ANZCTR search results

The purpose of this pilot study is to explore whether chronic stroke survivors who observe digital video images of basic movements (e.g., a healthy person picking up a cup), and then, directly after each observation attempt to physically mimic the observed action improve their motor function.

Malalignment in total knee replacement is a major cause of failure. Traditionally, alignment is facilitated through the use of mechanical jigs to position cutting blocks. There is however debate as to the accuracy of such jig systems. This study will employ a relatively new alternative method in which patient matched instrumentation as opposed to conventional jig-assisted techniques are used. This study will look at the accuracy of TKR’s performed using instrumentation which is specific to the patient. A CT scan will be performed on the patients’ knee after the operation to assess how accurate this patient specific instrumentation is.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide affecting 15 to 45% of the adult population. NAFLD is a spectrum from simple fat (NAFLD) to fat and inflammation (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Ten to 25% of NASH cases progress onto advanced hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis with its complications of end stage liver disease and liver cancer. NAFLD is part of a group of medical conditions called the metabolic syndrome. These include type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and abdominal obesity. The presence of NAFLD is also associated with wide ranging health problems including obstructive sleep apnoea, polycystic ovary syndrome, colon polyps, hypothyroidism and vitamin D deficiency. This project aims to assess whether NAFLD can be improved by undertaking a controlled period of fasting. Previous research has shown that controlled periods of fasting can improve diabetes and cholesterol in these patients but no one has ever looked at NAFLD. This project will involve approximately 60 people in two groups all at Monash Health. Each group will contain 30 people. One group will follow a diet plan that involves a period of controlled fasting during each day from 8pm at night until 12pm the following day, while the other will follow the current Gastoenterological Society of Australia standard treatment guidelines for NAFLD. At 12 weeks, participants will be invited to take part in the other treatment group for a further 12 weeks (a total of 24 weeks). Each study participant will have a series of assessments done at baseline and at various points throughout the study. This will include anthropometric measurements, abdominal fat content via single slice CT scan, Fibroscan for liver steatosis, body composition (fat and lean muscle mass) and blood tests. After 12 weeks we hope to see a 25% improvement in the amount of abdominal and liver fat from baseline. Other intended improvements may be in blood markers of inflammation and metabolism.

The aims of this research are to compare the effectiveness of Emergency Nurse Practitioner (E-NP) on service and quality of patient care outcomes, with that of standard care in the Emergency Department (ED). Hence the following null hypotheses will be tested: For patients presenting to the ED with pain, allocated to the fast track zone and who receive care from either an E-NP or standard care, there will be no difference in: Primary outcomes 1. Pain score reduction and time to analgesia Secondary outcomes 2. Service indicators of a) Waiting time b) Number of patients who did-not-wait c) Length of stay in emergency department d) Representations with 48 hours In addition, a comparative evaluation of clinicians’ use of evidence based guidelines for management of i) knee injury, ii) ankle injury and iii) burns injury will be conducted to further test the integrity of the intervention.

The purpose of this study is to understand how well oxymorphone in combination with tocopheryl phosphate mix (TPM), is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, with the use of a patch.

Most cutaneous warts resolve spontaneously with time. Evidence for the effectiveness of medical treatment is lacking and results of treatment can be frustrating. Consequently, health practitioners view cutaneous warts as a low priority as far as providing treatments, but the adverse effect on the quality of life of some patients with cutaneous warts can be significant. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a 'natural remedy' the skin of bananas (Musaceae Musa) is an effective treatment. In this phase 2 randomized controlled trial the team will test the hypothesis that banana skin treatment can resolve cutaneous warts, in half the time and in twice the proportion of patients as those receiving cryotherapy.

This trial is investigating whether a new physiotherapy device used in children with cystic fibrosis meets the needs of clients better than the current technology and thus is used more often and effectively used than the standard device. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition associated with significant lung disease. Chest physiotherapy helps move infected secretions out the lung and is a standard part of daily therapy. However, adherence with this therapy is low for many reasons. This device has been designed to address many of these problems and hopefully will improve adherence. The type of physiotherapy being addressed in thus study is call PEP (which stands for positive expiratory pressure) and would be well known to patients and those involve in patient care. The prototype device measures the pressure produced during each blow. The active device connects wirelessly to a tablet computer. Each blow is displayed on the screen. There are features including a game controlled by the blows, an alarm function, points which are earned with each correct blow which can be redeemed and the capacity to download adherence data at clinical reviews. Subjects will be randomly allocated to use either the new device or a control device which measures adherence but otherwise looks the same as a normal device for 6 weeks. Subjects will be aged 4-16 years. The main outcome will be adherence with the device. Those who don't get to use the device in the first 6 weeks will get to use it during a second 6 week period.

This study (STeP IT UP) aims to examine the effectiveness of a structured approach to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) for adults with non-insulin-treated T2DM in an Australian primary care (general practice) setting, with a focus on the clinical utility of structured SMBG in this group. The STeP IT UP study also aims to build on the available evidence from the original STeP study by refining the structured SMBG training provided to participants with use of DVD training resources to ensure a sustainable approach, and by optimising psychosocial outcome measures used. It is hypothesised that the findings from STeP IT UP will demonstrate to healthcare professionals (especially those working in primary care) that (a) structured SMBG, when embedded in care and performed in the context of education and support, has clinical benefits, and (b) that it is feasible for doctors and their patients to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct SMBG in an effective manner. Key resources to be used in STeP IT UP (e.g. educational DVD for participants) can be made freely available on the internet, and so sustained implementation of this structured SMBG intervention is possible beyond the life of the study. We, therefore, anticipate that the findings of the STeP IT UP study will have the potential to influence the approach to SMBG in Australian primary care for people with T2DM who do not use insulin, such that effective approaches to SMBG are recommended and adopted.

This project is part of a research program to develop and evaluate an Internet-based education and treatment program for people with chronic pain. This project extends an earlier trial (ACTRN12612000556842) to examine the efficacy and acceptability an iCBT program for people with chronic pain, when augmented with daily SMS prompts reminder participants to practice self-management skills.

The aim of the study is to assess the herbal formulation in reducing the symptoms of andropause and influencing serum testosterone levels. The inadequate production of testosterone in men as they age has been associated with Andropause, a variable complex of symptoms, including decreased androgen production, occurring in men after middle age. Andropause has an obvious effect on male sexual health, but may also affect general health in men as they age. The key features of Andropause include: Lethargy and fatigue Diminished sexual desire/libido Increased abdominal fat (waist circumference greater than 102cm) Depressed mood or irritability Decreased cognitive function Hot flushes or sweating Decreased lean body mass and muscle volume/strength Decreased body hair and skin alterations Low bone mineral density or increased incidence of fractures Sleep disturbance