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Centre for Musculoskeletal Research The Centre for Musculoskeletal Research (CMR) specialises in the prevention, treatment and management of musculoskeletal disease and injury through cross-disciplinary, multiscale research. The latest experimental and computational methods developed by CMR are used to explore the neural control and function of musculoskeletal tissue in injury and the development of disease of bone, cartilage, ligament, muscle and tendon. CMR researchers are translating this knowledge into injury prevention programs, tissue regenerative therapies and physical rehabilitation. Spectrum of research Develop innovative technologies Neural System/Control Musculoskeletal Tissues Basic science of neural control and musculoskeletal tissue (Bone, Cartilage, Ligament, Muscle, and Tendon) Identify causes of musculoskeletal conditions Musculoskeletal Conditions (Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, Bone Allografts, Cerebral Palsy, Cancer, Stroke, Ligament Injury, Tendon Repair, Replacements of joints, tendons and ligaments) Develop and trial innovative treatments that target causes Translation to clinical practice Osteoarthritis This research is studying the development, progression and treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and is underpinned by the latest imaging and computational methods. Orthopaedic implants – Studies include patients fitted with specially designed total knee replacements that enable the loads inside the knee articular surfaces to be measured. This is being used to develop better patient-specific computational models, enabling researchers and clinicians to accurately estimate the loading of various musculoskeletal tissues, only possible through computational modelling. The research is being translated into new treatments for OA, but also for other musculoskeletal conditions, such as stroke, cerebral palsy, and paraplegia, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients suffering these disorders. Hip & knee osteoarthritis – Prevention of hip and knee OA is the main focus of research in this arena. One latest study hones in on young people who have had arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), and are therefore highly susceptible to OA. Researchers are gaining a more thorough understanding of the effects of architectural, mechanical and biochemical factors on hip and knee OA progression in terms of clinical symptoms and hip joint structure to establish treatments to help slow disease progression. Tendinopathy Research in this area looks at the degeneration of tendons, tendinopathy, the factors that impact tendon function or dysfunction, and how we can best treat tendinopathy to minimise further injury and improve repair post injury. Tissue engineered tendon - With colleagues CMR Researchers are engineering tendon tissue from autologous stem cells to improve outcomes by special surgical treatment of Achilles tendinopathy. The research is generating new understanding of normal tendon behaviour, developing tendons from stem-cell-seeded bioscaffolds in a bioreactor. Exercise rehabilitation - Researchers are using threedimensional ultrasound, developed in CMR, to examine the complex shape of the Achilles tendon and the potential changes in its elasticity during different activities. This technology allows researchers to assess the effectiveness of current and new treatments (e.g. rehabilitation training, manual therapy and stem cells), for translation into training programs to prevent tendon injuries (e.g. concentric vs eccentric training). Regenerative medicine and exercise therapies – Current research is comparing the effectiveness and costs of 1. regenerative medicine based injections and 2. exercise treatments. Researchers are looking at each used singularly and in combination, addressing the underlying cause of tennis elbow, painful tendinopathy of the elbow. Similar studies have been completed for Achilles tendinopathy showing that the combination therapy is more effective than each program used alone. Neural systems Neural basis of movement - This research area focuses on how the central nervous system controls voluntary and involuntary movement. Researchers in the human neuroscience laboratory use novel techniques to examine how common medications affect motor control, how physiological tremor is generated, and how pathological tremor affects motor control of the arms and hands. Using the latest neurophysiology experimental and computational methods to explore muscle function and movement control. Bone conditions The Bone Densitometry Research Laboratory (BDRL) – This laboratory houses the latest technology, including a dual energy x-ray absorptiometer, a peripheral quantitative computed tomographer and a quantitative ultrasonometer to determine the composition, strength and quality of bone, muscle and fat of the whole body and body segments. Research projects focus on the influence of mechanical loading (largely exercise) on bone across the lifespan, with particular emphasis on the maximisation of peak bone mass during childhood, and the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporotic fracture. Other bone studies have included electric field stimulation of stress fractures, seasonal change in elite rugby league player body composition, body composition of women with metabolic syndrome and spinal cord injured hand cyclists, effect of exercise on breast cancer patients, and bone and muscle morphology of patients with hip osteoarthritis. Cell biology of skeletal remodeling and repair – Researchers are developing in-depth knowledge of the chemical signals that attract and maintain bone cells. This knowledge is key to developing strategies against diseases like osteoporosis, and to facilitate healing of skeletal fractures and fatigue injuries. The research encompasses cell and molecular biology of bone cells, skeletal adaptation, mechanotransduction and understanding bone tissue quality. Bone fracture from falls in older adults – Ageing is associated with declines in neuro-mechanical (NM) function and a high incidence of falls. However, little is known about the link between the two. Research is underway to determine the effect of falls status (fallers vs non-fallers), the gait related factors that influence probability and severity of falls and mechanics of balance recovery from an induced fall. This research involves a combination of biomechanical experiments, subjectspecific neuro-musculo-skeletal modelling and prospective falls evaluation. It aims to identify individuals at risk of falling and establish effective interventions to prevent trip-related falls. The research will also result in new computational tools that will be made available to the international biomechanics research community. Translation to practice Sports Injury Prevention Program - With the aim of preventing injury at community level, researchers are developing and delivering a sports injury prevention program as well as evaluating the resources needed for its effective uptake in community sport. With colleagues CMR researchers have also developed FootyFirst (evidenceinformed guidelines for preventing lower limb injuries) and identified the necessary support structures and resources to ensure its sustainability and subsequent national roll-out. Obesity & musculoskeletal conditions - This research encompasses the role of exercise and physical activity in the management of chronic conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes and liver disease. The latest research is also contributing to a better understanding of ethnic and racial differences in body composition and consequent predisposition to disease. eHealth cloud and convergence technologies for improving health outcomes - Researchers are developing and testing new technologies for influencing health outcomes and educating consumers and practitioners in the field of chronic disease management and prevention. Collaborative research partners Research within CMR is supported by both national and international competitive grants. The centre has also developed strong collaborative links with a number of renowned universities and research institutes including: National International Industry Monash University, Melbourne Stanford University, USA Queensland Bone Bank University of Melbourne, Melbourne University of Florida, USA AFL University of Western Australia, Perth University of Auckland, NZ Orthocell Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane University of Leeds, UK Vicon University of Queensland INSERM U831, University of Lyon, France Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital James Cook University, Brisbane University of Padua, Italy Mater Hospital Getting involved If you are interested in contributing, there are many opportunities to get involved with CMR: Become an industry partner Undertake a research fellowship Become a collaborative research partner Participate in research programs Make a donation or sponsor specific research Contact details Professor David Lloyd Director, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research Griffith Health Institute Gold Coast campus, Griffith University, Queensland 4222 Australia Phone: +61 7 5552 8593 Email: [email protected] Web: griffith.edu.au/health/musculoskeletal-research CRICOS Provider 00233E • • • • •