ANZCTR search results

This research aims to test the efficacy of a computerised, adaptive, cognitive training program by looking at near-transfer to executive function components and far-transfer to higher order cognitive abilities (fluid intelligence and academic achievement). This research will address previous criticisms of the existing cognitive training literature by: (a) using a cognitive training program that is more aligned to current executive function theory than previous research, by training executive level processes; (b) using multiple measures for each executive function construct to estimate latent scores of executive functions; (c) using randomly allocated experimental and active control groups that utilise similar computer-based tasks and have the same face-to-face contact time so that a realistic comparison can be made as to the efficacy of the cognitive training program; (d) determining the impact of cognitive training on executive functions, fluid intelligence and academic achievement by following a cohort of children over a period of one year; (e) measuring processing speed to determine if this is a potential mediating variable in cognitive training; and (f) assessing the impact of different training expectancies between the experimental and control group and its impact upon training gains. In addition to these student-based measures, behaviourally- based reports from teachers and parents will provide additional sources of evidence of the program’s effects. Lastly, the potential moderating effect of an individual's implicit theory of intelligence on training gains will be assessed.

Low physical activity levels and poor cardiovascular health are big problems for people with severe knee osteoarthritis. This study is the first in the world to find out if a walking program can make a difference to their knee pain and cardiovascular health.

Psycho-educational support is recommended as essential for patients undertaking self-management of their dialysis treatment An intervention such as motivational interviewing (MI), the use of the 5 As model and information giving from nurses may promote behavioural change to enhance adherence to prescribed treatments and to reduce risk factors associated with severe life threatening medical complications. This randomized controlled trial will examine the effectiveness of this intervention for people with ESKD and who live at home, undergoing either automated peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis. This intervention may improve adherence to dialysis session times; fluid and dietary intake, diet and taking prescribed medications.

This is a research study to see if the TPM (registered trademark)/Oxycodone Patch (“study drug patch”) is safe and effective in treating participants with PHN compared to a patch which contains no Oxycodone but includes all of the other non-active components of the TPM (registered trademark)/Oxycodone Patch (“placebo patch” or “vehicle patch”). Oxycodone is an analgesic (pain reliever) which has been used, in tablet form, for the treatment of longstanding (chronic) moderate to severe pain, for many years. In tablet form it acts via the blood system. The patch also contains a form of vitamin E, called Tocopheryl Phosphate Mix (TPM), which can help some medications absorb across the skin. The purpose of this study is to find out whether the study drug patch provides pain relief when applied to an affected painful area in participants with PHN when compared to a vehicle patch. The study drug patch is designed to treat the area of reported pain ‘locally’ (at the site of pain in the skin) rather than ‘systemically’ (via the blood system). This TPM helps the drug to enter through the skin. Study participants will be required to wear a patch containing oxycodone (study drug patch) on one occasion and a vehicle patch on another occasion. Participants will be required to wear each patch for 3 days (approx. 72 hours) at the site of worst PHN pain. In addition, this study will determine how safe the patch is: 1. measuring the level of oxycodone that enters into blood (this is expected to be low and thus avoiding issues associated with euphoria, sedation and addiction) 2. monitoring symptoms that may be experienced while wearing the patch 3. observing results from assessments carried out during the course of the study

Physical inactivity is prevalent in Australia and is a significant contributor to the nation’s burden of chronic disease. Increasing the availability of recreational infrastructure could, however, positively influence levels of physical activity. This study, conducted in partnership with Frankston City Council, will investigate the impact that establishing a major recreational and aquatic centre has upon physical activity and measures of well being in the community. It will test the additional impacts of using marketing strategies to boost centre usage, and thereby inform future action to multiply the health benefits of public investments in recreational infrastructure.

The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of Tension and Trauma Release exercises (TRE) on the severity of symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). This treatment is currently offered to sufferers but no data supports its effectiveness.

This study builds on and extends a previous project that tested a group intervention for cancer survivors who have experienced problems with cognitive functions such as attention and memory. The study uses a more rigorous research design (random allocation to treatment or waitlist) and also tests potential reasons that the treatment may be effective. It was hypothesised that participants in the treatment group would show bigger improvements in objective cognitive function, subjective cognitive function and other self-report measures than participants on a waitlist or healthy control participants. It was also predicted that better cognitive function would be associated with higher self-efficacy and more favourable illness perceptions

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have a number of limitations that contribute to social play and pragmatic language restrictions. Effective social play skills and pragmatic language are necessary for psychosocial development. Well developed social emotional skills and good quality relationships are protective factors that promote resilience and quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a peer-to-peer play based intervention to improve social play skills and pragmatic language in children with ASD. It is expected that following the intervention children with ASD will have improved social play and communication skills and improved ability to establish and maintain friendships. Findings from this study can be translated into clinical practice.

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) performed on exercise cycle or treadmill is considered safe and often more beneficial for fat loss and cardiometabolic health than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a 12-week boxing training (HIIT) intervention compared with an equivalent dose of brisk walking (MICT) in obese adults. Methods: Men and women with abdominal obesity and body mass index >25kg/m2 were randomized to either a boxing group or a brisk walking (control) group for 12 weeks. Each group engaged in 4 training sessions per week, equated for total physical activity. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment rates, assessment of training intensities, adherence and adverse events. Effectiveness was assessed pre and post intervention via pertinent obesity-, cardiovascular-, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes. Results: Nineteen individuals expressed an interest and 63% (n=12) consented. Recruitment was slower than anticipated (1.3 participants/week). The boxing group trained at a significantly higher intensity each week versus the brisk walking group (p<0.05). Two participants in the boxing group experienced an adverse event; both continued to exercise with modifications to the exercise program. No other adverse events were noted. The boxing group attended more exercise sessions (79% vs. 55%) and had a lower attrition rate (n=0 vs. n=2) than the walking group. Analysis of covariance revealed that the boxing group significantly improved body fat percentage (p=0.047), systolic blood pressure (p=0.026), augmentation index (AIx; p<0.001), absolute VO2max (p=0.015), and Physical Functioning (p=0.042) and Vitality (p=0.024) domains of HRQoL over time. The walking group did not improve any clinical outcomes, and experienced a worsening of Vitality (p=0.043). Conclusions: Boxing training (HIIT) in adults with abdominal obesity is feasible and may elicit a better therapeutic effect on obesity, cardiovascular, and HRQoL outcomes than an equivalent dose of brisk walking (MICT). Robustly designed randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these findings and inform clinical guidelines and practice for obesity treatment.

Patellofemoral osteoarthritis is a common condition that results in pain and functional limitations. Custom foot orthoses are effective at improving pain and function in younger people with patellofemoral pain, and thus may also be of benefit in older people with patellofemoral osteoarthritis. This Phase 2 study aims to investigate the feasibility of a Phase 3 randomised controlled trial evaluating the effect of custom foot orthoses and footwear on pain, lower limb function and bone marrow lesions in patellofemoral osteoarthritis.