Overview
Background
Associate Professor Shelley Keating is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and an Associate Professor in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland. With a strong grounding in exercise metabolism and body composition, Shelley leads a program of research aimed at changing the way we prioritise, access and deliver lifestyle intervention for people with obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and type 2 diabetes. A/Prof Keating holds qualifications in clinical exercise physiology BExSciRehab (Hon-1); MExSpSci (Clinical Exercise Science); PhD (Exercise Physiology) and over 18 years’ experience as an AEP developing, delivering, and disseminating exercise interventions in adults with obesity and related chronic diseases. Shelley leads a multidisciplinary research program advancing the integration of exercise into standard cardiometabolic care pathways. She has led and contributed to national and international exercise guidelines for MASLD, and her work features in international clinical guidelines for both MASLD and type 2 diabetes management. Her program is co-designed with clinicians, health services, and people living with MASLD to develop sustainable, meaningful exercise solutions that can be embedded into routine care.
Availability
- Associate Professor Shelley Keating is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours), University of Wollongong
- Masters (Coursework), University of Sydney
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Sydney
Research interests
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Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Investigating the role of exercise and lifestyle therapy in the prevention, progression, and management of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This work focuses on improving awareness, uptake, and long-term adherence to physical activity, with an emphasis on cardiometabolic health, behaviour change, and real-world implementation. The program integrates clinical trials and co-designed research with lived-experience stakeholders to develop scalable, person-centred interventions that optimise health outcomes.
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Exercise Physiology
Examining how exercise dose (frequency, intensity, time, and type) can be optimised to maximise health benefits within the 'Exercise is Medicine' framework. This work focuses on sustainable, individualised exercise approaches that support long-term adherence across diverse clinical populations, particularly those with chronic and cardiometabolic conditions. The program integrates clinical and applied research to inform evidence-based exercise prescription and implementation in real-world settings.
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Body Composition Assessment
Investigating the assessment of visceral and ectopic fat and the impact of exercise on body composition in people with metabolic-related chronic disease. This work focuses on advanced measurement techniques, including imaging and field-based methods, to better characterise fat distribution and its relationship with cardiometabolic risk. The program aims to inform pragmatic outcome assessment in clinical practice.
Research impacts
Associate Professor Keating has an established international research profile. Her research has led to the development of safe and feasible exercise programs that generate significant improvement in the cardiometabolic health of individuals with MASLD and related chronic disease. Her research has led to a paradigm shift in how exercise is prioritised in MASLD management and has been adopted into exercise prescription recommendations in >18 international guidelines for MASLD management across 13 countries.
Associate Professor Keating’s research highlights low awareness, uptake, and long-term adherence to exercise for the management of MASLD. Her program incorporates lived-experience expertise, and she is committed to partnering with individuals with MASLD to co-design research that supports sustained engagement in exercise and improved health outcomes across related chronic conditions.
Works
Search Professor Shelley Keating’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Conference Publication
A meta-ethnographic review of experiences and perceptions of physical activity and exercise in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Keating, Shelley, Dreyer, Carla, Hallsworth, Kate, Stine, Jonathan and Hickman, Ingrid (2024). A meta-ethnographic review of experiences and perceptions of physical activity and exercise in people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. EASL Congress 2024, Milan, Italy, 5-8 June 2024. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/s0168-8278(24)01829-4
2024
Journal Article
Effect of low-volume combined aerobic and resistance high-intensity interval training on vascular health in people with type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial
Cox, Emily R., Gajanand, Trishan, Keating, Shelley E., Hordern, Matthew D., Burton, Nicola W., Green, Daniel J., Ramos, Joyce S., Ramos, Maximiano V., Fassett, Robert G., Cox, Stephen V., Coombes, Jeff S. and Bailey, Tom G. (2024). Effect of low-volume combined aerobic and resistance high-intensity interval training on vascular health in people with type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 124 (9), 2819-2833. doi: 10.1007/s00421-024-05473-8
2024
Conference Publication
Effectiveness Of Exercise Via Telehealth For Chronic Disease: Updated Systematic Review And Meta-analysis Of Exercise Interventions Delivered Via Videoconferencing
Brown, Riley, Coombes, Jeff, Rodriguez, Klaus Jungbluth, Hickman, Ingrid and Keating, Shelley (2024). Effectiveness Of Exercise Via Telehealth For Chronic Disease: Updated Systematic Review And Meta-analysis Of Exercise Interventions Delivered Via Videoconferencing. Research to Practice 2024, Sydney, NSW Australia, 2-4 May 2024. Indianapolis, IN United States of America: Clinical Exercise Physiology Association. doi: 10.31189/2165-7629-13-s2.403
2024
Conference Publication
Legacy effect of exercise training trials on cognition in older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis
Naomi, Ferstera, Brown, Riley, Chong, Jamie, Owen, Patrick, Mundell, Niamh, Keating, Shelley and Coombes, Jeff (2024). Legacy effect of exercise training trials on cognition in older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. Research to Practice 2024, Sydney, NSW Australia, 2-4 May 2024. Indianapolis, IN United States of America: Clinical Exercise Physiology Association. doi: 10.31189/2165-7629-13-s2.450
2024
Journal Article
Shenling Baizhu San ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice by modulating gut microbiota and metabolites
Chen, Dongliang, Wang, Yuanfei, Yang, Jianmei, Ou, Wanyi, Lin, Guiru, Zeng, Ze, Lu, Xiaomin, Chen, Zumin, Zou, Lili, Tian, Yaling, Wu, Aiping, Keating, Shelley E., Yang, Qinhe, Lin, Chenli and Liang, Yinji (2024). Shenling Baizhu San ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice by modulating gut microbiota and metabolites. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 15 1343755, 1-13. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1343755
2024
Journal Article
Opportunities for the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Dick, Sarah, Wheeler, Kai and Keating, Shelley E. (2024). Opportunities for the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 48 (2) 100138, 1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100138
2024
Journal Article
Exercise care by general practitioners: Providing sustainable solutions for patients living with chronic disease
Ball, Lauren, Keating, Shelley E., Brown, Riley C. C. and Sullivan, Victoria (2024). Exercise care by general practitioners: Providing sustainable solutions for patients living with chronic disease. Australian Journal of General Practice, 53 (3), 99-107. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-05-23-6846
2024
Journal Article
A global action agenda for turning the tide on fatty liver disease
Lazarus, Jeffrey V., Mark, Henry E., Allen, Alina M., Arab, Juan Pablo, Carrieri, Patrizia, Noureddin, Mazen, Alazawi, William, Alkhouri, Naim, Alqahtani, Saleh A., Anstee, Quentin M., Arrese, Marco, Bataller, Ramon, Berg, Thomas, Brennan, Paul N., Burra, Patrizia, Castro-Narro, Graciela E., Cortez-Pinto, Helena, Cusi, Kenneth, Dedes, Nikos, Duseja, Ajay, Francque, Sven M., Gastaldelli, Amalia, Hagström, Hannes, Huang, Terry T.-K., Wajcman, Dana Ivancovsky, Kautz, Achim, Kopka, Christopher J., Krag, Aleksander, Newsome, Philip N. ... on behalf of the Healthy Livers, Healthy Lives Collaborators (2024). A global action agenda for turning the tide on fatty liver disease. Hepatology, 79 (2), 502-523. doi: 10.1097/HEP.0000000000000545
2023
Journal Article
Utilizing technology for diet and exercise change in complex chronic conditions across diverse environments (U-DECIDE): feasibility randomised controlled trial (pre-print)
Brown, Riley C., Keating, Shelley E., Jegatheesan, Dev K., Mayr, Hannah L., Barnett, Amandine, Conley, Marguerite M., Webb, Lindsey, Kelly, Jaimon T., Snoswell, Centaine L., Staudacher, Heidi, Macdonald, Graeme A., Burton, Nicola W., Coombes, Jeff S., Campbell, Katrina L., Isbel, Nicole M. and Hickman, Ingrid J. (2023). Utilizing technology for diet and exercise change in complex chronic conditions across diverse environments (U-DECIDE): feasibility randomised controlled trial (pre-print). Research Square, 24. doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3689169/v1
2023
Conference Publication
Participants’ lived experience and acceptability of a suite of imposed and self-selected digital health services to assist with diet and exercise behaviour change in complex chronic conditions: Mixed methods study
Barnett, Amandine, De Camargo Catapan, Soraia, Jegatheesan, Dev, Conley, Marguerite, Keating, Shelley, Mayr, Hannah, Webb, Lindsey, Brown, Riley, Coombes, Jeff, Macdonald, Graeme, Isbel, Nicole, Burton, Nicola, Campbell, Katrina, Hickman, Ingrid and Kelly, Jaimon (2023). Participants’ lived experience and acceptability of a suite of imposed and self-selected digital health services to assist with diet and exercise behaviour change in complex chronic conditions: Mixed methods study. 23rd Conference on Successes and Failures in Telehealth, Adelaide, SA Australia, 27 - 29 November 2023. Brisbane, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland.
2023
Conference Publication
Goal attainment scale as an outcome measure in a randomized controlled trial of lifestyle interventions : FR-PO818
Jegatheesan, Dev K., Perez, William F. Pinzon, Brown, Riley, Burton, Nicola W., Webb, Lindsey, Barnett, Amandine, Conley, Marguerite M., Mayr, Hannah L., Keating, Shelley, Kelly, Jaimon T., Macdonald, Graeme A., Coombes, Jeff S., Hickman, Ingrid J. and Isbel, Nicole (2023). Goal attainment scale as an outcome measure in a randomized controlled trial of lifestyle interventions : FR-PO818. Kidney Week 2023, Philadelphia, PA, United States, 1 - 5 November 2023. Washington, DC, United States: American Society of Nephrology. doi: 10.1681/asn.20233411s1631b
2023
Journal Article
Exercise in the management of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in adults: a position statement from Exercise and Sport Science Australia
Keating, Shelley E., Sabag, Angelo, Hallsworth, Kate, Hickman, Ingrid J., Macdonald, Graeme A., Stine, Jonathan G., George, Jacob and Johnson, Nathan A. (2023). Exercise in the management of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in adults: a position statement from Exercise and Sport Science Australia. Sports Medicine, 53 (12), 2347-2371. doi: 10.1007/s40279-023-01918-w
2023
Journal Article
Physical activity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a roundtable statement from the American College of Sports Medicine
Stine, Jonathan G., Long, Michelle T., Corey, Kathleen E., Sallis, Robert E., Allen, Alina M., Armstrong, Matthew J., Conroy, David E., Cuthbertson, Daniel J., Duarte-Rojo, Andres, Hallsworth, Kate, Hickman, Ingrid J., Kappus, Matthew R., Keating, Shelley E., Pugh, Christopher J. A., Rotman, Yaron, Simon, Tracey L., Vilar-Gomez, Eduardo, Wong, Vincent Wai-Sun and Schmitz, Kathryn H. (2023). Physical activity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a roundtable statement from the American College of Sports Medicine. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 55 (9), 1717-1726. doi: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003199
2023
Journal Article
The effect of exercise on quality of life in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Sabag, Angelo, Chang, Courtney R., Francois, Monique E., Keating, Shelley E., Coombes, Jeff, Johnson, Nathan A., Pastor-Valero, Maria and Rey-Lopez, Juan Pablo (2023). The effect of exercise on quality of life in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 55 (8), 1353-1365. doi: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003172
2023
Journal Article
A global research priority agenda to advance public health responses to fatty liver disease
Lazarus, Jeffrey V., Mark, Henry E., Allen, Alina M., Arab, Juan Pablo, Carrieri, Patrizia, Noureddin, Mazen, Alazawi, William, Alkhouri, Naim, Alqahtani, Saleh A., Arrese, Marco, Bataller, Ramon, Berg, Thomas, Brennan, Paul N., Burra, Patrizia, Castro-Narro, Graciela E., Cortez-Pinto, Helena, Cusi, Kenneth, Dedes, Nikos, Duseja, Ajay, Francque, Sven M., Hagström, Hannes, Huang, Terry T.-K., Wajcman, Dana Ivancovsky, Kautz, Achim, Kopka, Christopher J., Krag, Aleksander, Miller, Veronica, Newsome, Philip N., Rinella, Mary E. ... Zheng, Ming-Hua (2023). A global research priority agenda to advance public health responses to fatty liver disease. Journal of Hepatology, 79 (3), 618-634. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.04.035
2023
Journal Article
Exercise is medicine for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: exploration of putative mechanisms
Heinle, James Westley, DiJoseph, Kara, Sabag, Angelo, Oh, Sechang, Kimball, Scot R., Keating, Shelley and Stine, Jonathan G. (2023). Exercise is medicine for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: exploration of putative mechanisms. Nutrients, 15 (11) 2452, 1-18. doi: 10.3390/nu15112452
2023
Journal Article
A mixed-methods exploration of attitudes towards pregnant Facebook fitness influencers
Hayman, Melanie, Keppel, Marian, Stanton, Robert, Thwaite, Tanya L., Alfrey, Kristie-Lee, Alley, Stephanie, Harrison, Cheryce, Keating, Shelley E., Schoeppe, Stephanie, Cannon, Summer S., Haakstad, Lene A H, Gjestvang, Christina and Williams, Susan L. (2023). A mixed-methods exploration of attitudes towards pregnant Facebook fitness influencers. BMC Public Health, 23 (1) 569, 1-13. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-15457-6
2023
Journal Article
Serum fibroblast growth factor 21 is markedly decreased following exercise training in patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Stine, Jonathan G., Welles, Jaclyn E., Keating, Shelley, Hussaini, Zeba, Soriano, Christopher, Heinle, J. Wes, Geyer, Nathaniel, Chinchilli, Vernon M., Loomba, Rohit and Kimball, Scot R. (2023). Serum fibroblast growth factor 21 is markedly decreased following exercise training in patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Nutrients, 15 (6) 1481, 1-12. doi: 10.3390/nu15061481
2023
Journal Article
Client and clinician experiences and perspectives of exercise physiology services during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study
Brown, Riley C.C., Keating, Shelley E., Owen, Patrick J., Jansons, Paul, McVicar, Jenna, Askew, Christopher D, Clanchy, Kelly M, Maddison, Ralph, Maiorana, Andrew, Robinson, Suzanne and Mundell, Niamh L (2023). Client and clinician experiences and perspectives of exercise physiology services during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25 (1) e46370, 1-11. doi: 10.2196/46370
2023
Journal Article
Sex differences in the feasibility of aerobic exercise training for improving cardiometabolic health outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes
O’Gorman, Sian Alice, Miller, Clint Thomas, Rawstorn, Jonathan Charles, Sabag, Angelo, Sultana, Rachelle Noelle, Lanting, Sean Michael, Keating, Shelley Elizabeth, Johnson, Nathan Anthony and Way, Kimberley Larisa (2023). Sex differences in the feasibility of aerobic exercise training for improving cardiometabolic health outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12 (4) 1255, 1-18. doi: 10.3390/jcm12041255
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Shelley Keating is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Development and evaluation of a digital human exercise coach
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Nicholas Gilson
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Doctor Philosophy
Structured breathing practice and exercise for stress reduction via telehealth - Feasability, mechanisms for allied health practice.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Nicholas Gilson
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Master Philosophy
Resistance training approaches for musculoskeletal health in perimenopausal women
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Michelle Smith, Dr Jenna Taylor
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Doctor Philosophy
Exercise and Anti-Obesity Medications
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Riley Brown, Professor Jeff Coombes
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Doctor Philosophy
Exercise Training in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jeff Coombes
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Doctor Philosophy
Strengthening Wellbeing: Exploring the Role of Resistance Training in Enhancing Social and Emotional Wellbeing Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Kym Rae, Dr Kai Wheeler
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Doctor Philosophy
Exercise Training and Body Composition in Children and Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jeff Coombes
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Exercise, Digital Health and Chronic Disease: Feasibility, Effectiveness and Uptake
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jeff Coombes
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
"Stepping up" exercise for type 2 diabetes: a stepped care approach to lifestyle therapy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jeff Coombes
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Comparison of Low-Volume, High-Intensity Aerobic and Resistance Interval Training with Current Exercise Recommendations on Cardiometabolic Outcomes in People with Type 2 Diabetes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Wendy Brown, Professor Jeff Coombes
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
The Physiological, Biochemical and Psychological Effects of Low-Volume Combined Aerobic and Resistance High-Intensity Interval Training in People with Type 2 Diabetes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jeff Coombes
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
The feasibility, safety, adherence, and efficacy of high intensity interval training in rehabilitation for coronary heart disease.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jeff Coombes
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Shelley Keating directly for media enquiries about:
- Exercise
- Fitness
- Health
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- Obesity
- Weight management
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