Towards early detection of upper airway obstruction in children: investigation of autonomic control. This project focuses on the investigation of new indicators for early detection of upper airway obstruction (UAO)-which is a common sleep disorder in children. Failure to treat UAO can result in serious adverse outcomes including failure to thrive, neurocognitive deficits, developmental delay, behavioural disorders and cardiovascular disease. Thus, early treatment of UAO will significantly improv ....Towards early detection of upper airway obstruction in children: investigation of autonomic control. This project focuses on the investigation of new indicators for early detection of upper airway obstruction (UAO)-which is a common sleep disorder in children. Failure to treat UAO can result in serious adverse outcomes including failure to thrive, neurocognitive deficits, developmental delay, behavioural disorders and cardiovascular disease. Thus, early treatment of UAO will significantly improve quality of life for the child. Direct benefits to community health via reduced costs for medical treatment will also be a key outcome. The establishment of new diagnostic indicators will form the basis of new tools for identifying child sleep disorders and contribute to advancing Australia's international leading position in health technology. Read moreRead less
Childhood obesity, physical activity and wellbeing: Discovering the influence of children's understandings and experiences of places, spaces and communities. The study aims to discover 3-13 yr old children's understandings, perceptions & experiences of physical activity & associated places & spaces. Childhood obesity is a modern 'epidemic' & governments agree that low physical activity levels contribute significantly. Epidemiological & clinical research has been undertaken, but we lack Australia ....Childhood obesity, physical activity and wellbeing: Discovering the influence of children's understandings and experiences of places, spaces and communities. The study aims to discover 3-13 yr old children's understandings, perceptions & experiences of physical activity & associated places & spaces. Childhood obesity is a modern 'epidemic' & governments agree that low physical activity levels contribute significantly. Epidemiological & clinical research has been undertaken, but we lack Australian studies that systematically listen to & understand the pivotal voices of children themselves. Failure to develop such theoretically sound, practice-based understandings may mean ineffective interventions that misunderstand children's worlds. This collaborative study unites highly experienced researchers, practitioners & policy makers who will actively involve children in creating & using new knowledge.Read moreRead less