Human Movment Studies research capacity within areas of exercise science, has seen the formation of collaborations with many local, national and international professional groups. Locally, collaborations have been established with researchers and clinicians at the Royal Brisbane, Prince Charles, Wesley and Princess Alexandra Hospitals. In addition, national and international collaborations have strengthened the research capabilities of the Concentration.
Queensland Ambulance Service
The School of Human Movement Studies at QUT Kelvin Grove Campus has recently procured a consultancy with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS). During 1999 and 2000, staff from the department will develop a battery of physical and functional tests for pre-employment and in-service application within the QAS. These tests will reflect the duties encompassed in ambulance work and will help the QAS to select the most suitable individuals for employment. Physically demanding tasks performed by officers will be assessed and incorporated into the battery of tests which will then be empirically and directly validated with the assistance of existing ambulance officers. In addition to the physical and functional tests, a physical fitness program will be developed for new recruits who are still training to become ambulance officers. This program will include both health-related fitness tasks (for aerobic fitness and strength, endurance etc.) and job-simulation tasks (reflecting physically demanding tasks). This project aims to provide the QAS with a relevant and reliable screening procedure and a physical fitness program to better prepare new recruits for the physical demands of ambulance work.
For information please contact:
Dr Tom Cuddihy t.cuddihy@qut.edu.au
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
"Study into the fatigue aspects of the work practices of coastal pilots in the Great Barrier Reef"
An extensive survey of the occupational stress, health and potential fatigue of different categories of workers within the Australian Maritime industry was completed. The research consultancy was funded by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and involved 2000 seafarers. The results showed a relatively older, complex but stable workforce working and living in an isolated and harsh environment. While at sea the health and lifestyle behaviours are compromised to some degree and when returning ashore these behaviours are improved. The chief contributing factors to stress were a relatively small number of industry-specific factors including long working hours, change in the industry, broken rest, and missing home and lifestyle factors such as stress and sleep. Current projects are designed to reduce the potential for fatigue and associated performance decrement and accident risk.
For information please contact:
Professor Tony Parker t.parker@qut.edu.au
Roche Products Pty. Ltd.
The School of Human Movement Studies Clinic's exercise science and medical staff are collaborating to investigate the effects of a new pharmacological agent and placebo on the overall coronary heart disease risk in obese patients with one or more cardiovascular risk factors. The Clinic was chosen as one of eight centres Australia-wide to be involved in this clinical trial which was funded by Roche Products Pty Ltd.
For information please contact:
Associate Professor Andrew Hills a.hills@qut.edu.au
Polar Electro Oy (Finland)
A number of research projects have been initiated within the weight management section of the School's Clinic. External funding was obtained from Polar Electro Oy (Finland) to assess physiological markers for the prediction of submaximal exercise intensity. One hundred obese and hypertensive individuals have been targeted for this study which aims to improve guidelines for the prescription of safe aerobic exercise in these populations.
For information please contact:
Associate Professor Andrew Hills a.hills@qut.edu.au