Improving Outcomes For Older People With Musculoskeletal Foot Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$782,370.00
Summary
Foot pain affects one in four older Australians and leads to difficulty walking, loss of independence and reduced quality of life. The research outlined in this application will address this common but largely ignored health problem by improving our knowledge of the causes of foot pain, developing novel treatments for foot disorders incorporating specialised exercises, footwear and insoles, and testing the effectiveness of these interventions in clinical trials.
Sensorimotor Control Of Foot Function: Adapting The Mechanical Function Of The Foot To Optimise Balance And Gait Performance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Walking and running places immense load on our feet, with 20% of adults suffering from foot pain. Recent research has highlighted the important role of the muscles within the foot in facilitating our ability to withstand excessive load and maintain balance. But it remains unknown how the nervous system controls this function. This research will explore how the brain and spinal cord control these muscles, providing a comprehensive understanding of the role of the foot in balance and gait.
Leading Change In Prevention And Management Of Lower Limb And Foot Complications Resulting From Disease Processes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$255,014.00
Summary
These projects are designed to have a large scale impact on the foot health of people who have diabetes and children who have idiopathic toe walking. These projects aim to improve individual’s diabetes related foot health, reduce health system financial impact relating to lower limb amputation and to extend what is known about idiopathic toe walking.
As part of this fellowship, A/Prof Hylton Menz will undertake a comprehensive program of research to improve the health-related quality of life of older people with foot disorders. The research will help further our understanding of the causes and impact of foot disorders, assist in the development of new treatments, and evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments through the conduct of clinical trials.