Prof. Herbert conducts clinical research into the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions. A focus of this research is study of the effectiveness of stretch-based interventions for prevention and treatment of contracture. His clinical research is backed by a program of laboratory research investigating the mechanical properties of human muscles.
Role Of AMP-activated Protein Kinase In Salt Excretion And Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$133,351.00
Summary
High blood pressure is a significant health problem and may result from the kidneys not being able to get rid of salt properly. The mechanisms underlying this are unclear. I will investigate the role of a kidney protein, called AMPK, in salt excretion in mice. I will also look at the effects that diabetes and obesity have on the function of this protein. The overall aim is to improve the understanding of what causes high blood pressure which will ultimately aid the development of new treatments ....High blood pressure is a significant health problem and may result from the kidneys not being able to get rid of salt properly. The mechanisms underlying this are unclear. I will investigate the role of a kidney protein, called AMPK, in salt excretion in mice. I will also look at the effects that diabetes and obesity have on the function of this protein. The overall aim is to improve the understanding of what causes high blood pressure which will ultimately aid the development of new treatments for it.Read moreRead less
Developing And Validating Indicators Of Quality Nursing Care In A Paediatric Setting
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$92,067.00
Summary
Nursing sensitive outcomes are measures of the quality of care provided by nurses. This study will establish those measures within Australian children’s hospitals. This information can be used to better understand and improve nurses’ practice. It will provide a standardised approach to measuring outcomes of paediatric nursing care and will provide reliable and valid information for benchmarking with similar children’s hospitals which in turn will assist in promoting patient safety.
VicHealth, is going to implement a 3-year ‘Salt Action Challenge’ with the goal of reducing the average salt consumption of Victorians by 1g by June 2018. This research will test whether this objective is achieved, identify which actions were most important and calculate the health gains achieved for Victoria.
Poor diet is now the leading cause of death and disability in Australia and most of the rest of the world. This is because most people eat too much fat, sugar, salt and energy which increases the risks of obesity, diabetes and premature death from conditions like stroke, heart attack and kidney disease. This research will identify new ways to prevent diet-related ill health by making it easier for everyone to eat better, and by identifying new treatments for problems like diabetes.
Evidence For Interventions That Improve Cardiovascular Outcomes In Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,747.00
Summary
The many Australians with kidney disease experience higher rates of cardiovascular events. Some of the highest rates of cardiovascular events and mortality are seen in people with kidney failure. Currently available treatments are inadequate at reducing this risk indicating an urgent need for new therapies. The program will investigate the effect of little used but readily available, promising interventions to assess their potential to reduce cardiovascular events for people with kidney disease.