Enhancing sustainable energy saving behaviour through communication: a longitudinal study. This study will identify factors likely to have the most impact on household energy saving behaviour and will also identify the relative strength of different media when undertaking public education campaigns. The research will help alleviate overall energy use and make better use of public marketing communications budgets.
Sustainable environmental management in Australian small firms. Small firms are the ‘backbone’ of the Australian economy but they can also have a significant negative impact on the environment. Helping them to increase their energy efficiency through an innovative intervention program will make a positive contribution to Australia’s environmental performance.
A Behavioural Intervention For The Adoption & Maintenance Of Physical Activity In Type 2 Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$334,955.00
Summary
For people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) it is essential that blood glucose levels are managed well to reduce the risk of developing complications. Physical activity is essential for maintaining glucose levels because it helps make the muscles use glucose more effectively. In particular, being active through strength training not only improves blood glucose levels, but can be very effective for maintaining good physical functioning, which is known to be reduced by having T2DM. This study builds on ....For people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) it is essential that blood glucose levels are managed well to reduce the risk of developing complications. Physical activity is essential for maintaining glucose levels because it helps make the muscles use glucose more effectively. In particular, being active through strength training not only improves blood glucose levels, but can be very effective for maintaining good physical functioning, which is known to be reduced by having T2DM. This study builds on our earlier research which demonstrated significantly improved blood glucose levels from a strength training program for older adults with T2DM. The strength training program is to be administered nationally in a research to practice trial (Lift for Life); however, the original research found that those who did not complete the program as it was intended (ie, poor adherence) did not show significant improvements in blood glucose levels. Furthermore, maintenance of strength training exercises after completion of the program was poor and resulted in return of blood glucose levels back to pre-starting levels. In people without diabetes, we have collected pilot data that shows that the use of behavioural strategies based on behavioural theories whereby each person's motivations and barriers are taken into consideration is more effective than the traditional one-treatment-fits-all approach. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of using behavioural strategies for improving adherence and maintenance to the Lift for Life strength training program (Enhanced L4L) for older adults with T2DM compared with the Standard L4L program. It will also follow-up participants 6 months later to determine the extent to which the changes in behaviour can be maintained. The study will provide information that will assist in the design, delivery and uptake of programs to improve treatment strategies in older adults with T2DM through the maintenance of healthier behaviours and lifestyles.Read moreRead less
Using co-teaching and co-generative dialogue to improve teacher-student interactions and students' awareness of their place in the environment. The study addresses the political, social agenda of Australia. The findings of the co-teaching/co-generative dialogue research in science environmental education will encourage teachers to implement desirable changes in their teaching, benefiting community through application of research results to education systems, and increasing understanding of effec ....Using co-teaching and co-generative dialogue to improve teacher-student interactions and students' awareness of their place in the environment. The study addresses the political, social agenda of Australia. The findings of the co-teaching/co-generative dialogue research in science environmental education will encourage teachers to implement desirable changes in their teaching, benefiting community through application of research results to education systems, and increasing understanding of effective teaching. Priority research funding is being afforded to several areas of natural science research; there is an imperative that environmental science education in schools progresses commensurately. The long-term ability of universities to conduct their natural science research will be dependent on foundational improvements in environmental science education in schools.Read moreRead less