UQ Study to Help Australians Breathe Easy

Do you have chronic breathing problems or know someone who does? Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive, long lasting breathing disorder that impairs quality of life and is the fifth largest cause of death in Australia.

Researchers in The University of Queensland’s Division of Physiotherapy are looking for individuals with COPD to take part in clinical trials for a new self-management program involving supervised, individually-tailored exercise classes.Participants must be able to travel to The University of Queensland (St Lucia or Ipswich campuses) and must not have unstable heart disease or have had a recent neurological injury, such as a stroke.Involvement would include:

• Initial visit to The University of Queensland (St Lucia or Ipswich campuses);
• One or two visits per week for up to 8 weeks at one of the University of Queensland Physiotherapy Clinics to undertake the program’
• Three month visit to The University of Queensland (St Lucia or Ipswich campuses); and
• Six, nine, and 12 month surveys to complete in your own home.

If you wish to take part in the study, or would like more information, please contact Megan Fisher by email at m.fisher@shrs.uq.edu.au.(Source: University of Queensland : September 2007)