Research Participants Needed

Walking Training for Parkinson’s

Are you:

If you answered yes to all of the above, you could help advance knowledge of how we can best improve walking in people with Parkinson’s disease.  The University of Queensland’s current research uses innovative technology to measure walking and provides specialised walking training from expert physiotherapists.

The study involves coming to the assessment sessions at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and 3 – 4 weeks of 1-on-1 specialised physiotherapy walking training, usually held at St Andrews Hospital.  Thi s research study is finishing soon, so please call now as there are only 20 places left.

If you would like to participate in this ground breaking research, please contact Glynnis Shenfield on (07) 3346 9870 or g.shenfield@uq.edu.au.

Effects of enhanced somatosensory information on postural stability

in people with Parkinson’s disease

Falls are a major health and injury problem and a key factor in limiting quality of life, mobility and independence for people with Parkinson’s disease. The diminished sensory information of the feet that occurs with Parkinson’s disease leads to an increased risk of falls. Volunteers are being sought to participate in a study that aims to identify risk factors for falling in people with PD, and determine whether a new textured insole can improve postural stability and prevent falls.

The research will be conducted during three visits to the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation at the Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove Campus. For more information or if you would like to participate in the study please contact Miss Jodi Rippey (07) 3138 6304 or Miss Cara Graepel (07) 3138 6429.

An individualised dietetic approach to improving motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms, quality of life and nutritional status in Parkinson’s disease

Nutrition and nutritional status is an important consideration in Parkinson’s disease (PD) especially as they relate to PD symptoms, including motor (tremor, slowness of movement) and non-motor (difficulties swallowing, gastrointestinal discomfort) symptoms. Volunteers are being sought to participate in a study that aims to provide information about important dietary factors related to PD to improve services provided by nutrition professionals. The study requires 80 people with Parkinson’s disease whose symptoms are currently managed using levodopa-based therapy and who have not undergone surgical treatment for management of Parkinson’s disease symptoms.

The research will be conducted during four visits to the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation at the Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove Campus over a 13 week period. Parking can be arranged free of charge for these visits. In addition, you will be asked to complete questionnaires at home. For more information or if you would like to participate in the study please contact Ms Jamie Sheard on (07) 3138 6138 or jamie.sheard@qut.edu.au