ANZCTR search results

Background: A primary source for the development of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders is prolonged muscle activity. Cognitive work-load, visual load and repetitive low-load tasks during the use of a computer can increase Trapezius muscle activity, resulting in pain around the neck and shoulders. It is believed clinically, that inhibition McConnell taping applied across muscle fibers can reduce muscle activity, potentially contribute to alleviation of muscle stiffness and pain. However, there are few high quality studies which have investigated the effectiveness of this taping with varying outcomes. Hence, a comprehensive study is warranted. Study design: Randomized Placebo Controlled Assessor Blinded Cross-over design Subjects: Sixty asymptomatic volunteers will be recruited from university staff and students Measures: Myoelectric activity of the upper and lower trapezius will be recorded during 3 x 15 minutes computer work using surface electromyography. The EMG data will be analysed using the Amplitude Probability Distribution Function, which is appropriate for the assessment of muscle load during a prolonged functional task. Procedures: All subjects will perform a 15 minute standardized computer task in 3 conditions, which will be separated by at least one week as a wash-out period, following a baseline assessment with the 15 minute standardized computer task in each timepoint. Order of the 3 conditions will be randomised. In Condition 1, a rigid tape will be applied from the anterior aspect of the mid clavicle across the body of the Upper Trapezius muscles to approximately the level of the seventh rib with a posterio-inferior force to bunch the Upper Trapezius muscle fibres. In Condition 2, a tape will be applied without tension on the same spot of the Upper Trapezius (Placebo tape). Condition 3 will be the control condition without any tape applied. On completion of the taping, a towel will conceal the taping from view. The effect of taping in each allocated condition will be statistically analysed with repeated measures ANOVA or Freedman tests.

This project will investigate the effects of two different exercise modalities to recover from delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMs) generated by eccentric exercise of the leg musculature. The two recovery modalities are a traditional recovery technique (static stretching) and whole body vibration exercise (WBV) where a person stands on a vibration plate. The traditional technique is commonly used to recover from DOMS but is not associated with increased blood flow in the legs. Increased blood flow in the legs, however, is thought to be a significant factor in the recovery from DOMS. WBV has been shown to significantly increase blood flow in the legs, therefore, it is hypothesised that it will reduce the intensity of DOMS generated by eccentric exercise of the leg musculature (backward slow walking on a treadmill). The level of DOMs will be assessed by a measurement of shank swelling (lower leg) and a muscle soreness rating. It is known that DOMs reduces strength and power output, and joint range of motion (ROM) in the hip, knee and ankle. These parameters will be measured by a vertical jump for maximum height, muscle activation through electromyography and joint ROM (ankle, knee and hip) with a goniometer. DOMs recovery will also be assessed by recording walking and running patterns since these are significantly affected by DOMS.

Sitting is recognised as a new risk factor for developing chronic illnesses that is independent of physical activity. Current knowledge is limited regarding effective strategies for reducing sitting in the workplace. This study will evaluate whether using sit-stand workstations in the office changes office workers’ sitting time at work and outside of work. Sit-stand workstations allow office staff to switch between sitting and standing while they are working at their desks. Participants (n=50) will trial the sit-stand workstations for 4 weeks and complete questionnaires about their sitting time before and during the trial. They will also wear activity monitors which will objectively measure their sitting time at each measurement time point. After the trial, participants will have a debrief session where they will give feedback about the sit-stand workstations.

Anaemia is prevalent among Aboriginal infants under 12 months old. Delayed cord clamping is a simple way to provide extra blood to the newborn baby. Strong evidence from randomized controlled trials has shown its benefits for neonatal health and reducing anaemia in early infancy. The beneficial effects on Aboriginal infants and beyond the first 6 months of life are still unknown. It is clinically important to determine if this simple intervention at birth will impact greatly the health of remote Aboriginal infants with high risk of anaemia due to poor access to nutrition later in infancy. This RCT will enroll 72 Aboriginal pregnant women from remote aboriginal communities who will give birth at 36-42 weeks gestation by uncomplicated NVD or CS. They will be randomly assigned to either receive the interventional delayed cord clamping until the cord stops pulsating or up to 3 minutes with baby held below level of placenta or vaginal introitus or the standard care immediate cord clamping soon after birth under 1 minute. The primary research question is whether haemoglobin level at discharge is greatest in babies after delayed cord clamping.

In this study, we hope to examine tDCS effects on global arousal and attention levels. Combining evidence gathered from animal models, psychological models, pharmaceutical research, and neurostimulatory research - we hope not only to better elucidate the overall arousal/attention correlation, but also to determine if noninvasive brain-modulation can produce effects comparable to certain drug classes.

A 2011 multicentre randomized control trial, undertaken by Aujesky et al, has supported recent changes to European and American Guidelines, and provides convincing evidence that the outpatient management of low-risk pulmonary embolism (PE), is non-inferior to standard inpatient management. EDPED is a comparative cost analysis (randomised control feasability study) between outpatient and delayed outpatient management of low risk PE diagnosed in the emergency department (ED). This study aims primarily to quantify the savings to the Health Department (cost per patient and cost per institution), and qualify patient satisfaction as a result of early discharge from ED. We hope to identify potential areas where health resources may be better directed in the management of low-risk PE. Secondary outcomes will address safety issues of managing PE in the Outpatient Setting (HITH). Patients who are discharged directly from ED (the intervention group) will be closely monitored for complications of their PE / venous thromboembolism or anticoagulation by HITH until their INRs have been stabilized. They will all receive a Respiratory Outpatient appointment 1 week after discharge from ED. Patients who are admitted to Respiratory Medicine from ED will be discharged to HITH in the conventional way (the control group). EDPED will examine primary and secondary outcomes within 90 days of patient arrival to ED.

The project seeks to measure oxygen consumption by precision addition of oxygen to the mixed expired gas until the mixed expired pO2 equals the inspired pO2

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is very common clinical condition with prevalence rates between 10 and 30 % of women in the reproductive age group. While in some cases BV is asymptomatic, in many women BV produces annoying symptoms (vaginal discharge, offensive smell). BV may also interfer with successful implantation of an embryo during IVF treatment, as these bacteria may be introduced from the vagina into the uterus at the time of the embryo transfer, causing inflammation of the uterine lining (endometrium). BV has been linked with a reduction in implantation rates in IVF and an increase risk of miscarriage. Therefore effective long term treatment/ prevention of BV in an IVF setting is important. The aim of this study is to determine if the oral administration of a probiotic can result in vaginal colonization and a subsequent reduction in reoccurance of BV infection after antibiotic (tinidazole) treatment.

To see if the broader lateral shoulder of the CPT stem affords more rotational stability than that recorded for other polished tapered stems.

The primary aim of this study will be to conduct a small trial to test the effectiveness of a GAD-specific program with a group of children suffering from GAD, by comparing a treatment group with a wait-list control group. It is hypothesised that children in the active treatment condition, will demonstrate significantly greater reductions from pre-treatment to post-treatment in primary GAD diagnostic status, self and parent-reported anxiety, overall global functioning.