 3D motion analysis, which provide valuable information however the time, cost and infrastructure required excludes their use in normal clinical practice. This fellowship examines the potential efficacy of low cost, widely available alternatives such as video gaming devices and smart phones.
PlaTFORM: PrevenTing Falls In A High Risk, Vision Impaired Population Through Specialist ORientation And Mobility Services: A Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$773,768.00
Summary
While many older people fall causing injury and loss of confidence, people with vision impairment and blindness have a dramatically increased risk of falls. In the PlaTFORM study we will deliver and comprehensively evaluate a falls prevention program through instructors with specialised training in orientation and mobility. This fills a gap in services and if effective will prevent injury in this vulnerable population and promote mobility.
How Does The Trunk Influence Intersegmental Coordination During Functional Tasks In Parkinson’s Disease: A Risk Factor For Falls?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$328,032.00
Summary
Differences in trunk motion during dynamic tasks may provide a mechanism of falling in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. However, objective measures are needed to discern if these differences stem from deficits in motor programming or increased trunk stiffness. This information is critical for developing effective interventions. This project will incorporate innovative techniques to examine how the trunk muscles coordinate movement and control balance during walking in PD.
Addressing Missing Links In The Care Of Older People To Improve Practice And Outcomes: Program Efficacy, Implementation Effectiveness And Knowledge Translation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$259,507.00
Summary
Many older people live with disability and can struggle to perform even simple day-to-day activities. Unfortunately, disability escalates with age. Our population is ageing rapidly—one of the fastest in the world—due to a world-class health system and low fertility. Despite a growth in health and research initiatives over the last decade, there remains much room to improve the health and well-being of older people. This research addresses this need by undertaking an innovative and targeted progr ....Many older people live with disability and can struggle to perform even simple day-to-day activities. Unfortunately, disability escalates with age. Our population is ageing rapidly—one of the fastest in the world—due to a world-class health system and low fertility. Despite a growth in health and research initiatives over the last decade, there remains much room to improve the health and well-being of older people. This research addresses this need by undertaking an innovative and targeted program of work.Read moreRead less
The ASPREE-fracture Sub-study: Does Daily Low-dose Aspirin Reduce Fracture Risk In Healthy Older Adults?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,351,150.00
Summary
Disability, mortality and healthcare burden from fractures in older people is a growing problem worldwide. This is despite decades of clinical research, best practice guidelines and advances in therapies that aim to reduce fracture risk. The World Health Organization has identified fracture prevention as a public health priority. This study will determine whether a widely available, simple and inexpensive health intervention—aspirin—can reduce the incidence of fracture and associated disability ....Disability, mortality and healthcare burden from fractures in older people is a growing problem worldwide. This is despite decades of clinical research, best practice guidelines and advances in therapies that aim to reduce fracture risk. The World Health Organization has identified fracture prevention as a public health priority. This study will determine whether a widely available, simple and inexpensive health intervention—aspirin—can reduce the incidence of fracture and associated disability amongst older Australians.Read moreRead less