Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Plain Language Review Of Physical Activity Among Indigenous Australians, Caitlin Gray

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

This review provides information on physical activity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is a valuable overview for people working in the area and aims to assists in the development/refinement of policies, strategies and programs. This review of physical activity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians has been prepared by the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet as a part of our contributions to 'closing the gap' in health between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians by making relevant, high quality knowledge and information easily accessible to policy makers, health service providers, program managers, clinicians, researchers …

Predicting Alzheimer Disease With Β-Amyloid Imaging: Results From The Australian Imaging, Biomarkers, And Lifestyle Study Of Ageing, Christopher Rowe, Pierrick Bourgeat, Kathryn Ellis, Belinda M. Brown, Lim Yen Ying, Rachel Mulligan, Gareth Jones, Paul Maruff, Michael Woodward, Roger Price, Peter Robins, Henri Tochon-Danguy, Graeme O'Keefe, Kerryn Pike, Paul Yates, Cassandra Szoeke, Olivier Salvado, S Lance Macaulay, Tim O'Meara, Richard Head, Lynne Cobiac, Greg Savage, Ralph N. Martins, Colin Masters, David Ames, Victor Villemagne

Research outputs 2013

Objective: Biomarkers for Alzheimer disease (AD) can detect the disease pathology in asymptomatic subjects and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but their cognitive prognosis remains uncertain. We aimed to determine the prognostic value of β-amyloid imaging, alone and in combination with memory performance, hippocampal atrophy, and apolipoprotein E ε4 status in nondemented, older individuals. Methods: A total of 183 healthy individuals (age = 72.0 ± 7.26 years) and 87 participants with MCI (age = 73.7 ± 8.27) in the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers, and Lifestyle study of ageing were studied. Clinical reclassification was performed after 3 years, blind to biomarker …

Considerations For The Development Of Agility During Childhood And Adolescence, R. S. Lloyd, P. Read, J. L. Oliver, R. W. Meyers, Sophia Nimphius, I. Jeffreys

Research outputs 2013

Despite being recognized as an essential component of sports performance, agility development in youths is largely under-researched. this article reviews the evidence examining the effects of growth, maturation and training on both change of direction speed and cognitive processing in children and adolescents, and how combined, these factors may influence agility. training guidelines are provided to help strength and conditioning coaches prescribe agility training for youths at different stages of maturation, in a safe and effective manner.

Regulating Small Firm Safety Via The Supply Chain: Implications Of The Australian Work Health And Safety Act, Susanne Bahn, John Kitching

Research outputs 2013

The impact of the Work Health and Safety Act (WHS Act) highlights subcontractor working practices. By motivating contractors to influence subcontractor working practices, regulation influences the latter’s health and safety performance. Indirect routes of regulatory influence, working via supply chains, might prove to be a more effective means of improving small firm health and safety than placing obligations upon subcontractors directly, and limit contractor exposure to their new liability for subcontractor breach.

Approach-Iron Play In High Performance Golf: From Testing To Tournament Play, Samuel John Robertson

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The capability of a golfer to record a low score depends upon well-developed abilities in each of the recognised on-course skill components (driving the ball off the tee, hitting approach-iron shots, hitting short-iron shots and putting). Despite approach-iron play being considered perhaps the most important and definitely the most practiced skill in the game, the ability to quantify the golfer’s ability to hit approach-iron shots in a controlled, off-course environment (eg. training) cannot yet be undertaken due to the lack of appropriate assessments. Such tools have considerable potential for use in both the field and in research for implementation in …

Plain Packaging For Cigarettes Improves Retail Transaction Times, Owen B. Carter, Matthew Welch, Brennen W. Mills, Tina Phan, Paul Chang

Research outputs 2013

No abstract provided.

Association Between Γ-Glutamyl Transferase And Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study Of An Adult Population In Beijing, Lixin Tao, Xia Li, Huiping Zhu, Yue Gao, Yanxia Luo, Wei Wang, Zhaoping Wang, Dongning Chen, Lijuan Wu, Xiuhua Guo

Research outputs 2013

The relationship between liver enzymes and clustered components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is explored and the predictive power of γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) for the diagnosis of MetS in an adult population in Beijing is investigated. A total of 10,553 adults aged 20-65 years who underwent health examinations at Beijing Tongren Hospital in 2012 were enrolled in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis is conducted to determine the associations between the levels of various liver enzymes and clustered components of MetS. A receiver operating characteristic analysis is used to determine the optimal cut-off value of GGT for the diagnosis of MetS. …

The Ecology Of Medical Care In Beijing, Shuang Shao, Feifei Zhao, Jing Wang, Lei Feng, Xiaoqin Lu, Juan Du, Yuxiang Yan, Chao Wang, Yinghong Fu, Jingjing Wu, Xinwei Yu, Kaykeng Khoo, Youxin Wang, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2013

Background: We presented the pattern of health care consumption, and the utilization of available resources by describing the ecology of medical care in Beijing on a monthly basis and by describing the socio-demographic characteristics associated with receipt care in different settings. Methods: A cohort of 6,592 adults, 15 years of age and older were sampled to estimate the number of urbanresident adults per 1,000 who visited a medical facility at least once in a month, by the method of three-stage stratified and cluster random sampling. Separate logistic regression analyses assessed the association between those receiving care in different types of …

Tackling Overweight And Obesity: Does The Public Health Message Match The Science?, Katherine Hafekost, David Lawrence, Francis Mitrou, Therese O'Sullivan, Stephen Zubrick

Research outputs 2013

Background: Despite the increasing understanding of the mechanisms relating to weight loss and maintenance, there are currently no validated public health interventions that are able to achieve sustained long-term weight loss or to stem the increasing prevalence of obesity in the population. We aimed to examine the models of energy balance underpinning current research about weight-loss intervention from the field of public health, and to determine whether they are consistent with the model provided by basic science. EMBASE was searched for papers published in 2011 on weight-loss interventions. We extracted details of the population, nature of the intervention, and key …

A Review Of Cricket Fielding Requirements, D Macdonald, John B. Cronin, J Mills, Michael Mcguigan, R Stretch

Research outputs 2013

Cricket is played in three formats at elite level: Test, One Day and Twenty20. Fielding is an important component of cricket, as all players are obliged to field. However, there is a paucity of literature on fielding compared with that on batting and bowling. We review the available literature in terms of technical, mental, physiological and physical factors important to fielding, to identify knowledge gaps and better understand the performance requirements of fielding in cricket.

Characteristics And Quality Of Life Of Patients Presenting To Cancer Support Centres: Patient Rated Outcomes And Use Of Complementary Therapies, Bonnie J. Furzer, Kemi E. Wright, Anna S. Petterson, Karen E. Wallman, Timothy R. Ackland, David Jl Joske

Research outputs 2013

Background: In order to effectively target and provide individualised patient support strategies it is crucial to have a comprehensive picture of those presenting for services. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics and patient rated outcomes of individuals presenting to SolarisCare cancer support centres and their choices regarding complementary and integrated therapies (CIT).Methods: A cohort with a current or previous cancer diagnosis aged 18 - 87 years presenting to a SolarisCare centre during a 5-day period completed a questionnaire. Four SolarisCare centres participated in the trial including regional and metropolitan locations. Outcomes included medical and demographic characteristics, …

Retinal Vascular Biomarkers For Early Detection And Monitoring Of Alzheimer's Disease, Shawn Frost, Yogi Kanagasingam, Hamid Sohrabi, J Vignarajan, P Bourgeat, Olivier Salvado, Victor Villemagne, Christopher Rowe, S Lance Macaulay, Cassandra Szoeke, Kathryn A. Ellis, David Ames, Colin L. Masters, Stephanie Rainey-Smith, Ralph N. Martins

Research outputs 2013

The earliest detectable change in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the buildup of amyloid plaque in the brain. Early detection of AD, prior to irreversible neurological damage, is important for the efficacy of current interventions as well as for the development of new treatments. Although PiB-PET imaging and CSF amyloid are the gold standards for early AD diagnosis, there are practical limitations for population screening. AD-related pathology occurs primarily in the brain, but some of the hallmarks of the disease have also been shown to occur in other tissues, including the retina, which is more accessible for imaging. Retinal vascular changes …

Multiplex Biomarkers In Blood, Veer Bala Bala Gupta, Ramani Sundaram, Ralph N. Martins

Research outputs 2013

Advances in the field of blood biomarker discovery will help in identifying Alzheimer's disease in its preclinical stage, allowing treatment to be initiated before irreversible damage occurs. This review discusses some recent past and current approaches being taken by researchers in the field. Individual blood biomarkers have been unsuccessful in defining the disease pathology, progression and thus diagnosis. This directs to the need for discovering a multiplex panel of blood biomarkers as a promising approach with high sensitivity and specificity for early diagnosis. However, it is a great challenge to standardize a worldwide blood biomarker panel due to the innate …

Lifestyle Factors, Medication Use And Risk For Ischaemic Heart Disease Hospitalisation: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study, Anthony S. Gunnell, K Einarsdottir, Daniel A. Galvao, S Joyce, S Tomlin, Vicki J. Graham, Caroline Mcintyre, Robert U. Newton, T Briffa

Research outputs 2013

Background:Lifestyle factors have been implicated in ischaemic heart disease (IHD) development however a limited number of longitudinal studies report results stratified by cardio-protective medication use.Purpose:This study investigated the influence of self-reported lifestyle factors on hospitalisation for IHD, stratified by blood pressure and/or lipid-lowering therapy.Methods:A population-based cohort of 14,890 participants aged 45+ years and IHD-free was identified from the Western Australian Health and wellbeing Surveillance System (2004 to 2010 inclusive), and linked with hospital administrative data. Adjusted hazard ratios for future IHD-hospitalisation were estimated using Cox regression.Results:Current smokers remained at higher risk for IHD-hospitalisation (adjusted HR=1.57; 95% CI: 1.22-2.03) after adjustment …

Rationale, Design And Methods For A Community-Based Study Of Clustering And Cumulative Effects Of Chronic Disease Processes And Their Effects On Ageing: The Busselton Healthy Ageing Study, A James, M Hunter, L Straker, J Beilby, R Bucks, T Davis, R H. Eikelboom, D Hillman, J Hui, J Hung, M Knuiman, D A. Mackey, Robert U. Newton, L J. Palmer, A W. Musk, Investigator Group Busselton Healthy Ageing Study

Research outputs 2013

Background: The global trend of increased life expectancy and increased prevalence of chronic and degenerative diseases will impact on health systems. To identify effective intervention and prevention strategies, greater understanding of the risk factors for and cumulative effects of chronic disease processes and their effects on function and quality of life is needed.The Busselton Healthy Ageing Study aims to enhance understanding of ageing by relating the clustering and interactions of common chronic conditions in adults to function. Longitudinal (3-5 yearly) follow-up is planned. Methods/design. Phase I (recruitment) is a cross-sectional community-based prospective cohort study involving up to 4,000 'Baby Boomers' …

The Emotional Intelligence Of A Group Of Critical-Care Nurses In South Africa, Amanda Towell, Elzabe Nel, Ann Muller

Research outputs 2013

Critical-care nurses often look after three or more critically-ill patients during a shift. The workload and emotional stress can lead to disharmony between the nurse’s body, mind and spirit. Nurses with a high emotional intelligence have less emotional exhaustion and psychosomatic symptoms; they enjoy better emotional health; gain more satisfaction from their actions (both at work and at home); and have improved relationships with colleagues at work. The question arises: what is the emotional intelligence of critical-care nurses? A quantitative survey was conducted. The target population was registered nurses working in critical-care units who attended the Critical Care Congress 2009 …

Immune Response To Snake Envenoming And Treatment With Antivenom; Complement Activation, Cytokine Production And Mast Cell Degranulation, Shelley Stone, Geoffrey K. Isbister, Seyed Shahmy, Fahim Mohamed, Chandana Abeysinghe, Harendra Karunathilake, Ariaranee Ariaratnam, Tamara E. Jacoby-Alner, Claire L. Cotterell, Simon G A Brown

Research outputs 2013

Background:Snake bite is one of the most neglected public health issues in poor rural communities worldwide. In addition to the clinical effects of envenoming, treatment with antivenom frequently causes serious adverse reactions, including hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylaxis) and pyrogenic reactions. We aimed to investigate the immune responses to Sri Lankan snake envenoming (predominantly by Russell's viper) and antivenom treatment.Methodology/Principal Findings:Plasma concentrations of Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), soluble TNF receptor I (sTNFRI), anaphylatoxins (C3a, C4a, C5a; markers of complement activation), mast cell tryptase (MCT), and histamine were measured in 120 Sri Lankan snakebite victims, both before and …

Brief Oral Health Promotion Intervention Among Parents Of Young Children To Reduce Early Childhood Dental Decay, Peter Arrow, Joseph Raheb, Margaret Miller

Research outputs 2013

Background: Severe untreated dental decay affects a child's growth, body weight, quality of life as well as cognitive development, and the effects extend beyond the child to the family, the community and the health care system. Early health behavioural factors, including dietary practices and eating patterns, can play a major role in the initiation and development of oral diseases, particularly dental caries. The parent/caregiver, usually the mother, has a critical role in the adoption of protective health care behaviours and parental feeding practices strongly influence children's eating behaviours. This study will test if an early oral health promotion intervention through …

A Systematic Review Of The Impact Of Powered Mobility Devices On Older Adults' Activity Engagement, Ryan W. Fomiatti, Janet E. Richmond, Lois K. Moir, Jeannine L. Millsteed

Research outputs 2013

Purpose: To systematically review the impact powered mobility devices have on engagement in independent occupations for adults with acquired mobility limitations.

Method: Electronic search of CINAHL Plus, Medline, PsychInfo, OT Seeker, Joanna Briggs Institute, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database. Search terms included combinations of words to encompass all terms most likely used for powered mobility.

Results: Eleven studies were eligible for inclusion. One study was a true experimental design; four studies were pre-experimental, and six were nonexperimental. Studies indicated positive improvements to occupational engagement and independence while environmental barriers were identified as negatively impacting occupation and increasing risk of injury or …

Markers Of Circulating Tumour Cells In The Peripheral Blood Of Patients With Melanoma Correlate With Disease Recurrence And Progression, Anna L. Reid, M Millward, Robert Pearce, M Lee, M Frank, A Ireland, L Monshizadeh, Tapan Rai, P Heenan, Sandra Medic, P Kumarasinghe, Melanie R. Ziman

Research outputs 2013

Background: Multimarker quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) represents an effective method for detecting circulating tumour cells in the peripheral blood of patients with melanoma.

Objectives: To investigate whether the phenotype of circulating melanoma cells represents a useful indicator of disease stage, recurrence and treatment efficacy.

Methods: Peripheral blood was collected from 230 patients with melanoma and 152 healthy controls over a period of 3 years and 9 months. Clinical data and blood samples were collected from patients with primary melanoma (early stages, 0-II, n = 154) and metastatic melanoma (late stages, III-IV, n = 76). Each specimen was examined …

The Economic Benefits Of Increased Levels Of Nursing Care In The Hospital Setting, Diane E. Twigg, Elizabeth Geelhoed, Alexandra Bremner, Christine M. Duffield

Research outputs 2013

Aim: To assess the economic impact of increased nursing hours of care on health outcomes in adult teaching hospitals in Perth, Western Australia.

Background: Advancing technology and increased availability of treatment interventions are increasing demand for health care while the downturn in world economies has increased demand for greater efficiency. Nurse managers must balance nurse staffing to optimize care and provide efficiencies.

Design: This longitudinal study involved the retrospective analysis of a cohort of multi-day stay patients admitted to adult teaching hospitals.

Methods: Hospital morbidity and staffing data from September 2000 until June 2004, obtained in 2010 from a previous …

Myocardial Infarction: Sex Differences In Symptoms Reported To Emergency Dispatch, Linda L. Coventry, Alexandra Bremmer, Ian Jacobs, Judith Finn

Research outputs 2013

Background: Emergency management of myocardial infarction (MI) is time-critical, because improved patient outcomes are associated with reduced time from symptom onset to definitive care. Previous studies have identified that women are less likely to present with chest pain.

Objective: We sought to measure the effect of sex on symptoms reported to the ambulance dispatch and ambulance times for MI patients.

Methods: The Western Australia Emergency Department Information System (EDIS) was used to identify patients with emergency department (ED) diagnoses of MI (ST-segment elevation MI and non–ST-segment elevation MI) who arrived by ambulance between January 1, 2008, and October 31, 2009. …

Having A Greater Proportion Of Registered Nurses In A Respiratory Care Centre Is Associated With Fewer Urinary Infections And Increased Successful Ventilator Weaning, Diane E. Twigg

Research outputs 2013

This study explored the impact of skill mix model changes on patient outcomes in a critical care environment, specifically, a respiratory care centre based in a southern Taiwan medical centre. It identified that the cost of ventilator-dependent patients in Taiwan in 1999 was 3.5 billion New Taiwan dollars, equivalent to US$ 121 million. In this context, controlling the costs of healthcare while maintaining quality care became critical. This research examined two skill mix staffing models, a mixed registered nurse (RN) and nursing aid model and a 100% RN model, and their impact on patient outcomes. Patient outcomes were pressure ulcers, …

Effects Of Emergency Department Care Coordination Team Referrals In Older People Presenting With A Fall, Kristie J Harper, Nicholas P. Gibson, Annette D Barton, Antonio C Petta, Sara K Pearson, Antonio Celenza

Research outputs 2013

Objectives: The study aims to describe the characteristics of patients presenting to an ED with a fall and evaluate multidisciplinary Care Coordination Team (CCT) referrals on patient outcomes.

Methods: A single-centred retrospective analysis of electronic data at an adult tertiary hospital was performed using data from 2004 to 2009 of presentations for patients aged 65 years or over with a fall. The primary outcome measure was representation to hospital within 30 days, comparing patients referred to CCT and those not referred. Secondary outcomes were differences in demographic characteristics, mode of arrival, triage score and readmission.

Results: The proportion of ED …

Thermal Stress In North Western Australian Iron Ore Mining Staff, Jermiah John Peiffer, Chris Abbiss

Research outputs 2013

Introduction: Demand for Australian mined iron ore has increased employment within this sector, thus exposing increased numbers of workers to the harsh Australian climate. This study examined the influence of hot (>30°C wet bulb globe temperature) environmental temperatures, consistent with working in North Western Australia, on iron ore mining staff.

Methods: Core temperature, hydration status, perceived exertion, mood, and fatigue state were measured in 77 participants at three time points (pre-, mid-, and post-shift) during a normal 12-h shift at an open-cut iron ore mining/processing site (n = 31; Site1) and an iron ore processing/shipping site (n = 46; …

A Lower Limb Assessment Tool For Athletes At Risk Of Developing Patellar Tendinopathy, Kerry Mann, Suzi Edwards, Eric J. Drinkwater, Stephen Bird

Research outputs 2013

Achilles tendinopathy is a common injury in running sports however the exact etiology of Achilles injury is still unclear. In recent years, altered neuromotor recruitment patterns of the triceps surae have been hypothesized to create differential intra-tendinous loads leading to pathology; however, this hypothesis has not been investigated. Further, the effect foot orthoses may have on neuromotor recruitment of the triceps surae in Achilles tendinopathy has not been investigated. Methods: The electromyographic activity of the triceps surae was recorded during an over-ground running task. Fifteen Achilles injured participants and 19 asymptomatic controls were assessed in a footwear only condition. The …

Visual Analog Scale And Pressure Pain Threshold For Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Assessment, Wing Y. Lau, Makii Mishan Muthalib, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2013

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between two assessments to quantify delayed onset muscle soreness [DOMS]: visual analog scale [VAS] and pressure pain threshold [PPT].

Methods: Thirty-one healthy young men [25.8±5.5 years] performed 10 sets of six maximal eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors with their non-dominant arm. Before and one to four days after the exercise, muscle pain perceived upon palpation of the biceps brachii at three sites [5, 9 and 13cm above the elbow crease] was assessed by VAS with a 100mm line [0=no pain, 100=extremely painful], and PPT of the same sites was determined by an algometer. Changes …

Correlation Of Throwing Velocity To The Results Of Lower Body Field Tests In Male College Baseball Players, G Lehman, Eric J. Drinkwater, David Behm

Research outputs 2013

Baseball-specific athleticism, potential, and performance have been difficult to predict. Increased muscle strength and power can increase throwing velocity but the majority of research has focused on the upper body. The present study sought to determine if bilateral or unilateral lower-body field testing correlates with throwing velocity. Baseball throwing velocity scores were correlated to the following tests: medicine ball (MB) scoop toss and squat throw, bilateral and unilateral vertical jumps, single and triple broad jumps, hop and stop in both directions, lateral to medial jumps, 10- and 60-yd sprints, and both left and right single-leg 10-yd hop for speed in …

A Blood-Based Predictor For Neocortical Aβ Burden In Alzheimer's Disease: Results From The Aibl Study, Samantha Burnham, Noel Faux, William Wilson, Simon Laws, David Ames, Justin Bedo, Ashley Bush, James Doecke, Kathryn Ellis, Richard Head, Gareth Jones, Harri Kiiveri, Ralph N. Martins, Alan Rembach, Christopher Rowe, Olivier Salvado, S Lance Macaulay, Colin Masters, Victor Villemagne

Research outputs 2013

Dementia is a global epidemic with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) being the leading cause. Early identification of patients at risk of developing AD is now becoming an international priority. Neocortical Aβ (extracellular β-amyloid) burden (NAB), as assessed by positron emission tomography (PET), represents one such marker for early identification. These scans are expensive and are not widely available, thus, there is a need for cheaper and more widely accessible alternatives. Addressing this need, a blood biomarker-based signature having efficacy for the prediction of NAB and which can be easily adapted for population screening is described. Blood data (176 analytes measured in …

Can A Specific Neck Strengthening Program Decrease Cervical Spine Injuries In A Men's Professional Rugby Union Team? A Retrospective Analysis, Robert Naish, Angus Burnett, Sally Burrows, Warren Andrews, Brendyn Appleby

Research outputs 2013

Cervical spine injuries in Rugby Union are a concerning issue at all levels of the game. The primary aim of this retrospective analysis conducted in a professional Rugby Union squad was to determine whether a 26-week isometric neck strengthening intervention program (13-week strengthening phase and 13- week maintenance phase) was effective in reducing the number and severity of cervical spine injuries. The secondary aim was to determine whether at week five, where the program had been the similar for all players, there was increased isometric neck strength. All 27 players who were common to both the 2007- 2008 and 2008-2009 …