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Funding lifts research on falls

Recently announced funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council will expand Griffith research on fall prevention in older people.

Associate Professor Rod Barrett, from the School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, said falls were the major cause of injury in the elderly, often resulting in lengthy and costly hospital stays.

"The high personal and economic cost of falls in the elderly warrants a better understanding of the factors that cause these falls. We know that the elderly are not at greatly increased risk of becoming unbalanced than younger people but they are much less able to recover their balance and avoid a fall and subsequent injury if they become unbalanced," he said.

The project, which will involve about 250 participants, will investigate both the neuromuscular and biomechanical factors which influence balance recovery in older people.

"It's very difficult to separate out some of the factors that could be involved. For example, which is more important, muscle strength or reaction time?" More...

Physiotherapy graduate pursues academic career

Ben Weeks has come the full circle from being one of the first intake of students into Griffith's double degree in physiotherapy and exercise science ten years ago to lecturing the latest batch of students.

He is also carving out a worthwhile research career - pursuing strategies to improve bone strength and ultimately reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures in the community.

The ongoing research has already qualified him for his PhD which will be awarded at the Griffith graduations on Friday, December 19 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Ben was a keen and competitive athlete in his school days and a representative at state and national titles. He was always interested in an active career in either sport or health.

He finished off his undergraduate studies at Griffith with an Honours project investigating ultrasound measures of bone strength in young men and women. More...

Griffith Graduate receives inaugural Griffith Physiotherapy Alumni medal

Mr Damien Finniss has been awarded the inaugural Griffith Physiotherapy Alumni Medal for his contribution to clinical practice, research and the physiotherapy profession.

The award was announced recently at the Alumini Dinner hosted by the School celebrating 10 years of Griffith's double degree and entry level Master of Physiotherapy programs.

Mr Finniss graduated from the Bachelor of Physiotherapy/ Bachelor of Exercise Science in 2003 in the very first cohort of graduates from the program. More...

Research into exercising the immune system

Elite athletes - often perceived as the epitome of health and fitness - may be more susceptible to common illness and are therefore proving useful in helping scientists understand more about the immune system.

Nic West, a PhD candidate at Griffith University, has enlisted elite rowers to help him study the role of salivary proteins that act as a barrier to infectious agents such as respiratory viruses.

Physiotherapy researcher 'lands' new career in hospital!

Ms Leanne Bisset has been awarded the unique position to study as a Research Fellow in the area of physiotherapy.

Ms Bisset's career path will take another turn with her appointment to a full-time research position shared between the University and the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.

Ms Leanne Bisset's physiotherapy career has taken her from a leprosy rehabilitation clinic in Thailand to preventing and managing injuries in elite athletes at the Sydney Olympics.

Leanne's research focuses on chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as tennis elbow and ankle instability. She will act as a resource and touchpoint for hospital staff teaching research methodology to physiotherapists and other clinical staff, encouraging them to bring forward research questions and then mentoring them in the research process.

Sports Physiotherapist gears up with Paralympics cycling team

Sports Physiotherapy student, Anouska Edwards loves her work as a physiotherapist, enjoys travelling and is a keen and competitive cyclist. So it's no surprise that the stars aligned for her when she took up the role of team physiotherapist for the Australian Paralympics Cycling team.

Anouska is also studying part-time in the Master of Musculoskeletal and Sports Physiotherapy program offered by our school. The studies will further develop her knowledge of clinical skills.

Shaun on top of the World!

The Griffith Honours College physiotherapy student, Shaun Williams was recently awarded a gold medal in the World Virtual Science and Engineering Fair in Qatar. Along with a trip to Qatar, Shaun also 'scored' himself $16,000 in prize money that will assist him with his university fees.

New 'pathway' to physiotherapy

A new undergraduate program will articulate into a new Doctor of Physiotherapy to provide students with the opportunity to register and work in Australia and New Zealand as a practising physiotherapist.

The new Bachelor of Exercise Science (Pre physiotherapy) (1344) 3 year degree will commence in 2009 and the proposed Doctor of Physiotherapy degree will commence in 2012 - subject to Australian Physiotherapy Council approval.

New 'High Performance' Sports Coaching Postgraduate degrees commencing 2009!

A fully 'online delivery' Graduate Certificate in Sports Coaching (3233) and a Master of Sports Coaching (5508) will commence in 2009.

These degrees are designed to give practising and aspiring coaches the opportunity to enhance their development in the area of high performance coaching.