Health Promotion and Physical Activity

This research theme of Health Promotion and Physical Activity involves a multidisciplinary approach to studying the health and well-being impacts of physical activity, nutrition, overweight/obesity, and other lifestyle related diseases across the lifespan. A particular focus of research relates to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. The cross-disciplinary nature of the work undertaken involves researchers from the fields of psychology, physiotherapy, medicine, nursing, nutrition, exercise science, gerontology, public health, midwifery, health promotion, health science, information technology and e-health. Research in this theme acknowledges the complex interplay between physical and health and vice-versa. In addition, there is also a strong commitment to acknowledging and understanding the social environmental and economic determinants of health behaviours. 

Research in this theme is characterised by the use of randomised controlled trials, the study of measurement tools, primarily health care interventions and the use of e-health capabilities to extend the reach of health promotion and rehabilitation interventions. Research in this theme is conducted collaboratively with institutions, research centres, and community organisations across Australia and internationally, and is funded by a range of grant funding agencies in Australia and overseas. Across all these areas is a common theme of improving and promoting health and well-being at the community level. Examples of current and recent research include:  

Health Promotion

• Cognitive-behavioural approaches to improving health outcomes in unemployed people.
• Development and evaluation of a self-efficacy model of diabetes self-management among people living in disadvantaged communities.
• Health benefits of exercise in indigenous populations afflicted with type 2 diabetes.
• Indigenous Australians’ perception of health needs and participation in physical activity.
• Evaluation of the Aboriginal chronic care program in south west Sydney.
• Evaluation of Macarthur Disability Service’s Fit to Play program for young adults with intellectual disability.
• The role of physical activity programs in improving self-esteem and social skills of children with physical and intellectual disabilities
• The role of physical activity in reducing the public health burden of mental health problems: possibilities and prospects.
• Use of resistance training to improve quality of life in patients with end-stage renal disease.
• Health benefits of hatha yoga for breast cancer patients and survivors.