Through this project, I will determine how diet and physical activity can improve the health and quality of life of people suffering from chronic kidney disease. I will also assess whether lifestyle interventions have the potential to prevent chronic kidney disease. My results will directly impact the lives of people with kidney disease and could lead to public health interventions to prevent kidney disease.
Understanding The Acute And Cumulative Metabolic Effects Of Prolonged Sitting In Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$416,597.00
Summary
Sedentary behaviour (sitting time) has been linked to an increased risk of chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes and obesity, but recent evidence suggests that light-intensity activity (non-exercise activities of daily living) is associated with reduced risk. These studies will examine whether breaking up sitting time with frequent short periods of activity can overcome the negative effects of prolonged sitting on blood glucose and blood fats in overweight older adults.
Metabolic disorders related to the modern lifestyle, including inactivity, obesity, the metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes, are responsible for a major proportion of the disease burden in Australia. Current treatment strategies are expensive and because they are directed at end-organ damage (heart failure, heart attacks etc), rather ineffective. This multispecialty, multidisciplinary group will undertake a series of unique studies aimed at understanding and preventing early cardiovascular c ....Metabolic disorders related to the modern lifestyle, including inactivity, obesity, the metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes, are responsible for a major proportion of the disease burden in Australia. Current treatment strategies are expensive and because they are directed at end-organ damage (heart failure, heart attacks etc), rather ineffective. This multispecialty, multidisciplinary group will undertake a series of unique studies aimed at understanding and preventing early cardiovascular complications of these metabolic conditions. Sensitive new cardiovascular imaging techniques will be used to detect preclinical abnormalities in the structure, function and metabolism of the heart and vasculature, facilitating the development of new strategies of exercise and lifestyle intervention to prevent these complications. While built on the successful current CCRE in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, including multidisciplinary clinical research training, the new application involves major new directions in the interface between the liver and metabolic syndrome, and strategies for community-based prevention programs. The nursing intervention model, which will focus on workforce models of care, is especially important. The results of this study will provide information to address the need for different nursing models sought by the recent Productivity Commission Report.Read moreRead less
A major focus on weight gain prevention is urgently needed in all population groups and settings.This research program will identify the key success factors related to the implementation of preventative health programs into community settings in Australia and internationally. Research in translation and scale-up activities will generate an understanding of how preventive interventions work within real world conditions and expedite interventions into practice.
A Behavioural Intervention For The Adoption & Maintenance Of Physical Activity In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$334,955.00
Summary
For people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) it is essential that blood glucose levels are managed well to reduce the risk of developing complications. Physical activity is essential for maintaining glucose levels because it helps make the muscles use glucose more effectively. In particular, being active through strength training not only improves blood glucose levels, but can be very effective for maintaining good physical functioning, which is known to be reduced by having T2DM. This study builds on ....For people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) it is essential that blood glucose levels are managed well to reduce the risk of developing complications. Physical activity is essential for maintaining glucose levels because it helps make the muscles use glucose more effectively. In particular, being active through strength training not only improves blood glucose levels, but can be very effective for maintaining good physical functioning, which is known to be reduced by having T2DM. This study builds on our earlier research which demonstrated significantly improved blood glucose levels from a strength training program for older adults with T2DM. The strength training program is to be administered nationally in a research to practice trial (Lift for Life); however, the original research found that those who did not complete the program as it was intended (ie, poor adherence) did not show significant improvements in blood glucose levels. Furthermore, maintenance of strength training exercises after completion of the program was poor and resulted in return of blood glucose levels back to pre-starting levels. In people without diabetes, we have collected pilot data that shows that the use of behavioural strategies based on behavioural theories whereby each person's motivations and barriers are taken into consideration is more effective than the traditional one-treatment-fits-all approach. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of using behavioural strategies for improving adherence and maintenance to the Lift for Life strength training program (Enhanced L4L) for older adults with T2DM compared with the Standard L4L program. It will also follow-up participants 6 months later to determine the extent to which the changes in behaviour can be maintained. The study will provide information that will assist in the design, delivery and uptake of programs to improve treatment strategies in older adults with T2DM through the maintenance of healthier behaviours and lifestyles.Read moreRead less
Investigations Of Strategies To Address The Long Term Maintenance Of Bone Density In Younger Women: Fracture Risk Feedback And Vitamin D.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$223,155.00
Summary
Fractures in the elderly are an important health problem. We previously studied 470 young women, informing them of their level of fracture risk and providing osteoporosis education. Women at higher risk more often started calcium supplements, increased physical activity, and had higher bone density after 2 years than those at low risk. We will test the same women after 11 years to see if these improvements persist and so might reduce fractures in old age. We will also assess the effects of vitam ....Fractures in the elderly are an important health problem. We previously studied 470 young women, informing them of their level of fracture risk and providing osteoporosis education. Women at higher risk more often started calcium supplements, increased physical activity, and had higher bone density after 2 years than those at low risk. We will test the same women after 11 years to see if these improvements persist and so might reduce fractures in old age. We will also assess the effects of vitamin D on bone health in these women.Read moreRead less
The Effectiveness Of Motivational Enhancement Therapy For Obese Patients And Support Partners
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$547,644.00
Summary
Tbe obesity pandemic has been described by leading researchers as a problem out of control, with lifestyle interventions generally resulting in regain of treatment-induced weight losses. The present study will evaluate the effectiveness of motivational enhancement therapy (MET) for both patients and their support partners in helping obese patients to achieve long-term weight losses by sustaining their motivation for making difficult lifestyle changes over time.