Current and recent research projects
Our expert researchers work on a range of multidisciplinary, multi-institutional and international collaborative research projects.
Explore a sample of our projects.
Funded by: Australian Chiropractic Association
The BACE consortium is an international cohort study examining back complaints in older people in primary care settings. A European research group has begun a BACE-chiropractic cohort, and Macquarie University researchers are investigating the course of back pain in people aged 55 years and over who present to a chiropractor for treatment.
Funded by: Australian Medical Research Future Fund (APP2007212)
Creating Team-Based care for a new primary care model for low back pain.
This cluster randomised trial is evaluating a new model of care for people with low back pain. The trial is comparing a team-based group to a general practitioner (GP) -led group.
In the team-based group, physiotherapists or chiropractors (MSK clinicians) provide early treatment for GP's patients with low back pain, working in a team with the GP and other healthcare professionals.
In the GP-led group, GPs will treat low back pain patients as usual. Outcomes include patient clinical outcomes, health system improvement and costs. The results will inform decision-makers about whether physiotherapists and/or chiropractors should be integrated more widely within GPs’ clinics.
Contact: simon.french@mq.edu.au
My Back My Plan is a new model of care for the management of acute back pain in primary care. Developed by multidisciplinary researchers and clinicians at Macquarie University, the program is being designed and evaluated using complex intervention development methods, including co-design with patients and clinicians.
Funded by: NHMRC
The RESTORE study trial investigates the effectiveness of individualised cognitive and movement rehabilitation for people with persistent low back pain. The trial is a collaboration between a number of Australian and international universities, but is being led at Macquarie University and Curtin University
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a progressive spinal deformity that develops adolescents. If left untreated, AIS can cause pain, postural abnormalities, and impact significantly on self-image and quality of life. In severe cases, spinal surgery may be required. If scoliosis can be identified early, treatment can prevent progression of the disease.
Researchers from Macquarie University have teamed up with ScoliCare to investigate the suitability of a web-based app called ScoliScreen for the detection of scoliosis in adolescents.
Contact Dr Benjamin Brown for more information.
Volunteering
We are looking for volunteers aged between 10 to 17 years who have not been diagnosed with scoliosis to help us evaluate the ScoliScreen app. Participation in this research study takes approximately 20 minutes and can be done at the ScoliCare clinic (South) in Kogarah. Eligible participants will receive a $30 gift voucher for their participation.
Find out if your child is eligible to take part in this research.
We will contact you to discuss your child's eligibility and answer any questions that you may have.