Overview
Background
Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall is Associate Director and Principal Research Fellow at the Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation at School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences and a Teaching and Research academic in Physiotherapy at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The University of Queensland. Established in 2022, the Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation (HWCRI) is a collaborative, co-funded research centre by The University of Queensland and Health and Wellbeing Queensland. The HWCRI combines world class research expertise in physical activity, nutrition and health at The University of Queensland, with the reach and capacity of Health and Wellbeing Queensland to integrate, deliver and evaluate evidence-based programs that provide scalable, equitable access to improve the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders (and beyond).
Associate Professor Gomersall is an expert in physical activity, sedentary behaviour and health. Her research has focused on understanding, measuring and influencing physical activity and sedentary behaviour using a variety of methods and with a range of populations, with a focus on adults, the prevention and management of chronic disease and physical activity promotion in healthcare settings. Sjaan has a strong track record for multi-disciplinary collaborations and industry partnerships, with specific expertise in partnering with healthcare organisations to build capacity in research and physical activity behaviour change, to evaluate the impact of healthcare services and to co-design and test innovative solutions to gaps in service delivery. Dr Gomersall is a nationally and internally recognised leader in physical activity and health. She is the President of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health, Co-Lead and co-founder of the Physical Activity in Healthcare Special Interest Group for the Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity, a Consultant for Physical Activity for the World Health Organisation and an Associate Editor for the Journal of Activity, Sedentary and Sleep Behaviours.
Availability
- Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of South Australia
Research interests
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Physical activity and health
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Measurement of physical activity and sedentary behaviour
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Health and behaviour change in first year university students
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Effectiveness of new generation eHealth trackers in improving physical activity behaviours
Works
Search Professor Sjaan Gomersall’s works on UQ eSpace
2025
Journal Article
Unpacking the relationship between autism, sport participation, and adolescent health: a causal mediation analysis
O'Flaherty, Martin, Hill, Jessica, Bourke, Matthew, Fortnum, Kathryn, Thomas, George, Gomersall, Sjaan R. and Cairney, John (2025). Unpacking the relationship between autism, sport participation, and adolescent health: a causal mediation analysis. Disability and Health Journal 101832, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2025.101832
2025
Journal Article
Assessing the support needs of people with disability wanting to participate in physical activity: a scoping review
Hill, Jessica, McDormand, Emily, Watson, Rachael and Gomersall, Sjaan (2025). Assessing the support needs of people with disability wanting to participate in physical activity: a scoping review. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 1-32. doi: 10.1123/apaq.2024-0034
2025
Journal Article
Protocol for Fit4Study: A non-randomised controlled trial of a physical activity intervention for university students’ mental health and wellbeing
Huang, Kevin, Beckman, Emma M., Ng, Norman, Dingle, Genevieve A. and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2025). Protocol for Fit4Study: A non-randomised controlled trial of a physical activity intervention for university students’ mental health and wellbeing. Mental Health and Prevention, 37 200390, 200390. doi: 10.1016/j.mhp.2024.200390
2025
Journal Article
Sharper minds: feasibility and effectiveness of a mental health promotion package for university students targeting multiple health and self-care behaviours
Dingle, Genevieve A., Han, Rong, Huang, Kevin, Alhadad, Sakinah S.J., Beckman, Emma, Bentley, Sarah V., Edmed, Shannon, Gomersall, Sjaan R., Hides, Leanne, Lorimer, Nadine, Maccallum, Fiona, McKimmie, Blake M., Ng, Norman, Rossa, Kalina, Smith, Simon S., Walter, Zoe C., Williams, Elyse, Wright, Olivia R.L. and Tanksale, Radhika (2025). Sharper minds: feasibility and effectiveness of a mental health promotion package for university students targeting multiple health and self-care behaviours. Journal of Affective Disorders, 378, 271-280. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.03.011
2025
Journal Article
The impact of physical activity behavior change training for preprofessional health students—a systematic review
Lehman, Emily, Healy, Genevieve N., Forbes, Roma, Phillips, Mia, Gilbert, Casey and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2025). The impact of physical activity behavior change training for preprofessional health students—a systematic review. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 1-15. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2024-0399
2025
Journal Article
Association between 24-hour movement behaviors and adiposity in children and adolescents: A compositional data meta-analysis
Bourke, Matthew, Harrison, Zoe, Fortnum, Kathryn, Thomas, George, O'Flaherty, Martin, Mulcahy, Samantha K., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Alsop, Tahlia, Trost, Stewart G., Koplin, Jennifer J., Bruijns, Brianne A., Phillips, Sophie M., Vanderloo, Leigh M., Tucker, Patricia, Hesketh, Kylie D., Kwan, Matthew Y. W. and Cairney, John (2025). Association between 24-hour movement behaviors and adiposity in children and adolescents: A compositional data meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews, 26 (5) e13884, e13884. doi: 10.1111/obr.13884
2025
Journal Article
Perspectives of people with myasthenia gravis on physical activity and experience of physical activity advice from health professionals in the Australian context: a qualitative study
Alsop, Tahlia, Cassimatis, Marianna, Williams, Katrina L. and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2025). Perspectives of people with myasthenia gravis on physical activity and experience of physical activity advice from health professionals in the Australian context: a qualitative study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 47 (1), 156-163. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2338877
2025
Journal Article
Understanding diabetes risk in the Y Community of Greater Brisbane: findings from a cross‐sectional survey
Campbell, Lucy E., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Tsiamis, Michael, Goode, Ana D. and Healy, Genevieve N. (2025). Understanding diabetes risk in the Y Community of Greater Brisbane: findings from a cross‐sectional survey. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 36 (1) e889, e889. doi: 10.1002/hpja.889
2025
Journal Article
Development and impact of a community delivered, multi-sectoral lifestyle management service for people living with type 2 diabetes – Logan Healthy Living: protocol for a pragmatic, single-arm intervention study
Gomersall, Sjaan Rhonda, Giguere, Denis Y., Cotugno, Jacqueline, Munro, Joanna, Westbrook, Wallis J., Littlewood, Robyn, Cairney, John, Winkler, Elisabeth A. H., van der Vliet, Philip M., Goode, Ana D., Alsop, Tahlia and Healy, Genevieve Nissa (2025). Development and impact of a community delivered, multi-sectoral lifestyle management service for people living with type 2 diabetes – Logan Healthy Living: protocol for a pragmatic, single-arm intervention study. JMIR Research Protocols, 14 e69477, e69477. doi: 10.2196/69477
2024
Journal Article
A qualitative analysis of workers perceptions on the role of management in promoting health behaviour, informed by the COM-B model
Gradidge, Philippe Jean-Luc, Alsop, Tahlia, Palmeira, António, Gordon, Neil and Gomersall, Sjaan (2024). A qualitative analysis of workers perceptions on the role of management in promoting health behaviour, informed by the COM-B model. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 66 (11), 919-923. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003198
2024
Journal Article
Dietary Health Communication and Conversation Analysis: A Scoping Review
Meyer, Heidi M., Ekberg, Katie, Healy, Genevieve N., Stockbridge, Germaine and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2024). Dietary Health Communication and Conversation Analysis: A Scoping Review. Health Communication. doi: 10.1080/10410236.2024.2414154
2024
Journal Article
24-hour movement behaviors of LGBTQA+ young people: a systematic review
Fortnum, Kathryn, Gomersall, Sjaan R., Ross, Megan H., Woodforde, James, Thomas, George, Wen, Yu-Shu, Perales, Francisco and Stylianou, Michalis (2024). 24-hour movement behaviors of LGBTQA+ young people: a systematic review. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 21 (12), 1-17. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2024-0343
2024
Conference Publication
Development of a support needs assessment tool for people with disability wanting to participate in sport and exercise
Hill, J., Fleming, J., Beckman, E., Tweedy, S., Trost, S., Dutia, I., Clanchy, K. and Gomersall, S. (2024). Development of a support needs assessment tool for people with disability wanting to participate in sport and exercise. 2024 SMA & ACSEP Conference, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 16-19 October 2024. Chatswood, NSW, Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.08.105
2024
Journal Article
Low-volume combined aerobic and resistance high-intensity interval training in type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial
Gajanand, Trishan, Cox, Emily R., Keating, Shelley E., Brown, Wendy J., Hordern, Matthew D., Burton, Nicola W., Chachay, Veronique S., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Fassett, Robert G. and Coombes, Jeff S. (2024). Low-volume combined aerobic and resistance high-intensity interval training in type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine, 10 (4) e002046, e002046. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2024-002046
2024
Journal Article
Impact of a clinical placement on pre-professional health students perceived knowledge, skills, and confidence in the delivery of behaviour change and physical activity support
Lehman, Emily, Healy, Genevieve N., Forbes, Roma, Laroiya, Menakshi and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2024). Impact of a clinical placement on pre-professional health students perceived knowledge, skills, and confidence in the delivery of behaviour change and physical activity support. Australian Journal of Clinical Education, 13 (1), 134-169. doi: 10.53300/001c.123458
2024
Conference Publication
Developing a framework to enable clinical health promotion across the healthcare system in Queensland, Australia
Walker, Jacqueline, Doring, Alice, Cotugno, Jacqueline, Farletti, Rebecca, McKinlay, Lynne, Hardt, Jessica, Campbell, Miranda, Chai, Li Kheng, Nean, Judy, Gomersall, Sjaan, Munro, Joanna and Littlewood, Robyn (2024). Developing a framework to enable clinical health promotion across the healthcare system in Queensland, Australia. ANZOS (Australian & New Zealand Obesity Society) Conference 2024, Sydney, NSW Australia, 16-18 October 2024. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.orcp.2024.09.035
2024
Conference Publication
Active-start-active-future: feasibility of behaviour-change intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour and promote physical activity in young children with cerebral palsy
Reedman, S., Kilgour, G., Gomersall, S., Sakzewski L, Trost, S. and Boyd, R. (2024). Active-start-active-future: feasibility of behaviour-change intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour and promote physical activity in young children with cerebral palsy. Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Cairns, QLD Australia, 31 July- 3 August 2024. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
2024
Journal Article
Barriers and enablers to maintaining behaviour changes following a lifestyle intervention for adults with type 2 diabetes
Healy, Genevieve N., Goode, Ana D., Campbell, Lucy, Sikder, Amit, Giguere, Denis and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2024). Barriers and enablers to maintaining behaviour changes following a lifestyle intervention for adults with type 2 diabetes. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 15598276241262721. doi: 10.1177/15598276241262721
2024
Journal Article
Understanding the Relationship Between Attachment Orientation and Physical Activity Participation: An Exploratory Study
Hill, Jessica, Meredith, Pamela, Forrester, Grace, Shirley, Julia and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2024). Understanding the Relationship Between Attachment Orientation and Physical Activity Participation: An Exploratory Study. Journal of physical activity & health, 21 (10), 1-8. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2023-0717
2024
Journal Article
Perceptions and beliefs of community-based fitness professionals working with people with disability: a qualitative study
Hill, Jessica, Gaukroger, Kate, Gomersall, Sjaan, Tweedy, Sean, Gullo, Hannah and Beckman, Emma (2024). Perceptions and beliefs of community-based fitness professionals working with people with disability: a qualitative study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 47 (6), 1-8. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2375062
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Preventing diabetes through taking small steps for big changes
Small Steps for Big Changes is a diabetes prevention healthy lifestyle program. Developed in Canada, our team has received CIHR-NHMRC grant funding to examine the adaption and implementation of the program into an Australian context with clinical and community partners. We are currently seeking PhD candidates to be involved in this exciting project. Successful candidates will work closely with a range of stakeholders, including consumers, practitioners, industry partners and academics.
This unique opportunity would suit students with a background in allied health, health promotion, public health, health psychology, implementation science, or human movement studies. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Experience working with industry stakeholders and knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and behaviour change would be of benefit. First Nations applicants are particularly encouraged to apply.
The Australian NHMRC investigator team includes Professor Genevieve Healy, Dr Ana Goode, Dr Sjaan Gomersall and Professor David Dunstan.
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Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation - multiple opportunities available
We currently have opportunities available for multiple higher degree research (HDR) students to join the Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation (HWCRI). In 2022, UQ received foundation funding from Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQld) to co-fund the creation of the Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation (HWCRI). In partnership with HWQld, HWCRI provides clinical and research expertise in in the fields of physical activity and nutrition with a population and preventative health focus, to inform HWQld’s program design, delivery and evaluation. HWCRI conducts innovative and novel high impact transdisciplinary research in community health and wellbeing across the lifecourse, to reduce health inequities and improve the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders. The UQ HWCRI aims to translate research and evaluation findings into concepts and products for population level, state-wide implementation; and to build and sustain capacity in health promotion expertise by providing ‘real world’ training opportunities for undergraduate, post-graduate and higher degree research (HDR) students and fellows.
Successful applicants will be part of the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences which is consistently ranked in the world’s Top 5 and is highly regarded nationally and internationally for its teaching, research and community outreach programs. The 2021 QS World Rankings by subject area ranked UQ first in Australia and second in the world in sports-related subjects. They will also be supported and conduct research in partnership with Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQld) which is a Queensland Government prevention agency aimed at improving population health and reducing health inequities by reducing the burden of chronic disease across the state. The health and wellbeing of the next generation of Queensland children is a key focus for HWQld and offers a once in a life-time opportunity to change the lives of the next generation where every Queenslander can live their best life, regardless of where they live.
This opportunity would suit students with a background in allied health, health promotion, public health, health psychology, implementation science, or human movement studies. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Experience working with industry stakeholders and knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods and behaviour change would be of benefit. First Nations applicants are particularly encouraged to apply. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of this exciting new research centre and engage with industry partners and government and specific programs of research can be tailored based on the applicant’s interest and previous experience and expertise.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sandy Brauer
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Doctor Philosophy
Physical activity behaviour change training for pre-professional health students to support delivery in clinical practice
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Genevieve Healy, Dr Roma Forbes
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Doctor Philosophy
Behaviour Change for Healthy Living - Implementation and evaluation of a health professional delivered physical activity intervention in older adults in a community health service
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Genevieve Healy, Dr Roma Forbes
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Doctor Philosophy
Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sandy Brauer
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Doctor Philosophy
Fit4Study: A physical activity program to support mental well-being in university students
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Genevieve Dingle, Associate Professor Emma Beckman
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Doctor Philosophy
Behaviour Change for Healthy Living - Implementation and evaluation of a health professional delivered physical activity intervention in older adults in a community health service
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Genevieve Healy, Dr Roma Forbes
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Doctor Philosophy
Using conversation analysis to understand and quantify allied health professionals' dietary behaviour change talk with adults living with Type 2 Diabetes
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Genevieve Healy
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Doctor Philosophy
Using conversation analysis to understand and quantify allied health professionals' dietary behaviour change talk with adults living with Type 2 Diabetes
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Genevieve Healy
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Doctor Philosophy
Advancing knowledge in the measurement of movement behaviors in children with neurodevelopmental challenges
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Stewart Trost, Dr Jessica Hill
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Doctor Philosophy
Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sandy Brauer
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Doctor Philosophy
Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sandy Brauer
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Master Philosophy
Enhancing Treatment Outcomes After Gynaecological Cancer (ACUMEN)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sandie McCarthy, Dr Elise Gane
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Doctor Philosophy
The role of sleep and physical activity in pain
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Hodges, Dr David Klyne
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Doctor Philosophy
Towards improved access to and utilisation of healthcare services for type 2 diabetes among people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Resham Khatri, Associate Professor Asaduzzaman Khan
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Doctor Philosophy
Women in shift work - nutrition and menopause
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Olivia Wright
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Master Philosophy
Developing and evaluating a student-led model of the Small Steps for Big Changes diabetes prevention program
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Ana Goode, Professor Genevieve Healy
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sandy Brauer
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Health Behaviours and Educational Outcomes among Australian University Students
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Michalis Stylianou
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2022
Master Philosophy
The Effects of a Tailored Text Message Intervention in Cancer Survivors Participating in Exercise Rehabilitation
Principal Advisor
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Before-School Physical Activity: A Comprehensive Examination of Outcomes, Behaviours, Correlates and Stakeholder Perspectives
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Michalis Stylianou
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Health-related behaviours of children of immigrant parents in Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Asaduzzaman Khan
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing adherence to falls prevention exercise in older adults with a risk of falling in Singapore
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Anna Hatton, Professor Sandy Brauer
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Promoting Physical Activity for Community-Dwelling Manual Wheelchair Users with Spinal Cord Injury
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Stewart Trost, Professor Sean Tweedy
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Morning versus Evening Exercise: Efficacy on Cardiometabolic Health and Associated Outcomes
Associate Advisor
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Physiological and psychological effects of an exercise program on children with chronic pulmonary disease
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sean Tweedy, Professor Stewart Trost
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall directly for media enquiries about:
- activity trackers
- physical activity
- university student health and wellbeing
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