Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall
Associate Professor

Sjaan Gomersall

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Phone: 
+61 7 344 36146

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-Elect of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health, Co-Lead for 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

Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Exercise physiology Sports science and exercise

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of South Australia

Research interests

  • Physical activity and health

  • Measurement of physical activity and sedentary behaviour

  • Health and behaviour change in first year university students

  • Effectiveness of new generation eHealth trackers in improving physical activity behaviours

Search Professor Sjaan Gomersall’s works on UQ eSpace

133 works between 2009 and 2024
All (133) Journal Article (102) Book Chapter (3) Conference Publication (20) Other Outputs (8)

1 - 20 of 133 works

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, 1-17. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2024-0343

24-hour movement behaviors of LGBTQA+ young people: a systematic review

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

Low-volume combined aerobic and resistance high-intensity interval training in type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial

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

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

2024

Journal Article

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. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice, 18 (5), S15. doi: 10.1016/j.orcp.2024.09.035

Developing a framework to enable clinical health promotion across the healthcare system in Queensland, Australia

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. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003198

A qualitative analysis of workers perceptions on the role of management in promoting health behaviour, informed by the COM-B model

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.

Active-start-active-future: feasibility of behaviour-change intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour and promote physical activity in young children with cerebral palsy

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. doi: 10.1177/15598276241262721

Barriers and enablers to maintaining behaviour changes following a lifestyle intervention for adults with type 2 diabetes

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

Understanding the Relationship Between Attachment Orientation and Physical Activity Participation: An Exploratory Study

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, ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print), 1-8. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2375062

Perceptions and beliefs of community-based fitness professionals working with people with disability: a qualitative study

2024

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. (2024). Understanding diabetes risk in the Y Community of Greater Brisbane: findings from a cross‐sectional survey. Health Promotion Journal of Australia. doi: 10.1002/hpja.889

Understanding diabetes risk in the Y Community of Greater Brisbane: findings from a cross‐sectional survey

2024

Journal Article

Effectiveness of physical activity interventions on undergraduate students' mental health: systematic review and meta-analysis

Huang, Kevin, Beckman, Emma M., Ng, Norman, Dingle, Genevieve A., Han, Rong, James, Kari, Winkler, Elisabeth, Stylianou, Michalis and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2024). Effectiveness of physical activity interventions on undergraduate students' mental health: systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Promotion International, 39 (3) ARTN daae054. doi: 10.1093/heapro/daae054

Effectiveness of physical activity interventions on undergraduate students' mental health: systematic review and meta-analysis

2024

Journal Article

Data from four consecutive cohorts of students in Australia (2019-2022) show the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic and international university students' mental health

Dingle, Genevieve A., Han, Rong, Alhadad, Sakinah S. J., Beckman, Emma, Bentley, Sarah V., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Hides, Leanne, Maccallum, Fiona, McKimmie, Blake M., Rossa, Kalina, Smith, Simon S., Walter, Zoe C., Williams, Elyse and Wright, Olivia (2024). Data from four consecutive cohorts of students in Australia (2019-2022) show the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic and international university students' mental health. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 58 (6), 528-536. doi: 10.1177/00048674241233111

Data from four consecutive cohorts of students in Australia (2019-2022) show the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic and international university students' mental health

2024

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. (2024). 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, 1-8. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2338877

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

2024

Journal Article

To sleep or not to sleep? No effect of sleep on contextual word learning in younger adults

Schimke, Emma Adele Elizabeth, Copland, David A., Gomersall, Sjaan R. and Angwin, Anthony J. (2024). To sleep or not to sleep? No effect of sleep on contextual word learning in younger adults. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 77 (4), 789-802. doi: 10.1177/17470218231179459

To sleep or not to sleep? No effect of sleep on contextual word learning in younger adults

2024

Journal Article

Infographic. All health professionals should talk about physical activity with patients

Milton, Karen, Morris, Jade L, McLaughlin, Matthew, Cameron, Andrea, Dewhurst, Sarah, Gardner, Suzanne, Gomersall, Sjaan and Blackshaw, Jamie (2024). Infographic. All health professionals should talk about physical activity with patients. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 58 (10) bjsports-2023-107823, bjsports-2023. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107823

Infographic. All health professionals should talk about physical activity with patients

2024

Journal Article

Before-school physical activity levels and sociodemographic correlates among Australian adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Woodforde, James, Perales, Francisco, Salmon, Jo, Gomersall, Sjaan and Stylianou, Michalis (2024). Before-school physical activity levels and sociodemographic correlates among Australian adolescents: A cross-sectional study. Journal of Sports Sciences, 42 (3), 1-10. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2326353

Before-school physical activity levels and sociodemographic correlates among Australian adolescents: A cross-sectional study

2024

Journal Article

Before-school physical activity patterns among adolescents using accelerometer and GPS data

Woodforde, James, Gomersall, Sjaan, Timperio, Anna, Mavoa, Suzanne, Perales, Francisco, Salmon, Jo and Stylianou, Michalis (2024). Before-school physical activity patterns among adolescents using accelerometer and GPS data. Health and Place, 86 103222, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103222

Before-school physical activity patterns among adolescents using accelerometer and GPS data

2024

Journal Article

A qualitative exploration of multi-stakeholder perspectives of before-school physical activity

Woodforde, James, Kuswara, Konsita, Perales, Francisco, Salmon, Jo, Gomersall, Sjaan and Stylianou, Michalis (2024). A qualitative exploration of multi-stakeholder perspectives of before-school physical activity. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 21 (1) 25. doi: 10.1186/s12966-024-01572-z

A qualitative exploration of multi-stakeholder perspectives of before-school physical activity

2024

Journal Article

The physical activity advice continuum-a guide for physical activity promotion in health care

Freene, Nicole, Barrett, Stephen, Cox, Emily R., Hill, Jessica, Lay, Roger, Seymour, Jessica, Szeto, Kimberley and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2024). The physical activity advice continuum-a guide for physical activity promotion in health care. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 21 (4), 1-5. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2023-0748

The physical activity advice continuum-a guide for physical activity promotion in health care

2023

Other Outputs

Compiled dataset of “effectiveness of physical activity interventions on undergraduate university students’ mental health and wellbeing” project

Huang, Kevin, Gomersall, Sjaan, Dingle, Genevieve, Beckman, Emma and Ng, Norman (2023). Compiled dataset of “effectiveness of physical activity interventions on undergraduate university students’ mental health and wellbeing” project. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/9a49618

Compiled dataset of “effectiveness of physical activity interventions on undergraduate university students’ mental health and wellbeing” project

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    Donation to support research into the impact of physical activity on people who live with and beyond cancer
    The Y Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2024
    The effects of the Kids Heart Pilates program on children¿s motor skills, physical activity, and social-emotional and cognitive development: A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial
    Kids Heart Pilates PTY LTD
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2026
    Implementation and evaluation of a co-designed capability and capacity building training package to support autistic young people participate in grassroot sports.
    AUS Department of Social Services Information, Linkages and Capacity Building Social and Community Participation
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2025
    Feasibility testing Of telehealth-delivered eXercise Therapy for Ostomates Treated for cancer (FOXTROT)
    Wesley Research Institute Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    Implementation and scale-up of a consumer co-designed physical activity promotion program for people with moderate-to-profound disabilities
    NHMRC MRFF PPHR - Effective Treatments and Therapies
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2028
    Small Steps for Big Changes: Implementing an Evidence-Based Diabetes Prevention Program into Diverse Urban Communities
    NHMRC-Canadian Institutes of Health Research Healthy Cities Implementation Science Team Grants
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024
    Moving without fear when living with stoma: A consumer-led physical activity study
    NHMRC MRFF PPHR - Consumer Led Research
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Identifying optimal sit-stand recommendations for the workforce
    Office Ergonomics Research Committee Funding
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2020
    Healthy transition navigators: Fostering students' learning and wellbeing to promote positive post-secondary transitions into higher education learning environments
    Education Horizon
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2020
    A sustainable strategy for improving school physical activity practices (Healthway Project led by Curtin University)
    Curtin University of Technology
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Physical activity in Australian schools: An iAIM case study school
    Increasing Activity and Intelligent Minds (iAIM) Program
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Using physical activity to enhance classroom engagement and learning: Stakeholder Perspectives, Recommendations, and Dissemination of Findings from a localised project
    Education Horizon
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    Peer support: the key to exercise maintenance in cancer survivors? A pilot study (Tom Penrose Community Service Grant)
    Exercise and Sports Science Australia Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Evaluation of a community cycling program for teens: 'The Happiness Cycle'
    Bicycle Victoria Incorporated
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Healthy universities: Changes in weight, health-related behaviours and psychological well-being in first year university students
    UQ Early Career Researcher
    Open grant

Availability

Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sandy Brauer

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Exploring the relationships between physical activity, screen time and dietary diversity with nutritional outcomes among adolescent girls in the northern region of Bangladesh

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Resham Khatri, Associate Professor Asaduzzaman Khan

  • 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

  • Master Philosophy

    Enhancing Treatment Outcomes After Gynaecological Cancer (ACUMEN)

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sandie McCarthy, Dr Elise Gane

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall directly for media enquiries about:

  • activity trackers
  • physical activity
  • university student health and wellbeing

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