Optimising The Motor Outcomes Of Infants With Cerebral Palsy Using Environmental And Goal Oriented Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$116,563.00
Summary
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. Early diagnosis enables intervention when the brain is developing. Current early intervention has little impact on movement. This research tests the effectiveness of “goal-directed training” and enriched environments by: systematically reviewing literature, piloting the intervention, conducting a clinical trial and interviewing parents. Findings have the potential to improve the outcomes of the 700 new cases diagnosed each year.
Implementing, Evaluating And Translating Pragmatic Strategies To Prevent Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE), And Treat Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,038.00
Summary
Drinking alcohol when pregnant places the unborn child at risk of lifelong brain damage, that we call Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). We can prevent FASD by raising awareness of the harms of drinking in pregnancy, and supporting women not to drink. For those with FASD, treatment programs can help reduce learning and behavioural problems. Our research team work with communities and service providers to implement FASD Prevention and Treatment strategies, and raise awareness of FASD.
Long Term Outcomes Of Infant Lung Function In Cystic Fibrosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$509,456.00
Summary
We have shown that babies with cystic fibrosis (CF) who are apparently well can still have lung problems. As lung disease is the major cause of death in CF we need ways to monitor the condition in babies, identify those at greatest risk of lung changes and predict which children should receive newer treatments. We have developed a unique program for the measurement of lung function in babies. We now aim to find out the long term consequences of lung function changes detected in infants with CF.
Improving The Long-term Quality Of Life For Preterm Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$638,517.00
Summary
My vision is to improve the long-term quality of life of preterm children (<37 weeks’ gestation), with a specific focus on those born very preterm (VP; <32 weeks’ gestation). To achieve this goal my research has two broad and related aims: 1) Determine the neurological and socio-environmental mechanisms leading to impairments in preterm children; and 2) Develop and assess the efficacy of perinatal and early intervention programs for preterm children.
Tailoring A Brief Sleep Intervention For Autism: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$401,475.00
Summary
Up to 86% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience behavioural sleep problems which have been shown to be associated with increased core ASD symptoms, increased rates of internalizing and externalizing disorders, and increased parental stress. The “Sleeping Sound” study is a novel behavioural sleep intervention that has shown much promise as a treatment to reduce sleep problems and improve mental health outcomes in children with ASD.
Australasian Cerebral Palsy Clinical Trials Network (AusCP-CTN): Optimising Interventions And Effective Services For Children With Cerebral Palsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,499,287.00
Summary
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is common and disability can be progressive so the heathcare burden is immense (0.14% GDP). Our Clinical trials network will improve early detection and develop new interventions to improve physical, cognitive and health outcomes for children with CP and their families. Recruitment from the national CP Register will address clinically important questions and test implementation of effective treatments. New Clinical Practice Guidelines will ensure translation internationally.
RCT Of The Intragastric Balloon And Lifestyle Intervention Versus Lifestyle Intervention Alone In Obese Adolescents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,976.00
Summary
For the first time in adolescents, Perth researchers will trial placement of a fluid-filled silicone balloon in the stomach. It will be used in conjunction with a lifestyle intervention, and so is expected to increase weight loss. The balloons are safe, effective at adult weight loss and an alternative to invasive surgery. Adolscent obesity rates are rising and treatment options are limited. The non-surgical balloon may be the alternative for adolescents who would previously had to have surgery.