Evaluating the impact of neuromusculoskeletal impairment on athletic performance. Sufficient physical activity is required for good health. Competitive sport is a culturally significant physical activity in Australia and the prospect of participating in fair competition is known to drive participation. In Paralympic sport, fair competition is enabled by classification, which aims to minimise the impact of impairments on competition outcome. Unfortunately classification methods are not evidence-b ....Evaluating the impact of neuromusculoskeletal impairment on athletic performance. Sufficient physical activity is required for good health. Competitive sport is a culturally significant physical activity in Australia and the prospect of participating in fair competition is known to drive participation. In Paralympic sport, fair competition is enabled by classification, which aims to minimise the impact of impairments on competition outcome. Unfortunately classification methods are not evidence-based, reducing confidence in the process and discouraging participation. This project will inform the development of the first evidence-based classification system, creating the possibility that, in the future, the prospect of truly fair competition may motivate sports participation among Australians, regardless of disability.Read moreRead less
Molecular dissection of the effects of alpha-actinin-3 deficiency on normal variation in skeletal muscle function. We will study the mechanisms by which a common genetic variant influences muscle bulk, muscle strength and the metabolic efficiency of muscle in the general population. Common genetic variants that influence skeletal muscle function have major potential public health implications as they are likely to influence individuals' response to exercise and diet, and to contribute to suscept ....Molecular dissection of the effects of alpha-actinin-3 deficiency on normal variation in skeletal muscle function. We will study the mechanisms by which a common genetic variant influences muscle bulk, muscle strength and the metabolic efficiency of muscle in the general population. Common genetic variants that influence skeletal muscle function have major potential public health implications as they are likely to influence individuals' response to exercise and diet, and to contribute to susceptibility to common diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and the loss of muscle strength in the elderly. In addition, the identification of genetic factors that influence muscle bulk in vertebrates has implications for breeding programs in sheep and cattle and may provide commercial benefit to the livestock industry.Read moreRead less