I am a physiotherapist with special expertise in ergonomics. My research aims to improve health outcomes through an understanding the physical impact of new technology use.
Deregulation Of DNA Hydroxymethylases Tet1/ Tet2 Compromises Skeletal Integrity During Ageing And Bone Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$850,229.00
Summary
Epigenetic modifications of DNA and associated proteins regulate gene expression. A greater understanding of the molecular pathways and associated epigenetic changes that regulate bone cell commitment under normal and pathological conditions will help enhance our ability to diagnose and treat disorders/ diseases that effect skeletal tissues through the pharmacological manipulation of epigenetic modifiers and their gene targets.
Effects Of Jaw Muscle Pain On Jaw Muscle Activity And Jaw Movement In Humans
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$337,770.00
Summary
Chronic facial muscle pain is a significant community health problem that is poorly understood. Current treatments are based on the idea that structural or stress-related factors result in increased jaw muscle activity which then generates pain that in turn leads to more muscle activity - the so-called Vicious Cycle Theory. Treatments therefore aim to break the cycle by focussing on reducing muscle activity and thereby alleviate the pain. There is currently, however, little scientific evidence f ....Chronic facial muscle pain is a significant community health problem that is poorly understood. Current treatments are based on the idea that structural or stress-related factors result in increased jaw muscle activity which then generates pain that in turn leads to more muscle activity - the so-called Vicious Cycle Theory. Treatments therefore aim to break the cycle by focussing on reducing muscle activity and thereby alleviate the pain. There is currently, however, little scientific evidence for this Theory. Another theory has been recently proposed in the Pain Adaptation Model. This model says that changes in muscle activity and movement are protective against further pain rather than the cause of the pain. The evidence, however, for this model is limited and conflicting. The current lack of understanding of facial muscle pain limits advancement in its management. Our long-term goal is to improve the management of patients with facial pain. The present application aims to determine whether muscle pain alters jaw muscle activity and jaw movement. Our preliminary clinical data provide compelling evidence for the Pain Adaptation Model. We are confident of a better understanding of what goes wrong in the jaw muscles in chronic facial pain and this will have implications for muscle pains elsewhere in the body. The outcome may help to refute the Vicious Cycle Theory, and help shift the focus away from signs and symptoms associated with the jaw muscles, and re-direct the focus to the alleviation of pain as the primary management goal. The information obtained should also provide a solid basis on which treatments can be tested for optimal resolution of symptoms, and an evidence-based approach in the management of facial pain.Read moreRead less
Whiplash Injury: Classification, Prediction And Directives For Improved Management Strategies.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$331,674.00
Summary
Whiplash is a costly condition with many people developing chronic symptoms. This research aims to improve the diagnosis and classification of the condition from the time of injury until either recovery or the development of persistent pain. This will facilitate the early identification of those at risk of poor recovery and will lay the foundations for the development of improved early management, particularly in primary care.
Innovation In The Primary Care Management Of Back Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$152,595.00
Summary
Back pain affect millions of Australians. Billions of dollars are spent each year on treament but health outcomes are often poor. Experience from overseas shows that simply spending more money on current treatments won’t fix the problem. This fellowship will be used to support a program of research to improve the quality and efficiency of treatments and health services.
Web Based Study Of Risk Factors For Pain Exacerbation In Knee Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,501.00
Summary
While much is known about the risk factors for radiographic knee OA, the risk factors for symptoms emanating from joints affected by OA remain unclear. Identifying modifiable methods for alleviating pain and or avoiding risk factors for exacerbations of pain could have tremendous public health importance. In the proposed study we will use the Internet to facilitate data collection to test a set of risk factors for knee pain fluctuation among subjects with symptomatic radiographic knee OA.
Improving Conservative Management Of Knee Osteoarthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$763,409.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA), commonly involving the knee joint, is a major public health problem worldwide. This Fellowship aims to reduce the burden of knee OA by research to improve patient outcomes through more effective and accessible conservative non-drug care that takes a biopsychosocial approach and emphasises patient self-management. It will also build research capacity in the field through training and mentoring early career researchers.
Histone Demethylase KDM6A Is A Novel Target For Treating Craniosynostosis In Children With Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$548,854.00
Summary
Children with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome exhibit premature fused coronal sutures, and other skull/ skeletal malformations. Surgical intervention is the only treatment option to ensure optimal cognitive and skeletal development. Our studies have identified a candidate molecular pathway that regulates bone formation by cranial bone cells from these patients. Targeting this key molecular regulator with chemical inhibitors will help prevent the premature fusion of cranial sutures.