ABiC projects
The ABiC group is in the planning phase of cutting edge research, supported through recently awarded grants.
Expression of interest: Consumer advisory group for the development of Australian and New Zealand Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)
An mTBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth, can result in significant long-term symptoms and loss of function. Patient care along the journey from injury to recovery, however, is highly variable and can lead to poor outcomes.
Dr Karen Barlow, along with a team of renowned doctors, healthcare professionals and researchers across Australia and New Zealand received a grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to develop the clinical practice guidelines for mild traumatic brain injury. Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) are recommendations for clinicians about the care of patients with specific conditions and are based upon the best available research evidence and practice. Clinical Practice Guidelines improve outcomes for patients but there are few CPGs which guide mTBI management from injury to recovery and none that have been adapted for use across the Australian/New Zealand healthcare system. We hope to deliver this with the development of this CPG.
The success of the guidelines is not only through the expertise of the doctors and researchers involved in its development but from the patients and families who will help shape care to meet their needs.
Your involvement
- We are looking for 10 consumers from the TBI community to form the consumer advisory group for consultation and surveys regarding the CPG and supporting tools. Participants would attend and be reimbursed for 4 online meetings, each lasting up to 2 hours, as well as 4 hours per meeting for pre and follow-up activities (24 hours in total).
- We are also looking for 8 consumers from the mTBI community to form the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples working group for consultation and surveys regarding the CPG and supporting tools. This group will be supported and coordinated by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people representative, who is a healthcare professional. Participants would attend and be reimbursed for 4 online meetings, each lasting up to 2 hours, as well as 4 hours per meeting for pre and follow-up activities (24 hours in total).
This project is due to complete around Feb 2024 with the publishing of these guidelines for use. The time commitment would be over a period of approximately 12-18 months.
If you are interested in participating, please complete the participation form (PDF, 191.9 KB) and return it to uq_abic@uq.edu.au.
Clinical trial for children, adolescents and young adults with concussion
This study is investigating repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) as potential treatment for children, adolescents and young adults with persistent post-concussion symptom.
Participants will be randomised to receive either 10 rTMS treatment or sham treatment (placebo/dummy) over 2 weeks, with the option to receive a further two weeks of 10 rTMS treatment sessions.
Study assessments include advanced brain imaging and activity measurements such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), as well as questionnaires to assess well-being and changes in symptoms.
The study will take place in the KidStim Lab at the Centre for Children’s Health Research.
Who is eligible to participate?
- Children, adolescents and young adults aged 11-25 years with a diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome.
- Have two or more symptoms persisting for at least two months.
- Children who do not have epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
To learn more about the study or to see if you/your child is eligible, please contact Jacob Thorstensen on 07 3069 7344 or UQ_ABiC@uq.edu.au.
Health service utilisation after childhood acquired brain injury
This study is investigating what health care services are used by families with a child who has had an acquired brain injury (ABI) in Queensland. This will help us identify gaps in care and the cost associated with ABI, which could help the government and supporting agencies plan for the future. The study involves the two telephone interviews consisting of some surveys that investigate functional independence, behaviour, quality of life, health service access and strengths and difficulties associated with an ABI. Participants will be asked to fill in some surveys online. The total time of involvement is approximately 2-3 hours.
The study will take place at the Centre for Children’s Health Research.
Who is eligible to participate?
- Children/families of children who received care from the Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (QPRS) for acquired brain injury, including the Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH).
- An ABI diagnosis at QCH from 2014 onwards.
- Children under the age of 18 years with an ABI.
To learn more about the study or to see if you/your child is eligible, please contact Jonathan Ho on:
- Phone: 07 3069 7597
- Email: UQ_ABiC@uq.edu.au
Can non-invasive brain stimulation improve attention in children with acquired brain injury?
Poor attention is one of the most commonly reported problems after an acquired brain injury (ABI). This study aims to investigate whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS; a type of non-invasive brain stimulation) can improve attention in children following an acquired brain injury.
We are aiming to recruit both children with an ABI and healthy control children (without ABI). Participants will receive three sessions of tDCS over the course of approximately 2-3 weeks. Prior to tDCS, participants will also complete some clinical assessments, including EEG, and health and quality of life questionnaires. Participants can also opt in to have an MRI. Before, during and after tDCS, participants will complete some attention games on a computer.
The study will take place at the KidStim Lab at the Centre for Children’s Health Research (South Brisbane).
Who is eligible to participate?
- Children and adolescents aged between 8-17 years (inclusive)
- Have previously had a concussion or other acquired brain injury (mild to severe) OR
- No previous history of concussion or other brain injury (healthy controls)
- Can attend 3 x one-hour sessions and complete study assessments (total 7-8 hours commitment over 2-3 weeks)
To learn more about the study or to see if your child is eligible, please contact Athena Stein on 07 3069 7555 or a.stein@uq.edu.au
Assessment of brain connectivity after acquired brain injury
After a brain injury, the communication between different regions of the brain (often called brain connectivity) can either slow down or fail.
This study is investigating brain connectivity in children, adolescents and young adults recovering from an acquired brain injury (ABI).
Participants who do not have a brain injury will also be assessed to provide a comparison.
What is involved?
Participants with a brain injury will be assessed using three different and safe methods:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)
Participants who do not have a brain injury will be assessed using EEG and fNRIS.
All participants will have their attention, memory, problem solving skills and quality of life using guided questionnaires.
This study will take place at the Centre for Children’s Health Research in South Brisbane.
The MRI procedure will be conducted at the Herston Imaging Research Facility.
All assessments and procedures will be completed in a 1-day visit.
Who is eligible to participate?
Participants with a brain injury:
- Children, adolescents and young adults aged 8-18 years who received a diagnosis of ABI at least 12 months ago
- Do not have epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Have no history of significant medical or psychiatric disorders before injury (excluding ADHD)
Participants who do not have a brain injury:
- Children, adolescents and young adults aged 8-18 years
To learn more about the study or to see if you/your child is eligible, please contact Jacob Thorstensen T: 07 3069 7344 E: UQ_ABiC@uq.edu.au
Improving memory with brain stimulation after childhood acquired brain injury
This study is investigating the use of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) during an afternoon nap, to improve memory in children with an Acquired Brain Injury (TBI).
A group of healthy children will also receive tDCS in the same manner for comparison.
Study measures include brain activity and functional assessments such as electroencephalography (EEG) and memory tests.
Participants will be randomised to receive either active tDCS stimulation or sham (placebo) stimulation in a one-time session, while they take a short nap. This will take place at the Centre for Children’s Health Research and is expected to take 2-3 hours.
Who is eligible to participate?
- Children and adolescents aged 6-18 years who have had a acquired brain injury at least 12-months ago
- Children and adolescents aged 6-18 years who are considered healthy
To learn more about the study or see if you/your child is eligible, please contact Jacob Thorstensen on UQ_Abic@uq.edu.au.
Student projects
Whether you are a student in pre-med, health sciences, engineering, psychology, or SBMS, we have a variety of fascinating projects that students like you can take part in. These include Honours projects, and UQ winter and summer studentships. Current projects involving children and young adults with brain injury include:
- Use of transcranial electrical stimulation to improve cognitive outcomes
- The influence of sleep on recovery
- Fatigue following brain injury
- Functional near infrared spectroscopy and High density EEG to explore brain connectivity
- Multiple projects in acquired brain injury