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To date no prospective study has been undertaken to investigate the effect of haemodialysis dose delivery on the epidemiology and biological effect of blood pressure variability. This study represents the first comparative investigation between peritoneal dialysis, extended-hours haemodialysis and conventional thrice-weekly satellite therapy, with the expectation of objectively demonstrating smoother and better control of blood pressure using home-based therapies. This study hypothesises that patients undergoing therapies with high-dose dialysis achieve better control of blood pressure with less time spent in hypertensive ranges and less blood pressure variability than patients undergoing conventional thrice-weekly satellite haemodialysis

The purpose of the study is to investigate possible mechanisms by which glucocorticoids raise blood pressure. The hypothesis is that glucocorticoids raise blood pressure by suppression of nitric oxide activity. The study tests this hypothesis by examining whether oral administration of isosorbide mononitrate, which is a nitric oxide donor, changes blood pressure in patients whose blood pressure has gone up after 5 days of treatment with oral hydrocortisone.

The aim of the study is to test the effectiveness of an online resource to increase physical activity (primarily walking) among rural South Australian adults. Registration is open for any adult (aged 18 - 74) whose primary residence is in either the Riverland or Yorke Peninsula regions of South Australia and who are currently insufficiently active (i.e. participated in less than 20 bouts of physical activity lasting at least 30 minutes in the previous month). Registered participants will also require ongoing access to the internet. Participants in this trial will be randomly (by chance) allocated to one of two groups. Participants in the intervention group will take part in a 12-week lifestyle program during which they will wear a pedometer and use an online resource. The main focus of the online resource is a step log where participants enter their daily step counts, perception of exertion and feeling daily. Based on this information they will be emailed weekly step count goals. The website will also include an interactive forum that links participants to other participants in the intervention group. There will be a virtual notice board where community service organisers can advertise events and activities relating to physical activity and healthy eating. Information on healthy eating will be provided based on The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Intervention group participants will receive weekly progress phone calls which will be tapered off towards the end of the study period to foster independence. Participants are free to use (or not use) the program at their discretion. Participants in the other group will receive a pedometer, standard step log diary (paper form) and one progress phone call (week 2). They will receive step goal emails, however these will be generic (versus individualized) with the intention of reaching the recommended 10,000 steps by week 12. Health, physical activity and psychological wellbeing measures will be taken at baseline and intervention-end, as well as 6-month and 12-month follow-up.

This study will evaluate the effect of a SunSmart policy intervention in schools on the quality of sun protection behaviours adopted by children during recess and lunch periods, and the role modelling of sun protection behaviour by teachers. Who is it for? Participants in this study are primary school students and teachers in existing NSW government schools within the Greater Western Sydney catchment area, that have an existing sun protection policy. Study details Schools in this study will be randomly allocated (by chance) to one of two groups. Schools in one group will continue to implement their existing sun protection policies, whilst schools allocated to the other group will receive the SunSmart policy intervention. This runs over 20 school weeks, and involves parents, teachers and students working together with researchers to devise policy changes to improve sun protection behaviours that are adopted by children during periods when students are exposed to ultraviolet light. The behaviours sought to be modified include: a) Students wearing of wide brim hats and sunscreen during UV exposed periods of the day; b) Students playing in shaded areas during periods of high UV exposure; c) Teachers role-modelling the wearing of hats and sunglasses during exposed periods of the day. Adherence to sun protection policies will be observed in all schools over a period of three school terms, in order to determine the efficacy of the policy-based intervention compared to schools who have not undertaken the intervention process.

What is the purpose of this study? After-school care is formal care provided by non-school staff between 3pm and 6pm. In Australia around 10% of children aged 5-12 attend some form of after-school care. Limited Australian data exist for these settings, but internationally they are characterised by high levels of physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour and unhealthy snacking, and little opportunity for academic enrichment The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of the ‘Wollongong SPORT’ program when implemented in Big Fat Smile after-school centres. Wollongong SPORT is a physical activity and academic enrichment program for 5-10 year-old children. This program will be implemented in your child’s after school centre. The research that we are seeking your consent for is to collect data from your child on the effect of the program on your child’s physical activity and cognitive development.

The purpose of this project is to develop a motor skill development resource for toddlers aged 1-3 years. The expected outcomes will be an evidence-based resource that meets the needs and wants of the community partner, Big Fat Smile. After development, educators will be trained in the area of toddler motor development for improved pedagogy and practice. Then, the toddlers will receive better instruction in how to develop these motor skills, resulting in increased learning and motor skill development.

The current study aims are: 1) to determine the efficacy of ACT wherever they are to reduce anxiety and improve valued living for adolescents with anxiety; 2) to identify the level of program intensity (therapist support) required to achieve positive program outcomes; 3) to determine the mechanisms of change surrounding the intervention that are critical to program outcomes; and 4) to determine consumer acceptability, satisfaction, and geographical reach of an assisted online self-help mode of delivery. t is hypothesised that 1) adolescents who receive the ACT online program will show greater improvements in anxiety and valued than adolescents in the active control group; 2) adolescents who receive the ACT online program plus telephone support will show greater improvements in anxiety and valued living than adolescents who receive both ACT and control online self-help programs; and 3) that the mechanisms of change for the ACT conditions will be increased post intervention psychological flexibility and mindfulness.

Over the past 30 years, the prevalence of chronic health conditions in children and adolescents has increased dramatically. For example, the Australian National Health Survey (2004-05) reports that 12% of children between 0-15 years have asthma as a long-term health condition. Adherence to complex therapy regimes is necessary for disease management and increased quality of life. Yet, available evidence suggests that 50% or less of children with chronic health conditions are adherent to therapy. Regular exercise is considered beneficial for children with chronic health conditions; however, the impact of exercise on psychosocial health and adherence to therapy is not well understood. Furthermore, extended investigations of the literature has identified a gap in research about the benefits of exercise for children with chronic pulmonary disease other than asthma and cystic fibrosis. To date, no randomised controlled studies evaluating the effects of exercise on children with non cf bronchiectasis, broncho-pulmonary dysplasia or chronic suppurative lung disease have been conducted. The proposed study will advertise this void in the research literature by evaluating the impact of a 7 week exercise program on cardiovascular fitness, fundamental movement skills, self-esteem and quality of life. The goal of the study is to test the effects of a 7 week exercise program on cardiovascular fitness, fundamental movement skills, self-esteem and quality of life in children and adolescents with chronic pulmonary diseases like cystic fibrosis, non cf-bronchiectasis and chronic supurative lung disease (CSLD). We hypothesise that the exercise program will enhance cardiovascular fitness, fundamental movement skills (FMS), self-esteem and quality of life in those children.

Peanut allergy affects more than 1% of the Australian population and the prevalence is increasing. To date, there is no effective treatment. This pilot study will test the safety and effectiveness in peanut allergic children of a biphasic oral immunotherapy using increasing doses of boiled peanuts followed by increasing doses of raw/roasted peanuts. Results from this pilot study will be used to design a large multi-centre randomised controlled trial.

Study Aims To determine if consuming Growing up milk ‘lite’ (GUMLi) compared to standard cow’s milk improves nutritional status, cognitive development and body composition profile (and health outcomes) in 1-2 year olds. Specific Objectives 1. To recruit an ethnically diverse sample of children aged prior to 1 year of age; 2. Randomise children to receive GUMLi or cow’s milk and retain children in study on intervention for 12 months from 1 year of age (+/- 4 weeks); 3. Measure anthropometry, biomarkers of macro- and micro- nutrient status, cognitive functioning, and dietary intake from 1 (+/- 4 weeks) year of age to 2 (+/- 4 weeks) years of age Study hypotheses 1. Children who consume GUMLi from age 1-2 years have a linear growth rate that is similar to children who consume cow’s milk from age 1-2 years and a % body fat increase that is less than children who consume cow’s milk from age 1-2 years. 2. Children who consume GUMLi from age 1-2 years compared to children who consume cow’s milk from age 1-2 years will be less likely to have vitamin D and iron insufficiency as defined by measurement of relevant serum biomarkers. 3. Children who consume GUMLi from age 1-2 years will have improved dietary profiles in comparison to children who consume cow’s milk from 1-2 years. 4. Children who consume GUMLi milk from age 1-2 years will have better developmental scores on the Bayley’s Scales of Infants Development in comparison to children who consume cow’s milk from 1-2 years.