ANZCTR search results

This study aims to determine whether primigravida women who are experiencing post-date pregnancy (41 weeks gestation) are more likely to experience spontaneous onset of labour using specific acupressure points than women receiving usual antenatal care only. The secondary aim is to explore the women’s experience on the care received and being randomised. For women allocated to the acupressure group,information will be collected on their compliance with intervention protocol and satisfaction with the use of acupressure. This study will add to the body of knowledge and has the potential to address the strategies and targets set by NSW Health Policy Directive Towards Normal Birth, by increasing the number of women commencing labour spontanously and reducing the rate of medical interventions (labour induction).

The technique of collagen cross-linking for keratoconus (a condition leading to thinning and protrusion of the cornea, the front clear window of the eye, leading to a reduction in vision) was introduced in Europe. It involves the use of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and ultraviolet light A, and has been shown in animal studies to strengthen the cornea. This trial was initiated to assess the effectiveness and safety of this treatment in comparison to a second group of participants who have the disease but are not given the cross-linking treatment. It runs over 5 years.

Diabetes is a multi-factorial disease, with a multi-disciplinary approach being advocated for diabetes treatment and the prevention of its complications. In Australia, diabetes is the most common cause of lower limb amputation after trauma. Diabetic foot ulcers are responsible for a substantial medical and financial burden on the Australian healthcare system with costs conservatively estimated to be as high as $45,000 per patient. Improved nutritional status and nutrition supplementation accelerate wound healing while inadequate nutrition prolongs wound healing. During wound healing non-essential amino acids, such as L-Arginine, becomes essential as it enhances a number of pathways involved in wound healing, protein metabolism, such as structural protein synthesis and collagen. Aim: To determine whether supplementation with L-Arginine will improve the healing of diabetic foot ulcers in a routine community based client education and management program conducted by medical and allied health professionals. Methods: This study is being designed as a double blinded RCT (treatment group: n=37+7, 4.5g L-arginine; control group n=19+7 placebo) for 12 weeks. Power calculations indicate 70 patients are required to provide adequate statistical power including anticipated attrition rate. The study will be conducted in a routine community based client education and management setting which includes health professionals (medical, podiatry, dietetic, diabetes educators) as part of a multi-disciplinary approach and holistic care for the client

Reviews of the literature show limited evidence for the efficacy of conservative management of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and a lack of studies investigating the long term effects of the non-surgical management of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The aim of our study is to investigate the long-term efficacy of a multimodal approach comprising of manual mobilisation techniques, education and nerve and tendon gliding exercises (MEX) versus therapeutic ultrasound treatment in managing carpal tunnel syndrome. Hand splinting is included as an adjunct intervention to evaluate its influence on the 2 treatment approaches. We hypothesise that the MEX treatment approach would be superior to therapeutic ultrasound treatment in the long-term and the addition of hand splint in either treatment would improve its overall outcome.

This RCT will evaluate the acceptability and efficacy of a combined CBM + internet-based CBT program for depression by comparing an active CBM intervention with a control comparator.

The Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) have until recently been under-represented in malignant haematology research. Recent major developments in understanding MPN biology and emerging new pharmaceutical agents have resulted in MPNs being a major growth area for both basic/translational research and clinical trials. Currently there is no systematic approach to collecting data on numbers of MPN patients and the current standards of care of these patients in Australia and New Zealand. This information is vital for planning and feasibility assessments for future clinical trials. A well-constructed database will generate essential data and be a major resource for translational research, particularly if patients in the registry also consent to ALLG tissue banking. Investigators with an interest in a specific subset of MPN patients will be able to query the database for a list of such patients and their characteristics. Patients will be entered into the database either retrospectively (for certain diagnoses and some sites) or prospectively, at diagnosis, with annual follow up.

Recently, data from observational (AusDiab) and experimental (IDLE breaks study) research indicates people who break up their sitting time throughout the day with light-intensity activity (such as light walking) may have better blood glucose and blood fat levels than people who sit for prolonged periods without activity breaks. This experimental study will examine the acute effect of prolonged sitting with and without light intensity activity bouts on memory functions (long-term and short-term memory and executive functions) in adults. Nineteen sedentary overweight/obese adults aged between 45-75 years will be recruited to attend two separate trial days interspersed by a one week washout period: control condition (sitting – 7 hours), a similar duration of sitting but with 3 minute light intensity activity bouts every 30 minutes. Cognitive testing, measurements of neurotrophic, metabolic, inflammatory, cortisol and catecholamine markers will be conducted. The proposed study will provide initial insights into whether breaking up sitting time with intermittent light-intensity activity has the potential for cognitive benefits whilst also describing the acute cognitive effects of prolonged sitting.

This studies aims to compare blood vessel elasticity after two protein-rich meals which are high in either olive oil or palmolein (further purified fraction of palm oil). The study also aims to compare the effect of these test meals on blood markers of heart health.

The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of a simple device that reduces coronary contrast reflux in STEMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The safety and efficacy of this device has recently been demonstrated in Alfred Hospital Study a performed at The Alfred Hospital (Project 347/12) in patients undergoing routine coronary angiography and non-acute PCI. This study showed that the device reduced overall contrast requirement by approximately 40%.

This study will assess the effectiveness and feasiblity of a newly developed brief intervention for young persons with cancer termed Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy (MBMT). Who is it for? You may be eligible to join this study if you are a cancer survivor aged 14 to 25 years old, or are actively attending treatment at metro Adelaide hospitals. Participants must be fluent in English. Trial details All participants in the study will undergo at least two sessions with the music therapist. During meetings with the music therapist, participants will learn some attention focusing techniques ("mindfulness") and music therapy techniques. Participants will also be provided with some pre-recorded songs and voice recordings to practice the exercises at home on a regular basis. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires at baseline, 2 weeks and 8 weeks after the intervention completion in order to evaluate psychological wellbeing across the cancer journey. The intervention is expected to decrease psychological distress, and improve quality of life, mindfulness and self compassion.