Whiplash Injury: Classification, Prediction And Directives For Improved Management Strategies.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$331,674.00
Summary
Whiplash is a costly condition with many people developing chronic symptoms. This research aims to improve the diagnosis and classification of the condition from the time of injury until either recovery or the development of persistent pain. This will facilitate the early identification of those at risk of poor recovery and will lay the foundations for the development of improved early management, particularly in primary care.
New Approaches To The Prevention And Treatment Of Musculoskeletal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$466,492.00
Summary
In Australia, musculoskeletal conditions like osteoarthritis and back pain are responsible for much pain and disability. Although until recently these were considered to be purely due to wear and tear, Associate Professor Wluka, a rheumatologist, has shown that these are not simply due to overuse and loading but metabolic factors also play a role. This award will enable the role of these factors to be examined and new therapies tested in clinical trials, providing evidence to improve the managem ....In Australia, musculoskeletal conditions like osteoarthritis and back pain are responsible for much pain and disability. Although until recently these were considered to be purely due to wear and tear, Associate Professor Wluka, a rheumatologist, has shown that these are not simply due to overuse and loading but metabolic factors also play a role. This award will enable the role of these factors to be examined and new therapies tested in clinical trials, providing evidence to improve the management of these conditions.Read moreRead less
Improving Outcomes In Low Back Pain: Targeting Specific Therapies To Patient Subgroups
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$435,061.00
Summary
Low back pain is a major health problem worldwide. There is a lack of effective treatments and a “one size fits all” approach to treatment is being used. This innovative research program aims to change the way back pain is treated, by identifying specific types of back pain, determining the effectiveness of treatments for these types of back pain, and translating a targeted approach to management into clinical practice to improve the health of individuals with back pain.
First Line Treatments For Common Musculoskeletal Conditions: Establishing Effectiveness And Cost-effectiveness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$452,583.00
Summary
Dr Christine Lin is an outstanding young researcher whose research focuses on investigating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness (value-for-money) of treatments for common musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions, such as back pain and fracture, are a major cause of disability in Australia and abroad. Dr Lin will lead a series of large clinical studies with an aim to improve patient outcomes while minimising the economic burden on the individual, health system and society.
Unravelling The Effects Of Physical Activity For Back Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,728.00
Summary
Physical activity is recommended internationally for the treatment of low back pain, but can prove beneficial or harmful. Ensuring it is prescribed safely and effectively is therefore of paramount importance. This research will advance the field by elucidating the relationship between back pain and physical activity. In collaboration with Medibank Private I will design and test e-health physical activity programs to reduce the burden of back pain for urban and rural communities.
Prevention Of Musculoskeletal Disorders And Cardiovascular Disease – Improving The Evidence-base For Primary Health Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
Bone and joint problems and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are common in general practice. My research will provide high quality information on how to prevent these conditions in general practice. For example, the studies test: how assessments of people’s risk of a disease might be used to improve their lifestyle behaviours; a new way for GPs to identify patients at high risk of CVD and ways to prevent osteoarthritis progression and to improve bone health in young women and children.
An Integrated, Multi-system Approach To Understanding Persistent Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
Musculoskeletal pain is a major health problem in Australia, with an economic burden second only to cancer. Despite the scale of the problem, there are few effective treatments. This project examines a range of biological mechanisms that could explain why some people get better over time while others experiencing pain do not. The findings of this research will contribute to the development of new treatments that can be targeted to each individual to improve pain and disability.
Using Connective Tissue Stem Cells To Treat Human Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$419,180.00
Summary
In our recent Cell paper (January 15, 2015), we reported our discovery of two new adult stem cells. One of these, the osteochondroreticular (OCR) bone stem cell (pronounced “ocker” stem cell) has a particular affinity for developing cartilage. We are testing if this cell could be used as a new treatment for osteoarthritis. The second new stem cell we discovered, is called the iRSC, and lies within the intestine. We are studying this cell in the development and treatment of bowel cancer.
Improving Musculoskeletal Pain By Matching The Right Treatment With The Right Patient
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$437,034.00
Summary
Musculoskeletal pain is common, disabling, and costly in Australia. Current treatment options are poor. This program of research uses clinical trials to investigate new therapy options for osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain. These studies aim to provide new effective treatment options for patients that can improve pain, slow joint damage and decrease the overall burden of musculoskeletal disease.
Building Research Capacity In Epidemiological Studies Of Chronic Disease And Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$451,716.00
Summary
My vision is to build further capacity in epidemiological research to generate findings that directly inform chronic disease and injury prevention strategies. I will do this by: 1. leading epidemiological research designed to better understand the role and modification of risk factors for chronic disease and injury; 2. developing statistical methodology and tools for the analysis of categorical outcome data that commonly arise in epidemiological studies.