The Effects Of A Two Year Randomised Exercise Intervention On Markers Of Bone Turnover In Postmenopausal Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$43,573.00
Summary
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become more fragile and can break more easily. In Australia after age 60, three out of every five women and three out of every ten men will fracture a bone. When people fracture a hip they lose their independence and become much less mobile. Exercise is one lifestyle approach which may help in preventing osteoporosis by slowing bone loss and keeping the muscles strong. Previous research has not been able to clearly demonstrate the usefulness of exercis ....Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become more fragile and can break more easily. In Australia after age 60, three out of every five women and three out of every ten men will fracture a bone. When people fracture a hip they lose their independence and become much less mobile. Exercise is one lifestyle approach which may help in preventing osteoporosis by slowing bone loss and keeping the muscles strong. Previous research has not been able to clearly demonstrate the usefulness of exercise due partly to the difficulty in getting people to exercise for a least one year, which is how long bone studies must be carried out for. We have conducted two large research studies in women past the menopause where they have done weight training exercises. In the previous study we showed the greatest increase in bone mass occurred in those women lifting the heaviest weights. In a recently completed two year study in 126 woman, which forms the basis of this proposal, we found a weight training program was effective at increasing the bone mass at the hip, a common fracture site. The fitness group did not show any increase. So although we have been able to show this type of exercise helps increase bone mass we don't know how the bone is able to respond to this. The question we wish to address with this proposal is does exercise slow the breakdown of bone or does it help form new bone? The best way to be able to answer this question is by measuring certain products in blood, known as bone markers. Bone is continually turning overthese markers are released from bone into the blood. By studying these bone markers in blood samples taken from the subjects over two years it will helps us determine how exercise is affecting bone. From our previous studies we know that weight training can help slow bone loss. By measuring the bone markers we will then be able to make recommendations to people on how exercise will help prevent bone loss.Read moreRead less
Do Personal Factors And Attitudes In Older Carers Act As Moderating Factors And Limit The Utility Of Physical Activity As A Public Health Intervention?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$102,063.00
Summary
The ageing population is expected to greatly accelerate the community burden of care for those with dementia and other age related illnesses. Recent data showed that there were 2.6 million carers in Australia, including 520 000 who are aged over 60 years old. Carer burden is a huge social and economic problem. This study will investigate the personal factors which make carers at higher risk of preventable poor physical and mental health, as well as how these factors may impact on intervention ou ....The ageing population is expected to greatly accelerate the community burden of care for those with dementia and other age related illnesses. Recent data showed that there were 2.6 million carers in Australia, including 520 000 who are aged over 60 years old. Carer burden is a huge social and economic problem. This study will investigate the personal factors which make carers at higher risk of preventable poor physical and mental health, as well as how these factors may impact on intervention outcomes.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Exercise Intervention In The Management And Prevention Of Insulin Resistance In Reproductive Aged Women
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$57,342.00
Summary
Research will focus on the use of exercise intervention in two insulin resistant groups of reproductive aged women including women at high risk of gestational diabetes and with polycystic ovary syndrome. Insulin resistance, if left unmanaged has long term health implications and information gained from the research would provide valuable information on the efficacy of exercise intervention and its role in treatment-prevention of complications of these common conditions.
Central Blood Pressure: Physiology And Clinical Application
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,270.00
Summary
Current methods used by doctors to measure blood pressure (BP) have many limitations that could result in incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate treatment of high BP (hypertension). This research program will determine the clinical usefulness of new methods to diagnose and treat people with high BP. The underlying mechanisms contributing to high BP will also be examined. The findings will lead to improved ways to identify and more effectively manage people with high BP.
Randomised Control Trial Of Exercise For The Management Of Cannabis Withdrawal In Adult Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$542,036.00
Summary
This project will evaluate a novel approach to cannabis detoxification. It is hypothesized that undertaking an exercise intervention will reduce cannabis withdrawal symptoms by stimulating the release of cannabis-like compounds produced by the body and/or through promoting the release of THC (the main psychoactive component of cannabis) from fat stores. The potential public health, research and clinical implications are considerable, particularly given the high accessibility of the intervention.
Physical activity has many health and psychological benefits, however many programs aimed at increasing physical activity have failed to show the expected results. This may be because when people increase their level of exercise, they decrease the amount of energy they use in other areas of their lives. This project will examine how two different exercise programs affect overall physical activity level. Findings may cause us to reconsider how to prescribe exercise.
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
PREVention Of Diabetes Through Lifestyle Intervention And Population Studies In Europe And Around The World
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,281.00
Summary
The PREVIEW Study will identify the most efficient lifestyle pattern for the prevention of type-2 diabetes in a population of pre-diabetic overweight or obese individuals. The project comprises two distinct lines of evidence, an intervention study and population studies. The focus will be on diet (specifically protein and glycemic index) and intensity of physical activity, as well as their interaction with the lifestyle factors, habitual stress, sleeping pattern, behavioural, environmental, cult ....The PREVIEW Study will identify the most efficient lifestyle pattern for the prevention of type-2 diabetes in a population of pre-diabetic overweight or obese individuals. The project comprises two distinct lines of evidence, an intervention study and population studies. The focus will be on diet (specifically protein and glycemic index) and intensity of physical activity, as well as their interaction with the lifestyle factors, habitual stress, sleeping pattern, behavioural, environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic variables.Read moreRead less
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.
Lifestyle (LIFE) Versus Structured Balance And Strength Training To Reduce Falls In The Elderly: A Randomized Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$650,968.00
Summary
Thirty to thirty five percent of persons who are 70 or older fall each year. The magnitude of problems as a result of falling is reflected by the fact that the costs of fall injuries of the elderly to the health system is already more than double that of road injury. It is estimated that these costs will rise substantially and alarmingly in the next 30 to 50 years if we cannot find effective and sustainable ways to make an impact on the incidence of falls in older people. The aim of this project ....Thirty to thirty five percent of persons who are 70 or older fall each year. The magnitude of problems as a result of falling is reflected by the fact that the costs of fall injuries of the elderly to the health system is already more than double that of road injury. It is estimated that these costs will rise substantially and alarmingly in the next 30 to 50 years if we cannot find effective and sustainable ways to make an impact on the incidence of falls in older people. The aim of this project is to improve the capacity of people living at home to avoid falls. The project will evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated lifestyle approach to balance and strength exercise (LIFE) and a structured balance and strength exercise program to reducing falls in people who are at high risk . The control group will comprise a gentle flexibility exercise program as this is known to have no effect on reducing falls. In the lifestyle approach (LIFE), older people will be taught how to do balance and strength training and integrate it into their lifestyle so that it is embedded within their daily activity and weekly routines. It is expected that this integrated lifestyle approach to balance and strength training will be effective in reducing falls and will be sustainable over a a one-year period. This study will also determine for which groups of people LIFE is most effective . The research is a three-arm randomized trial that will be conducted with 381 people who are 70 years or over, who have experienced at least two falls in the past year or had an injurious fall. The notion of balance training is not well understood by allied health professionals or older people - a product of this project will be an alternative balance and strength intervention (LIFE) that offers, in a user friendly and simplified manner, a way of operationalizing the principles of balance and strength training for use by older people within their daily lives.Read moreRead less