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Age-related Changes In Vision And Cognitive Performance: Are There Cognitive Benefits From Cataract Surgery?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$101,074.00
Summary
It is possible that some of the confusion and memory loss experienced by older people is due to perceptual errors resulting from poor vision. If this is the case, then treating visual impairment may improve everyday cognitive functioning in some older people. This study aims to find out if the improvement in vision experienced after cataract surgery leads to improvement in memory and cognitive processing among older persons. The study will follow a group of adults aged 70 and older who are about ....It is possible that some of the confusion and memory loss experienced by older people is due to perceptual errors resulting from poor vision. If this is the case, then treating visual impairment may improve everyday cognitive functioning in some older people. This study aims to find out if the improvement in vision experienced after cataract surgery leads to improvement in memory and cognitive processing among older persons. The study will follow a group of adults aged 70 and older who are about to undergo cataract surgery and test them on measures of cognitive performance before surgery, and 3 and 12 months after surgery. Another group of older adults with cataracts who have not yet had surgery and a non-cataract group will also be studied over the 12 month period. The hypothesis of the study is that the group who have had cataract surgery will show greater improvement on the measures of memory and cognitive processing over the follow-up period than the other two groups. The design of the study will allow us to determine whether improvement is due to either; a) simply being able to see the tests better, b) improvement in mood and social participation as a result of cataract surgery; c) changes in the brain that occur from increased sensory stimulation; or d) a combination of these factors.Read moreRead less
Measurement And Prediction Of The Energy Expenditure Of Older Australian Women During Household And Garden Tasks.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$209,000.00
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 at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity (eg. brisk walking at 4.8-6.4 km-hr) on most days is sufficient to confer these significant health benefits. Many older Australians spend substantial amounts of time engaged in household and garden chores but it is ....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 at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity (eg. brisk walking at 4.8-6.4 km-hr) on most days is sufficient to confer these significant health benefits. Many older Australians spend substantial amounts of time engaged in household and garden chores 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 and garden activities 2. provide data that are required to estimate accurately the prevalence of 'adequate' levels of physical activity among older adults 3. identify indirect methods (such as heart rate, motion and breathing frequency) which, in combination, are suitable for estimating energy expenditure in large scale surveys. The outcomes of this study will be: 1. A greatly improved understanding of whether for older Australians (55-65 years) energy expenditure of self-paced household and garden 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 ~45% of insufficiently active older 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
Assessment Of Functional Impairment In Motor Neurone Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$235,793.00
Summary
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a devastating disease that causes paralysis of muscles in the arms, legs, swallowing and respiration, causing marked disability. This project will investigate how these changes affect everyday abilities in MND, which will bring unique theoretical and practical contributions to date. On a theoretical level, it will contribute to a growing body of knowledge in MND. On a practical level, this project will lead to better care and support for patients and families.
Prof Anderson a clinical neuropsychologist with two broad areas of research: 1) understanding the impact of early childhood brain injury across multiple domains – brain, cognition, social skills, behaviour; and 2) developing and evaluating interventions (child and family-based) to reduce burden following childhood brain injury.
Effect Of A Weight Management Program For Overweight And Obese Children: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,000.00
Summary
Children who are obese have a higher risk of numerous health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and joint problems. They also experience reduced self-esteem and discrimination as well as an increased risk of premature death or poor health due to heart disease and Type 2 diabetes in adulthood. Approximately 25% of Australian children are overweight or obese. This prevalence has doubled since the 1980's and is still increasing. Child obesity is a major public health problem ....Children who are obese have a higher risk of numerous health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and joint problems. They also experience reduced self-esteem and discrimination as well as an increased risk of premature death or poor health due to heart disease and Type 2 diabetes in adulthood. Approximately 25% of Australian children are overweight or obese. This prevalence has doubled since the 1980's and is still increasing. Child obesity is a major public health problem and innovative approaches to solving this problem are urgently needed. A range of factors has been postulated as contributing to the global childhood obesity epidemic, including environmental, psychosocial, physical, nutrition, metabolic and lifestyle factors. However, the major determinants involve a shift away from energy balance through reduced energy expenditure or physical activity and increased energy intake. Conventional weight-management strategies have incorporated restricting energy intake or diet, increasing energy expenditure or physical activity, decreasing sedentary activities, parental involvement, and behaviour modification. However, these strategies have only shown moderate success among children in the medium to long term and very few can be translated into community settings. The purpose of this study, and its original contribution to research, is to determine the impact of a physical activity skill development and parent-centred family weight management program on the weight, cardiovascular health, physical activity, dietary intake, and sedentary behaviours of overweight and obese children.Read moreRead less
Taking A Break For Brain Health: Interacting Effects Of Exercise Bouts With Breaks In Sitting Time On Cognitive And Cerebrovascular Function In Overweight Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$775,055.00
Summary
Whether people do or do not exercise or not, there are serious health consequences – including adult-onset diabetes and heart disease – arising from the 7 to 10 hours of sitting that most Australian adults do each day. Exercise helps to delay Alzheimer's disease and other declines in brain function with ageing. This study will test whether, among overweight adults, combining exercise with breaking up prolonged sitting time can improve markers of brain health and mental functioning.
Tai Chi For Independent Living: RCT Of Efficacy Of Tai Chi In Delaying Disability Among Older People.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,157,574.00
Summary
This study addresses the issue of disability among our ageing population. Preservation of function among our older citizens, and their capacity to live independently, is of significant social, public health and economic benefit. The aims of this study are to (1) test the efficacy of Tai Chi in delaying disability among older people, prior to its onset, (2) investigate the mechanisms by which Tai Chi intervenes in the disability pathway, (3) determine the cost-benefits of Tai Chi for older people ....This study addresses the issue of disability among our ageing population. Preservation of function among our older citizens, and their capacity to live independently, is of significant social, public health and economic benefit. The aims of this study are to (1) test the efficacy of Tai Chi in delaying disability among older people, prior to its onset, (2) investigate the mechanisms by which Tai Chi intervenes in the disability pathway, (3) determine the cost-benefits of Tai Chi for older people. The study will recruit 670 people over 70 years of age and randomly assign them to receive either Tai Chi, or a stretching and relaxation program, for a period of 48 weeks. The groups will then be compared to determine if there is any difference in the development of disability as well as a range of functional outcomes such as strength, balance, depression, arthritic symptoms, life satisfaction, and falls. This will be the first study world-wide to test the impact of any exercise program on delaying the manifestation of disability among older people. Robust evidence that Tai Chi can in fact delay disability will have immediate and significant implications for the maintenance of independence among older people at a critical time for our ageing population. Translation of these research results to practice will decrease demand for support services for community dwelling older people, and for places in supported accommodation facilities. Older people will have improved quality of life, and government and non-government agencies will experience reduced demand for limited resources. This internationally significant study will also contribute to understanding the mechanisms by which disability develops, and create the valuable opportunity for continuing research on attrition of effect and long term adherence to exercise programs.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Acute And Cumulative Metabolic Effects Of Prolonged Sitting In Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$416,597.00
Summary
Sedentary behaviour (sitting time) has been linked to an increased risk of chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes and obesity, but recent evidence suggests that light-intensity activity (non-exercise activities of daily living) is associated with reduced risk. These studies will examine whether breaking up sitting time with frequent short periods of activity can overcome the negative effects of prolonged sitting on blood glucose and blood fats in overweight older adults.
A Behavioural Intervention For The Adoption & Maintenance Of Physical Activity In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$334,955.00
Summary
For people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) it is essential that blood glucose levels are managed well to reduce the risk of developing complications. Physical activity is essential for maintaining glucose levels because it helps make the muscles use glucose more effectively. In particular, being active through strength training not only improves blood glucose levels, but can be very effective for maintaining good physical functioning, which is known to be reduced by having T2DM. This study builds on ....For people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) it is essential that blood glucose levels are managed well to reduce the risk of developing complications. Physical activity is essential for maintaining glucose levels because it helps make the muscles use glucose more effectively. In particular, being active through strength training not only improves blood glucose levels, but can be very effective for maintaining good physical functioning, which is known to be reduced by having T2DM. This study builds on our earlier research which demonstrated significantly improved blood glucose levels from a strength training program for older adults with T2DM. The strength training program is to be administered nationally in a research to practice trial (Lift for Life); however, the original research found that those who did not complete the program as it was intended (ie, poor adherence) did not show significant improvements in blood glucose levels. Furthermore, maintenance of strength training exercises after completion of the program was poor and resulted in return of blood glucose levels back to pre-starting levels. In people without diabetes, we have collected pilot data that shows that the use of behavioural strategies based on behavioural theories whereby each person's motivations and barriers are taken into consideration is more effective than the traditional one-treatment-fits-all approach. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of using behavioural strategies for improving adherence and maintenance to the Lift for Life strength training program (Enhanced L4L) for older adults with T2DM compared with the Standard L4L program. It will also follow-up participants 6 months later to determine the extent to which the changes in behaviour can be maintained. The study will provide information that will assist in the design, delivery and uptake of programs to improve treatment strategies in older adults with T2DM through the maintenance of healthier behaviours and lifestyles.Read moreRead less
I am a neurophysiologist who examines the neural control of movement and the interaction of sensation and movement in human subjects. I study cortical and motoneuronal events during exercise and muscle fatigue. I also study proprioception i.e. the sensati