UQ’s Physiotherapy Division is asking people to don a special vest to improve understanding of the impact of whiplash on the daily life of people with chronic symptoms.
Dr Michele Sterling, a world-leading researcher in the Division’s Whiplash Research Unit, said current research indicated that many people with neck pain after a motor-vehicle accident recovered within weeks.
However, some people experienced persistent neck pain over months or even years.
“Little is actually known about how the whiplash condition impacts on the ability to engage in normal work, rest and play that most of us take for granted,” she said.
The current study uses novel technology to examine daily life at a level rarely seen in clinical research.
The Lifeshirt is a lightweight lycra vest that is hidden beneath a participant`s usual clothes. The vest unobtrusively monitors participant`s physiological parameters (such as heart-rate and respiration), posture, and movement patterns. Participants are asked to wear the vest for one day.
During the same day they will be asked to make entries in an “electronic diary”, to describe factors such as pain levels, symptoms, and activities.
“Our hope is that this research will paint a picture of daily life with long-term whiplash, and shed light on factors that may contribute to the persistent nature of these kinds of injuries”, says Dr Sterling.
Participants must have neck pain, as a result of a motor vehicle accident which occurred more than 3 months and less than 5 years ago.
They must be between 18 and 65 years of age and able to attend the Neck Pain and Whiplash Research Unit at the University`s St Lucia campus for a two-hour testing session. All participants must be able to wear the Lifeshirt for one day (either at home or work).
A range of physical tests examining neck function will be conducted during the clinic appointment. Participants will also be asked to complete a series of questionnaires to assess pain, symptoms, and the physical, social, and emotional consequences of their injury.
The study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Queensland.
Please ask potential participants to contact the Neck Pain and Whiplash Research Unit on (07) 3365 4529, or email acutewhiplashresearch@shrs.uq.edu.au.
Media enquiries can be directed to Dr Michele Sterling on (07) 3365 4569.
