What is SIMBA?
Study of Indigenous Muscle & Bone Ageing (SIMBA)
SIMBA is an important medical research study investigating bone and muscle ageing among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.
We aim to understand why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people break their bones more often and fall more frequently.
Significance of SIMBA
Dangers of broken bones
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have a substantially greater fracture risk, where men are 50% and women are 26% more likely to experience a hip fracture compared with non-Indigenous Australians.
Fall-related injuries have also increased among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by 10%/year compared with 4.3%/year in non-Indigenous Australians.
This study aims to determine why falls and fracture risk are higher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
What's involved?
Health assessments
You will undergo a free comprehensive musculoskeletal health assessment at Monash Medical Centre in Clayton upon entry into the study, again after 12 months, and once again after 24 months.
The assessment combines state-of-the-art imaging techniques with functional muscle testing to generate a complete picture of your muscle and bone health. The free health assessments include:
Bone density scans
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a non-invasive scan that measures bone mineral density, which assesses bone strength and risks of fractures and osteoporosis. You can request a copy of these results to be sent to your GP.
High-res 3D scanning
This specialized imaging technique provides a detailed 3D image of your bone microarchitecture.
Muscle strength testing
Muscle strength testing involves assessing the force your muscle generates. You will undergo a hand grip strength test and perform various jumping exercises to determine your overall muscle health.
Address
Monash Medical Centre
246 Clayton Road, Clayton 3163
Phone
0492 467 012
The Bone and Muscle Research Group
Join our studies: Recruitment Registry
This research study has been reviewed & approved by Monash Health Human Research Ethics Committee: RES-19-0000374A