Our research
Advancing rehabilitation for people with injuries and injury–related disability
,
Our research and education in rehabilitation and injury-related disability is centred around improving clinical care and long-term health outcomes of patients with injuries and injury–related disability.
We incorporate participatory methods such as co-design and lived experience to actively engage participants, patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, in the research process.
Our work is aligned with the following principles: inclusivity, respect and dignity, collaboration, transparency, empowerment, accessibility, and ethical integrity.
This project is developing resources with people with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families, caregivers and clinicians. It includes acquiring a severe TBI, at an older age, living with TBI at an older age and understanding end of life issues for older people with severe TBI.
Our project studied a cohort of people recovering after mild to moderate injury sustained in motor vehicle crashes after the 2017 NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Legislation change, to influence reviews of CTP legislation and regulation.
Musculoskeletal disorders are Australia’s leading disease burden. Inadequate GP advice, unnecessary imaging, and overuse of surgery and opioids means the current management of these conditions is inefficient and costly.
Our research aims to improve the management and treatment plans for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
Professor Trudy Rebbeck and her team have revised the Management of Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) guidelines to help clinicians and patients navigate treatment for acute and chronic WAD.
Professor Lisa Harvey and her team are exploring at home exercise programs for people recovering from injuries. This could have significant economic implications for people recovering from injury, health insurance organisations and the health system supporting injury recovery.
Injury is in the top five causes of death and disability, nationally and globally. Traumatic injury is associated with life-long factors that can be seriously debilitating, such as high levels of chronic pain, loss of employment, mental health disorders, fatigue and impact negatively on relationships.
Our research delivers a unique perspective and direction for improved care of people living with disability, chronic pain, fatigue and mental health conditions.
This randomised controlled trial funded by the NSW Ministry of Health and The University of Sydney examines novel self-regulation treatments for correcting dysfunctional autonomic nervous system (ANS) in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI).
This research has the potential to improve management of acute SCI through the novel self-regulation treatment that can be utilised in community settings. Read more about the project or join the trial.
We developed Psychosocial management guidelines with funding from icare to improve awareness and communication in rehabilitation teams providing care and rehabilitation for people with an acute SCI and diagnosed with cognitive impairment. The guidelines were integrated into the Psychosocial care of adults with spinal cord injuries guide.
We received a National Institute of Health Grant (National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research) with partners in the USA, United Kingdom, Canada, and the Netherlands. This international project is led by Professor Alan Heinemann in Chicago, USA. The Australian arm of this project, led by Professor Ashley Craig, will investigate what impact different lengths of hospital stay have on adjustment of people with SCI.
Our multidisciplinary team addresses various issues for people with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). We focus on establishing an evidence-base for for physical rehabilitation, examining the hidden disability of people with SCI, and improving psychophysiological aspects, such as mental health, autonomic function, pain, cognitive function, and fatigue in people with SCI.
The International Spinal Cord Injury (InSCI) Community Survey in Australia (Aus-InSCI) aims to investigate the lived experience of people with spinal cord injury (SCI). This is a national project that is being led by Professor James Middleton (Lead) and Dr Mohit Arora (Co-Lead) of the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, The Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Find out more about this project.
The SCI –MT Trial trial led by Professor Lisa Harvey and Associate Professor Joanne Glinsky aims to determine whether 10 weeks of intensive motor training enhances neurological recovery in people with recent spinal cord injury (SCI). The trial received $3.5 million in funding from NSW Health, Wings for Life and the University of Sydney. Found out more about this trial.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes more deaths and disability around the world than any other injury type.
Our TBI research addresses the impact of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury with a broad psychosocial focus that includes participation, assistive technology, family support, improved functional capacity and positive mental health.
To implement evidence-based care for the cognitive and psychosocial consequences of moderate to severe TBI. The project focus is on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people in rural and remote Australia and people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds.
To improve participants independence and quality of life, an icare and TAC funded collaboration between Monash University and University of Sydney using single case experimental design to test the role of Assistive Technology in compensating for impairments in executive functions after moderate to severe TBI.
To improve capacity across NSW rehabilitation services to deliver Assistive Technology (AT) solutions to people with moderate to severe TBI. The project employs a hub and spoke model, aiming to build capacity among rehabilitation clinicians across rural NSW to better deliver AT solutions to increase client independence in undertaking functional and participation-related tasks.
Mailing address
Kolling Institute of Medical Research
Royal North Shore Hospital
St Leonards, NSW 2065
