A Randomised Controlled Trial Of A Community-based Weight Management Intervention In Obese Adolescents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$79,534.00
Summary
This research will explore various aspects of managing overweight and obesity in adolescence, including a review of previous studies. The central focus will be participants' weight, health and behavioral outcomes in a randomised controlled trial of a community-based weight management program for 13-16 year olds. A focus group study will be conducted to increase understanding of parent-adolescent communication regarding overweight and the decision to seek treatment.
Australasian Cerebral Palsy Clinical Trials Network (AusCP-CTN): Optimising Interventions And Effective Services For Children With Cerebral Palsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,499,287.00
Summary
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is common and disability can be progressive so the heathcare burden is immense (0.14% GDP). Our Clinical trials network will improve early detection and develop new interventions to improve physical, cognitive and health outcomes for children with CP and their families. Recruitment from the national CP Register will address clinically important questions and test implementation of effective treatments. New Clinical Practice Guidelines will ensure translation internationally.
A COMMUNITY BASED STRENGTH TRAINING PROGRAM TO IMPROVE WORK TASK PERFORMANCE IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,649.00
Summary
This study will compare the outcomes of a 10 week twice a week community-based weight training program for young adults with Down syndrome with an art program. It will establish if a student-led exercise program can improve their performance of work tasks and their activity levels. Should the program prove beneficial, we aim to achieve the long-term outcome of exercise being implemented as a sustainable, inclusive recreation option for this group.
Optimising The Motor Outcomes Of Infants With Cerebral Palsy Using Environmental And Goal Oriented Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$116,563.00
Summary
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability in childhood. Early diagnosis enables intervention when the brain is developing. Current early intervention has little impact on movement. This research tests the effectiveness of “goal-directed training” and enriched environments by: systematically reviewing literature, piloting the intervention, conducting a clinical trial and interviewing parents. Findings have the potential to improve the outcomes of the 700 new cases diagnosed each year.
Prophylactic Antibiotics To Prevent Recurrent Lower Respiratory Tract Infections In Children With Neurological Impairment (PARROT) Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,210,224.00
Summary
We plan a randomised controlled trial to determine if 12 months of a type of antibiotics (compared to placebo) reduces hospitalisations in children with neurological impairment. Currently this group of children are recurrently hospitalised and some doctors use long term antibiotics but there is no high level evidence for this practice. The study will be undertaken in the UK and Australia and involve 474 children. The study will lead to better clinical care and inform guidelines.
Improving Child Health Outcomes In Common, High Burden Conditions.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$279,895.00
Summary
As medical advances over the past 50 years have helped to reduce traditional childhood illnesses such as infections, behavioural, developmental and mental health problems have increased. These problems affect at least 1 in 5 Australian children yet the vast majority of problems go undetected and untreated. I propose to develop, trial and disseminate evidence-based approaches to common child health problems including mental health and sleep problems.
RCT Of The Intragastric Balloon And Lifestyle Intervention Versus Lifestyle Intervention Alone In Obese Adolescents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$598,976.00
Summary
For the first time in adolescents, Perth researchers will trial placement of a fluid-filled silicone balloon in the stomach. It will be used in conjunction with a lifestyle intervention, and so is expected to increase weight loss. The balloons are safe, effective at adult weight loss and an alternative to invasive surgery. Adolscent obesity rates are rising and treatment options are limited. The non-surgical balloon may be the alternative for adolescents who would previously had to have surgery.
Otitis Media, Hearing Loss And School Readiness Of Indigenous Children Followed From Birth In Two Randomised Controlled Trials Of Novel Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Schedules (VOICES. Vaccines To Prevent Otitis Media In Children Entering School)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,317,169.00
Summary
Educational and health outcomes of Indigenous children are extremely poor, particularly in remote areas. High rates of ear disease, particularly “runny ears” and “glue ear”, and hearing loss throughout early childhood contribute to developmental delay. Vaccines to prevent ear disease could be used more effectively. This project is evaluating a novel combination schedule of two different licenced vaccine formulations to maximise protection and improve ear health, hearing and school readiness.
Optimising Evidence-based, Equitable And Efficient Care For Common Child Health Conditions.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$481,156.00
Summary
Care for common conditions such as sleep problems, mental health disorders, and food allergy is often plagued by mismanagement, long wait times, inequitable access, and waste. These factors can worsen child health and quality of life, increase financial and social pressures on families, and deplete the limited health budget. I will develop, implement and evaluate innovative and sustainable solutions to improve care, access to care, and reduce waste in these conditions.
Investigating Autism Spectrum Disorder: Causes And Efficacious Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$705,501.00
Summary
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a growing public health concern, but we know little about the causes nor treatments for the condition. During the period of this Fellowship I will seek to make significant inroads into these unknowns, by performing large-scale international research into the genetic, biochemical and neurological causes of ASD, and conducting a series of clinical treatment trials in collaboration with research groups from across the world.