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
2021
Journal Article
Telehealth-delivered, cardioprotective diet and exercise program for liver transplant recipients: a randomized feasibility study
Hickman, Ingrid J., Hannigan, Amy K., Johnston, Heidi E., Elvin-Walsh, Louise, Mayr, Hannah L., Staudacher, Heidi M., Barnett, Amandine, Stoney, Rachel, Salisbury, Chloe, Jarrett, Maree, Reeves, Marina M., Coombes, Jeff S., Campbell, Katrina L., Keating, Shelley E. and Macdonald, Graeme A. (2021). Telehealth-delivered, cardioprotective diet and exercise program for liver transplant recipients: a randomized feasibility study. Transplantation Direct, 7 (3) e667, e667. doi: 10.1097/TXD.0000000000001118
2021
Journal Article
The effects of exercise on the bone health of people with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Rose, Grace L., Skinner, Tina L., Keating, Shelley E., Friedrich, Nina K. and Bolam, Kate A. (2021). The effects of exercise on the bone health of people with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Osteoporosis International, 33 (2), 327-338. doi: 10.1007/s00198-021-06131-x
2021
Book Chapter
Aerobic exercise
Johnson, Nathan A., Keating, Shelley E. and Coombes, Jeff S. (2021). Aerobic exercise. ESSA's Student Manual for Exercise Prescription, Delivery and Adherence. (pp. 84-104) Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-7295-4270-8.00013-0
2020
Journal Article
The inter‐ and intrarater reliability and feasibility of dietetic assessment of sarcopenia and frailty in potential liver transplant recipients: A mixed‐methods study
Johnston, Heidi E., de Crom, Tosca, Hargrave, Cathy, Adhyaru, Pooja, Woodward, Aidan J., Pang, Siong, Ali, Azmat, Coombes, Jeff S., Keating, Shelley E., McLean, Kate, Mayr, Hannah L., Macdonald, Graeme A. and Hickman, Ingrid J. (2020). The inter‐ and intrarater reliability and feasibility of dietetic assessment of sarcopenia and frailty in potential liver transplant recipients: A mixed‐methods study. Clinical Transplantation, 35 (2) e14185, 1-11. doi: 10.1111/ctr.14185
2020
Journal Article
The effect of low-volume high-intensity interval training on cardiovascular health outcomes in type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial
Way, Kimberley L., Sabag, Angelo, Sultana, Rachelle N., Baker, Michael K., Keating, Shelley E., Lanting, Sean, Gerofi, James, Chuter, Vivienne H., Caterson, Ian D., Twigg, Stephen M. and Johnson, Nathan A. (2020). The effect of low-volume high-intensity interval training on cardiovascular health outcomes in type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial. International Journal of Cardiology, 320, 148-154. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2020.06.019
2020
Journal Article
Short-term and long-term feasibility, safety, and efficacy of high-intensity interval training in cardiac rehabilitation: the FITR heart study randomized clinical trial
Taylor, Jenna L., Holland, David J., Keating, Shelley E., Leveritt, Michael D., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Rowlands, Alex V., Bailey, Tom G. and Coombes, Jeff S. (2020). Short-term and long-term feasibility, safety, and efficacy of high-intensity interval training in cardiac rehabilitation: the FITR heart study randomized clinical trial. JAMA Cardiology, 5 (12), 1382-1389. doi: 10.1001/jamacardio.2020.3511
2020
Journal Article
The effect of a novel low-volume aerobic exercise intervention on liver fat in type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial
Sabag, Angelo, Way, Kimberley L., Sultana, Rachelle N., Keating, Shelley E., Gerofi, James A., Chuter, Vivienne H., Byrne, Nuala M., Baker, Michael K., George, Jacob, Caterson, Ian D., Twigg, Stephen M. and Johnson, Nathan A. (2020). The effect of a novel low-volume aerobic exercise intervention on liver fat in type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. Diabetes care, 43 (10), 2371-2378. doi: 10.2337/dc19-2523
2020
Journal Article
The role of exercise in patients with obesity and hypertension
Keating, Shelley E., Coombes, Jeff S., Stowasser, Michael and Bailey, Tom G. (2020). The role of exercise in patients with obesity and hypertension. Current Hypertension Reports, 22 (10) 77, 77. doi: 10.1007/s11906-020-01087-5
2020
Journal Article
Agreement and reliability of clinician-in-clinic versus patient-at-home clinical and functional assessments: implications for telehealth services
Keating, Shelley E., Barnett, Amandine, Croci, Ilaria, Hannigan, Amy, Elvin-Walsh, Louise, Coombes, Jeff S., Campbell, Katrina L., Macdonald, Graeme A. and Hickman, Ingrid J. (2020). Agreement and reliability of clinician-in-clinic versus patient-at-home clinical and functional assessments: implications for telehealth services. Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation, 2 (3) 100066, 100066. doi: 10.1016/j.arrct.2020.100066
2020
Conference Publication
Short- and long-term effects of high intensity interval training on dietary intake in cardiac rehabilitation
Taylor, Jenna L., Coombes, Jeff S., Keating, Shelley E., Holland, David J. and Leveritt, Michael D. (2020). Short- and long-term effects of high intensity interval training on dietary intake in cardiac rehabilitation. ACSM 2020 – American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA United States, 26 - 30 May 2020. Philadelphia, PA United States: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. doi: 10.1249/01.mss.0000687388.27031.5d
2020
Journal Article
Effect of Different Volumes of Interval Training and Continuous Exercise on Interleukin-22 in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Trial
Ramos, Joyce S., Dalleck, Lance C., Stennett, Rebecca C., Mielke, Gregore I., Keating, Shelley E., Murray, Lydia S., Hasnain, Sumaira Z., Fassett, Robert G., McGuckin, Michael, Croci, Ilaria and Coombes, Jeff S. (2020). Effect of Different Volumes of Interval Training and Continuous Exercise on Interleukin-22 in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Trial. Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, 13, 2443-2453. doi: 10.2147/dmso.s251567
2020
Journal Article
Comparing the efficacy of supervised and unsupervised exercise training on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review
Gajanand, Trishan, Keating, Shelley E., Brown, Wendy J., Hordern, Matthew D., Fassett, Robert G. and Coombes, Jeff S. (2020). Comparing the efficacy of supervised and unsupervised exercise training on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review. Current Diabetes Reviews, 16 (6), 570-579. doi: 10.2174/1573399815666190212120404
2020
Journal Article
Effect of high‐intensity interval training on visceral and liver fat in cardiac rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial
Taylor, Jenna L., Holland, David J., Mielke, Gregore I., Bailey, Tom G., Johnson, Nathan A., Leveritt, Michael D., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Rowlands, Alex V., Coombes, Jeff S. and Keating, Shelley E. (2020). Effect of high‐intensity interval training on visceral and liver fat in cardiac rehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial. Obesity, 28 (7) oby.22833, 1245-1253. doi: 10.1002/oby.22833
2020
Journal Article
Optimizing the interaction of exercise volume and metformin to induce a clinically significant reduction in metabolic syndrome severity: a randomised trial
Ramos, Joyce S., Dalleck, Lance C., Keith, Caitlin E., Fennell, Mackenzie, Lee, Zoe, Drummond, Claire, Keating, Shelley E., Fassett, Robert G. and Coombes, Jeff S. (2020). Optimizing the interaction of exercise volume and metformin to induce a clinically significant reduction in metabolic syndrome severity: a randomised trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (10) 3695, 3695. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17103695
2020
Journal Article
Computerised tomography skeletal muscle and adipose surface area values in a healthy Caucasian population
Woodward, Aidan J., Avery, Allan, Keating, Shelley E., Ward, Leigh C., Coombes, Jeff S. and Macdonald, Graeme A. (2020). Computerised tomography skeletal muscle and adipose surface area values in a healthy Caucasian population. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 74 (9), 1276-1281. doi: 10.1038/s41430-020-0628-1
2020
Journal Article
Liver transplant recipients’ experiences and perspectives of a telehealth-delivered lifestyle programme: a qualitative study
Barnett, Amandine, Campbell, Katrina L, Mayr, Hannah L, Keating, Shelley E, Macdonald, Graeme A and Hickman, Ingrid J (2020). Liver transplant recipients’ experiences and perspectives of a telehealth-delivered lifestyle programme: a qualitative study. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 27 (9), 1357633X19900459-598. doi: 10.1177/1357633x19900459
2019
Journal Article
Accuracy of longitudinal assessment of visceral adipose tissue by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in children with obesity
Dias, Katrin A., Ramos, Joyce S., Wallen, Matthew P., Davies, Peter S. W., Cain, Peter A., Leong, Gary M., Ingul, Charlotte B., Coombes, Jeff S. and Keating, Shelley E. (2019). Accuracy of longitudinal assessment of visceral adipose tissue by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in children with obesity. Journal of Obesity, 2019 2193723, 1-12. doi: 10.1155/2019/2193723
2019
Journal Article
The effect of low-volume high-intensity interval training on body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Sultana, Rachelle N., Sabag, Angelo, Keating, Shelley E. and Johnson, Nathan A. (2019). The effect of low-volume high-intensity interval training on body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 49 (11), 1687-1721. doi: 10.1007/s40279-019-01167-w
2019
Journal Article
Effect of weight loss via severe vs moderate energy restriction on lean mass and body composition among postmenopausal women with obesity: The TEMPO Diet randomized clinical trial
Seimon, Radhika V., Wild-Taylor, Anthony L., Keating, Shelley E., McClintock, Sally, Harper, Claudia, Gibson, Alice A., Johnson, Nathan A., Fernando, Hamish A., Markovic, Tania P., Center, Jacqueline R., Franklin, Janet, Liu, Peter Y., Grieve, Stuart M., Lagopoulos, Jim, Caterson, Ian D., Byrne, Nuala M. and Sainsbury, Amanda (2019). Effect of weight loss via severe vs moderate energy restriction on lean mass and body composition among postmenopausal women with obesity: The TEMPO Diet randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open, 2 (10) e1913733, e1913733. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.13733
2019
Conference Publication
Physical activity/exercise and pregnancy – updating knowledge and understanding challenges for guideline development
Brown, W., Mielke, G., Mena, G., Lamerton, T., Keating, S. and Haakstad, L. (2019). Physical activity/exercise and pregnancy – updating knowledge and understanding challenges for guideline development. 2019 ASICS SMA Conference, Noosa, QLD, Australia, 23 – 26 October 2019. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.052
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Shelley Keating is:
- Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on how to choose a supervisor.
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
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
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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
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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