Prof. Herbert conducts clinical research into the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions. A focus of this research is study of the effectiveness of stretch-based interventions for prevention and treatment of contracture. His clinical research is backed by a program of laboratory research investigating the mechanical properties of human muscles.
I conduct research in physiotherapy, especially physiotherapy treatments for muscle contracture. Over the next 5 years I will investigate mechanisms of normal muscle growth and muscle contracture in adults with stroke and children with cerebral palsy. I will also conduct clinical studies investigating prophylaxis for haemophilia, prevention of complications after spinal cord injury, and multi-level surgery for contracture in children with cerebral palsy.
Efficacy Of Interventions For Equinus Gait In Children With Cerebral Palsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
Muscle spasticity is a primary cause of disability in children with cerebral palsy; however their muscles also do not develop properly: they are weak and resistant to stretch. This study will examine the precise muscle adaptations that occur due to spasticity using innovative ultrasound techniques and motion analysis. The influence of BOTOX treatment and orthopaedic surgery on muscle structure and function will be evaluated. This research will translate into better intervention planning.
Passive Mechanical Properties Of Muscle Fascicles And Tendons Of People With Contracture And Healthy Controls
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$221,872.00
Summary
Muscle contracture - abnormal stiffening of muscles - is common in many conditions, including stroke, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. Contractures can be very disabling. The mechanisms of muscle contracture are poorly understood. This study will determine whether contractures of calf muscles in people with stroke, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis are due to changes in the mechanical properties of muscle fascicles or tendons.
Randomised Controlled Trial Of Stretching For Contracture After Ankle Fracture
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$55,220.00
Summary
Restricted ankle motion (contracture) commonly occurs after cast immobilisation following ankle fracture. The prevalence of contracture could be as high as 77% immediately following cast removal. This interferes with tasks such as walking and stair climbing, and can result in significant disability. While physiotherapists regularly treat contracture after ankle fracture, the efficacy of specific treatment programs has not been established. This project aims to determine the effectiveness of two ....Restricted ankle motion (contracture) commonly occurs after cast immobilisation following ankle fracture. The prevalence of contracture could be as high as 77% immediately following cast removal. This interferes with tasks such as walking and stair climbing, and can result in significant disability. While physiotherapists regularly treat contracture after ankle fracture, the efficacy of specific treatment programs has not been established. This project aims to determine the effectiveness of two commonly used stretching programs for contracture after ankle fracture initially treated with cast immobilisation. Stretches of short and long duration will be compared to a no stretch condition. The study will determine the effects of these interventions on ankle flexibility, ability to perform everyday tasks (eg, walking), self-ratings of disability and pain.Read moreRead less
My primary research interest is in the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions. A second research interest is in the mechanical and architectural properties of human muscles and tendons.
Human Muscle Stretch Reflexes: The Effects Of Stimulus Properties, Muscle State And Subject Intention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$170,604.00
Summary
The best known muscle reflex is the tendon jerk, which is usually evoked by tapping the muscle tendon with a small hammer. This tap imposes a very rapid stretch on the muscle, which produces a stretch reflex. Different stretch responses, however, can be observed to slow or fast stretches, or to vibration of muscle. Normally, when the muscles of a relaxed person are stretched, no active response is observed. However, when the person is engaged in a task and contracting their muscles, then stretch ....The best known muscle reflex is the tendon jerk, which is usually evoked by tapping the muscle tendon with a small hammer. This tap imposes a very rapid stretch on the muscle, which produces a stretch reflex. Different stretch responses, however, can be observed to slow or fast stretches, or to vibration of muscle. Normally, when the muscles of a relaxed person are stretched, no active response is observed. However, when the person is engaged in a task and contracting their muscles, then stretch modulates the muscle activity such that an increase in contraction of the muscle opposes the stretch and defends the position of the joint against the external disturbance. This is the everyday situation in which stretch reflexes operate. Despite extensive investigation for over a hundred years, there is still no consensus among researchers about the behaviour of stretch reflexes nor about their role in the control of movement. Even the demarcation of reflex from voluntary muscle activity is not always certain. One of the outstanding features of stretch reflexes is the variability of their behaviour, which depends on the particular muscle involved, its level of contraction, the type of stretch and the task in which the person is engaged. This variability has made it difficult for researchers to determine the role of reflexes in the control of movement. In order to study stretch reflex behaviour in human subjects, we will measure the electrical activity of elbow muscles, the elbow position and the force generated at the joint under a variety of conditions. A series of five experiments will investigate specific unresolved issues such as the effect of subject intention on the modulation of muscle activity and how altered modulation of muscle activity may change the stiffness of our limbs. The objective of the experimental series is to fill in important gaps in the picture of the behaviour of the stretch reflex.Read moreRead less
Control Of Cardiac And Skeletal Contractility By Luminal Calcium Store Load In Health And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$415,138.00
Summary
Disorders affecting skeletal muscle and the heart can have life threatening effects and lead to impaired mobility and sudden cardiac death. This project will uncover the mechanisms of disorders which lead to skeletal muscle fatigue, chemotherapy induced toxicity in the heart and heart failure. Understanding these mechanisms may lead to successful gene therapy treatment and to the design of a new range of drug therapies to treat these devastating disorders.