ANZCTR search results

Background: Chronic work-related stress is a significant and independent risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases and associated mortality, particularly when compounded by inactivity. Heart rate variability (HRV) provides an estimate of parasympathetic and sympathetic autonomic control, and can serve as a marker of stress. Hatha yoga is a physically demanding and psychologically relaxing intervention that could mitigate work-related stress, however time constraints including work and family life may limit participation. The purpose of the present study is to determine the effect of a 10-week, worksite yoga program delivered during office hours (i.e. lunch break) on resting HRV and related physical and psychological parameters in a sedentary office workers with limited to no experience with yoga. Methods and design: This is a parallel-arm RCT that will compare the outcomes of participants assigned to the experimental treatment arm (yoga) with those assigned to a non-treatment control group. The yoga intervention will be a progressive, beginners program, emphasize flowing physical postures (vinyasa) with an intention to improve psychological and physical markers of health status. The primary outcome of this study is parasympathetic control of heart function as determined by analysis of HRV. Secondary outcomes include measures of physical functioning and psychological health status, including anxiety, quality of life and job satisfaction. Measures will be collected prior to and following the intervention period, and at 6 months follow-up to determine the effect of withdrawal of the intervention.

The project aims to test the hypothesis that the early introduction of common food allergens in the diet of infants at high risk of food allergy may increase tolerance and decrease IgE mediated allergen sensitisation and clinical food allergy. Specifically we aim to establish whether introduction of egg protein at 4 months of age into the diet of infants at high risk of atopic disease is associated with a decrease in egg sensitisation and clinical egg allergy.

The study will evlaute if implementing a web based tool allowing consumers time to gather information about their family history of bowel (colorectal) cancer , (to be used in conjunction with GP triage), will reduce the proportion of average risk people having an unnecessary colonoscopy; while correctly indentifying and appropriately referring at-risk individuals to Familial Cancer Services and/or offering a colonoscopy. It aims to significantly reduce the public burden of bowel cancer by ensuring that the most effective screening can take place.

This exploratory trial of an intervention aims to develop a community based model for improving child oral health by increasing the cultural appropriateness and accessibility of existing oral health services and family programs. A peer-led oral health education program conducted in cultural settings and followed by a group dental clinic visit will be an essential component of the intervention. A cultural competence review of community dental and family programs, and maternal and child health services will also be conducted to enhance the accessibility of these services. This study will be of direct benefit to the community and will inform development and testing of a community based oral health promotion model for other culturally diverse areas of Australia

Cerebral Palsy is a term that describes a group of primarily motor disorders. Spastic Hemiplegia is a common presentation of cerebral palsy where one side of the body is weaker and muscles are often tighter and more difficult to move. As such, walking can be affected as the foot "catches" on the floor when taking a step and can cause tripping or even falling over. The Walk Aide is a small device that is strapped to the leg just below the knee. It provides electrical impulses to stimulate the muscles that lift up the foot during walking thus preventing tripping and catching of the foot on the ground. The device is portable and can be worn where ever the child wishes to go. Our study aims to see what effects the Walk Aide might have on strength, ease of movement and balance whilst using the Walk Aide but also after using the Walk Aide to determine if the effects last even beyond the use of wearing the device.

Cancer affects 1 in 6 Australian adults of working age yet we know very little about the impact of a cancer diagnosis on their future working life. It has been estimated that up to 60% of workers diagnosed with cancer will not return to work and, while many people do successfully resume their work activities after cancer, many experience delayed and difficult work re-entry, forced retirement, workplace discrimination and impaired ability to work. Loss of skilled people from the workforce is an important issue not only for individuals and families dealing with cancer but also for Australia’s future productivity. This research addresses the work experiences of a large group of middle-aged individuals who are in the labour force when they are diagnosed with colorectal cancer compared to a matched, general-population reference group.

The purpose of this study is to find out if an educational package was effective or not. The educational package was a multifaceted approach and included a 3-day workshop, a new intranet site and mentoring. The aim was to improve the way that health professionals apply the latest research in Cerebral Palsy in their day to day work, with the ultimate goal to improve the outcomes for people with Cerebral Palsy.

The purpose of thsi study was to test the effectiveness of a group cognitive behaviour therapy program for older adults with comorbid anxiety and depression compared to a wait list condition. It was hypothesised that the group program would produce clinically significant and lasting improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms as comapred to the wait list condition.

A randomised controlled trial was used to compare the effectiveness of two psychological group interventions for comorbid anxiety and depression in older adults.

This pilot study is the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of three telephone-delivered brief interventions for the rapidly increasing number of young people presenting to emergency departments (EDs) with alcohol-related injuries or illnesses. It randomizes patients to receive: (i) 1 session of assessment feedback and information (AF/I), (ii) 2 sessions of a brief motivational interviewing intervention (BMI), or (iii) 2 sessions of a new motivational treatment based on recent theoretical and empirical advances by the CIs—Functional Decision Making (FDM). Hypotheses 1. At 3 and 6 months, impacts on: (a) the primary outcome variables of alcohol use and related problems/injuries, and (b) secondary outcome variables of psychological distress, functioning, severity of alcohol dependence, readiness to change alcohol use and coping self-efficacy to resist using alcohol, will be greatest for FDM, followed by BMI and then AF/I. 2. FDM will be the most cost-effective treatment, followed by BMI, and then AF/I.