ANZCTR search results

The main objective of the study is to determine whether the comprehensive exercise program leads to better neurological recovery than the upper body training program. Both programs are likely to lead to improvements in health and fitness

The study is a multi-centre, assessor-blind, randomised controlled phase III trial in patients with tetraplegia (a spinal cord injury). A total of 78 participants will be randomised into two groups; 1. the experimental group and 2. the control group. The control group will receive standard rehabilitation care, while the experimental group will receive standard rehabilitation care plus the study treatment which involves one hour of extra hand training using a specialised glove and computer workstation, 5 times a week. The primary objective is to determine if the study treatment is more effective than standard rehabilitation care alone in participants with tetraplegia. The secondary objectives involve collecting exploratory data to support primary objective, including an economic analysis. Total study duration is 3 years, including an 18 month recruitment period, an 8-week treatment period followed by 6 month and 12 month follow up assessments. The study treatment will be assessed by a blinded assessor (the assessor will not know which group the participants are in) using standard physiotherapy/occupational therapy assessments which involve grasping and releasing different objects and performing everyday tasks as well as quality of life questionnaires. Functional electrical stimulation combined with task-specific training provided in addition to standard care is more effective in improving hand function than standard care alone.

This study is a randomised controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of physiotherapy supervised pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for pelvic organ prolapse. The hypothesis is that PFMT for prolapse will effective in reducing prolapse severity and symptoms.

The study is a multi-centre, assessor-blind, randomised controlled phase III trial in patients with with complete or incomplete spinal cord injury between C6 and T12. A total of 188 participants will be randomised into two groups, the experimental group and the control group. The control group participants will receive an upper body strength and fitness program, conducted for 2-3 hours, three times per week for 12 weeks, while the experimental group participants will receive a comprehensive full body exercise program, conducted for 2-3 hours, three times per week for 12 weeks. The main objective of this study is to determine if the experimental exercise program is more effective than the upper body strength and fitness program in promoting neurological improvement in participants with spinal cord injury. Total study duration is 3.5 years, including a 24 month recruitment period, a 12-week treatment period followed by 6 month and 12 month (from baseline) follow up assessments. Participants will be assessed by a blinded assessor (the assessor will not know which group the participants are in) using standard physiotherapy, neurophysiological, fitness and functional tests, psychological and quality of life questionnaires, as well as tests of immune function and bone structure.

Participants will complete a self-selected intensity of exercising over a 6 month period, with detailed clinical assessments at commencement and completion to determine the rate of progression of parkinsonism and gait abnormalities

The study investigates the effect of the 'Mother and Baby' (M\&B) program on the psychological health and well-being of new mothers 6-10 weeks following the birth of their baby. The M\&B program is an 8-week program of group exercise and education sessions provided by various health professionals. The design of the study is a comprehensive cohort design, including a randomised controlled trial. The primary outcome measure is the Affect Balance Scale. The hypotheses are: 1. The M\&B program has a positive effect on new mothers' psychological health and well-being. 2. The M\&B program increases participation in regular physical activity. 3. the M\&B program benefits first time mothers more than women who have had more than one child.

Stroke is the leading cause of long-term physical disability in Australia. Currently around 25% of hemiplegic stroke patients discharged from rehabilitation have significantly impaired use of the affected hand with consequent dependence in dressing, grooming and feeding themselves. The poor outcome can be attributed in part to a lack of focus by therapists on the negative signs of stroke (weakness and lack of dexterity) as well as too little time (around 10 minutes per day) being devoted to retraining of the arm. Presently there is a very limited evidence base to guide the content of clinical practice. Results from both animal and human studies suggest that specific post-lesion training can result in substantial improvement in function. The hypothesis is that task-specific training of the affected upper limb to subjects in the early period following stroke will result in significantly better functional outcome than standard intervention.

Optimal pelvic floor muscle function is known to assist bladder and bowel function and control, pelvic organ support, as well as other areas of health. It is also known that problems in some of tehse areas can be a consequence of pelvic surgery. By addressing the requirements for good bladder and bowel function/control, and organ support in the early post-surgery phase when tissue repair and scar formation are critical, it is proposed that there will be a rduction in the longterm prevalence of bladder problems, bowel difficulties and weakened pelvic floor and abdominal muscles in post-surgery patients. This study is a randomised controlled trial to compare patients undergoing a physiotherapy-supervised pelvic floor muscle training and behavioural therapy program with a control group. It is hypothesised that at the 12 month post-operative follow-up assessment, the treatment group will demonstrate better outcomes in bladder and bowel function and control, as well as stronger pelvic floor muscle contractile strength than the control group.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a series of Feldenkrais movement lessons on mobility and balance, particularly for older adults. The investigators hypothesise that mobility and balance will improve following the classes.

Total Hip Replacement (THR) is a common surgical procedure performed in people with hip osteoarthritis and appears to be effective in relieving pain and improving function. However significant wasting and weakness of the hip and knee muscles persists post-operatively. Although relief of pain and improvement of function are important outcomes following THR, weakness of the hip and knee muscles reduces a person's ability to manage stairs, slopes, public transport and results in persistent gait abnormalities. Since lower limb weakness is one of the risk factors for falls, it is important that patients undergo a strengthening program post-operatively. The hypothesis is that lower limb strength and function will be better in patients who undergo a strengthening program post-operatively than in those who have usual care.