Optimising physical and mental performance
Research with life-changing outcomes
Advances in medicine have enabled people to experience a longer life expectancy. However, factors such as inactivity and sedentary behaviour have resulted in a decline in quality of life. Poor lifestyle can lead to heart disease, stroke and diabetes, with mental health also declining as a result.
What is UWA doing about this global issue?
- A better understanding of our physical and mental health is essential to longevity and improving quality of life, especially as we age. Investigating the links between mental and physical health can help drive change in communities and policy, and lead to happier, healthier lives for all.
- UWA researchers are leading the way in identifying how our thoughts, movement and lifestyle habits influence our life quality and expectancy. Their work is initiating positive change and driving new understanding of our physical and mental wellbeing by influencing policy makers in business and government.
- Researchers in the ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders work with international counterparts to advance theories on human cognition, such as dyslexia, autism and dementia. Their research contributes to policy and practice, with the outcome to improve health, wellbeing and quality of life.
- At the Elizabeth Rutherford Memorial Centre for the Advancement of Research on Emotion (CARE), we’re gaining a better understanding of emotion and developing techniques to improve the wellbeing of the population.
- The Centre for the Study of Social Change brings together researchers from multiple disciplines to collaborate on research into social change. Their research addresses emerging issues and links academia with business and government to drive change and improvements in public policymaking.
- Research projects conducted through the Health Promotion and Evaluation Unit (HPEU) aim to influence health promotion policy and practice. Researchers are investigating a range of issues such as healthy eating, physical activity and mental wellbeing to better inform and promote positive lifestyles in the community.
23rd in the world for Anatomy and Physiology (QS 2020)
20th in the world for Sports-Related Subjects (QS 2020)
Ranked first in Western Australia for Psychology (QS 2020)
Projects
Find a selection of current projects in this research theme here:
Our facilities
News
Morning exercise improves brain health in older, overweight adults
An international research team led by The University of Western Australia and The Baker Institute in Melbourne has found a morning bout of exercise reduces the detrimental impact on the pattern of brain blood flow of prolonged sitting in older adults who are overweight or obese.
Read moreUWA researchers investigate elite athlete tests
In the world of elite sport, cognitive performance is considered as important as physical performance.
Read moreTwo thirds of children do not do enough physical activity
The largest global study to examine physical activity in children aged between two and five years old has found 66 per cent of children are not getting the nationally recommended three hours of daily physical activity needed for their growth and development.
Read more
