A Multilevel Study Of Socioeconomic Position And Physical Activity: Environmental And Individual-level Determinants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$429,000.00
Summary
Regular physical activity offers many health benefits, whereas inadequate activity is a leading cause of premature death and disability and a major contributor to the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity. Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are least likely to be physically active, and they experience higher rates of death and morbidity for conditions directly linked to inactivity. Currently, our understanding of why socioeconomic groups differ in their physical activity is limited ....Regular physical activity offers many health benefits, whereas inadequate activity is a leading cause of premature death and disability and a major contributor to the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity. Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are least likely to be physically active, and they experience higher rates of death and morbidity for conditions directly linked to inactivity. Currently, our understanding of why socioeconomic groups differ in their physical activity is limited, and very little research has investigated this issue. This study will investigate why socioeconomic groups differ in their physical activity, by examining the influence of neighbourhood and individual-level factors. Neighbourhood factors include people's access to recreational facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, golf clubs, gyms, local parks, walking and bicycle paths; prices for entry to recreational facilities and opening hours; physical characteristics of the neighbourhood including public transport, presence of footpaths and street lighting, speed limits on local streets, availability of local services such as shops and schools, and; aesthetic characteristics, such as the presence and size of parks and green spaces, and traffic density. Individual factors include personal enjoyment, knowledge, confidence, type of occupation and hours worked, family responsibilities, age, health status, and whether other family member or friends engage in physical activity. A major aim of the study is to determine whether environmental or individual factors are more important in influencing participation in physical activity. The study will produce new knowledge to inform future public health strategies directed at increasing physical activity among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, and these will have the potential to reduce socioeconomic health inequalities, as well as contribute to an overall reduction of the disease burden attributable to chronic conditions.Read moreRead less
A Longitudinal Multilevel Study Of Change In Physical Activity In Mid-age And Factors Associated With Change
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$742,678.00
Summary
This project will examine patterns of change in physical activity for men and women aged 40-64 years between 2007-2011; determines the relative contribution of sociodemographic, psychological, social, environmental factors to any observed changes. Knowledge produced by this study will be crucial for the development of strategies to increase physical activity in mid-aged adults, and to prevent high levels of inactivity-related chronic health problems among this group as they move into old age.
Are The Energy Expenditures Of Household And Garden Chores Of Sufficient Intensity To Confer Health Benefits?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$322,110.00
Summary
Participation in regular moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity reduces risk for cardiovascular disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Recent epidemiological recommendations are that 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity (e.g. brisk walking at 4.8-6.4 km-hr) on most days is sufficient to confer these significant health benefits. However, many Australians spend substantial amounts of time engaged in household chores and gardening - yardwork ....Participation in regular moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity reduces risk for cardiovascular disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Recent epidemiological recommendations are that 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity (e.g. brisk walking at 4.8-6.4 km-hr) on most days is sufficient to confer these significant health benefits. However, many Australians spend substantial amounts of time engaged in household chores and gardening - yardwork activities but it is unknown whether the intensities of these activities are sufficient to confer the aforementioned health benefits. The aims of this study are therefore to: 1. Measure directly the energy cost of self-paced common household chores and gardening - yard activities. 2. Provide data that are required to estimate accurately the prevalence of 'adequate' levels of physical activity among adults. 3. Identify indirect methods (such as heart rate, motion and breathing frequency) which, in combination, are suitable for use in large scale surveys of activity levels. The outcomes of this study will be: 1. A greatly improved understanding of whether energy expenditure associated with self-paced household chores and gardening - yard activities is adequate to confer health benefits. 2. Our results will be used in key public health interventions which are aimed at modifying the physical activity levels of Australians. 3. If the public health message encourages some of the ~30% of sedentary Australians to undertake regular moderate intensity physical activity then this will: reduce the cost of the health care system, substantially reduce the premature loss of life and decrease morbidity and disability. 4. Our results will help public health epidemiologists to monitor the percentage of Australians who are adequately physically active.Read moreRead less
Measurement And Prediction Of The Energy Expenditure Of Older Australian Women During Household And Garden Tasks.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$209,000.00
Summary
Participation in regular moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity reduces risk for cardiovascular disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Recent epidemiological recommendations are that at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity (eg. brisk walking at 4.8-6.4 km-hr) on most days is sufficient to confer these significant health benefits. Many older Australians spend substantial amounts of time engaged in household and garden chores but it is ....Participation in regular moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity reduces risk for cardiovascular disease, non-insulin dependent diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Recent epidemiological recommendations are that at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity (eg. brisk walking at 4.8-6.4 km-hr) on most days is sufficient to confer these significant health benefits. Many older Australians spend substantial amounts of time engaged in household and garden chores but it is unknown whether the intensities of these activities are sufficient to confer the aforementioned health benefits. The aims of this study are therefore to: 1. measure directly the energy cost of self-paced common household and garden activities 2. provide data that are required to estimate accurately the prevalence of 'adequate' levels of physical activity among older adults 3. identify indirect methods (such as heart rate, motion and breathing frequency) which, in combination, are suitable for estimating energy expenditure in large scale surveys. The outcomes of this study will be: 1. A greatly improved understanding of whether for older Australians (55-65 years) energy expenditure of self-paced household and garden activities is adequate to confer health benefits. 2. Our results will be used in key public health interventions which are aimed at modifying the physical activity levels of Australians. 3. If the public health message encourages some of the ~45% of insufficiently active older Australians to undertake regular moderate intensity physical activity then this will reduce the cost of the health care system, substantially reduce the premature loss of life and decrease morbidity and disability. 4. Our results will help public health epidemiologists to monitor the percentage of Australians who are adequately physically active.Read moreRead less
Comparison Of Health And Development Of Young Adults Born With And Without Assisted Conception.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,674.00
Summary
Since 1983, a large number of children have been conceived with IVF and use of this technology is increasing. Few studies have examined the longer term health and development of these young people as they progress into adulthood. The proposed study will investigate outcomes for IVF conceived young adults as compared to their spontaneously conceived peers. The study will provide new information on the long term safety of IVF.
Testing A Home Based Rehabilitation Program For Survivors Of A Critical Illness: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$447,602.00
Summary
The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a home-based, individually tailored physical rehabilitation program can improve the physical and psychological recovery for survivors of a critical illness. Surviving a critical illness results in physical de-conditioning and emotional sequelae. Many observational studies have demonstrated a delayed recovery, often beyond a six-month period. At present there is a lack of specific service provision for the recovering intensive care patient, and prelimi ....The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a home-based, individually tailored physical rehabilitation program can improve the physical and psychological recovery for survivors of a critical illness. Surviving a critical illness results in physical de-conditioning and emotional sequelae. Many observational studies have demonstrated a delayed recovery, often beyond a six-month period. At present there is a lack of specific service provision for the recovering intensive care patient, and preliminary work by us indicates a need for an outreach follow-up service for ICU survivors that does not require individuals to attend an outpatient clinic. The 8-week program includes prescribed training of lower limb exercises, walking, and upper limb exercises, with the goal of improved physical strength and endurance at study end-point of 26 weeks. The standardised leg and arm exercises will be adjusted according to participant progress, using a specifically designed rehabilitation manual. Physical function, endurance and psychological well-being between the usual care and this program will be compared. Importantly, the project addresses outcomes that are clinically meaningful for the patients. It is designed to evaluate whether physical rehabilitation for people recovering from a critical illness improves physical and psychological recovery, which contribute to how people function and they feel. There appears to be little research in this area, so the innovative aspects of the study are an important consideration. The project addresses one of the National Research Priorities using an exercise-based rehabilitation program. It also provides an important innovation: successful implementation and positive findings from this home-based rehabilitation program will provide a model of care that existing primary care or community services can adopt so that all survivors of a critical illness will have the opportunity to improve their physical and psychological recovery.Read moreRead less
Impact Of The Refugee Application Process On The Psychiatric Status Of Traumatized Asylum Seekers: A Prospective Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$147,859.00
Summary
Although the numbers of persons who identify themselves as fleeing from persecution (asylum seekers) residing in Western countries has increased substantially in the last decade, very little research has been undertaken on the psychiatric and physical health of this group. The only studies published in professional journals have been produced by members of the applicant team. The results indicate that approximately 50% have suffered gross human rights violations including torture, detention in c ....Although the numbers of persons who identify themselves as fleeing from persecution (asylum seekers) residing in Western countries has increased substantially in the last decade, very little research has been undertaken on the psychiatric and physical health of this group. The only studies published in professional journals have been produced by members of the applicant team. The results indicate that approximately 50% have suffered gross human rights violations including torture, detention in concentration camps and brainwashing, and 37% are affected by ongoing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - terrifying memories of past abuses, avoidance of experiences that trigger such memories, social withdrawal, and constant anxiety. The research has also shown that psychiatric symptoms may be worsened by the fears and insecurities associated with the asylum seeking process, but the exact impact of stresses such as rejection of their primary application at 2-3 months, could not be determined. We therefore aim to conduct the first study of its kind that traces the impact of such stresses on the mental health of asylum seekers. In addition, we will track asylum seekers' general health problems and the difficulties they may experience in accessing basic medical health services. This evidence will provide scientific confirmation of how stress can worsen PTSD; indicate that some asylum seekers may be in special need of support throughout the asylum assessment process; assist policy makers to re-assess the methods and processs of assessing asylum claims; and provide impetus to establishing better services for the medical and psychiatric problems faced by asylum seekers.Read moreRead less
Genetic And Metabolic Determinants Of Spontaneous Physical Activity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$67,828.00
Summary
It could be argued that obesity is the most significant public health problem facing Australians today. Almost one in five adult Australians are obese, making them highly susceptible to diabetes, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood lipid levels, and some cancers, as well as reduced psychosocial health. There is therefore an urgent need to reduce the prevalence of obesity in our society. Unfortunately, attempts to sustain significant weight loss by dieting and exercise are nea ....It could be argued that obesity is the most significant public health problem facing Australians today. Almost one in five adult Australians are obese, making them highly susceptible to diabetes, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood lipid levels, and some cancers, as well as reduced psychosocial health. There is therefore an urgent need to reduce the prevalence of obesity in our society. Unfortunately, attempts to sustain significant weight loss by dieting and exercise are nearly always unsuccessful and none of the anti-obesity drugs currently on the market are safe to use long-term. Effective treatments for obesity are only likely to be developed once we understand more about what controls body weight regulation. An inactive lifestyle is clearly a risk factor for obesity. Spontaneous physical activity (or activity associated with daily life, as opposed to formal exercise) can play a major role in determining body weight. Recent work suggests that spontaneous physical activity is influenced not only by our environment but by our biological makeup as well (i.e. genetic and metabolic factors). The aim of this study is to investigate what some of these factors are, and whether they are responsible for altering body weight regulation in animal models of obesity. Specifically we will be looking at whether spontaneous physical activity is influenced by circulating hormones (such as leptin, oestrogen, and pancreatic polypeptide) and a messenger molecule (nitric oxide), and we will also identify genes which influence physical activity in a mouse model of obesity. By examining the genetic and metabolic basis of inactivity in obese rodent models, this project will further our understanding of how energy balance is disturbed in obesity in the hope of developing better therapies to treat obesity in the future.Read moreRead less
Longitudinal Growth, Nutrition And Physical Activity In Young Children With Cerebral Palsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$686,147.00
Summary
Cerebral palsy is the most common type of physical disability impacting on 1 in 500 children, with lifetime costs of $2m and up to 40% may have restricted growth and nutrition. We aim to follow a cohort of 240 young children with Cerebral Palsy from 18 mths to 5 years to monitor their growth, nutrition, habitual activity, body composition and relate this to comprehensive health outcomes and costs. Better knowledge of these factors will enable nutritional and medical care to be better focused.
Fitness Versus Fatness: Disentangling Their Effects On Disease Outcomes And Estimating The Population Burden Of Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$188,537.00
Summary
Overweight and physical inactivity are two of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. With increasing population levels of overweight, governments are increasingly advocating public health measures aimed at increasing physical activity levels or otherwise decreasing weight. There has been much research concerning which of these factors is the key prognostic factor for adverse health outcomes, but an ongoing lack of clarity of research findings has led to uncertainty as to ....Overweight and physical inactivity are two of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. With increasing population levels of overweight, governments are increasingly advocating public health measures aimed at increasing physical activity levels or otherwise decreasing weight. There has been much research concerning which of these factors is the key prognostic factor for adverse health outcomes, but an ongoing lack of clarity of research findings has led to uncertainty as to the direction of recommendations for preventive health strategies and population lifestyle changes. In addition, the risks of overweight, in particular, have been accused of being exaggerated in both the scientific and lay literature. This is often due to the difficulty of dealing appropriately with time varying confounders which are also intermediate factors (such as hypertension). To date, no studies have performed careful longitudinal modelling of the joint effects of physical inactivity and overweight on cardiovascular events and diabetes while taking into account the effects of factors, such as hypertension or atherosclerosis, that influence both physical activity and overweight as well as disease, and simultaneously are consequences of these risk factors. Standard statistical methods are known to produce biased estimates in these situations but we will apply more recently developed statistical techniques to provide much improved estimation of these effects. After the statistical modelling stage, we will model the burden of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality associated with given levels of overweight and physical inactivity. These will be combined with population levels of overweight and inactivity to identify the fraction of the current and future burden of disease attributable to these risk factors.Read moreRead less