Volunteers needed for two innovative health studies

Jul 02, 2007

1. BRAS AND BREAST CANCER: This University of Wollongong study calls on female breast cancer patients to fill in a survey which will aim to identify the most common impediments to participating in physical activity experienced by breast cancer patients.

Survey results will also address aspects in current post-surgery bra design that causes discomfort during exercise.

Breast cancer is one of the leading types of cancer contributing to Australia's total burden of disease, and the most common invasive cancer diagnosed among Australian females.

There is abundant evidence that physical activity can improve the quality of life and immune function during recovery, as well as self-esteem and other psychological health benefits in breast cancer patients. However, there are also numerous impediments to patients regularly participating in physical activity, including bra discomfort during exercise.

"Once these impediments are identified through the completed surveys, we can work towards removing these barriers so that all women, irrespective of their breast cancer diagnosis, can enjoy the benefits of exercise without discomfort," said Chief Investigator and Honours student, Sheridan Gho.

"What appealed to me most about this research is that the outcomes have the potential to make a remarkable difference in a patient's quality of life, providing me with an extremely fulfilling experience."

*For further information or to participate in the survey please contact Sheridan Gho on (02) 4221 4480. Media are also welcome to contact Sheridan for interviews and further details.

2. LANDING TECHNIQUE: This second study aims to compare the landing technique of males to determine whether technique is affected by growth and development.

Chief Investigator and Honours student, Catherine Wild, is calling on healthy males aged 7-8, 13-14 and 19-20 years of age who currently participate in soccer, basketball, volleyball or football.

The study will have significant implications for Osgood-Schlatter disease, which is an overuse knee injury that typically occurs in pubescent boys causing swelling, pain and tenderness just below the knee over the shinbone.

"A lot of injuries tend to occur around puberty, due to rapid growth and bone development," Catherine said.

"The outcomes of this study may allow us to help teach children and adolescents correct landing technique, to potentially lead to a reduction in the large number of lower limb injuries that occur during puberty."

Testing is currently underway and will run until late August 2007. It will involve roughly 2.5 hours in the Biomechanics Research Lab at UOW, where volunteers will complete a couple of standard leg strength and flexibility tests, and two basic jump-landing movements.

All volunteers will receive feedback regarding the results of the study, as well as information regarding their own landing technique.

*For further information or to participate in the study please contact Catherine Wild 02 4221 4480 (work) or 0422 117 834 (mob). Media are also welcome to contact Catherine for interviews and further details.

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128