Are The Energy Expenditures Of Household And Garden Chores Of Sufficient Intensity To Confer Health Benefits?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$322,110.00
Summary
Participation in regular moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity reduces risk for cardiovascular disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Recent epidemiological recommendations are that 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity (e.g. brisk walking at 4.8-6.4 km-hr) on most days is sufficient to confer these significant health benefits. However, many Australians spend substantial amounts of time engaged in household chores and gardening - yardwork ....Participation in regular moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity reduces risk for cardiovascular disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Recent epidemiological recommendations are that 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity (e.g. brisk walking at 4.8-6.4 km-hr) on most days is sufficient to confer these significant health benefits. However, many Australians spend substantial amounts of time engaged in household chores and gardening - yardwork activities but it is unknown whether the intensities of these activities are sufficient to confer the aforementioned health benefits. The aims of this study are therefore to: 1. Measure directly the energy cost of self-paced common household chores and gardening - yard activities. 2. Provide data that are required to estimate accurately the prevalence of 'adequate' levels of physical activity among adults. 3. Identify indirect methods (such as heart rate, motion and breathing frequency) which, in combination, are suitable for use in large scale surveys of activity levels. The outcomes of this study will be: 1. A greatly improved understanding of whether energy expenditure associated with self-paced household chores and gardening - yard activities is adequate to confer health benefits. 2. Our results will be used in key public health interventions which are aimed at modifying the physical activity levels of Australians. 3. If the public health message encourages some of the ~30% of sedentary Australians to undertake regular moderate intensity physical activity then this will: reduce the cost of the health care system, substantially reduce the premature loss of life and decrease morbidity and disability. 4. Our results will help public health epidemiologists to monitor the percentage of Australians who are adequately physically active.Read moreRead less
Nutritional Value Of Australian Seafood II: Factors Affecting Oil Composition Of Edible Species
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$235,902.77
Summary
Following the successful completion and launch of "Seafood the Good Food", considerable feedback indicated the need for follow up research. Industry needs communicated to date include: 1. The need for examination of additional species for various client groups. Liaison with state industry councils has already indicated an additional 50 species for analysis. 2. Seasonal differences. The effect of season on oil composition of seafood was examined for only 4 species in project 95/122, a ....Following the successful completion and launch of "Seafood the Good Food", considerable feedback indicated the need for follow up research. Industry needs communicated to date include: 1. The need for examination of additional species for various client groups. Liaison with state industry councils has already indicated an additional 50 species for analysis. 2. Seasonal differences. The effect of season on oil composition of seafood was examined for only 4 species in project 95/122, and needs to be examined for further target species. 3. Spatial variation in oil composition of commercial fish and other seafood needs to be further examined. 4. Other tissues need to be examined. In project 95/122 we examined fish after the skin (and associated subcutaneous fat) was removed. Results for oil and PUFA content are conservative for some species. Higher amounts of omega-3 PUFA content may be obtained through consumption of whole fish, including the skin. Omega-3 PUFA levels in other fish tissues therefore is needed for selected species. 5. Examination of the differences between aquaculture versus wild fisheries. Aquaculture is predicted to supply a larger source of seafood to the Australian domestic market, therefore research and development on alternative non-fish based feeds is underway. Care must be taken to ensure that the health benefits of seafood, in particular the omega-3 PUFA are not compromised. Research is needed to therefore compare aquaculture versus wild-caught individuals of selected species. 6. Processing. Examination of the effect of cooking methods and other factors on oil and PUFA content and composition is required. Objectives: 1. Expand the current data base on the nutritional (oil) composition of principal Australian seafood, including additional industry requested species, and examine seasonal and spatial differences, variation between aquacultured and wild-caught specimens and processing effects (cooking). 2. Publish the results in suitable format(s) for use by various fisheries associated marketing agencies, and medical and consumer groups. Read moreRead less
Promoting Physical Activity Participation Among Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy - A Randomised Clinical Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$44,276.00
Summary
Adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) are amongst the least active members of society. These decreased activity levels places them at high risk of additional disability and disease. This program of study focuses on (i) validation of an objective community based measure of Habitual Physical Activity (HPA) and (ii) a community based randomised clinical trial comparing a novel approach “motivational training” with a standard care intervention to enhance HPA in adolescents with CP.
Evidence-based Approaches For Lifestyle Interventions To Improve Physical And Cognitive Functions In Old Age.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$351,886.00
Summary
As Australia’s population ages, our public health system faces the challenge of an increase in chronic conditions. Many of these can be prevented or better managed by regular physical activity. New public health recommendations have evolved to strongly encourage all adults to engage in physical activity as an integral part of their “lifestyle”. My research will expand the evidence for endorsing the benefits of this “lifestyle” approach for the physical and cognitive functions of older people.
EuropeaN Energy Balance Research To Prevent Excessive Weight Gain Among Youth: The ENERGY Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$102,209.00
Summary
The objective of the ENERGY project is to examine the influence of existing programs on health behaviours in different populations and settings in order to develop an evidence and theory-based approach for promoting physical activity and healthy eating among youth in transition from childhood to adolescence. The results of this project will be translated into practical strategies and knowledge that can be used by schools, policymakers, health professionals and the general public. The ENERGY proj ....The objective of the ENERGY project is to examine the influence of existing programs on health behaviours in different populations and settings in order to develop an evidence and theory-based approach for promoting physical activity and healthy eating among youth in transition from childhood to adolescence. The results of this project will be translated into practical strategies and knowledge that can be used by schools, policymakers, health professionals and the general public. The ENERGY project involves a multidisciplinary team of investigators from 10 European countries and Australia (Deakin University; DU). DU will participate in two of the 10 work packages (WP) in the proposal. The aim of WP3 is to identify the personal, social and physical environmental determinants in family and school of children’s physical activity and healthy eating. The aim of WP5 is to identify moderators and mediators of successful interventions to prevent obesity among children aged 10-12 years.Read moreRead less
Informing The Development And Real-world Translation Of A Home-based Physical Activity Intervention For Improving Postnatal Mental Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$566,164.00
Summary
Physical activity confers mental health benefits in postnatal women, including reducing postnatal depression (PND) risk. Yet most postnatal women are not active enough. Few strategies have successfully promoted physical activity in this group. With significant input from women experiencing PND symptoms and community groups servicing them, this research program will develop and evaluate the efficacy of a home-based physical activity program aimed at reducing PND symptoms.