Musculoskeletal Health of Children with Neurofibromatosis Type I

Summary

Clinical research into the bone and muscle phenotype of children and adolescents with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). As well as the phenotype assessment, the project will also involve an intervention arm using whole body vibration. Research will occur within the Paediatric Musculoskeletal Research Unit.

Supervisor(s)

Associate Professor Craig Munns

Research Location

Westmead - Childrens Hospital at Westmead Clinical School

Program Type

Masters/PHD

Synopsis

At the Children's Hospital at Westmead, we have a large and well defined cohort with NF1. This project aims to provide in depth and novel clinical data on the muscle and bone phenotype of children and adolescents with NF1. Bone health will be investigated using bone density (DXA and pQCT), bone turnover markers and questionnaires. Muscle function will be assessed utilising standard techniques including ground reaction force plates. These techniques allow for the interaction between bone and muscle to be evaluated.

The intervention arm of this project will look at the effect of whole body vibration training (WBVT) on muscle and bone. WBVT is an new therapy that is well established in other research project at The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

Keywords

Neurofibromatosis type 1, muscle, Bone, co-ordination, whole body vibration

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is: 1520

Other opportunities with Associate Professor Craig Munns

• GENE THERAPY FOR GENETIC BONE DISEASES
• UNDERSTANDING GENETIC VARIATIONS IN BONE