New musculoskeletal focus at The George
Building on the Institute’s firm foundation in musculoskeletal research, staff and students from the Centre for Evidence-based Physiotherapy, previously based within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Sydney, joined The George Institute in April 2008 forming a new Musculoskeletal Division.
This new, larger team now brings together the Institute’s work in osteoarthritis with the University of Sydney’s expertise in physiotherapy. The Musculoskeletal Division research, which will be lead by Professor Chris Maher, will address four principal themes; ageing, osteoarthritis, back pain and contracture.
"Our interest is in developing simple, cost-effective treatments, and improving service delivery, for the most common and costly musculoskeletal health conditions," says Professor Maher. "We also have a strong focus on improving the health and function of older adults."
The Musculoskeletal Division research priorities include;
- understanding the mechanisms and treatment of contracture
- developing a better understanding of causes and source of low back pain
- evaluating new models of service provision for musculoskeletal conditions that aim to reduce cost, complexity, waiting times
- implementation of evidence-based exercise programs to enhance functioning in older people and those with physical disability
- rigorous evaluation of intervention strategies for common and costly musculoskeletal health conditions.
Utilising a multidisciplinary approach to research, staff will work with national and international collaborators to improve musculoskeletal health and health services. The division will also continue to host the Centre for Evidence-based Physiotherapy, which aims to foster clinical practice that is informed by the best evidence.
The team of around 30 experts also brings a considerable track record in grant successes and widely acknowledged publications to the table. Their approach to research is consistent with that undertaken across The George Institute, and their focus on musculoskeletal conditions will undoubtedly strengthen the previous musculoskeletal activities undertaken at the Institute.