Neuromuscular Exercise : A Novel Treatment To Reduce Symptoms And Joint Load In Medial Knee Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$719,199.00
Summary
There is currently no cure for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Thus treatments are needed that not only reduce symptoms but also slow disease progression. Exercise is recommended for knee OA but traditional thigh muscle strengthening exercises do not appear to be effective in all cases and may not slow the disease. This project will compare novel 'neuromuscular exercise' and compare it to traditional strengthening exercise. The results have the potential to alter current exercise prescription
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.
The Femoroacetabular Impingement Rehabilitation STudy (FIRST): A Participant And Assessor-blinded Randomised Controlled Trial Of Physiotherapy For Hip Impingement.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$255,014.00
Summary
Hip impingement is a common cause of hip and groin pain in adults. It is a risk factor for the development of hip arthritis and hip replacement surgery in later life. People with hip impingement have more pain and poorer quality of life (QoL) compared to population norms. This study will determine if physiotherapy can improve pain/QoL in people with hip impingement.
IMproving Physical ACtivity With Treadmill Training Following Stroke: The Stroke-IMPACT Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$736,065.00
Summary
Stroke is a leading cause of disability amongst Australians. After stroke, activity levels are low, with few people able to exercise at an intensity which will reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events. This project examines the effectiveness of combining a high intensity treadmill training program with a self management approach to improve activity levels, mobility, cardiovascular risk profile in stroke survivors, increasing their independence and reducing the burden of care.
Does Rehabilitation Increase The Functional Independence Of People With Friedreich Ataxia?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,811.00
Summary
Friedreich Ataxia (FRDA) is a disease which reduces the ability to walk. People decline rapidly and are usually dependent on a wheel-chair by 20-30 years of age. This research will examine the impact of changes in leg function, including strength and balance, on the capacity to walk. This research will determine if rehabilitation can improve walking ability and reduce the decline in FRDA. The results of this research will ensure people with FRDA are provided with the most appropriate care.
HABIT-ILE: A Randomised Trial Of Hand Arm Bimanual Intensive Training Including Lower Extremity Training For Children With Bilateral Cerebral Palsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,100,903.00
Summary
In Australia, 35,000 people have cerebral palsy, and between 60-70% experience difficulties with movement on both sides of their body. There are currently no effective interventions for children with bilateral CP to improve their ability to use their hands, walk and perform daily life tasks. We have promising data about a new intervention, called HABIT-ILE, which we will test in 80 children with cerebral palsy and compare results to usual care.
AVERT-DOSE (Determining Optimal Early Rehabilitation After StrokE): A Multi-arm Covariate-adjusted, Response-adaptive Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,359,564.00
Summary
AVERT-DOSE is an international, investigator-led clinical trial, developed in Australia but recruiting >2500 patients from 6 countries around the world. In this trial we will establish the optimal model of early mobility rehabilitation for people with acute stroke. The protocols we develop will be suitable for adoption in clinical practice in developed and developing countries and help reduce the unacceptably high personal and community burden of stroke-related disability world wide.
An Early Intervention To Prevent Muscle Weakness In Intensive Care
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,607.00
Summary
Patients commonly suffer from a debilitating and globally pronounced weakness post intensive care admission. The causes and ways to prevent this weakness are not fully understood. This study will investigate the benefits of early exercise involving electrical stimulation of the leg muscles during in-bed cycling and will compare changes in muscle size and strength compared to usual care. We will also examine why muscles become weak so quickly, to help target future treatments to prevent weakness.
Portable Motor Rehab Device To Improve Arm Movement After Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$241,064.00
Summary
One in six people have a stroke at some time in their life. Half the people with upper limb problems after stroke do not recover useful function. New technologies are needed to improve outcomes. This project develops the portable Arm Movement Measurement device, which measures motor control of the arm and hand for clinicians and patients, to improve rehabilitation outcomes, and for researchers to use to measure motor control in clinical studies.