Research
Exercise and health
Pioneering research to improve lives through exercise
Regular exercise and physical activity are effective strategies for healthy ageing and chronic disease prevention. Researchers in the School of Human Sciences are discovering how exercise can prolong lifespan and quality, and prevent individuals developing common and debilitating chronic diseases.
Our research is internationally renowned, with direct translation into new and better approaches to the prevention of chronic diseases, along with the management of patients with existing disease.
Our staff have:
- collaborated in establishing 11 Sports Science Schools in Australian universities
- collectively hold seven Member of the Order of Australia (AM), Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) or Centenary medals for services to sport science
- collaborated in establishing the peak professional body, Exercise and Sports Science in Australia (ESSA), which accredits exercise physiologist/s as allied health professionals
- pioneered accredited exercise physiologist/s as an allied health profession in Western Australia
- been responsible for the establishment of clinical exercise physiology in WA hospitals and private practice
Key research areas
We conduct research across two broad research areas.
- Lifespan physical activity and health
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Our research focuses on modifying behaviours that lead to a healthier lifestyle. Paediatric exercise science is an emerging specialty in this theme, with applied research and community outreach programs complementing best-practice physical activity interventions among adults of all ages. Additional areas of research emphasis include health promotion, exercise psychology, school-based physical activity, exercise during pregnancy, and exercise among older adults.
Research strengths
- Clinical exercise physiology
- Exercise benefits for older adults
- Exercise during pregnancy
- Exercise psychology
- Health promotion
- Paediatric exercise science
- School-based physical activity
Key staff contacts
- Prevention and management of chronic diseases
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Premature death has been associated with conditions such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia and various cancers, but 80 per cent of these can be prevented through regular exercise. Our research investigates how appropriate exercise can play an important role in preventing and managing chronic conditions.
Research strengths
- Bone and joint
- Cardiovascular
- Clinical exercise physiology
- Metabolic
- Neuromuscular
Key staff contacts
- Professor Tim Ackland
- Dr Rebecca Braham
- Associate Professor Kay Cox
- Dr Jay Ebert
- Professor Paul Fournier
- Dr Bonnie Furzer
- Winthrop Professor Daniel John Green
- Dr Kym Guelfi
- Dr Melissa Licari
- Dr Louise Naylor
- Dr Siobhan Reid
- Associate Professor Michael Rosenberg
- Dr Kurt Smith
- Associate Professor Karen Wallman
A tailored prescription in exercise
Related courses
Groups
Research partners
We work collaboratively with health organisations to understand how exercise and physical activity can contribute to addressing disease. Our research partners include:
PhD research projects
News
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