Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip pain characterised by extra bone formation at the hip, called a cam-deformity. FAI is thought to create hip joint damage and osteoarthritis. Our 5 year longitudinal study of people with FAI in two (Melbourne and Brisbane) sites will investigate whether factors (such as cam-deformity size, hip contact force, muscle strength and joint range) can predict hip joint damage (measured with magnetic resonance imaging) over two years.
BRAIN Training Trial: Balance, Resistance, Or INterval Training Trial: A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Three Exercise Modalities In Mild Cognitive Impairment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,016,192.00
Summary
About 10% of older adults have mild changes in memory or thinking (Mild Cognitive Impairment, or MCI) which don’t interfere with daily life, but increase the risk of dementia. Exercise may improve thinking abilities, but the best kind of exercise is not clear. We will randomise 530 older adults with MCI in Australia, Canada, and Israel to weight lifting, high intensity aerobic training or toning exercises for 12 months to see which prescription is best for brain health and overall function.
Functional Electrical Stimulation Assisted Cycling (eStimCycle):A Novel Intervention To Improve Outcomes In The Critically Ill
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$868,811.00
Summary
The legacy of critical illness leaves millions of survivors worldwide with long lasting deficits in physical and brain function as well as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Early rehabilitation may prevent or minimise these effects. This study evaluates the effectiveness of functional electrical stimulation of muscles with assisted in-bed cycling (eStimCycle) on muscle bulk, strength, physical and brain function at hospital discharge, 6 and 12 months.
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.
Monitoring Bone Loss And Response To Therapy Through Bone Material And Structural Composition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$696,111.00
Summary
Millions of scripts are filled for treatment of osteoporosis. However, there is no way of knowing if these drugs are right for these individuals, if it improves bone strength or are actually doing harm. Bone density measurement is of limited value. We have developed a new analysis method that measures changes in bone structure that tell us if the treatment is or is not working so alternative treatment can be used. The aim of this study is to test this new method.
Long-term Effects Of Very Low Energy Diet Versus Conventional Diet On Adiposity, Lean Body Mass, Muscle Strength And Bone Density In Obese Adults, And Mechanisms Promoting Changes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$925,990.00
Summary
Very low energy diets (VLEDs) are increasingly used to treat obesity. Of concern is the fact that VLEDs induce adaptive responses that can inhibit loss of – and promote regain of – fatness (particularly belly fat) while decreasing lean body mass, muscle strength and bone density. This project will therefore determine whether VLEDs could have negative effects on body composition that increase the risk of metabolic disease, sarcopenia or osteoporosis, and if so, what are the mechanisms involved.
Does A Whey-Protein And Vitamin D Enriched Drink Enhance The Health Benefits Of The Lift For Life® Resistance Training Program In Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$572,023.00
Summary
Since type 2 diabetes is projected to affect over 1.8 million Australians by 2025, there is an urgent need to identify safe and acceptable population-based strategies to improve glucose metabolism and related cardiometabolic risks factors which are common in this population. This study will examine whether increased dietary protein and vitamin D treatment can enhance the effects of resistance training on body composition, glycaemic control and cardiometabolic risk factors in older adults with ty ....Since type 2 diabetes is projected to affect over 1.8 million Australians by 2025, there is an urgent need to identify safe and acceptable population-based strategies to improve glucose metabolism and related cardiometabolic risks factors which are common in this population. This study will examine whether increased dietary protein and vitamin D treatment can enhance the effects of resistance training on body composition, glycaemic control and cardiometabolic risk factors in older adults with type 2 diabetes.Read moreRead less
Excitation-contraction Coupling In Skeletal Muscle In Health, Exercise And Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$623,621.00
Summary
Skeletal muscle dysfunction occurs in certain diseases, aging and exercise, and can deleteriously affect lifestyle and mobility. This project investigates the molecular mechanisms involved in the complex sequence of events that occur in each individual muscle fibre, starting from stimulation by a nerve through to the fibre contracting. This should give information about causes of skeletal muscle dysfunction in myotonia, heart failure and other situations, and help development of therapies.