Australian Podiatry Education and Research Foundation The Australian Podiatry Education and Research Foundation (APEERF) was established in 1990 to advance research into the causes, prevention and treatment of foot problems. With the help of generous donations from the podiatry community – podiatrists, medical suppliers and grateful patients – APERF has supported more than 25 projects in the past 15 years, the most recent of which are outlined below. Why should I contribute to APERF? Financial support for podiatry research has fallen well behind the funding available to other areas of medical research. Adequate funding ensures that researchers are able to undertake detailed, well controlled studies using the highest standard of research methodology, such as randomised controlled trials, that have credibility in the general medical community, among podiatrists and the public. If you would like to know more about the application process to receive a research grant, click here. APERF is a major source of research funding for podiatry Research reveals that the foot health needs of the community are substantial, as: Forty percent of Australians report foot problems. Sixty per cent of Australians have experienced foot pain. Systemic disease affects foot health. For example, 20% of rheumatoid arthritis cases and 35% of stress fractures occur in the feet. One in three Australians aged 65 and over suffers from a foot problem. Thirty per cent of children aged between four and six years of age suffer from ‘growing pains’. Approximately 20% of workplace compensation claims relate to injuries to the feet and toes. Diabetes related foot disease is common, is associated with increased mortality, and is a major cause of hospitalisation. In Australia, diabetes related lower limb complications cost $48 million per year. Your donation supports research projects that can address these important foot health issues, improving the health outcomes for millions of people in Australia and around the world. Application procedures for APERF funding The deadline for applications is 31 October of each year. Applicants who require further information about the research grant can click here for the document 'Guidelines for Research Grant Applicants'. For a copy of the document 'Application for Research Funds', click here. Media releases on research from APERF grants Click on the links below to view the portable document format (pdf)* of media articles published: June 1999 - Study uncovers the keys to saving diabetic feet. December 2001- Research validates podiatry tool: the Foot Posture Index. June 2002 - Study identifies factors that lead to ulceration in diabetes. September 2002 - Study finds painkillers affect bone development. December 2002 - Further foot posture index study. March 2003 - Podiatry diabetes foot assessment in the spotlight. June 2003 - Study finds that 'growing pains' make childhood a pain the leg. September 2003 - Diverse research result from APERF awards. December 2003 - New research may return function to feet. April 2004 - New research grants awarded September 2004 - Podiatrist makes international headlines March 2005 - Senior podiatrist awarded PhD June 2005 - Workplace takes a toll on feet October 2005 - Study shows orthoses offer relief for high-arched feet April 2006 - 2006 APERF research grants awarded June 2006 - Research to cut amputations wins peer review August 2006 -APERF funded research published in major medical journal October 2006 - A clear cut treatment for pes cavus February 2007 - Australian podiatry research on the world stage February 2007 - World first research to test vitamin’s curing powers February 2007 - Injections may be just the shot for curing Achilles problem February 2007 - Numbness may hold clue to poor foot care, says APERF grant winner February 2007 - George gets the measure of a mystery muscle *In order to follow these links you must have the Adobe Acrobat reader available on your computer. If you do not have a copy please follow this link to obtain a free copy Adobe Acrobat Reader. Research that keeps us on our feet is vital to our long term health. APERF fulfils a vital role in funding podiatry research that enhances clinical care and extends podiatry scope of practice. For APERF to continue to fund high quality research projects, the ongoing support of the profession is required. I would like to support APERF - click here to make a donation. (All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible.).

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