A Family-centred Intervention To Reduce Challenging Behaviours In Children With Acquired Brain Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$87,926.00
Summary
Children with acquired brain injury (ABI) are at risk of behavioural and social difficulties. Parental distress compromises parenting abilities, with adverse effects for the child with ABI. This project investigates the applicability of a family-centred program for parents to manage the difficult behaviour of their children. It is expected that parents of children with ABI will benefit from the parenting skills taught in the program, and prevent difficult behaviour occurring in the future.
Cerebral Palsy is most common childhood physical disability. While the brain injury is static, disability can be progressive and lifelong. This fellowship aims to develop and test novel interventions to optimise neuroplasticity by improving early detection and physical, cognitive, psychological and health outcomes in children with CP. Earlier accurate detection of CP will ensure effective treatments utilise critical periods of brain development and are translated into evidence based guidelines.
Very Early Rehabilitation In SpEech: An RCT Of Aphasia Therapy After Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$742,000.00
Summary
Aphasia affects one in three stroke survivors. It interferes with talking, understanding speech, reading and writing. Aphasia is devastating. Research suggests that very early aphasia therapy improves recovery of talking and understanding. However, over 70% of people with aphasia do not get very early treatment. This study promotes a “use it” or “lose it” approach to brain recovery and aims to show that very early aphasia therapy is beneficial and cost effective.
Optimising Functional Independence Of Older Persons With Dementia: Implementation And Evaluation Of The Interdisciplinary Home-bAsed Reablement Program (I-HARP)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,864,345.00
Summary
We propose to trial a practical, evidence based model, called the Interdisciplinary Home-bAsed Reablement Program, I-HARP, designed to improve functional independence of community dwelling older people with dementia. I-HARP will be implemented and evaluated, for its effectiveness and implementation outcomes in two different settings of hospital and community aged care. Ultimately, the program will help them live well and stay at home, while delaying entry into higher home or residential care.
Developing Service Policies For Australians With Dual Sensory Impairment: An Integrated, Collaborative Pilot Project
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,313.00
Summary
The burden from hearing and vision impairments, greatest for people with dual sensory impairment (DSI), will rise with population ageing. Targeted rehabilitation and support for DSI may improve health and quality of life. This project will pilot an integrated, collaborative service model for assessment and rehabilitation of DSI in older people. The knowledge gained will inform policy development and optimise use of resources to provide the best possible care for older Australians with DSI.
A 21st Century Approach For Improving Self-Management Of Heart Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$862,350.00
Summary
After a heart attack, implementing lifestyle changes and adhering to prescribed medication reduces the risk of future heart events and aids recovery. However uptake and adherence to recommended cardiac rehabilitation is low. This study will see if a smartphone-delivered cardiac rehabilitation program improves people’s recovery following a heart event, and represents value for money. This approach could improve access to, and use of cardiac rehabilitation services for all Australians.
Efficacy Of A Group Block Versus Individualised Distributed Upper Limb Rehabilitation In Congenital Hemiplegia: Motivation And Mastery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,027.00
Summary
I am an occupational therapist investigating the contribution of motivation on activity and participation outcomes with children with congenital hemiplegia. This study will compare an intensive block of group based upper limb rehabilitation delivered in such a way as to enhance self-determination with an individualised distributed model of standard care. My research aims to help improve rehabilitation programs for children with hemiplegia, and facilitate effective allocation of resources.
Combined Dry-needling, Advice And Graded Exercise: A Randomized Controlled Trial In Chronic Whiplash
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$309,339.00
Summary
Central hyperexcitability is a feature of chronic whiplash and may be one reason for the poor response of this condition to standard treatment approaches such as exercise. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatment of dry-needling has shown potential to decrease this hypersensitivity in other musculoskeletal conditions. This study will investigate the effects of dry-needling combined with an orthodox treatment of advice and graded exercise on pain and disability in chronic whiplash.