Roles Of Vitamin D In Skeletal Muscle And Satellite Cells
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,891.00
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency leads to muscle pain and weakness that are reversible with vitamin D supplementation. However, precise biological effects of vitamin D in skeletal muscle are unclear. In this fellowship, novel mouse models and innovative techniques will be used to examine vitamin D signalling pathways in whole muscle and muscle stem cells. Ultimately, the therapeutic potential of the vitamin D pathway in treatment of muscle disorders and age-related muscle wasting will be explored.
Functional Electrical Stimulation Assisted Cycling (eStimCycle):A Novel Intervention To Improve Outcomes In The Critically Ill
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$868,811.00
Summary
The legacy of critical illness leaves millions of survivors worldwide with long lasting deficits in physical and brain function as well as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Early rehabilitation may prevent or minimise these effects. This study evaluates the effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation of muscles with assisted in-bed cycling (eStimCycle) on muscle bulk, strength, physical and brain function at hospital discharge, 6 and 12 months.
Low-intensity Exercise With Blood Flow Restriction: A Novel Training Strategy To Improve Fitness And Function In Older People
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$645,205.00
Summary
Age-related declines in muscle mass and cardiovascular fitness have debilitating effects on tasks of daily living for older people. Exercise helps to maintain physical abilities, but many older individuals cannot tolerate the recommended high-intensities of training. This research program will assess an innovative form of exercise to increase muscular and cardiovascular fitness for older people, combining low-intensity walking with wearing inflatable cuffs on the limbs to restrict blood flow.
The Impact Of Strength Training On Calf Muscle Structure And Function In Youth And Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,857.00
Summary
Muscle spasticity is a primary cause of disability in individuals with cerebral palsy; however their muscles also do not develop properly: they are weak and resistant to stretch. Strength training causes muscle adaptations that increase strength and decrease stiffness. This study will examine the impact of a strength training intervention on muscle structure and function using innovative imaging techniques, motion analysis and measures of muscle strength and stretch, translating into better cons ....Muscle spasticity is a primary cause of disability in individuals with cerebral palsy; however their muscles also do not develop properly: they are weak and resistant to stretch. Strength training causes muscle adaptations that increase strength and decrease stiffness. This study will examine the impact of a strength training intervention on muscle structure and function using innovative imaging techniques, motion analysis and measures of muscle strength and stretch, translating into better conservative intervention planning.Read moreRead less
Training To Enhance Lower Limb Motor Control In Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$107,204.00
Summary
Currently very few evidence based methods that can improve control in muscles affected by cerebral palsy (CP) exist. This project will investigate whether it is possible to increase strength and co-ordination in legs muscles affected by CP through targeted training. The project will also determine if non-invasive brain stimulation during training may enhance motor learning and if positive gains in strength and co-ordination might enhance the ability to do tasks like walking or climbing stairs.
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.
Effects Of Fast Versus Slow Weight Loss On Fat, Muscle And Bone In Postmenopausal Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,450.00
Summary
Very low energy diets (VLED) are increasingly used to treat obesity. Of concern is the fact that VLED induce adaptive responses that can inhibit loss of, and promote regain of, abdominal fat while decreasing lean body mass, muscle strength and bone density. This project will therefore determine whether VLEDs could have negative effects on body composition that increase the risk of metabolic disease, sarcopenia or osteoporosis, and if so, what mechanisms are involved.
Long-term Effects Of Very Low Energy Diet Versus Conventional Diet On Adiposity, Lean Body Mass, Muscle Strength And Bone Density In Obese Adults, And Mechanisms Promoting Changes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$925,990.00
Summary
Very low energy diets (VLEDs) are increasingly used to treat obesity. Of concern is the fact that VLEDs induce adaptive responses that can inhibit loss of – and promote regain of – fatness (particularly belly fat) while decreasing lean body mass, muscle strength and bone density. This project will therefore determine whether VLEDs could have negative effects on body composition that increase the risk of metabolic disease, sarcopenia or osteoporosis, and if so, what are the mechanisms involved.
Excitation-contraction Coupling In Skeletal Muscle In Health, Exercise And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,621.00
Summary
Skeletal muscle dysfunction occurs in certain diseases, aging and exercise, and can deleteriously affect lifestyle and mobility. This project investigates the molecular mechanisms involved in the complex sequence of events that occur in each individual muscle fibre, starting from stimulation by a nerve through to the fibre contracting. This should give information about causes of skeletal muscle dysfunction in myotonia, heart failure and other situations, and help development of therapies.