Volunteers required for acute whiplash injury research

UQ physiotherapy researchers need volunteers aged 18 to 65 years with neck pain as a result of a motor vehicle accident within the past four weeks.

Professor Gwendolen Jull and Dr Michele Sterling of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences are conducting two clinical trials.

One is examining whether a multi-professional treatment approach is necessary following a whiplash injury. The other is monitoring recovery following a whiplash injury.

“The results of this research will add to the understanding of whiplash injury, which will ultimately assist in the assessment and management of whiplash.” Professor Jull said.

Researchers are seeking participants with neck pain, as a result of a motor vehicle accident which has occurred within the past four weeks. Participants should have no prior history of neck pain requiring treatment before the car crash.

Participants must be aged between 18 and 65, and be able to attend the whiplash clinic at the University’s St Lucia campus for four testing sessions of approximately two hours each over a 12 month period.

A range of physical tests examining neck function will be conducted during each appointment. Participants will also be asked to complete a series of questionnaires which will help to identify the range and severity of symptoms, as well as establish how whiplash injury affects patient’s everyday lives.

People interested in participating in either of the two clinical trials should contact the Acute Whiplash Research Unit on (07) 3365 4529, or email acutewhiplashresearch@shrs.uq.edu.au.

Media: Further information please contact Dr Jull, telephone 365 2275.