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
2018
Journal Article
Potential utility of self-report measures of affect to optimise exercise adherence in people with type 2 diabetes
Cox, Emily, Keating, Shelley E., Coombes, Jeff S. and Burton, Nicola W. (2018). Potential utility of self-report measures of affect to optimise exercise adherence in people with type 2 diabetes. Current Diabetes Reviews, 15 (4), 302-308. doi: 10.2174/1573399814666180816165351
2018
Journal Article
Rationale and protocol for a randomized controlled trial comparing fast versus slow weight loss in postmenopausal women with obesity-the TEMPO diet trial
Seimon, Radhika V., Gibson, Alice A., Harper, Claudia, Keating, Shelley E., Johnson, Nathan A., da Luz, Felipe Q., Fernando, Hamish A., Skilton, Michael R., Markovic, Tania P., Caterson, Ian D., Hay, Phillipa, Byrne, Nuala M. and Sainsbury, Amanda (2018). Rationale and protocol for a randomized controlled trial comparing fast versus slow weight loss in postmenopausal women with obesity-the TEMPO diet trial. Healthcare, 6 (3) 85, 85. doi: 10.3390/healthcare6030085
2018
Journal Article
Longitudinal changes in body composition assessed using DXA and surface anthropometry show good agreement in elite Rugby Union athletes
Zemski, Adam J., Keating, Shelley E., Broad, Elizabeth M. and Slater, Gary J. (2018). Longitudinal changes in body composition assessed using DXA and surface anthropometry show good agreement in elite Rugby Union athletes. International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism, 29 (1), 1-25. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0019
2018
Journal Article
Less Waste on Waist Measurements: Determination of Optimal Waist Circumference Measurement Site to Predict Visceral Adipose Tissue in Postmenopausal Women with Obesity
Seimon, Radhika V., Wild-Taylor, Anthony L., Gibson, Alice A., Harper, Claudia, McClintock, Sally, Fernando, Hamish A., Hsu, Michelle S. H., Luz, Felipe Q. da, Keating, Shelley E., Johnson, Nathan A., Grieve, Stuart M., Markovic, Tania P., Caterson, Ian D., Byrne, Nuala M. and Sainsbury, Amanda (2018). Less Waste on Waist Measurements: Determination of Optimal Waist Circumference Measurement Site to Predict Visceral Adipose Tissue in Postmenopausal Women with Obesity. Nutrients, 10 (2) 239, 1-10. doi: 10.3390/nu10020239
2018
Journal Article
The Chronic Effect of Interval Training on Energy Intake: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Taylor, Jenna, Keating, Shelley E., Holland, David J., Coombes, Jeff S. and Leveritt, Michael D. (2018). The Chronic Effect of Interval Training on Energy Intake: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Obesity, 2018 6903208, 1-13. doi: 10.1155/2018/6903208
2018
Conference Publication
Is a telehealth-to-home group lifestyle intervention a feasible and safe option for specialist liver clinics?
Hickman, I., Keating, S., Hannigan, A., Elvin-Walsh, L., Barnett, A., Salisbury, C., Jarrett, M., Fawcett, J., Croci, I., Campbell, K., Coombes, J. and Macdonald, G. (2018). Is a telehealth-to-home group lifestyle intervention a feasible and safe option for specialist liver clinics?. International Liver Congress, Paris, France, 11-15 April 2018. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/S0168-8278(18)30998-X
2018
Conference Publication
Feasibility, safety, adherence and efficacy of high-intensity interval training cardiac rehabilitation programs for patients with coronary heart disease
Taylor, J., Holland, D., Keating, S., Leveritt, M. and Coombes, J. (2018). Feasibility, safety, adherence and efficacy of high-intensity interval training cardiac rehabilitation programs for patients with coronary heart disease. 66th Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting, the International Society for Heart Research Australasian Section Annual Scientific Meeting and the 12th Annual Australia and New Zealand Endovascular Therapies Meeting, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 2-5 August 2018. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2018.06.854
2018
Conference Publication
Effect of high-intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure in patients with coronary artery disease
Taylor, J., Holland, D., Keating, S., Bailey, T., Leveritt, M. and Coombes, J. (2018). Effect of high-intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness and blood pressure in patients with coronary artery disease. 66th Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting, the International Society for Heart Research Australasian Section Annual Scientific Meeting and the 12th Annual Australia and New Zealand Endovascular Therapies Meeting, Brisbane, Australia, 2–5 August 2018. Chatswood, NSW, Australia: Elsevier Australia. doi: 10.1016/j.hlc.2018.06.010
2017
Journal Article
Study protocol for the FITR Heart Study: feasibility, safety, adherence, and efficacy of high intensity interval training in a hospital-initiated rehabilitation program for coronary heart disease
Taylor, Jenna, Keating, Shelley E., Leveritt, Michael D., Holland, David J., Gomersall, Sjaan R. and Coombes, Jeff S (2017). Study protocol for the FITR Heart Study: feasibility, safety, adherence, and efficacy of high intensity interval training in a hospital-initiated rehabilitation program for coronary heart disease. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 8, 181-191. doi: 10.1016/j.conctc.2017.10.002
2017
Journal Article
Effect of high-intensity interval training on fitness, fat mass and cardiometabolic biomarkers in children with obesity: a randomised controlled trial
Dias, Katrin A., Ingul, Charlotte B., Tjønna, Arnt E., Keating, Shelley E., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Follestad, Turid, Hosseini, Mansoureh S., Hollekim-Strand, Siri M., Ro, Torstein B., Haram, Margrete, Huuse, Else Marie, Davies, Peter S. W., Cain, Peter A., Leong, Gary M. and Coombes, Jeff S. (2017). Effect of high-intensity interval training on fitness, fat mass and cardiometabolic biomarkers in children with obesity: a randomised controlled trial. Sports Medicine, 48 (3), 1-14. doi: 10.1007/s40279-017-0777-0
2017
Journal Article
Low-volume high-intensity interval training is sufficient to ameliorate the severity of metabolic syndrome
Ramos, Joyce S., Dalleck, Lance C., Borrani, Fabio, Beetham, Kassia S., Wallen, Matthew P., Mallard, Alistair R., Clark, Bronwyn, Gomersall, Sjaan, Keating, Shelley E., Fassett, Robert G. and Coombes, Jeff S. (2017). Low-volume high-intensity interval training is sufficient to ameliorate the severity of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, 15 (7), 319-328. doi: 10.1089/met.2017.0042
2017
Journal Article
Impact of beta‐blockers on cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients with advanced liver disease
Wallen, M. P., Hall, A., Dias, K. A., Ramos, J. S., Keating, S. E., Woodward, A. J., Skinner, T. L., Macdonald, G. A., Arena, R. and Coombes, J. S. (2017). Impact of beta‐blockers on cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients with advanced liver disease. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 46 (8), 1-7. doi: 10.1111/apt.14265
2017
Journal Article
A systematic review and meta-analysis of interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training on body adiposity
Keating, S. E., Johnson, N. A., Mielke, G. I. and Coombes, J. S. (2017). A systematic review and meta-analysis of interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training on body adiposity. Obesity Reviews, 18 (8), 943-964. doi: 10.1111/obr.12536
2017
Journal Article
High-intensity interval training and cardiac autonomic control in individuals with metabolic syndrome: A randomised trial
Ramos, Joyce S., Dalleck, Lance C., Borrani, Fabio, Beetham, Kassia S., Mielke, Gregore Iven, Dias, Katrin A., Wallen, Matthew P., Keating, Shelley E., Fassett, Robert G. and Coombes, Jeff S. (2017). High-intensity interval training and cardiac autonomic control in individuals with metabolic syndrome: A randomised trial. International Journal of Cardiology, 245, 245-252. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.07.063
2017
Journal Article
Effect of resistance training on liver fat and visceral adiposity in adults with obesity: a randomized controlled trial
Keating, Shelley E., Hackett, Daniel A., Parker, Helen M., Way, Kimberley L., O'Connor, Helen T., Sainsbury, Amanda, Baker, Michael K., Chuter, Vivienne H., Caterson, Ian D., George, Jacob and Johnson, Nathan A. (2017). Effect of resistance training on liver fat and visceral adiposity in adults with obesity: a randomized controlled trial. Hepatology Research, 47 (7), 622-631. doi: 10.1111/hepr.12781
2017
Conference Publication
Effect of Differential Exercise Intensities on Interleukin-22 in Metabolic Syndrome
Ramos, Joyce S., Dalleck, Lance C., Mielke, Gregore I., Keating, Shelley E., McGuckin, Michael, Murray, Lydia S., Hasnain, Sumaira, Fassett, Robert G. and Coombes, Jeff S. (2017). Effect of Differential Exercise Intensities on Interleukin-22 in Metabolic Syndrome. Annual Meeting of the American-College-of-Sports-Medicine (ACSM), Denver Co, May 30-Jun 03, 2017. PHILADELPHIA: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. doi: 10.1249/01.mss.0000519264.21081.61
2017
Journal Article
Exercise and ectopic fat in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Sabag, A., Way, K. L., Keating, S. E., Sultana, R. N., O'Connor, H. T., Baker, M. K., Chuter, V. H., George, J. and Johnson, N. A. (2017). Exercise and ectopic fat in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes and Metabolism, 43 (3), 195-210. doi: 10.1016/j.diabet.2016.12.006
2017
Conference Publication
Effect of exercise intensity on positive affect in patients with type 2 diabetes
Cox, E., Coombes, J., Keating, S., Burton, N. and Gajanand, T. (2017). Effect of exercise intensity on positive affect in patients with type 2 diabetes. 2017 ASICS Sports Medicine Australia Conference, Langkawi, Malaysia, 25th - 28th October, 2017. Chatswood, NSW, Australia: Elsevier Australia. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.09.326
2017
Conference Publication
Arterial stiffness and central blood pressures after 8 weeks of supervised exercise training in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomised controlled trial
Gajanand, T., Ramos, J., Ramos, M., Keating, S., Brown, W., Hordern, M., Fassett, R. and Coombes, J. (2017). Arterial stiffness and central blood pressures after 8 weeks of supervised exercise training in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomised controlled trial. 2017 ASICS Sports Medicine Australia Conference, The Westin Langkawi, Malaysia, 25 - 28 October 2017. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.09.325
2016
Journal Article
Exercise in NAFLD: just do it
Keating, Shelley E. and Adams, Leon A. (2016). Exercise in NAFLD: just do it. Journal of Hepatology, 65 (4), 671-673. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.06.022
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
Effects of Exercise in Paediatric Congenital Heart Disease
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 in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment
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: Professor Robert Fassett, Dr Riley Brown, 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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