Sitting, Standing And Moving: Evaluating The Impact Of Health Enhancing Initiatives
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$314,644.00
Summary
Too much sitting is now identified as a significant health risk, prompting the development of policies and programs directed at reducing the amount of time adults spend sitting. However, evaluation of the effectiveness of these programs has been hampered by the relatively limited methods used to quantify changes in these behaviours. This fellowship aims to develop a set of best-practice measures for use across a variety of public health settings to evaluate changes in sitting and active time.
Is Sedentary Behaviour (too Much Sitting) A Distinct Risk For Cardiovascular Disease?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$342,666.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are significant and prevalent public health problems. Physical activity can decrease the risk for these conditions. However, reducing prolonged sitting may also be important. This research will add crucial new evidence on the role of sitting time in type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and will help with future decisions about whether reducing prolonged sitting at home and at work should be taken as seriously as promoting exercise for good health.
The Role Of The Neighbourhood Built Environment On Physical Activity And Sedentary Behaviour Among Youth And Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,564.00
Summary
Modifying the built environment by improving parks is potentially a sustainable way to increase population level physical activity. This research aims to examine how features of parks may increase usage, provide greater opportunities for physical activity, and decrease sedentary behaviours among families primarily living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. This research will provide evidence for policy makers and will assist planners to design parks that promote use and activity within parks.
Increasing Physical Activity And Reducing Sedentary Time In Children Using A Family-based Smartphone Intervention
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
Low activity levels and too much sedentary time are major health risk factors in Australian children leading to childhood obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Parents play an important role in shaping children’s health behaviours. Therefore, interventions to improve children’s physical activity and sedentary behaviours should involve parents. A family-based smartphone program to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary time in children will be developed and evaluated in a RCT.
Moving More And Sitting Less: Evidence To Inform The Prevention And Management Of Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is now a global and national health priority. Exercise is a key cornerstone in the prevention and management of T2D. However, regular exercise and physical activity participation has so far proven to be difficult for many to achieve. Through researching an integrated ‘activity-spectrum’ approach involving less sitting and more-varied real-life activities, Dr. Dempsey will identify novel and practical ways to help to prevent and manage T2D.
The aim of my research is to investigate the role that physical activity and sedentary behaviour (too much sitting) play in the development of cancer. My research will increase our understanding of how physical activity and sedentary behaviour influence cancer, and may lead to new strategies for cancer prevention.
Investigating Preschool Children's Physical Activity And Sedentary Behaviours To Identify Opportunities For Supporting Healthy Behaviours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,449.00
Summary
Helping young children be physically active and limit screen time is vital. This fellowship will investigate physical activity and screen time during the preschool years (ages 2-5) with a particular focus on the influence those behaviours have on children's social and emotional wellbeing. The fellowship will culminate with the development of a novel, online intervention to support healthy behaviours.
Exploring The Potential For Built Environment Intervention To Improve Adult And Child Physical Activity And Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$309,428.00
Summary
Health-promoting behaviours - such as physical activity - that are maintained from childhood to adulthood have a positive effect on health status. My research will examine aspects of the built environment associated with child behaviour, health and development and use these findings to formulate recommendations to key stakeholders for the design of user-friendly, active-living environments for children and interventions targeting adults.
Risky Business: Improving Understanding Of Young People’s Risky Alcohol Consumption, Drug Use And Sexual Behaviour.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,564.00
Summary
Increasing numbers of young Australians engage in high-risk alcohol and drug use and sexual behaviour, and experience preventable health outcomes such as injuries, violence and sexually transmitted infections. Despite growing concern, we lack understanding about why young adults take risks, which groups are most at risk, and how different drugs, contexts and settings contribute. Using unique datasets and novel analytical strategies I will generate new knowledge to inform public health responses.