Physical activity: funded research
VicHealth invests in a range of research projects to improve our understanding of what influences people to be physically active.
For further information, see research fellows.
Current research
Associate Professor David Dunstan is developing a clearer picture of the influence of physical inactivity and television viewing on type 2 diabetes and obesity in older adults.
Research Fellow Bruce Hollingsworth is analysing the economic factors that influence an individual’s physical and mental health. The research will improve outcomes for people most at risk of suffering inequalities in health.
Physical inactivity amongst children in Victoria.
Mr Ross Kennedy and Department of Tourism, Sport and the Commonwealth Games, SRV
AC Nielsen Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey.
Professor Tony Morris and Victoria University of Technology
ARC Linkage Grant - the adoption and maintenance of physical activity for sedentary females in young adulthood.
Dr Anna Timperio and Deakin University
Dr Anna Timperio is examining the influence of individual, social and environmental factors on eating, physical activity and risk of obesity between childhood and adolescence, and between adolescence and young adulthood. These life transition periods are times of increased risk of obesity through changing eating and physical activity habits.
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Recently completed research
Professor Tony Roberts and Victoria University
Community participation in sport and recreation – a development initiative.
Dr Kevin Rowley and The University of Melbourne
Dr Rowley is evaluating the effectiveness of programs run by Aboriginal communities that aim to improve opportunities for better diet and exercise.
Dr Jo Salmon and Deakin University
VicHealth research fellow Dr Jo Salmon and her colleagues from the Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Deakin University undertook the Children’s Leisure Activities Study (CLASS), one of the first studies in the world to objectively measure the relationship between the built, social and policy environment and physical activity in families. Dr Salmon is extending this research to young families living in low socio-economic areas, and consists of an environmental intervention in collaboration with Parks Victoria.
Dr Anne Kavanagh and The University of Melbourne
Environmental and individual determinants of physical activity and dietary behaviour. Further informtaion about the Victorian Lifestyle Neighbourhood Environment Study go to: http://www.kcwhs.unimelb.edu.au/research/programs/viclanes
Ms Kerrie Lante and RMIT
Ms Lante is developing an instrument to measure physical activity behaviours of adults with an intellectual disability.
Dr Colin Bell and Deakin University
Dr Colin Bell’s research will contribute to our understanding of environmental causes of obesity and measure the impact of innovative approaches to prevention.
Ms Clare Hume and Deakin University
Ms Clare Hume is exploring the influence of the environment on children’s physical activity.
Professor Warren Payne and The University of Ballarat
Health Through Sport Evaluation Phase 2.