Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) To Improve Understanding Of Knee Osteoarthritis And Develop Effective Therapeutic Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,564.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is increasing markedly due to an ageing population. This program of research uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to improve our understanding about knee osteoarthritis. It will examine knee structural change over time using unique 10-year follow-up MRI measures from a pre-existing case-control study. This program of research will also examine two randomised controlled trials which aim to evaluate therapeutic treatments for the disease.
Identifying Strategies To Reduce The Risk Of Kneecap Arthritis After Serious Knee Ligament Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Early-onset kneecap arthritis, and associated pain and disability, affects younger adults at an alarming rate after serious knee ligament injury – “young people, old knees”. This research aims to identify modifiable risk factors for early-onset kneecap arthritis (reconstruction surgery, knee biomechanics and functional deficits) which will aid the development of interventions to minimise onset and progression of kneecap arthritis, and reduce the burden of this important public health problem.
Back In The Game: Helping People Successfully Transition Back To Sport And Active Recreation After Injury
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$359,916.00
Summary
Physical inactivity costs the Australian community over $1.5 billion every year. More than half of Australian adults do not do enough activity, so promoting life-long participation is a critical public health priority. Many people who are injured while playing sport do not return to their preinjury participation even though they are physically recovered. This project will test the effectiveness of a web-based toolkit in helping people make the transition back to physical activity after injury
This research program aims to utilise three new clinical trials to treat pain from osteoarthritis of the knee and hand. These treatments use existing medications, but for new indications. This project will determine if these treatments reduce pain and slow structural changes over two years of treatment. It also has the potential to develop the first treatment for osteoarthritis which changes the natural course of the disease rather than merely treating symptoms.
From Imaging To Intervention In Osteoarthritis And Back Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Osteoarthritis and back pain are regarded as cartilage disorders, however recent evidence suggests that underlying bone and joint fluid pathology are also involved. This project takes a unique approach of targeting bone and joint fluid pathology of knee osteoarthritis and back pain, and will test the effects of existing therapies and krill oil through clinical trials. If successful, it will have the potential to slow progression to joint replacement through an easy method of implementation.