The Physical Activity Continuum In Relation To Cardiometabolic Disease Prevention And Mental Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$687,975.00
Summary
Although incidental physical activity and sleep occupy the large majority of people’s time, we know very little about their joint importance for a healthy heart and a healthy mind. This program of research will examine how physical activity of any intensity and sleep influence cardiovascular and mental health. This research will enable health professionals and public health authorities to develop sustainable and realistic evidence-based lifestyle programs to benefit the health of Australians.
Towards A Better Understanding Of The Health Benefits Of Physical Activity: Designing Exercise Mimetic For The Treatment Of Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$938,910.00
Summary
The health benefits of physical activity are well known but the mechanisms linking regular physical activity to chronic disease prevention are poorly understood. We have developed the concept that contracting muscles release factors that have positive effects on other organs in the body. This fellowship will allow me to develop this concept and uncover novel potential therapies that mimic the benefits of exercise.
Understanding And Addressing Socioeconomic Inequalities In Diet, Physical Activity And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$714,745.00
Summary
Obesity is one of Australia's most significant public health problems, and is particularly prevalent amongst people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage (e.g. with low education levels or low incomes). Currently the most effective means of addressing this increased risk is unknown. The proposed research will directly address this evidence gap by generating new knowledge on the causes of and effective strategies for reducing socioeconomic inequalities in diet, physical activity and obesity.
Innovative Methods For Assessing And Intervening On Children’s Sedentary Behaviour And Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$745,823.00
Summary
Very little is known about the independent health consequences of time spent sitting among children. This is in part because of the challenges of assessing these behaviours. In addition, evidence of the effectiveness of strategies to reduce children’s sitting time is lacking. This fellowship will use cutting-edge techniques to objectively assess children’s sitting time and will also examine the effectiveness of interventions to reduce sitting time and promote health.
Too Much Sitting And Too Little Exercise: Addressing Chronic Disease In Ageing Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,910.00
Summary
Better approaches to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and breast and colon cancer are needed for middle-aged and older Australians. It is well-known that their health can be improved by regular exercising, but this has so far proven to be difficult for the majority. Through researching an ‘activity spectrum’ approach involving less sitting and more-varied real-life activities, Professor Owen and his team will identify practical new ways to prevent and manage the burden of these chronic diseases.
The proposed program of research consists of (i) conducting a new trial to examine feasible and relatively low-cost physical activity promotion programs for adults with pre-diabetes; (ii) completing a series of existing major-funded studies relating to health promotion and education programs to promote physical activity; and (iii) I will serve as the Director for the University of Newcastle’s recently-funded Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition.
Building Urban Planning And Health Evidence To Inform Policy And Practice That Creates Healthy, Liveable And Equitable Communities Designed To Prevent Non-communicable Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$851,980.00
Summary
City planning directly and indirectly affects the health of residents. For example, ‘affordable’ housing on the urban fringe typically has poor access to public transport, shops and services. This increases motor vehicle dependency and time spent driving which increases levels of physical inactivity, sedentariness, obesity, social isolation and air pollution. This research focuses on how to build communities that promote health and wellbeing in residents.
Technology is changing the lives of Australians. We need to understand the impact on health to gain the benefits with minimal harm. This fellowship will support a program of internationally leading research drawing together ergonomics, physiotherapy and physical activity expertise. Example projects include the impact of electronic games on children’s activity, walking workstations to increase physical activity of office workers and a family-based program for overweight adolescents.
Exploring The Impact Of The Built Environment On Health And Health Behaviour Outcomes And The Translation Of Evidence Into Policy And Practice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$841,575.00
Summary
Globally there is growing concern about the health, social, environmental, and economic impacts of rising levels of inactivity and obesity, coupled with projected population growth, climate change, declining oil supplies and rising fuel prices. Creating pedestrian-, cycling- and transit-friendly environments and encouraging alternative forms of transport is a priority. Working with policy-makers, this research aims to influence urban planning policy to create healthy, sustainable communities.
The Population-health Science Of Sedentary Behaviour: An Integrated Approach To Understanding Environments, Prolonged Sitting And Adverse Health Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,009,478.00
Summary
Australians are ‘sitters’ -- at home, at work and in the car. Most do not do exercise, nor participate in sports. This leads to weight gain and risk of disease: notably type 2 diabetes, heart disease, breast and colon cancer. Professor Owen will identify why prolonged sitting can be so unhealthy; how our neighbourhoods, homes, work and cars make us sit too much; why some people are more susceptible to ‘couch potato’ lifestyles; and, the associated social and environmental impacts