Doctor Bredge McCarren

• Qualifications
• Biography
• Research
• Selected Publications
• Teaching Interests
• Awards/Honours
• Professional Activities 

Qualifications

PhD, MAppSc(Phty), GradDipPhysio(Cardiothoracics), GradDipPhysio, GradDipEd(Secondary), BSc

Biography

Dr Bredge McCarren has been a physiotherapist in the acute care environment both nationally and internationally since 1979. Cardiopulmonary physiotherapy has been her professional interest and passion, with a special interest in physiotherapy for intubated and ventilated patients and patients who have impaired secretion clearance and shortness of breath. 

Bredge completed a post-graduate diploma in Cardiothoracic Physiotherapy in 1990. Since 1991 she has gained considerable experience educating both undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy students, developing and implementing cardiopulmonary physiotherapy curriculum.

Bredge has completed two research degrees investigating effects of two respiratory treatment interventions on patient outcome. She was awarded her PhD in 2006. More recently, she has been working in the public health system and has an up-to-date understanding of the demands and complexity patients that physiotherapists are required to treat in the current health system.

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Research

Bredge's research focus is on investigating the effects of physiotherapy interventions in patients with respiratory disorders in acute care environments, in particular interventions for assisting with secretion clearance and relieving dyspnoea.

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Selected Publications

Krieg, S., Alison, J.A., McCarren, B., & Cowell, S. (2007). Position effects the distribution of ventilation in the lungs of older people: an experimental study. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 53, 179-184.

McCarren, B., Alison, J.A., & Herbert, R.D. (2006). Manual vibration increases expiratory flow rate via increased intrapleural pressure in healthy adults: an experimental study. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 52, 267-271.

McCarren, B., & Alison, J.A. (2006). Physiological effects of vibration in subjects with cystic fibrosis. European Respiratory Journal, 27, 1204-1209.

McCarren, B., Alison, J.A., & Herbert, R.D. (2006). Vibration and its effect on the respiratory system. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy , 52, 39-43.

Zafiropoulos, B., Alison, J.A., & McCarren, B. (2004). Physiological responses to the early mobilisation of the intubated and ventilated abdominal surgery patient. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 50, 95-100.

McCarren, B., Alison, J.A., & Lansbury, G. (2003). The use of vibration in public hospitals in Australia. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 19, 87- 98.

McCarren, B. (2000). Pulmonary rehabilitation program produces small sustained increases in exercise capacity in outpatients with COPD. [commentary] Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 46, 62.

McCarren, B., & Chow, C.M. (1998). Description of manual hyperinflation in intubated patients with atelectasis. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 14, 199-210.

McCarren, B., & Chow, C.M. (1996). Manual hyperinflation: a description of a technique. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 42, 203-208.

McCarren, B. (1992). Dynamic pulmonary hyperinflation. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 38, 175-179.

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Teaching Interests

Bredge's teaching interests lie in all aspects of Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Bredge has also taught in generic physiotherapy subjects including Motor Performance and Learning, Evidence Based Practice, Clinical Observation and Measurement and Kinesiology, including experience in the supervision of research students.

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Awards/Honours

• 2010 - Sydney South West Area Health Service (SSWAHS) Camden, Campbelltown, Queen Victoria, Allied Health Award
• 2002 – 2005 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Postgraduate 'Dora Lush' Scholarship
  

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Professional Activities

• Member of The Australian Physiotherapy Association
• Member of Cardiorespiratory Group of Australian Physiotherapy Association
• Member of the Physiotherapy Area Acute Care Network Group
• Member of the Competencies and Credentialling Subcommittee of Area Physiotherapy Advisors Network Group
• A reviewer for both international and national journal papers, conference abstracts and grant applications
• Scientific Convenor of Australian Physiotherapy Association of National Cardiothoracic Conference
  

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