Improving Stroke Outcomes: Attenuating Progression And Recurrence
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$9,331,996.00
Summary
Stroke is the second most common cause of death and major cause disability. There are few proven interventions, so we need to introduce new ones. We developed a bench to bedside program to introduce new stroke therapies and its early secondary prevention. Our general goal is to provide evidence for their effectiveness and safety. We will use animal stroke models, markers in the blood to help diagnose and predict stroke outcome and imaging to help select patients for several clinical trials.
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
Intelligent real time multi-site controller for conserving energy in remote areas and in the resource industry. This project researches the issues in achieving demand response for electricity usage in remote regions of Australia through the use of smart meters and web of things framework to provide ubiquitous monitoring and control of devices, intelligent control systems to dynamically change energy usage patterns and community-based social network architecture. This will lead to several benefit ....Intelligent real time multi-site controller for conserving energy in remote areas and in the resource industry. This project researches the issues in achieving demand response for electricity usage in remote regions of Australia through the use of smart meters and web of things framework to provide ubiquitous monitoring and control of devices, intelligent control systems to dynamically change energy usage patterns and community-based social network architecture. This will lead to several benefits, such as (a) the strengthening of Australian business competitiveness in these regions by reducing energy costs and increasing energy trading, (b) reduction in ecological impact through smarter utilisation of energy and shifting to renewable sources, (c) encourage local generation and distribution of electricity where communities can trade excess energy.Read moreRead less