NHMRC Successful Grants 2009
National Health and Medical Research Council
Project Grants 2009
RMIT has been successful in winning six NHMRC Project Grants for 2009.
The effect of electroacupuncture on opioid-like edication reduction
Investigators:
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School of Health Sciences - RMIT University |
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School of Health Sciences - RMIT University. |
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A/Prof Stephen Gibson |
National Ageing Research Institute University |
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Prof Robert Helme
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Western Health, Melbourne
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The research will, for the first time, determine whether electroacupuncture (EA) is of significant clinical value in assisting the management of debilitating chronic pain by reducing opioid medication (OM) consumption and its associated adverse events as well as improving the quality of life of those with chronic pain. Such an outcome will provide the rationale for including EA into multi-disciplinary programs for effective management of chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP).
The efficacy and safety of acupuncture for seasonal allergic rhinitis: a prospective, randomised controlled trial
Investigators:
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School of Health Sciences – RMIT University |
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Prof Frank Thien |
Alfred Hospital |
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School of Health Sciences - RMIT University
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Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a common condition with high prevalence in Australia, being most pronounced during spring and early summer when pollen counts are highest. There is no proven cure for hay fever. Many hay fever sufferers seek alternative therapies such as acupuncture. The research team will undertake a rigorous study, using well-established clinical trial methodology, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of hay fever.
Combined therapy of electroacupuncture and cognitive behavioural therapy for tension-type headache: a randomised controlled trial
Investigators:
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School of Health Sciences – RMIT University |
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School of Health Sciences – RMIT University |
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School of Health Sciences – RMIT University |
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Prof Paul Martin |
Monash University |
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Prof Robert Helme |
Western Health, Melbourne |
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A/Prof Stephen Gibson
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National Ageing Research Institute
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Tension-type headache (TTH) affects many and the direct and indirect costs are significant. Medications are either not effective long-term or have side-effects. Acupuncture and Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are effective and safe treatments. The combination of acupuncture and CBT could provide a better outcome. The research team will undertake a rigorous clinical study to evaluate this. This is the first examination of the combination, and will be of significant value to patients and to clinicians.
Analysis of low radiation dose outside of the treatment field to cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy
Investigators:
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School of Applied Sciences - RMIT University |
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School of Applied Sciences - RMIT University |
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A/Prof Boon Chua |
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre |
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Mr David Willlis |
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre |
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School of Applied Sciences - RMIT University |
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Dr Andrew Wirth
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Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
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The project aims to quantify the dose from radiation that is delivered outside the actual target region in radiotherapy of breast cancer patients. This information can help the development of better irradiation techniques as well as inform patients and their carers about possible long term side effects. Finally, the research can be used to finetune radiobiological models by comparing clinical outcomes and accurately calculated doses.
Randomised controlled trials of acupuncture vs. pharmacotherapy for acute pain relief in emergency departments
Investigators:
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School of Health Sciences - RMIT University |
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Dr De Villiers Smit |
Northern Hospital |
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A/Prof David Taylor |
Austin Hospital |
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Prof Peter Cameron |
Monash University |
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School of Health Sciences - RMIT University
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The study will involve three separate randomised controlled trials comparing acupuncture alone and acupuncture along with drug therapy, to drug therapy alone in providing pain relief for patients presenting to the Northern Hospital and Epworth Hospital Emergency Departments with acute back pain, migraine and ankle sprain. The research will help determine if acupuncture is safe, effective and acceptable to patients.
Randomised controlled trial of yoga for improving sleep and quality of life in an elderly population
Investigators:
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School of Health Sciences |
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Prof Maria Fiatarone Singh |
University of Sydney |
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Dr Gerard Kennedy |
Victoria University |
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School of Health Sciences - RMIT University
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Insomnia is very common in the elderly and is associated with increased morbidity and reduced quality of life. Yoga is purported to assist with sleep and stress management but there is little rigorous research to confirm this and no research to determine if yoga can be adapted to an elderly population in Australia. This study aims to rigorously examine the effectiveness of yoga as an intervention for geriatric insomnia and to determine the ability of yoga to enhance quality of life.
- All enquiries should be directed to Rosalba Drummond.
- NHMRC website http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/