Proposed federal funding cuts in health research would seriously hamper current projects important to regional Australia, says one Charles Sturt University (CSU) academic. Politics lecturer Dr Troy Whitford is concerned that rural and regional people may not appreciate the importance of ensuring medical research funding is maintained in Australia, and the implications of such cuts on their health. His comments come in response to protests taking place in metropolitan areas criticising the Federal Government for proposing to cut $400 million from medical research funding. Dr Whitford has highlighted one program currently funded by the National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC) that could have real benefits for rural and regional people across the nation. “A project undertaken by Neuroscience Research Australia is working on improving rehabilitation after a person suffers a stroke. The work has led to the development of movement therapy that is based on ‘Wii’ computer hardware commonly used for active computer games and a television screen,” says Dr Whitford. “In a recent trial, 20 clients who have undergone Wii-based movement therapy after suffering a stroke have significantly improved their functional movement and so the ability to look after themselves independently. “The use of Wii therapy means clients can do rehabilitation at their own time and pace, in their own homes. Using broadband technology, this program could be accessed by stoke suffers in rural and regional areas without them having to attend rehabilitation centres in metropolitan areas.” Dr Whitford believes rural and regional people should be against funding cuts to the NHMRC and research which could have major implications for people living in all Australian communities.