Reduction Of Breast Lymphoedema Symptoms Secondary To Breast Cancer: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$600,395.00
Summary
Breast lymphoedema is a consequence of treatment for breast cancer that is not typically discussed, despite more than 1/3 of women with lymphoedema reporting symptoms in the breast. To date, no study has investigated the impact of exercise on breast lymphoedema symptoms. The aim of this study is to determine if a general exercise program is safe, acceptable and effective in reducing symptoms for women with breast lymphoedema.
Eighty percent of adults will suffer back pain at some time during their life. More than one in three will develop chronic back pain and cost Australia about $9 billion per year. We can now identify those who will develop chronic back pain early. This project will test a new method of treating these people who are risk of chronic back pain. We predict that our short and targeted intervention will stop these people from developing of chronic back pain and this will lead to massive savings to the ....Eighty percent of adults will suffer back pain at some time during their life. More than one in three will develop chronic back pain and cost Australia about $9 billion per year. We can now identify those who will develop chronic back pain early. This project will test a new method of treating these people who are risk of chronic back pain. We predict that our short and targeted intervention will stop these people from developing of chronic back pain and this will lead to massive savings to the Australian communityRead moreRead less
Improving Mobility After Traumatic Brain Injury With Ballistic Strength Training
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,430.00
Summary
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the leading cause of disability amongst young adults, many of whom have difficulty walking. Muscle weakness is the main cause of these walking problems, but previous trials have failed to improve walking performance. We have developed new strengthening exercises which focus on how quickly the muscles can contract, rather than just how strong they are. These exercises can increase muscle power by 60-74% and are likely to improve people’s ability to walk.
RESTORE - Individualised Movement Rehabilitation And Movement Sensor Biofeedback For Chronic, Disabling Low Back Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,214,385.00
Summary
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability in Australia, with an enormous cost burden for society. Available treatments have resulted in only moderate improvements that typically do not last. We propose to investigate the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of two new treatments that have shown promising early results: i) an individualised movement and cognitive rehabilitation approach (‘Cognitive Functional Therapy’) and ii) biofeedback from wireless movement sensors worn on the spine
Clinical Trial Of Rehabilitation After Ankle Fracture
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,348.00
Summary
Over 20,500 Australians fracture their ankle each year. Initially the fracture is managed with cast immobilisation, sometimes after surgery. Pain, stiffness, weakness and swelling are disabling consequences of fracture and cast immobilisation, and can prevent return to work and sport. This trial will determine the effects and cost of rehabilitation (a physiotherapy exercise program) implemented after cast removal, and enable provision of evidence-based treatment for this very common problem.
I conduct research in physiotherapy, especially physiotherapy treatments for muscle contracture. Over the next 5 years I will investigate mechanisms of normal muscle growth and muscle contracture in adults with stroke and children with cerebral palsy. I will also conduct clinical studies investigating prophylaxis for haemophilia, prevention of complications after spinal cord injury, and multi-level surgery for contracture in children with cerebral palsy.
Harnessing Neuroplasticity To Improve Motor Performance In Infants With Cerebral Palsy: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,736,349.00
Summary
Every 15 hours an Australian baby is born with cerebral palsy. Despite confidence in early intervention, 50% don't receive intervention before their first birthday while awaiting diagnosis, and 8 of 10 previous trials have not produced any physical gains over and above natural development. We have promising data about a new brain training intervention that harnesses neuroplasticity and improves movement. Our trial will treat 300 infants with early training comparing results to Standard Care.
Participate-CP: Optimising Participation In Physically Active Leisure For Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,014,872.00
Summary
In Australia, 35,000 people have cerebral palsy, who compared to able-bodied peers, are less active with a greater risk of chronic, life-limiting health conditions. There are currently no effective interventions for children with cerebral palsy to increase their physical activity and participation in active leisure activities. We have promising data about a new intervention, called Participate-CP, which we will test in 80 children with cerebral palsy and compare results to usual therapy care.
Patellofemoral Joint Osteoarthritis: The Effect Of Foot Orthoses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$99,002.00
Summary
Despite the burden of patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis (PFJ OA), there is a paucity of evidence for conservative treatments. This project aims to determine the functional features of PFJ OA and develop a clinical tool to enable identification of features associated with PFJ OA. A randomised controlled trial will then be conducted utilising a foot orthoses intervention to determine whether foot orthoses improve function and pain in people with PFJ OA.