TOP UP aims to provide an effective and scalable way to deliver tailored, physiotherapist-prescribed exercise programs that improve mobility, reduce falls, and enhance quality of life for people receiving aged care services. The TOP UP program was co-designed in partnership with aged care providers, physiotherapists, aged care service users, and their caregivers. 

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Dr Rik Dawson and his team were awarded $275,000 to conduct the TOP UP trial ,a hybrid Type 1 implementation-effectiveness study involving 242 older adults receiving aged care across 27 sites. The trial demonstrated that telephysiotherapy significantly improved mobility (Short Physical Performance Battery +2.1), reduced fall risk (Risk Ratio 0.62), decreased pain (VAS –1.1), and improved quality of life (EQ-5D VAS +6.2), including among people with moderate dementia and those living both at home and in residential aged care. 

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In 2024, we further developed the TOP UP website using a ‘double diamond’ co-design methodology. We worked closely with 16 older adults to redesign the website, ensuring the platform was user-friendly, engaging, and responsive to their needs. The updated version also includes Fitbit integration to explore the motivational impact of step tracking. 

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Funding: $275,000 (Dementia Australia, Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia:)