We are currently engaged in research with the University of Otago, University of Canterbury, Callaghan Innovation, and the Department of Corrections.
Our research has been featured in the following online publications:
- MedTech CoRE - Using games to create rehab tools
- New Zealand Rehabilitation Association Blog
- MedTech CoRE - Relearning yourself after a traumatic brain injury
Below is a summary of some of our current ongoing research and publications. If you are interested in participating in research our collaborating with our team, please email Kristin Gozdzikowska.
Virtual reality rehabilitation following traumatic brain injury
Virtual reality is a motivating way to engage individuals in rehabilitation. Real-world stressors and hazards can be simulated safely. We are developing a virtual reality environment in collaboration with Nadia Thorne from Cerebral Fix, a major software gaming studio in Christchurch, Jo Nunnerly (Burwood Academy of Independent Living) and Marcus King (Callaghan Innovation). This project is possible thanks to funding from the MedTech CoRE.
Brain injury screening in Christchurch men’s prison youth services
Research has shown that a brain injury independently predicts future criminal behaviours, imprisonment, and repeat offenses, worsened if appropriate medical care or rehabilitation is not provided. Therefore, we are investigating how many individuals in a youth offender unit have a history of brain injury. We are helping develop pathways to ensure they receive appropriate screening, education and rehabilitation. We are collaborating on this project with the Christchurch Men’s Youth Unit / Department of Corrections. This project is possible thanks to funding from the Lottery Community.
Rehabilitation for sense of smell
Sense of smell is important not only for enjoyment, such as smelling foods and scents, but also for safety, such as smelling smoke or food that has gone bad. Smell loss occurs in many individuals following traumatic brain injury, however, there are currently limited treatment options. We are investigating a treatment programme for individuals with a loss of smell.
Working memory training
Working memory (WM) allows temporary storage of information in the brain during processing and is important for attention and problem-solving. WM can be impaired following a brain injury, negatively affecting functioning at home and work. We are evaluating a computer-based WM training (e.g. CogMed) in individuals recovering from brain injury. This project is possible thanks to funding from the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation.
Conference contributions
Long-term follow-up of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury in the Canterbury region. Kristin Gozdzikowska, Katie Hodge
Meeting Unmet Needs: Education and Support for Adult Family Members of Individuals with Brain Injury. Nic Ward, Nalita Naidu, Siobhan Palmer
Post-traumatic Parkinsonism following severe traumatic brain injury: A case report. Kristin Gozdzikowska
Peer support following traumatic brain injury: Efficacy and impact of client-led group programmes. Eleanor Jackson, Peta Mann, Kristin Gozdzikowska
Y do I ACT like this: Adjusting to changes in sense of self after traumatic brain injury. Signe Wiingard, Siobhan Palmer, Nic Ward
Dysphagia following moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Kristin Gozdzikowska, Katherine Williams
Virtual Reality Rehabilitation following Traumatic Brain Injury. Kristin Gozdzikowska, Katie Hodge, Marcus King (Callaghan Innovation), Riley Stockwell (Cerebral Fix), Nadia Thorne (Cerebral Fix), Jo Nunnerley (University of Otago, BAIL)
Return to Work Following Moderate-to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Kristin Gozdzikowska, Katie Hodge, Pat Hopkins, Nic Ward
Behavioural Indicators of Emerging Consciousness following Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Series. Kristin Gozdzikowska, Katie Hodge
Demographic Characteristics of Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Canterbury. Kristin Gozdzikowska, Katie Hodge
Let's stop pretending Social License is an actual thing. Kathryn Jones
Rehabilitation following Traumatic Brain Injury: Role of Allied Health and ACC. Kristin Gozdzikowska, Katie Hodge
Seamless Transition from Inpatient Facility to Community. Pat Hopkins, Delwyn Eden, Kristin Gozdzikowska, Katie Hodge
Health Care Providers: Return to Work Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Pat Hopkins, Kristin Gozdzikowska, Katie Hodge
Interactions with community health providers following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation: The experience of individuals with spinal cord injury. Kathryn Dwyer, Dr Hilda Mulligan (University of Otago)
Building Good Rehabilitation by Design. Katie Hodge, Co-presented with Krishnan C, Young T, Feist S
Kathryn Jones, Deanne Rowland, Anita Cox (Pegasus Health Canterbury)
Publications
- Moora, S., Willimana, J., Drummonda, S., Fultona, C., Mayesa, W., Ward, N., ... Stasiak, K. ‘E’ therapy in the community: Examination of the uptake and effectiveness of BRAVE (a self-help computer programme for anxiety in children and adolescents) in primary care. Internet Interventions, 2019. For access, please see the following link: 'E' therapy in the community
- Palmer, S. & Dart, A. ‘Does the family become part of the team, or the team become part of the family? An Interview with a father 17 years after brain injury.’ In Family Experience of Brain Injury: Surviving, Coping, Adjusting. Wilson, J., & Holloway, 2019, Routledge.
- Eden, D., Williams, K., & Gozdzikowska, K. (2019). Working with cognitive communication disorders. Communication Matters, 34, 5.
- Eden, D., Williams, K., & Gozdzikowska, K. (2019). Education and training in cognitive-communication: A practitioner perspective. Communication Matters, 34, 6-7.
- Hopkins, P. (2018). Rehabilitation following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. LOGIC (Journal of the New Zealand College of Primary Health Nurses), 2018, 17(1): 27-32. For access, please see the following link: Logic Journal - March 2018
- Dwyer, K, Mulligan, H. (2017). The experiences of individuals with a spinal cord injury following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. International Journal of Therapy & Rehabilitation, 2017, 24(8):256-64.
- Dwyer, K, Mulligan, H. (2015). Community reintegration following spinal cord injury: Insights for health professionals in community rehabilitation services in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 2015, 43(3): 75-85.
- Perniskie E., Ward N., Dalrymple-Alford J., Alberts J., Jansari A., McLoughlin N. Comparison of a Virtual-Reality Test of Executive Function with Standard Executive Function Tests and their Ecological Validity.
- Graham F, Sinnott K, Snell D, Martin R, Freeman C. (2013). A more "normal" life: Residents', family, staff, and managers' experience of active support at a residential facility for people with physical and intellectual impairments. J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2013, 38(3):256-64.