Active Projects
Adult Neurology
MS INGLIS-JASSIEM
Email: gakeemah@sun.ac.za
Description of the biomechanics of gait in adults with stroke:
The main aim of this study is to describe walking gait using objective biomechanical gait analysis in adults with stroke. A secondary aim is the development of a classification system for walking gait in adults with stroke.
Biomechanical assessment of the trunk segment of normal adults and adults with neurological dysfunction:
The main aim of this study is to investigate various models to describe the biomechanics of the trunk segment during gait. Other aims include the description of various movement strategies used by normal individuals and deviations in adults with neurological dysfunction.
Cardio Pulmonary
PROF S HANEKOM
Email: sdh@sun.ac.za
Exercise prescription in ICU:
Immobility of critical ill patients has been associated with the development of impairments. This international collaborative project will aim to inform exercise prescription in the critically ill population.
Ventillator Induced Diafragmatic Dysfunction (VIDD):
This multidisciplinary project will aim to identify predictive markers for extubation failure and develop targeted management strategies to address diaphragmatic weakness.
Pulmonary rehabilitation in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) population:
This FIRLT funded project is an international comprehensive multidisciplinary project which aims to investigate the role of exercise/rehabilitation in the prevention and management of the disability associated with PTB
Translational Research
This MRC funded project aims to investigate the uptake of evidence in the management of Critically ill patients.
Chronic Pain
Dr L MORRIS
Email: ldmorris@sun.ac.za
Research interests lie in the accurate measurement and quantification of pain (specifically chronic pain) and pain-related disability, as well as the successful management of pain and pain-related disability among developing nations.
Exercise and Rehabilitation
DR M UNGER
Email: munger@sun.ac.za
Efficacy studies investigating exercise equipment designed for rehabilitation purposes
This project encompasses a range of investigations into the associative and causative factors of neuromuscular-skeletal pain as well as investigations into a new approach to assessment and treatment of NMS pain and dysfunction. The study involves laboratory motion analysis, force plate and EMG studies
Movement Analysis
DR Y BRINK
Email: ybrink@sun.ac.za
The postural stability and motor control of children diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. The project focusses on describing the gross and fine motor functioning of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders compared to children with no prenatal alcohol exposure. The research team includes physiotherapists and bioengineers.
Neuromusculoskeletal
PROF Q LOUW
Email: galouw@sun.ac.za
Etiology of anterior knee pain
This project encompasses a range of investigations into the etiology of anterior knee pain. Biomechanical and morphological factors will be investigated. The project will be conducted by a multidisciplinary team consisting of physiotherapists, bioengineers, orthopaedic surgeons and radiologists.
Pain
MS D ERNTSZEN
Email: DD2@sun.ac.za
The focus of this project is the assessment of pain in various health care contexts in South Africa. These healthcare contexts could include primary, secondary or tertiary in the neuro-musculoskeletal or neurological fields. Aspects could include validation of pain outcome measures, as well as investigation into the prevalence and characteristics of pain in selected groups
Paediatric Neurology
MS M BURGER
Email: MBU@sun.ac.za
DR M UNGER
Email: munger@sun.ac.za
Optimizing functional ability of children with cerebral palsy (measurement and intervention studies):
Comparator studies: e.g. land-based vs. vibration platform training
What is the influence of wearing shoes on the balance subscale/dimension in selected
developmental motor performance measures/scales?
Efficacy studies of aerobic based activities vs. resistance based activities in children with and/or without pathology
Neuro-developmental outcome of infants born to mothers with severe mental illness:
The objective of this study is to evaluate infants' fine and gross motor outcome of children born to mothers with severe mental illness at 6months corrected age.
Women's Health
PROF S HANEKOM
Email: sdh@sun.ac.za
Optimizing women's health service delivery
This multidisciplinary international project provides an opportunity for a post graduate student to work in the urogynea clinic while completing a research project
