ANZCTR search results

To investigate whether interval execise training reduces cardiovascular risk factors (including improving cardiorespiratory fitness) and how this compares with traditional continuous exercise training.

The purpose of this study is to assess if mesenchymal stem cells are a safe and effective therapeutic treatment option for people suffering from chronic disabling tendinopathy, who have no other effective treatment options

Obesity is a global epidemic. It is associated with a high burden of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and some cancers. Obesity and CVD progression have been associated with altered levels of biologically active proteins secreted by adipocytes, including the hormones adiponectin and leptin. This study aims to assess the effect of a high dose marine lipid supplement [dose: 4000mg per day for 8 weeks] on plasma adiponectin and leptin levels in overweight and obese individuals.

The primary purpose of this study is to test a simple and non-invasive method for estimating intravascular volume status. Estimation of intravascular volume status (hydration status) is of crucial importance in treating patients in various specialties including intensive care. The current methods available are mostly invasive. The non-invasive methods currently in vogue are resource intensive. Hence, there is a need for a simple, consistent and reliable measure for assessment of intravascular volume status. With this view, this study proposes the use of Central Retinal Venous blood flow velocity as an index of intravascular volume status.

Communication and swallowing difficulties are a common sequelae for people who have suffered a stroke. These difficulties can affect interpersonal relationships, self image and community reintegration. This project is designed to evaluate the effect of a treatment program on the speech, swallowing and quality of life of stroke survivors when delivered by a therapy assistant in a home based setting. The intensive treatment program will include education, behavioural intervention and oral motor rehabilitation, with functional speech or swallowing practice. It is anticipated that patients who have intensive treatment will achieve improved outcomes in swallowing status and speech intelligibility as well as self-confidence and independence. Stroke survivor details will be collected and analysed with frequency of treatment and home practice to determine any barriers to treatment delivery and ability to practice on their own.

This study will determine if rehabilitation programs for people with ankle pain and stiffness following immobilisation for ankle fracture produce clinically worthwhile effects and are cost-effective.

The objective of this trial is to examine whether 14 week administration of lyprinol(registered trademark) improves a range of cognitive, mood, behavioural and psychophysiological measures in children aged 6-14 years with symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity relative to placebo. Children will be enrolled into the study if they have elevated inattention or hyperactivity whether or not they have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and whether or not they are currently medicated for their ADHD. As there is no evidence that Omega 3 intake interferes with current ADHD medications, providing children or adolescents who are currently taking ADHD medication with Lyprinol should be safe and well tolerated (Whitehouse et al, 1997). Their inclusion in the trial will be based on their level of hyperactivity and impulsiveness. If participants are included in the trial and are currently taking stimulant or other medications then this indicates that their current medication is not efficacious, as they are still presenting with high levels of inattention and hyperactivity. We will not include participants who have started stimulant medication for ADHD within the past two weeks as the medication may not have had sufficient time to reach maximum effectiveness. As this is a randomized trial there will be equal probability of the control (placebo) and active (Lyprinol) groups to have the same numbers of participants who are currently on medication. All participants will receive a 14 week supply of Lyprinol(registered trademark) once they finish the study. This is to ensure participants who are allocated to the placebo group also have the opportunity to take the Lyprinol for the same duration as the study.

This project aims to compare the outcomes of two different formats of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) programmes implemented by our team in real life clinic populations. Key components of these education-based programmes include: - teaching about sleep mechanisms and factors contributing to the development and maintenance of insomnia - challenging current beliefs about sleep - structured behavior modification - strategies to cope with anxiety and mood disturbances CBT-i can be used in different formats, with individual sessions, group sessions or both. This study will compare two formats of CBT-i presented in a standardised slide presentation: - The CBT-i4 Programme which involves 4 group sessions - The CBT-i2-2 Programme which involves 2 group sessions with 2 subsequent individual follow-up sessions focussing on the participant’s implementation of the behavioural strategies learnt during the group session and allowing individual guidance and support. These two programmes will be conducted at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research with individuals who have at least a one month history of insomnia symptoms (DSM-IV criteria). Voluntary participants will be recruited by sleep psychologists and sleep physicians at the Woolcock Insomnia Clinic after completing an assessment for sleep disorders. To quantify improvements in subjective sleep quality assessments, participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and sleep diaries between the assessment visit and the first CBT-i session, at the end of the programme (4th group session or 2nd individual session) and 6 months after the last session. The current study will also include data from a CBT-i4 Programme previously run at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital’s Sleep Unit through a project that has been approved by the SSWAHS Ethics Review Committee (RPAH ZONE). Results from the current study are likely to provide empiric evidence on ways to optimize cognitive-behaviour therapy for insomnia in real world clinical settings.

Aboriginal children living in remote areas of the Northern Territory have the world’s highest rates of eardrum perforation reported in the medical literature. The disease can have significant effects on a child’s hearing, language, education and associated social disadvantage. Studies show that a child with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) requires frequent daily ear cleaning and antibiotic drops. This may be needed for many months. Regular review of the eardrum is required to monitor progress and provide treatment. Families living in remote communities struggle to provide the level of care needed for effective cure of perforations. Our research will look at ways to increase the rates of Aboriginal children with a history of eardrum perforation participating in follow-up exams. We will randomise families caring for a child with CSOM to receive regular reminders by mobile phone calls, text messages or standard practice. Clinic attendance rates will be the primary outcome.

This study will investigate whether providing cognitive behaviour therapy provides better reduction of postconcussive syndrome symptoms than education about postconcussive syndrome in patients following mild traumatic brain injury. Patients will be randomly allocate patients with postconcussive syndrome to either (a) cognitive behavior therapy, or (b) education, and assessed for postconcussive symptoms following treatment.