Do you have the following symptoms of arthritis in your big toe joint?

1. Pain in the big-toe joint for at least 3 months

2. Stiffness in the big-toe joint for at least 3 months

If you answered yes to these, you are invited to take part in a research study investigating the effect of an anti-arthritis treatment (Synvisc) on the pain and disability associated with arthritis of the big-toe joint.

The treatment is FREE.Involvement in the study will occur after an initial assessment is completed to ensure that you are suitable to be enrolled in the study. As a study participant, you will be randomly allocated to receive either the anti-arthritis treatment (Synvisc) or a placebo treatment.

If you are interested please contact Dr Shannon Munteanu from the Department of Podiatry, La Trobe University on (03) 9479 5866 or email s.munteanu@latrobe.edu.au for more details.

Download the information package (PDF).

Date last updated: Wednesday, 30 July 2008.

Do you suffer from painful calluses?

The Department of Podiatry is conducting a research study to assess the effect of removing painful calluses in people aged 65-80 years of age. Painful callus is a very common problem in older people, and a frequent reason for them to go to a podiatrist. We are measuring what effect callus removal has on pain, the pressures underneath the feet and the ability to undertake mobility tasks.

To take part in the study, you will need to attend on two occasions, 6 weeks apart. Each session will take 1-1½ hours and will be FREE of charge. For your time and effort you will also receive a pair of Dr Scholl’s ‘Party Feet’, which are cushioning pads that can be applied to the soles of your feet.

To be eligible for the study you must be 65-80 years of age, have painful calluses under the ball of your foot, not have foot ulcers, numb feet due to diabetes, or any inflammatory conditions.

If you are interested please contact Dr Karl Landorf from the Department of Podiatry, La Trobe University on (03) 9479 5300 or email k.landorf@latrobe.edu.au for more details. Date last updated: Wednesday, 30 July 2008.

Can you stand on one leg?

This project looks at the ability to perform three simple tests;

• Single leg squat test - squat down on one leg and return to the upright position

• Dip test - same as the single leg squat test but with one foot resting on a support for balance

• Runner pose test - standing on one leg and moving the other leg and the arms as though running

Participants will be filmed so the tests can be assessed. This will take approximately one hour. Testing will take place at the Musculoskeletal Research Centre Health Sciences Building 3 La Trobe University. Participants will be requested to return for further testing to perform the tests with reflective markers on the skin to record joint motion of the spine, pelvis, leg & foot. Participants will also be asked to assess their own stability and whether they have had any injuries in the previous 12 months. This will take approximately 1.5 hours.

If you are aged between 18 and 35, playing sport regularly, and interested in being a participant please contact  Marg Perott (mperrott@students.latrobe.edu.au) or Dr Tania Pizzari (ph 9479 5872 or email t.pizzari@latrobe.edu.au). Date last updated: Wednesday, 30 July 2008.

Expert physiotherapy assessors and inexperienced students required

• Are an A.P.A. Titled Musculoskeletal or Sports Physiotherapist?

• Do you work with an elite sports team?

• Are you familiar with lumbo-pelvic stability tests?

OR

• Are you a forth year physiotherapy student?

This project involves establishing the criteria for assessment of individuals performing three lumbo-pelvic stability tests, and rating participants.

Assessors are required to:

• view a DVD and establish rating criteria with other expert assessors

• view a DVD of approximately 60 individuals performing the three tests, and

• rate their stability according to the criteria in the training DVD

This will take approximately 6 hours of your time for experienced assessors and 3 hours for students. The project will be completed in the Health Sciences Building 3 at La Trobe University.

If you interested, please contact  Marg Perott (mperrott@students.latrobe.edu.au) or Dr Tania Pizzari (ph 9479 5872 or email t.pizzari@latrobe.edu.au).

Date last updated: Wednesday, 30 July 2008.

Health volunteers aged 50+ required for knee research

We are looking for volunteers for a study investigating gait, balance and falls being conducted by the Musculoskeletal Research Centre at La Trobe University. You are invited to participate in the study if:

• you are aged 50 years and over

• you have no clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis or a history of knee trauma or pain

• you are able to walk without the use of an aid (e.g. walking stick/frame) for 45m

If you take part in the study, you will be assessed on a series of simple, non-invasive tests of balance, reaction time, vision and coordination and a series of measurements of your feet and walking pattern. During the testing you will be asked to wear shorts that expose your legs. You will be asked to attend twice for approximately 3 hours per session.

If you are interested, please contact: Dr Pazit Levinger at the Musculoskeletal Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, to arrange an appointment on office: 9479-5260, mobile:0412860804 or email: p.levinger@latrobe.edu.au.

Testing will be conducted at La Trobe University, Bundoora Campus, Health Sciences 3 building

Date last updated: Wednesday, 30 July 2008.

Flat feet?

Participants with flat feet are needed to take part in a research study investigating: ‘The Effect of Foot Orthoses on Muscle Activity During Walking’

• You must be over the age of 18

• Have no history of angina or stroke

• Must not have a current or recurring lower limb injury, or any other condition that limits your ability to walk

X-rays will be taken of your feet and if your foot posture is appropriate, you will receive two pairs of foot orthoses (1x pair custom-made, 1x pair prefabricated), which are tested as part of this study.

You will attend a 3-hour muscle testing session in the Biomechanics Laboratory, La Trobe University. On the day of testing, one part of the procedure involves the insertion of 2 intramuscular electrodes into one leg, which is relatively painless.

Please contact George Murley (Ph: 0408 341370, E-mail: g.murley@latrobe.edu.au) from the Department of Podiatry, who will provide you with detailed information regarding this project. Date last updated: Wednesday, 30 July 2008.