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
2016
Book Chapter
Prevention of chronic conditions and cancer
McCarthy, Alexandra, Skinner, Tina, Fenech, Michael and Keating, Shelley (2016). Prevention of chronic conditions and cancer. Cancer and chronic conditions: addressing the problem of multimorbidity in cancer patients and survivors. (pp. 203-239) edited by Bogda Koczwara. Singapore: Springer . doi: 10.1007/978-981-10-1844-2_7
2016
Conference Publication
Safety, Adherence and Efficacy of a 4-Week Randomised-Controlled Trial of Exercise Training in Patients Awaiting Liver Transplantation
Wallen, M. P., Keating, S., Hall, A., Skinner, T., Woodward, A., Macdonald, G. and Coombes, J. (2016). Safety, Adherence and Efficacy of a 4-Week Randomised-Controlled Trial of Exercise Training in Patients Awaiting Liver Transplantation. EASL International Liver Congress, Barcelona, Spain, 13-17 April 2016. AMSTERDAM: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/S0168-8278(16)00981-8
2015
Journal Article
The benefits of exercise for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Keating, Shelley E., George, Jacob. and Johnson, Nathan A. (2015). The benefits of exercise for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Expert Review of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 9 (10), 1247-1250. doi: 10.1586/17474124.2015.1075392
2015
Journal Article
Efficacy of the Omega-3 Index in predicting NAFLD in overweight and obese adults: a pilot study
Parker, Helen M., O'Connor, Helen T., Keating, Shelley E., Cohn, Jeffrey S., Garg, Manohar L., Caterson, Ian D., George, Jacob and Johnson, Nathan A. (2015). Efficacy of the Omega-3 Index in predicting NAFLD in overweight and obese adults: a pilot study. British Journal of Nutrition, 114 (5), 780-787. doi: 10.1017/S0007114515002305
2012
Journal Article
Exercise and the liver: Implications for therapy in fatty liver disorders
Johnson, Nathan A., Keating, Shelley E. and George, Jacob (2012). Exercise and the liver: Implications for therapy in fatty liver disorders. Seminars in Liver Disease, 32 (1), 65-79. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1306427
2012
Journal Article
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of aerobic versus resistance exercise training on visceral fat
Ismail, I., Keating, S. E., Baker, M. K. and Johnson, N. A. (2012). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of aerobic versus resistance exercise training on visceral fat. Obesity Reviews, 13 (1), 68-91. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2011.00931.x
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
Exercise and Anti-Obesity Medications
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Riley Brown, 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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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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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 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
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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