October 2012.pdf - Health Sciences - Curtin University

School of PhysiotherapyNEWSLETTEROctober 2012Message from Head of SchoolThe past three months have been very busy on many fronts for the School ofPhysiotherapy, as shown in the pages of this newsletter. A major highlight was thecelebrations in July for the 60 years of Physiotherapy at Curtin University / WAIT, at thesame time celebrating 10 years since moving from Shenton Park to the new building atthe Bentley Campus. These two major milestones, and the many staff who have gracedthe corridors at both sites, including some that have become household names in thephysiotherapy profession internationally, have contributed to the strong reputation ofCurtin’s School of Physiotherapy.Professor Keith HillCONTACT:DepartmentSchool of PhysiotherapyStreet address:Building 408, Level 3Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102Postal address:GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845Tel: +61 8 9266 4644Fax: +61 8 9266 3699Email:reception@physio.curtin.edu.auCRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW)A consistent message I have received from a number of stakeholders linked to ourphysiotherapy training programs in the 10 months I have been at Curtin is the highquality of the students in our courses. This is not just relating to their academicperformance, but their passion exhibited in their learning particularly in clinicalplacements, and active engagement in a range of activities exceeding what is required ofthem. A number of instances of this are also reported in this newsletter.I also want to similarly acknowledge the extra efforts of staff in general throughout thisyear while we have worked to fill vacant positions, and also to thank those staff involvedin our various international programs with students. While on the surface theseexperiences may have appeal in terms of travel to a variety of global destinations, thereis no doubt that each of these trips require participating staff members to contributemuch more than the regular work hours while away on these trips with students. In thepast three months staff have travelled to Kathmandu (Nepal), Bellarmine University(USA), and Hochschule Osnabrück University (Germany) for our entry level courses, andalso to Singapore for teaching in our postgraduate Masters of Clinical Physiotherapy,with reports on some of these also in the pages below.Finally, we are coming to the end of our first year of students in the School’s new ExerciseSports and Rehabilitation Science course. As always there are some challengesassociated with implementing a new course, but overall the year to date has beenpositive. Geoff Strauss, as Course Coordinator, is to be congratulated on positioning thecourse so well at this stage of the first year, and seeing the course achieve excellentinterest in numbers of first preferences for 2013.Make tomorrow better.Physiotherapy.curtin.edu.au© Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy Quarterly Newsletter October Edition 2012

CELEBRATING60 YEARS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY AT CURTIN10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AT BENTLEY CAMPUS2The School of Physiotherapycelebrated two special milestoneson Friday 27 July; 60 years ofphysiotherapy in WesternAustralia and the 10thanniversary of the transition ofthe course from Shenton Park toCurtin’s main campus in Bentley.Over 100 people came togetherto celebrate the doublecelebration, including the formerHead of the School ofPhysiotherapy and Curtin Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Professor,Lance Twomey.He said that the School wasproud of the fact that they hadbeen educating high qualityphysiotherapists in WesternAustralia for over 60 years.Professor Twomey thencommenced a walk downmemory lane, with reminiscencesof his many years in a number ofroles at both Shenton Park andCurtin University.78 year old Adjunct AssociateProfessor Max Zusman, amember of the third intake intothe physiotherapy degree in1953, which was then offered atthe Western Australian Instituteof Technology, and AssociateProfessor Di Hopper, the longestserving current staff member,then shared their own memorieswith the group.“Curtin University School ofPhysiotherapy, and itspredecessor at Shenton Park,have been leading the way inphysiotherapy education andresearch for six decades,” -Professor Keith Hill.Shenton Park StaffHead of the School, ProfessorKeith Hill, welcomed all guestsincluding current staff, formerstaff and alumni of thephysiotherapy courses offered atCurtin.“We are known both nationally and internationally for producinghigh-quality graduates at both an undergraduate and postgraduatelevel and we are delighted that many of our alumni go on to work andmake a real difference in the physiotherapy arena around the globe.”- Professor Keith HillMake tomorrow better.2Physiotherapy.curtin.edu.au© Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy Quarterly Newsletter October Edition 2012

STAFF SECTION3Paediatric PhysiotherapyWorkshop in Port HedlandEarlier this year Bev Jepson andLynn Jensen (ably assisted byother Physiotherapy academicstaff) held a 2-day workshop on“Promoting health and functionin children with and withoutdisabilities”. Following on thesuccess from this workshop Lynnwas invited to conduct theworkshop in the Pilbara.10 therapists (physiotherapistsand occupational therapists)working in Port Hedland,Newman, Karratha and TomPrice convened in Hedland.Feedback from the workshopreported that there was a goodmix of theoretical content,clinical reasoning and practicalsessions.It was a pleasure to work withenthusiastic, knowledgeableclinicians and to appreciate thegreat job they do in providingservices to children and theirfamilies in remote Australia. TheSchool welcomes the opportunityto provide more paediatricworkshops in metropolitan andrural/remote areas.Changes in Staff PositionsIn our previous newsletter, wenoted Sara Carroll’s 6 monthappointment as the Dean ofStudents. Taking over from Sarain the Deputy Head of Schoolposition will be Peter Gardner.Subsequently, Trudi Fischer hasbeen appointed as the Director ofEntry Level Courses.We are also pleased to announcethat Michelle Kendall is thesuccessful nominee for the BSc(Physiotherapy)CourseCoordinator position. Wecongratulate Peter, Trudi andMichelle on their new roles.Peter Gardner Trudi Fischer Michelle KendellAdditional Staff ChangesMarilla Hogan, who isextremely well known to thePhysiotherapy and widercommunity that interacted withthe School of Physiotherapy,has been seconded for sixmonths to the position ofPersonal Assistant to theDeputy Vice Chancellor(Education), from earlySeptember. We wish Marilla allthe best in this new role.We welcome Vicki Ward to theposition of Personal Assistantto the Head of School duringMarilla’s secondment. Vicki hashad previous experience in anumber of other roles at CurtinUniversity.Other Staff NewsPhysiotherapy Lecturer andClinical Supervisor, StephanieParkinson graduated with herMasters in ClinicalPhysiotherapy from CurtinUniversity on Sunday 23September 2012 at the PerthConvention Centre.Stephanie completed herGraduate Diploma inStephanieParkinsonNeurological Rehabilitation atUWA and undertook furthercoursework and research atCurtin to complete her ClinicalMasters.Andrew Maiorana and hispartner Mel welcomed thearrival of a healthy baby boy,Benjamin Brett Maiorana on 2October at 3.30 am. Benweighed in at a healthy 8lb 4 oz,or if you prefer, 3.7 kgs. Mum,and baby Benjamin, are doingwell.Make tomorrow better.3Physiotherapy.curtin.edu.au© Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy Quarterly Newsletter October Edition 2012

4STUDENT SECTIONAWARDS & ACCOLADESStudent Wins National AwardKatherine Humphreys is thewinner of the 2012 Award forOutstanding Contribution to Ruraland Remote Communities,sponsored by Rural HealthWorkforce, a national organisationdedicated to improvingcommunity access to primaryhealthcare.Over 9000 Rural Health Workforcestudents were up for the award,but Ms Humphreys scooped theaccolade for the numerousvolunteering roles she has takenon in the rural community.She is a WA Country Ambulancevolunteer, and recently spent auniversity break in Roeburneassisting with Indigenouspaediatric pneumococcus researchfor the Telethon Institute. MsHumphreys has also taken aleading role with CurtinVolunteers, participating in itsprogram in Laverton.As part of her very busy schedule,Katherine finds time to be astudent ambassador for RuralHealth West, which belongs to theRural Health Workforce network ofnot-for-profit rural workforceagencies.Ms Humphreys has recently takenon the role of co-chair of theNational Rural Health StudentsNetwork. Rural Health West CEOBelinda Bailey said Katherine’saward was tremendousrecognition and thoroughly welldeserved.“I’ve been working with RuralHealth West for over four years,and love working and helpingpeople rurally… I enjoy it somuch that when I graduate Iwant to work as aphysiotherapist in the country.”“We are incredibly proud ofKatherine. She is a true leaderamongst her peers promotingcountry careers and positiveexperiences in rural health,” MsBailey said.Ms Humphreys said she waspleasantly surprised to receivethe award, and extremely happyand grateful to be recognised forsomething that she enjoysimmensely.Honours Oral PresentationsOn Wednesday 19 September2012, we enjoyed witnessing 12excellent 4 th year Honourspresentations. The school wouldlike to acknowledge Dr AnneSmith and Professor LeonStraker who assessed thesestudents.Congratulations to all Honoursstudents and to theirsupervisors. Our students areexceptional.Tara West was awarded theprize for best studentpresentation for the 4th yearHonours program.Katherine HumphreysCraig Hutchinson, Veronique Vermaak, DavidLocke, Nicola Diamond, Naomi Chapman,Hayley Holmes, Jasmine Whitnell, RobertEbert, Tara West, Danica Hendry, DanielleLarke & Nicholas BuckleyTara WestHer topic was: Does anklebracing alter knee kinetics andkinematics in volleyball specifictasks? Her supervisory teamwere Leo Ng, Dr AmityCampbell and Dr Will Gibson.Make tomorrow better.4Physiotherapy.curtin.edu.au© Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy Quarterly Newsletter October Edition 2012

5STUDENT SECTIONNOTABLE MENTIONPublication for PhD StudentIt is time to celebrate andcongratulate Vinicius ‘Vin’Cavalheri De Oliveira on hissuccessful publication titled:"Physiotherapy practicepatterns for patientsundergoing surgery for lungcancer: A survey of hospitals inAustralia and New Zealand" inthe journal of Internal MedicineJournal.His supervisors are Dr Kylie Hilland Associate Professor SueJenkins.“This is a great opportunity towork in Aboriginal healthcare tolearn about Aboriginal cultureand cultural security,” sheadded.She was particularly impressedby the openness andfriendliness of the community,becoming involved in the localfootball academy and even theafter-school care program.4th Year; Georgia Palchak“I highly recommend this placement to other students. It gave methe opportunity to participate in a wide range of physio-relatedactivities and community programs that I would not have thechance to participate in on a more traditional placement.”Student’s Take on NewClinical ProgramPhysiotherapy student GeorgiaPalchak, of Wembley Downs,spent 5 weeks working withcommunity health agencies inthe remote Murchison towns aspart of Curtin’slandmark InterprofessionalEducation (IPE) curriculum.The Geraldton/Mount Magnetplacement is part of Curtin’sinnovative InterprofessionalPractice Program, which placesstudents across a range of alliedhealth disciplines in a variety ofcommunity settings where theycan learn with, from and abouteach other.Georgia said working withagencies such as the GeraldtonRegional Aboriginal MedicalService and the WA CountryHealth Service was fantastic.She said “Everyone in bothGeraldton and Mount Magnetwas so warm, welcoming,helpful and supportive”.The Geraldton/Mount Magnetplacement is part of Curtin’sinnovative InterprofessionalPractice Program, which placesstudents across a range of alliedhealth disciplines in a variety ofcommunity settings where theycan learn with, from and abouteach other.The result is graduates who arebetter able to work holisticallyto meet the needs of thecommunity.The Combined UniversitiesCentre for Rural Health, whichprovided the staff supervisionand student accommodation,coordinates the program incollaboration with Curtin.Curtin’s IPE fieldworkcoordinator, Keryn Bolte, saidthe recently launched programwould see students from arange of undergraduatedegrees, including dietetics,public health andphysiotherapy, workingtogether.“The support we have had forthe program from Geraldtonand Mount Magnet has beenoverwhelming,” Ms Bolte said.Make tomorrow better.5Physiotherapy.curtin.edu.au© Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy Quarterly Newsletter October Edition 2012

6STUDENT SECTIONSTUDY TOURSInternational exchange withHochschule OsnabrückPhysiotherapyOn International Placement : Natasha Stanford, Georgia Palchak, Nicole Cropper, Jian Soares,Markus Hug, Rosie Cenin, Hayley Holmes, Kate Cenin, Kathika Jeyakumar, Sarah Phillips, VarshaNataranjan, Stacey Scanlan, Kristelle Graus, Lance Giudice, Micheal Dodd, Silas Lee with DrChristine PickardThe Hochschule Osnabrück,University of Applied Sciencesinvited Curtin Physio students toparticipate in the ThirdInternational Summer University(ISU) held this year from 20 Julyto 10 August. 17 Curtin studentscompleted the three weeks as aSelf-Directed InternationalPractical.Students from the USA, Korea,Australia, UK, Tunisia andGermany came together to studymodules relating toInternational Physiotherapy,Healthcare Management,International Business or GlobalMarketing Management.Classes also included the historyand culture of Germany in Europeincluding a weekend in Berlin,German language, interculturalcoaching, plus a great range ofsocial activities including aninternational cooking event,climbing in the forest and aweekend in Paris.The physiotherapy module‘Autonomy in Physiotherapy’approached professionalautonomy in a practical way,using case studies, a researchproject based on Australian-German PT research (Ultrasoundimaging in PT) and by clinicalvisits to several GermanPhysiotherapy and Rehabilitationcentres and the INAPO, theUniversity owned PT Institute.The comments from thePhysiotherapy hosts indicatedthe students were self-confidentand open-minded and theydemonstrated they had clearquality standards with which tocompare physio practice inanother healthcare setting. Theinteraction provided a verypositive experience for allconcerned.The organisation of ISU wasimpressive and the studentscertainly made the most of theirtime. They have volunteered todo a presentation to recruitstudents for 2013.Make tomorrow better.6Physiotherapy.curtin.edu.au© Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy Quarterly Newsletter October Edition 2012

7STUDENT SECTIONSTUDY TOURSDean Reynolds, Jeremy Bottega, Dr. Mark Wiegand, John Owens, MarietteLuitjens and Tom MaddockIn early September, fourth yearphysiotherapy students MarietteLuitjens, Dean Reynolds,Thomas Maddock and JeremyBottega were accompanied byJohn Owens, as they undertooka two week study tour toBellarmine University, inLouisville, Kentucky USA.2012 marks the tenth year ofBilateral Study Tours betweenCurtin University School ofPhysiotherapy and BellarmineUniversity’s Physical TherapySchool.These study tours are aimed atgiving students an internationalperspective on the delivery andcontent of physiotherapyeducation, healthcare systems,governing regulations and anarray of patient demographics,business models andmanagement strategies; as wellas the opportunity of personaland professional developmentand networking all via theinclusion in scheduled lecturesand practical sessions within theBellarmine program.Through a presentation and opendiscussion with Bellarminephysical therapy staff memberand American Physical TherapyAssociation Board member,students were able to comparehow the professions arerecognized and regulated acrossthe two continents.The students were presented onthe roles of Certified AthleticTrainers and Physical Therapistsand asked to compare thoseroles with those of AustralianPhysiotherapists and sportstrainers. This was laterhighlighted with a private andpersonalised tour by theAssociate Director of SportsMedicine and Rehabilitation forthe University of LouisvilleFootball Complex, who discussedthe staffing and their roles,funding, scholarships, strengthand conditioning programs andfacilities, injuries preventionstrategies and injurymanagement.As a requirement of the tour, thegroup had to prepare a series of15 minute talks for presentationto the staff and students of theBellarmine Physical Therapy andHealth Sciences programs.The topics presented were: The role of thePhysiotherapist withWestern AustralianWorkers Compensation. Fourth year clinicalassessment within theCurtin Physiotherapyprogram. State and Federalgovernment initiatives foralliedhealthcareprofessionals within RuralWestern Australia.The members of 2012 CurtinSchool of Physiotherapy StudyTour to Bellarmine University areextremely grateful for thehospitality extended by allconcerned parties at Bellarmine,and feel privileged to haveparticipated in such a dynamicevent packed schedule that willno doubt remain a significanthighlight of their physiotherapyand life experience.Any private practitionersinterested in allowing visitingBellarmine students to shadowthem, or any willing staffmember for one day during May2013;CONTACT:JOHN OWENSTel: 9266 3655Email: j.owens@curtin.edu.auMake tomorrow better.7Physiotherapy.curtin.edu.au© Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy Quarterly Newsletter October Edition 2012

8STUDENT SECTIONSTUDY TOURSThe provision of healthcare and practice of PTin Nepal is very different from that which ourstudents are familiar with and such clinicalplacements as those in Kathmandu provide anopportunity for final year Curtinphysiotherapy students to gain invaluableclinical experience in a clinical and crossculturalsetting that is well outside their usual"comfort zone".During September and October of this year sixfinal year Physiotherapy Students; Sarah DeCosta, Helen Devitt, Todd Lonie, KellyMacLeod, Lauren Noble and MichaelWilliams, completed a four week study tourand clinical elective in Kathmandu, Nepal.The study tour and associated clinicalplacements are a part of the PhysiotherapyAbroad program that operates within theCurtin School of Physiotherapy and weredeveloped in partnership with the NepalesePhysiotherapy Association (NEPTA) andtertiary hospital centres inKathmandu. Placed in pairs, the studentsundertook clinical electives based at the NepalOrthopaedic Hospital, Tribuvhan UniversityTeaching Hospital and Kanti ChildrensHospital.This year the group was accompanied byEvan Coopes, a lecturer at the School ofPhysiotherapy, who attended as an observerand to help facilitate the early stages of theplacement. One cannot overstate just howwelcome the group was made to feelthroughout their visit.The group was also invited to visit the newPhysiotherapy School at KathmanduUniversity School of Medical Sciences inDhulikel and some of the group attended theannual Nepalese Physiotherapy Congressduring their visit.The 2012 Study Tour was a great success andthe School's Nepalese partners are eager forthe existing relationship to develop furtherwith more Curtin students visiting in 2013with hopes of developing an exchangeprogram in future years.Evan Coopes & 4th year students; Sarah DeCosta, HelenDevitt, Todd Lonie, Kelly MacLeod, Lauren Noble and MichaelWilliams, with members of Nepalese PhysiotherapyAssociation (NEPTA).Make tomorrow better.8Physiotherapy.curtin.edu.au© Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy Quarterly Newsletter October Edition 2012

9STUDENT SECTIONPHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES AT AUSTRALIANUNIVERSITY GAMES 2012“Overall, everyone involved had a memorableweek and in particular we had an invaluableexperience as physiotherapy students. Wewould recommend this event to next year’sgroup of final year physiotherapy students.”The Australian University Games (AUG) areAustralia’s largest annual multi sport eventinvolving Universities from all states ofAustralia. The event was held in Adelaide fromSeptember 23 -28 2012. Curtin University’ssquad included approximately 100 athletescompeting in nearly one dozen sports.As part of our final year of studies, five Curtinphysiotherapy students travelled to thegames with the Curtin University team toprovide sports trainer and physiotherapyservices including taping and massage for theweek.In order to provide this service at the AUG asignificant amount of equipment was requiredand as a result we completed somefundraising. We sold over 1000 chocolatesand with the help of some generous sponsors,Australian Physiotherapy Equipment,Australian Physiotherapy Association andBeiersdorf, we were able to buy the necessaryequipment to provide the Curtin team with anexcellent sports trainer service.Prior to the games, we attended trainingsessions for various sporting teams to assistwith warm up, cool down, recovery and injuryprevention strategies. We also developed aseries of educational resources and presentedseminars on selected health topics to CurtinRecreation Services staff. Post UniversityGames are currently composing a riskassessment report covering recommendationsand preventative measures for the sports wewere involved with at the AUG.Over the games week we conducted aphysiotherapy clinic each morning from 7-8am and 5-7pm each evening to providecompetitors with sports trainer assistance preor post games, particularly athletes who didnot have a physiotherapy student with themduring the day. Throughout the day wetravelled with our allocated sporting teams orindividual competitors to provide them withsports trainer services. These included sportssuch as netball, handball, soccer, rowing,ultimate frisbee, taekwondo and hockey.Special congratulations go to the women’snetball and mixed volleyball teams forwinning gold and to the taekwondo androwing competitors for their silver medals atthe Games.This placement allowed us to travel with asporting squad and work in a competitiveteam environment. It provided us with theopportunity to apply hands on physiotherapyskills and gain real-life experience. Overall,everyone involved had a memorable week andin particular we had an invaluable experienceas physiotherapy students. We wouldrecommend this event to next year’s group offinal year physiotherapy students.By Jacinta Dwyer & Karen Rodgers4th year students; Emma Norman, Stephanie Price,Casey Melville, Jacinta Dwyer and Karen RodgersMake tomorrow better.9Physiotherapy.curtin.edu.au© Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy Quarterly Newsletter October Edition 2012

10INTERNATIONAL NEWSINTERNATIONAL VISITORSOn Tuesday 25 September, DrChukukaEnwemeka,Distinguished Professor andDean, College of HealthSciences, University ofWisconsin, Milwaukee visitedthe School and presented to asmall and diverse group ofUniversity staff and externalguests.His topic “Mechanisms Involvedin Laser and Light-ActivatedTissue Repair, Pain Control andBacterial Eradication” was mostinformative and interesting.The participant had theopportunity to network withothers and joined Dr Enwemekaafter the presentation.The School also welcomedacademic staff from Hau ShanHospital (Fudan University) inChina in August. Dr LiuBangzhong, Dr Wu Yi and DrZhu Yulian, Department ofRehabilitation Medicine FudanUniversity, met with variousmembers of staff within theSchool and Faculty to learnmore about our programs andthe various roles of allied healthprofessionals in Australia.Just prior to the visit, eightphysiotherapy students went toHua Shan Hospital on a GoGlobal placement withOccupational Therapy.In association with CurtinEnglish Language Centre, theSchool hosted 35 students onstudy tours from ShinShu andKoriyama Universities inJapan. Over the course of threeweeks, the students enjoyed theopportunity to sit in lecturesand practical labs and interactwith the local students andstaff.The Japanese students werevery appreciative of the chanceto enhance their anatomyknowledge with a tutorial in thewet lab. We would also like toacknowledge the staff at RoyalPerth Hospital who provided afacility tour and some insightinto the Australian healthcaresystem.SINGAPOREPHYSIOTHERAPYCONFERENCEThe School undertook a range ofpromotional activities inSingapore in September,centered around the SingaporePhysiotherapy Conference.Professor Peter O’Sullivan was akeynote speaker at theconference, and Sue Morris andKeith Hill also gave oralpresentations.Peter Robinson at the SingaporePhysio conference promoting ourprogramsInternational Federation ofManual Therapy ConferenceThe International Federation ofManipulative Therapists (IFOMPT)Conference (which runs every fouryears) was held Quebec city,Canada. There was around 1500people in attendance.The School had a great showing ofour staff members. ProfessorPeter O’Sullivan was a keynotespeaker and ran a two day postconference workshop talking aboutthe latest developments inassessing and managing spinalpain.Dr Darren Beales, one of our earlycareer fellows, presented 2 papers.Kieran O'Sullivan, whose PhD isbeing supervised by ProfessorPeter O’Sullivan, presented threepapers. Dr Kjartan Fersum, whois a collaborator with the School,also presented a paper at theconference. Dr Toby Hall, one ofthe founders and directors ofManual Concepts, was also presentat the conference. He sat on apanel regarding the effects ofheadaches.Another highlight of theconference was when Bob Elveywas awarded the Geoff Maitlandaward IFOMT for excellence inleadership, research andeducation in manual therapy. In1985, Bob created Brachial PlexusTension Test, which wasinstrumental in diagnosingRepetitive Strain Injury (RSI),launching him on the world widestage.Make tomorrow better.10Physiotherapy.curtin.edu.au© Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy Quarterly Newsletter October Edition 2012

11RESEARCHResearch Grant SuccessesDr Andrew Maiorana is leadinvestigator on a successfulSHRAC Research TranslationProject entitled; Reducing costand enhancing access todisease management programsafter an acute coronary event.The project will evaluatewhether a new program thatuses existing hospital andcommunitycardiacrehabilitation services increasesthe proportion of eligiblepatients, reduces medicalinterventions, mortality andhospital re-admissions andassociated costs.Professor Keith Hill is a chiefinvestigator on a largeCanadian grant (funded throughthe Canadian Institutes ofHealth Research), led byCanadian Researcher Dr LoraGiangregorio, an AssociateProfessor at University ofWaterloo, Department ofKinesiology, Canada. The grantis titled Build Better Bones withExercise. The long-term goal ofthe research team is to conducta large multicentre study toevaluate whether tailored homeexercise can prevent fractures inhigh-risk individuals. Thecurrent proposal will addressthe feasibility of such a trial,but will also evaluate the effectof exercise on quality of life,posture and many otheroutcomes important toindividuals with vertebralfractures.Dr Andrew Briggs andAssociate Professor KathyBriffa are collaborating with ateam led by Clinical ProfessorCharles Inderjeeth, includingAssociate Professor DavidMountain and Dr DavidOldham from Sir CharlesGairdner Hospital, ProfessorElizabeth Geelhoed fromUniversity of Western Australiaand Ms Jean McQuade fromArthritis and OsteoporosisWestern Australia on a projecttitled: Osteoporotic fractureliaison service – closing theevidence-practice gap to preventminimal-trauma fractures. Thisresearch translational projecthas been funded by the StateHealth Research AdvisoryCouncil (SHRAC).Dr Anne Andrews is a principalinvestigator with a PrincessMargaret Hospital project thatwill be studying the use of apostgraduate training scheme toimprovepaediatricphysiotherapy continenceworkforce capacity andthroughput of the PMHphysiotherapy children’scontinence service. The project’sChief Investigator, Noula Gibson,successfully applied for a grantfrom the State Health ResearchAdvisory Council (SHRAC) tosupport development of anAssessment and UrotherapyClinic led by students in theContinence and Women’s HealthMajor of the PostgraduateMaster of Clinical Physiotherapycourse. The clinic will targetchildren in the lower triagecategories of 2 and 3 who aremost likely to respond tostandard urotherapy. It isanticipated the project willimprove continence outcomes forPMH clients but also improve thepaediatriccontinencephysiotherapy workforcecapacity in the Australian andoverseas cities and regionalcentres that are home to thephysiotherapists enrolled in theCurtin CWH ClinicalPhysiotherapy Master’s course.Call for honour studentsresearch projectscommencing 2013In November this year, we will beoffering our new honoursstudents different researchprojects which are conducted overa two year period. We are veryinterested in collaborating withhospitals and other agencies infacilitating ongoing research inthese areas.We would welcome theopportunity to share ourknowledge and resources inpartnership with you and yourinstitutions.If you have an idea, a project, orfacilities that might be alignedwith research;CONTACT:DI HOPPERTel: 9266 3631Email: D.hopper@curtin.edu.auMake tomorrow better.11Physiotherapy.curtin.edu.au© Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy Quarterly Newsletter October Edition 2012

12RESEARCHPhysiotherapy involved in projectlaunched by Minister for Health andAgeingNew Independent Researcher InfrastructureSupport (NIRIS) AwardsMinister Mark Butler, 4th year OccupationalTherapy student Simone Cuthbert, 4th yearPhysiotherapy Student Mirella Korver & ProfessorBarbara HornerThe Honourable Mark Butler, Minister forMental Health and Ageing, visited CurtinUniversity in September to launch aCommonwealth Government funded projectled by the University of Tasmania, andincluding Curtin University (team led byProfessor Barbara Horner) and the AustralianCatholic University.In the formal launch of the program, whichinvolves supporting residential aged carefacilities to become centres of teaching andresearch excellence in partnership withuniversities, the Minister met and discussedexperiences of Mirella Korver 4 th yearPhysiotherapy student with 4th yearOccupational Therapy student SimoneCuthbert who have been involved in this typeof program with Juniper (previouslyRowethorpe).Professor Keith Hill is a member of theadvisory committee for this project.Dr Jenny DownsResearch into Rett Syndrome, early onset scoliosisand the CDKL5 disorderDr Downs’ research aims to better understand thecourse and management of Rett syndrome, EarlyOnset Scoliosis and the CDKL5 disorder. The mainfocus has been on Rett syndrome, a geneticallycaused neurodevelopmental disorder mainlyaffecting girls and causing severe disability.Investigations have included early development,scoliosis, the measurement of gross motor andhand function abilities, and consensus processesfor clinical management.Dr Downs led the project developing guidelines forthe clinical management of scoliosis in Rettsyndrome, including dissemination of lay languagebooklets, and is currently leading similar processesfor gastro-intestinal problems and bone health. Sheis principal researcher on a new projectinvestigating the measurement of physical activity,funding by the International Rett SyndromeFoundation, and is developing a similar model ofresearch for children with Early Onset Scoliosis andCDKL5 disorder and their families.She has a strong trajectory in the writing of peerreviewedpublications and presentations (e.g. 15publications in print or press since 2010 and 6invited presentations since 2007) and currently cosupervisesfour PhDs, one Masters and two Honoursstudents. She represents the Institute on thePrincess Margaret Hospital Ethics Committee andtherefore advocates for the highest quality ofethical research in our State.Make tomorrow better.12Physiotherapy.curtin.edu.au© Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy Quarterly Newsletter October Edition 2012

13EVENTSSTAFF STUDENT DINNERThe 2012 Student Staff Dinner was held atthe Royal Perth Yacht Club in September.The annual event started off on a high notewith an excellent turnout of staff andstudents. The buffet dinner was served witha bucket of laughs, and a side of smiles aspromised by Emily Brough and Lucie Abadi,the third year representatives whoorganised the event.After the main meal was enjoyed, bothstaff and students got into the spirit of theevening with many skits. Festivitiesstarted with the challenge laid down bystudents and the Student Staff Meme Warsbegan. Needless to say the students wonthe war hands down.Rob Waller handed out merit awards to‘Deserving Year 3 and GEM 6 students’ andHamish McKay impressed us by playingthe bag pipes.The GEM 6 group had an interestinglittle video montage that had us allin stitches. Who knew they weredancing behind our backs!Next, Year 3 entertained us with agame of “Which Lecturer Said This?”that had lecturers blushing. LizBainbridge, Liz Bell and MandyMonks put together a clinicalplacement skit with a dementiapatient you would hope not to haveon placement. Poor Liz Bainbridgestruggled with a very difficultpatient that loved to dance. Theevening ended late into the nightwith a good time had by all.Make tomorrow better.13Physiotherapy.curtin.edu.au© Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy Quarterly Newsletter October Edition 2012

14EXERCISE, SPORTS & REHABILITATIONSCIENCE COURSEFollowing some late advertising andan effective grape vine, the Exerciseand Sports Science major in the newBSc (Exercise, Sports andRehabilitation Science) launched in2012. Over 70 applicants wereenrolled, though not all as full-timestudents, into units in the first year.For 2013, current TISC data showsthat the course is particularlypopular. Over 850 applicants havelisted the course as one of their sixpreferences, many more than neededto fill the ~125 places on offer.To deliver the units in the four subdisciplinesof biomechanics, motorlearning and control, exercise andsports physiology, and exercise andsports psychology in 2013, four newstaff will be joining the Schoolbetween November 2012 andFebruary 2013. It is a little early toprovide the names of the appointeesbut “watch this space”.The purchase of equipment tosupport the curriculum is proceedingahead of these second year units.The photo shows the new SRMergometer that offers both isokineticand constant power modes, and leftand right pedal force data, forassessing cyclists. A new high speedtreadmill, gas analysis system, anda high speed video camera are otherequipment items ready for use in thenew units in 2013.Currently under discussion with theUniversity is the refurbishment oftwo spaces to accommodateteaching for both the new course andexisting Physiotherapy units. AnExercise and Sports PhysiologyLaboratory and a High PerformanceStrength and ConditioningGymnasium are proposed, with theaim of having them available for2014 classes.Make tomorrow better.14Physiotherapy.curtin.edu.au© Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy Quarterly Newsletter October Edition 2012

15UPCOMING EVENTSSeminars—all welcomeTopic:Giuseppe De Vito - The interplay between metabolic and neuro-mechanical responsesduring cyclic movements in humansRoberta Forte - Functional and muscular gains in elderly: multicomponent vs. resistanceexerciseFROM: Institute for Sport and Health, University College Dublin, IrelandIn collaboration with the School of Biomedical SciencesDate: Tuesday 27 November 2012Venue:Time:Contact:401.001 LT10.00am—12 noonRSVP Vicki Ward by Friday 23 November, 9266 3618 or email: vicki.ward@curtin.edu.auEND OF NEWSLETTERIf you would like to contribute to our next newsletter,CONTACT:Professor Keith HillTel: 9266 3618Email: keith.hill@curtin.edu.auPlease provide photos (if applicable) with your news itemReferences:Physiotherapy Student wins National Award. (2012) Retrieved 8 October 2012 from Curtin Universitywebsite: http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au/news_physiotherapy_student_wins_national_award.cfmRemote placement inspires Curtin physiotherapy student. (2012) Retrieved 8 October 2012 from CurtinUniversity Website: http://news.curtin.edu.au/media-releases/remote-placement-inspires-curtinphysiotherapy-student/Working together for the future of aged care research and training. (2012) Retrieved 13 October 2012 fromCurtin University Website: http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au/news_working_together.cfm.New Independent Researcher Infrastructure Support (NIRIS) Awards. (2012). Retrieved 15 October 2012 fromGovernment of Western Australia Department of Health website: http://www.health.wa.gov.au/researchdevelopment/funding/niris_2012.cfmMake tomorrow better.15Physiotherapy.curtin.edu.au© Curtin University, School of Physiotherapy Quarterly Newsletter October Edition 2012