Prediction Of Adverse Outcomes Following A Fragility Fracture
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$148,426.00
Summary
Individuals with an existing fracture are at increased risk of adverse outcomes such as re-fracture and premature mortality, but it is not clear why. We propose to evaluate risk factors, and prognostic models, for predicting the risk of adverse outcomes. We also propose to develop a quantitative risk-benefit framework for evaluating the clinical utility of such prognostic models and help ensure that therapies appropriately address real-life experience of osteoporotic patients.
The ASPREE-fracture Sub-study: Does Daily Low-dose Aspirin Reduce Fracture Risk In Healthy Older Adults?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,351,150.00
Summary
Disability, mortality and healthcare burden from fractures in older people is a growing problem worldwide. This is despite decades of clinical research, best practice guidelines and advances in therapies that aim to reduce fracture risk. The World Health Organization has identified fracture prevention as a public health priority. This study will determine whether a widely available, simple and inexpensive health intervention—aspirin—can reduce the incidence of fracture and associated disability ....Disability, mortality and healthcare burden from fractures in older people is a growing problem worldwide. This is despite decades of clinical research, best practice guidelines and advances in therapies that aim to reduce fracture risk. The World Health Organization has identified fracture prevention as a public health priority. This study will determine whether a widely available, simple and inexpensive health intervention—aspirin—can reduce the incidence of fracture and associated disability amongst older Australians.Read moreRead less
Improving Postural Stability In People With Parkinson's Disease Using Textured Insoles.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$968,538.00
Summary
Falls are a major health and injury problem for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study we propose to undertake a randomised control trial to determine the efficacy of textured insoles to improve postural stability and reduce falls risk in people with Parkinson’s disease. The success of such an inexpensive device would result in improved health outcomes for individuals and large savings in health care through a reduction in fall-related injuries.
Vitamin D, Bone Loss, Fracture And Mortality Outcome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,736.00
Summary
Vitamin D most commonly from sunlight exposure is considered an important determinant of health, including the liability to falls and fractures; not only in the elderly but in adulthood in general. This study aims to distinguish if low vitamin D levels cause adverse health outcomes or relate to ill health, limited sunlight exposure and nutritional change. Only if low vitamin D level is causative of ill health does replacement make good public health sense.
Falls Risk Associated With Cataract And After First And Second Eye Cataract Surgery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$801,559.00
Summary
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed elective surgery in Australia, with approximately 200,000 surgeries each year. However, vision impairment due to cataract is relatively common and around 1.7 million Australians are affected at any one time. Cataract-related vision impairment has many negative consequences including increased risk of falls. The findings of this research will inform strategies for reducing falls and engageing with the ophthalmic health care sector on the critical is ....Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed elective surgery in Australia, with approximately 200,000 surgeries each year. However, vision impairment due to cataract is relatively common and around 1.7 million Australians are affected at any one time. Cataract-related vision impairment has many negative consequences including increased risk of falls. The findings of this research will inform strategies for reducing falls and engageing with the ophthalmic health care sector on the critical issue of falls injury for older people.Read moreRead less
Understanding And Predicting Freezing Of Gait In Parkinson's Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,580.00
Summary
Freezing of Gait (FOG) affects half of all patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) with episodes causing the feet to feel glued to the ground leading to a significant falls risk. The mechanisms underlying FOG are not well understood and current treatments are usually ineffective. Combining brain wave recording, eye-tracking and functional brain scanning we will identify the changes that precipitate an episode of FOG allowing the development of a non-invasive device to prevent falls.
Can Real-time Biofeedback Of Foot Clearance Data Be Used To Assist With Gait Rehabilitation Following Stroke?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$587,143.00
Summary
A new intervention for falls-risk minimization is proposed by providing additional visual sensory information to increase foot-ground clearance in order to walk more safely.A randomised controlled trial will be employed to assess the effects of biofeedback on foot-ground clearance during gait training. The outcome will be innovative biofeedback-based gait training that could significantly enhance existing stroke rehabilitation programs.
PlaTFORM: PrevenTing Falls In A High Risk, Vision Impaired Population Through Specialist ORientation And Mobility Services: A Randomised Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$773,768.00
Summary
While many older people fall causing injury and loss of confidence, people with vision impairment and blindness have a dramatically increased risk of falls. In the PlaTFORM study we will deliver and comprehensively evaluate a falls prevention program through instructors with specialised training in orientation and mobility. This fills a gap in services and if effective will prevent injury in this vulnerable population and promote mobility.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Cognitive-only And Cognitive-motor Training To Prevent Falls In Older People: Understanding Physical, Neuropsychological And Neural Mechanisms
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,624,934.00
Summary
The rate of falls in older people remains a significant problem. We have developed and validated a home-based computerised training intervention that can be delivered either while seated (cognitive) or while standing and undertaking balance exercises (cognitive+motor). This unique design will allow us to assess whether cognitive and cognitive+motor training can prevent falls, as well as the neural, physiological, physical and neuropsychological mechanisms behind the intervention effects.
Innovative Patient Education For Preventing Falls After Hospital Discharge
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$573,186.00
Summary
Older people are at increased risk of falls after hospital discharge, but have low levels of knowledge about falls and may be reluctant to undertake falls prevention activities. Providing suitable education may reduce falls in these older patients. This randomized trial will determine if providing personalized falls prevention education in addition to usual care, reduces falls among older people after they leave hospital. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older people in Australia