Can unloading footwear improve clinical care of people with knee osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is a public health problem imposing major economic and personal burden. It is the fourth highest cause of morbidity in Australia and national health expenditure in 2007 was $2.03 billion. Footwear can reduce knee load which is linked to disease pathogenesis. Specially-designed unloading shoes will be evaluated in a clinical trial and biomechanical studies to determine their efficacy at reducing sympto ....Can unloading footwear improve clinical care of people with knee osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is a public health problem imposing major economic and personal burden. It is the fourth highest cause of morbidity in Australia and national health expenditure in 2007 was $2.03 billion. Footwear can reduce knee load which is linked to disease pathogenesis. Specially-designed unloading shoes will be evaluated in a clinical trial and biomechanical studies to determine their efficacy at reducing symptoms, mechanical mechanism of pain relief, patient sub-groups that best respond to treatment and whether combined treatment with medial arch supports changes knee biomechanics. Outcomes will impact clinical practice and relieve suffering of people with knee osteoarthritis. Findings will also guide future shoe developments for arthritis. Read moreRead less
Resonance: a digital media art work for cooperative group interaction in the rehabilitation of acquired brain injury. The project, titled 'resonance', encompasses the design and development of an interactive multimedia artwork for rehabilitation of Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). The artwork will promote cooperative group interaction between patients, enhancing their motor and cognitive recovery.
Effectiveness Of Occupational Therapy Homevisits To Improve Participation After Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,774,083.00
Summary
This randomized controlled trial will determine the effectiveness of occupational therapy pre-discharge homevisits for people after stroke, with health economic evaluation conducted alongside to determine the cost-benefits. Recruiting adults from Australian rehabilitation hospitals, this study is designed to provide guidance for hospitals, policy-makers and clinical practice guideline developers on whether occupational therapy homevisits improve the level of community participation after stroke.
Optimising Speech Assessment And Treatment In Frontotemporal Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$722,210.00
Summary
Frontotemporal dementia has a devastating impact on our ability to speak and understand others. This proposal aims to improve our understanding of how to best assess, diagnose and treat these debilitating impairments. By bringing together an international consortium of clinics, these findings will lead to significant advances in our understanding of disease progression and patient care.
Improving quality of life in chronic aphasia: reducing depression and increasing social connection and life participation through community aphasia groups. Aphasia, a communication disability resulting from brain injury and experienced by over 80,000 Australians, impacts significantly on social connection, well being and mental health. This program of research defines excellent community aphasia groups, an important preventative health measure and investigates their impact for Australians with a ....Improving quality of life in chronic aphasia: reducing depression and increasing social connection and life participation through community aphasia groups. Aphasia, a communication disability resulting from brain injury and experienced by over 80,000 Australians, impacts significantly on social connection, well being and mental health. This program of research defines excellent community aphasia groups, an important preventative health measure and investigates their impact for Australians with aphasiaRead moreRead less
A Network Of Sites And ‘up-skilled’ Therapists To Deliver Best Practice Stroke Rehabilitation Of The Upper Limb.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$955,910.00
Summary
We aim, through our partnership, to bring better therapy to more stroke survivors. Effective therapies are available to improve hand function but survivors are not currently receiving these. We will systematically address this evidence-practice gap using knowledge-transfer methods to up-skill therapists and change practice behaviours. A network of sites and up-skilled therapists will deliver this therapy and sustain change. A template will guide future translational activities.