The Impact Of Strength Training On Calf Muscle Structure And Function In Youth And Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,857.00
Summary
Muscle spasticity is a primary cause of disability in individuals with cerebral palsy; however their muscles also do not develop properly: they are weak and resistant to stretch. Strength training causes muscle adaptations that increase strength and decrease stiffness. This study will examine the impact of a strength training intervention on muscle structure and function using innovative imaging techniques, motion analysis and measures of muscle strength and stretch, translating into better cons ....Muscle spasticity is a primary cause of disability in individuals with cerebral palsy; however their muscles also do not develop properly: they are weak and resistant to stretch. Strength training causes muscle adaptations that increase strength and decrease stiffness. This study will examine the impact of a strength training intervention on muscle structure and function using innovative imaging techniques, motion analysis and measures of muscle strength and stretch, translating into better conservative intervention planning.Read moreRead less
Efficacy Of Interventions For Equinus Gait In Children With Cerebral Palsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
Muscle spasticity is a primary cause of disability in children with cerebral palsy; however their muscles also do not develop properly: they are weak and resistant to stretch. This study will examine the precise muscle adaptations that occur due to spasticity using innovative ultrasound techniques and motion analysis. The influence of BOTOX treatment and orthopaedic surgery on muscle structure and function will be evaluated. This research will translate into better intervention planning.
Enhancing The Neuroprotective Benefit Of Hypothermia With Melatonin In The Asphyxiated Neonate
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$785,331.00
Summary
During labour, asphyxic episodes which cause a severe reduction in oxygen supply can become prolonged and result in perinatal brain injury, termed Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, which may underlie cerebral palsy. Presently, newborn infants with suspected encephalopathy are cooled, which modestly protects the brain against cellular injury. We propose that the administration of melatonin to the newborn, in addition to cooling, will decrease the post-asphyxic formation of oxygen free radicals, th ....During labour, asphyxic episodes which cause a severe reduction in oxygen supply can become prolonged and result in perinatal brain injury, termed Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy, which may underlie cerebral palsy. Presently, newborn infants with suspected encephalopathy are cooled, which modestly protects the brain against cellular injury. We propose that the administration of melatonin to the newborn, in addition to cooling, will decrease the post-asphyxic formation of oxygen free radicals, thereby reducing the progression of brain damage.Read moreRead less
High Flow Cannula Therapy In Bronchiolitis, A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,283,342.00
Summary
Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of paediatric hospitalisation in Australia. Despite multiple research studies the outcome has not changed. Our recent studies supported by other international studies have shown that the use of high flow nasal cannula oxygen may reduce the severity and prevent progression of the disease. We aim to investigate if HFNC in regional hospitals can reduce the number of infants transferred to specialist children’s hospitals and reduce the socio-economic burden.
IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES IN CHILDREN SUFFERING MAJOR INJURY
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$521,876.00
Summary
In Australia injury is the leading cause of childhood morbidity - more than cancer and heart disease combined. Yet, there has been no published comprehensive analysis of the processes of care or the systems for treating severe paediatric injury in Australia. Partnered with government and consumers, this study will generate evidence and implement interventions to provide better care for severely injured children and their families
Extracellular Acidosis And PH-modulating Drugs As Novel Therapies For Neuroprotection In Hypoxia/ischemia In The Newborn
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$452,310.00
Summary
Approximately 4 out of every 1000 babies suffer severe perinatal asphyxia (a period of a shortage of oxygen) during the birth process which carries with it a high risk of brain damage or death. Those babies surviving with a severe disability cost Australia $500,000,000 per annum in lifelong costs. With currently available methods, the presence of asphyxia is difficult to detect and hence prevention is often not possible. At present, there are no effective medications to treat asphyxia-related br ....Approximately 4 out of every 1000 babies suffer severe perinatal asphyxia (a period of a shortage of oxygen) during the birth process which carries with it a high risk of brain damage or death. Those babies surviving with a severe disability cost Australia $500,000,000 per annum in lifelong costs. With currently available methods, the presence of asphyxia is difficult to detect and hence prevention is often not possible. At present, there are no effective medications to treat asphyxia-related brain damage in babies. This study brings together a multi-disciplinary team driven by the clinical need to develop suitable strategies for neuroprotection in the developing brain. We will investigate the neuroprotective properties of the clinically relevant factor of acidosis and determine how acidosis influences neuroprotectant drugs. In the future, it is envisaged that this study will lead to rationally-based clinical trials aimed at improving neurodevelopmental outcomes for babies who suffer asphyxia and for infants who are victims of near-drowning or head trauma.Read moreRead less