A Behavioural Intervention For The Adoption & Maintenance Of Physical Activity In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$334,955.00
Summary
For people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) it is essential that blood glucose levels are managed well to reduce the risk of developing complications. Physical activity is essential for maintaining glucose levels because it helps make the muscles use glucose more effectively. In particular, being active through strength training not only improves blood glucose levels, but can be very effective for maintaining good physical functioning, which is known to be reduced by having T2DM. This study builds on ....For people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) it is essential that blood glucose levels are managed well to reduce the risk of developing complications. Physical activity is essential for maintaining glucose levels because it helps make the muscles use glucose more effectively. In particular, being active through strength training not only improves blood glucose levels, but can be very effective for maintaining good physical functioning, which is known to be reduced by having T2DM. This study builds on our earlier research which demonstrated significantly improved blood glucose levels from a strength training program for older adults with T2DM. The strength training program is to be administered nationally in a research to practice trial (Lift for Life); however, the original research found that those who did not complete the program as it was intended (ie, poor adherence) did not show significant improvements in blood glucose levels. Furthermore, maintenance of strength training exercises after completion of the program was poor and resulted in return of blood glucose levels back to pre-starting levels. In people without diabetes, we have collected pilot data that shows that the use of behavioural strategies based on behavioural theories whereby each person's motivations and barriers are taken into consideration is more effective than the traditional one-treatment-fits-all approach. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of using behavioural strategies for improving adherence and maintenance to the Lift for Life strength training program (Enhanced L4L) for older adults with T2DM compared with the Standard L4L program. It will also follow-up participants 6 months later to determine the extent to which the changes in behaviour can be maintained. The study will provide information that will assist in the design, delivery and uptake of programs to improve treatment strategies in older adults with T2DM through the maintenance of healthier behaviours and lifestyles.Read moreRead less
Open(ing up) goals in physical activity: What works, when, and for whom? This project aims to advance knowledge of open goals as a new goal-setting approach to optimise the adoption and maintenance of physical activity among insufficiently active individuals. This project expects to generate substantive insights into the mechanisms that explain why, when, and for whom open goals are particularly beneficial in this population. Expected outcomes include a theory of open goals that will inform phys ....Open(ing up) goals in physical activity: What works, when, and for whom? This project aims to advance knowledge of open goals as a new goal-setting approach to optimise the adoption and maintenance of physical activity among insufficiently active individuals. This project expects to generate substantive insights into the mechanisms that explain why, when, and for whom open goals are particularly beneficial in this population. Expected outcomes include a theory of open goals that will inform physical activity promotion efforts, with the potential for broad population-level dissemination and scale-up. Significant benefits include the ability to set physical activity goals that are enjoyable and intrinsically motivating to pursue, while also avoiding detrimental effects of current practice (eg high failure rates).Read moreRead less
Workplace Interventions To Reduce The Cost Of Neck Problems In Office Personnel
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,834.00
Summary
Neck pain in office workers is a major burden in industry in terms of lost productivity and personal suffering. This research will evaluate a novel intervention for the prevention and management of neck pain in computer users. The impact and value of neck specific exercises and best practice office ergonomics will be evaluated from the employers (productivity loss) and workers perspective (severity of neck pain). The findings will directly benefit future management of this significant health iss ....Neck pain in office workers is a major burden in industry in terms of lost productivity and personal suffering. This research will evaluate a novel intervention for the prevention and management of neck pain in computer users. The impact and value of neck specific exercises and best practice office ergonomics will be evaluated from the employers (productivity loss) and workers perspective (severity of neck pain). The findings will directly benefit future management of this significant health issue.Read moreRead less
Centre For Research Excellence In Prostate Cancer Survivorship (CRE-PCS)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,498,842.00
Summary
The Centre for Research Excellence in Prostate Cancer Survivorship will 1) develop, evaluate and translate responsive, equitable and accessible survivorship interventions for men with prostate cancer and their partners and families in high need areas 2) support evidence-based policy and practice in prostate cancer survivorship care 3) train and equip the workforce and its leaders to ensure translation and sustainably improve the underpinning health care and other relevant systems.
A Supervised Exercise Programme Following Hospitalisation For Heart Failure: Does It Add To Disease Management?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$730,966.00
Summary
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a common, disabling condition. Outcomes are improved by a post-hospital disease management programme (DMP) including education, support and followup from a team of nurses, doctors and other health professionals. This study looks at whether adding a supervised exercise programme to a DMP can reduce death rates and hospital stays, and improve physical function and depression in patients with a recent hospital stay for CHF.
Promoting Activity For Frail Aged In Post-acute Hospital Settings: A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Accelerometry
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$542,119.00
Summary
Keeping older people in hospital actively mobile is a vital objective of high quality aged care. Using accelerometers, the Centre for Research in Geriatric Medicine at the University of Queensland, and its partner, the CSIRO e-health Research Centre, are trialing a method of promoting activity in older rehabilitation patients. Potentially, a system of _activity management� could solve an age old problem in hospital care of older people.
Using Conversational Computer Technology To Improve Diabetes Management: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$708,606.00
Summary
The diabetes epidemic is a growing challenge for the Australian health care system with over 1 million Australians living with diabetes. The impact on individuals' lives and the whole of Australian society is very substantial indeed. There is very good evidence that this impact would be reduced by developing new approaches to manage the disease and facilitate improved self-management. Recent developments in information and communications technologies offer some promising new ways and tools for a ....The diabetes epidemic is a growing challenge for the Australian health care system with over 1 million Australians living with diabetes. The impact on individuals' lives and the whole of Australian society is very substantial indeed. There is very good evidence that this impact would be reduced by developing new approaches to manage the disease and facilitate improved self-management. Recent developments in information and communications technologies offer some promising new ways and tools for achieving this. This research will evaluate a computer-controlled, interactive telephone system for improving the management and self-management of Type 2 diabetes in addition to routine care. Patients with Type 2 diabetes will be recruited from Brisbane and each patient will be randomly assigned to receive either this new program or just their usual care from their doctor or Diabetes Clinic. The first group will call the system weekly for six months using a regular phone or a mobile phone if they wish. During the call, they will answer questions by speaking into the phone, listen to feedback and strategies for improving management of their diabetes and then discuss their next targets and behavioural actions. They will receive systematic and tailored advice on blood glucose testing, nutrition and physical activity, as well as medication taking and foot care. The system individualises conversations according to the user s answers and responses over all the interactive sessions. The trial will formally evaluate the clinical impact on blood glucose control and the adoption and maintenance of the targeted health habits, as well as the intervention s cost-effectiveness and users satisfaction with the system. This project s significance lies in the excellent potential of using this new technology to provide a 'low cost' but effective program to help people better manage Type 2 diabetes.Read moreRead less
Reducing The Mortality Gap For People With Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,231,125.00
Summary
People with schizophrenia die >16 years earlier than the general population, mostly due to avoidable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. This research aims to conduct clinical trials among people with schizophrenia of 1. an existing diabetes medication (metformin) to prevent initial weight gain due to antipsychotic medications and 2. a novel diabetes medication (exenatide) to help people who don’t have adequate weight loss with metformin.
Tolerising Antigen-specific Immunotherapy For Type 1 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,395,549.00
Summary
We have developed a new immunotherapy to treat the underlying causes of type 1 diabetes (T1D) while leaving the rest of the immune system intact. To use this in patients, we need better tests to know when immune therapy is working. We will develop new methods to design the therapy and tools to track the relevant immune cells in T1D that work in variable patient groups. The knowledge gained will speed the pace of development and increase the chance of success of immunotherapy in T1D.
Signaling Pathways To Enhance Potency Of AMPK-targeting Drugs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,966.00
Summary
Sedentary lifestyles and consumption of high energy foods has led to epidemics of obesity-related metabolic diseases that place enormous financial and medical burden on the Australian economy. An attractive drug target to treat these diseases is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which functions as both a cellular fuel gauge and co-ordinator of whole-body metabolism. Our goal is to improve AMPK drug potency by identifying novel processes that sensitize AMPK to drugs.