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
2023
Journal Article
Trends and determinants of organised sports participation in immigrant and Australian children: a nine-year follow-up
Ahmed, Shahnawaz, Gomersall, Sjaan and Khan, Asaduzzaman (2023). Trends and determinants of organised sports participation in immigrant and Australian children: a nine-year follow-up. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 26 (2), 125-131. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2023.01.007
2023
Journal Article
Let's get moving: the Global Status Report on Physical Activity 2022 calls for urgent action
Milton, Karen, Gomersall, Sjaan R. and Schipperijn, Jasper (2023). Let's get moving: the Global Status Report on Physical Activity 2022 calls for urgent action. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 12 (1), 5-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2022.12.006
2022
Journal Article
The efficacy of morning versus evening exercise for weight loss: a randomized controlled trial
Brooker, Paige G., Gomersall, Sjaan R., King, Neil A. and Leveritt, Michael D. (2022). The efficacy of morning versus evening exercise for weight loss: a randomized controlled trial. Obesity, 31 (1), 83-95. doi: 10.1002/oby.23605
2022
Conference Publication
Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and educational outcomes among Australian university students: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations
Babaeer, L., Stylianou, M. and Gomersall, S. (2022). Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and educational outcomes among Australian university students: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations. Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity Conference, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 28-29 November 2022.
2022
Journal Article
The effect of sleep and semantic information on associative novel word learning
Schimke, Emma A. E., Angwin, Anthony J., Gomersall, Sjaan R. and Copland, David A. (2022). The effect of sleep and semantic information on associative novel word learning. Memory, 31 (2), 234-246. doi: 10.1080/09658211.2022.2142243
2022
Journal Article
Results from the Australian 2022 report card on physical activity for children and young people
Hesketh, Kylie D., Booth, Verity, Cleland, Verity, Gomersall, Sjaan R., Olds, Tim, Reece, Lindsey, Ridgers, Nicola D., Straker, Leon, Stylianou, Michalis, Tomkinson, Grant R. and Lubans, David (2022). Results from the Australian 2022 report card on physical activity for children and young people. Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness, 21 (1), 83-87. doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2022.10.006
2022
Journal Article
How do previously inactive individuals restructure their time to ‘fit in’ morning or evening exercise: a randomized controlled trial
Brooker, Paige G., Gomersall, Sjaan R., King, Neil A., McMahon, Nicholas F. and Leveritt, Michael D. (2022). How do previously inactive individuals restructure their time to ‘fit in’ morning or evening exercise: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 46 (3), 1-11. doi: 10.1007/s10865-022-00370-x
2022
Conference Publication
Trends and determinants of organised sports participation in immigrant and Australian children: A nine-year follow-up
Ahmed, S., Gomersall, S. and Khan, A. (2022). Trends and determinants of organised sports participation in immigrant and Australian children: A nine-year follow-up. 2022 SMA Conference, Gold Coast, QLD Australia, 16-19 November 2022. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2022.09.158
2022
Conference Publication
Conceptualising, defining, and measuring before-school physical activity: a review with exploratory analysis of adolescent data
Woodforde, J., Gomersall, S., Timperio, A., Loh, V., Browning, H., Perales, F., Salmon, J. and Stylianou, M. (2022). Conceptualising, defining, and measuring before-school physical activity: a review with exploratory analysis of adolescent data. 9th International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH) Congress, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 23-26 October 2022.
2022
Journal Article
Effects of a therapeutic exercise program in children with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Joschtel, Barbara, Gomersall, Sjaan R., Tweedy, Sean, Petsky, Helen, Chang, Anne B. and Trost, Stewart G. (2022). Effects of a therapeutic exercise program in children with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 10 953429, 1-10. doi: 10.3389/fped.2022.953429
2022
Journal Article
Dietary intake and educational outcomes among Australian university students: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations
Babaeer, Lena, Stylianou, Michalis, Walker, Jacqueline L. and Gomersall, Sjaan (2022). Dietary intake and educational outcomes among Australian university students: cross-sectional and longitudinal associations. Public Health Nutrition, 25 (12) PII S1368980022001847, 3291-3305. doi: 10.1017/s1368980022001847
2022
Journal Article
Barriers to and facilitators of adherence to prescribed home exercise in older adults at risk of falling in singapore: a qualitative study
Teng, Bernadine, Rosbergen, Ingrid C. M., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Hatton, Anna and Brauer, Sandra G. (2022). Barriers to and facilitators of adherence to prescribed home exercise in older adults at risk of falling in singapore: a qualitative study. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 31 (1), 1-11. doi: 10.1123/japa.2021-0192
2022
Journal Article
Lifestyle behaviours of immigrant and Australian children: evidence from a nationally representative sample
Ahmed, Shahnawaz, Uddin, Riaz, Ziviani, Jenny, Gomersall, Sjaan and Khan, Asaduzzaman (2022). Lifestyle behaviours of immigrant and Australian children: evidence from a nationally representative sample. Sports Medicine and Health Science, 4 (2), 112-118. doi: 10.1016/j.smhs.2022.02.002
2022
Journal Article
Reimagining physical activity for children following the systemic disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia
Straker, Leon, Booth, Verity, Cleland, Verity, Gomersall, Sjaan, Lubans, David, Olds, Tim, Reece, Lindsey, Ridgers, Nicola, Stylianou, Michalis, Tomkinson, Grant and Hesketh, Kylie (2022). Reimagining physical activity for children following the systemic disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 56 (16), bjsports-2021. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-105277
2022
Journal Article
Effects of fitness and fatness on age-related arterial stiffening in people with type 2 diabetes
Cox, Emily R., Brown, Wendy J., Gajanand, Trishan, Bailey, Tom G., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Chachay, Veronique S., Burton, Nicola W., Fassett, Robert G., Cox, Stephen V., Coombes, Jeff S and Keating, Shelley E (2022). Effects of fitness and fatness on age-related arterial stiffening in people with type 2 diabetes. Clinical Obesity, 12 (3) e12519, e12519. doi: 10.1111/cob.12519
2022
Conference Publication
Reliability of the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAYfun) in ambulant children with cerebral palsy.
MacDonald, E., Reedman, S., Gomersall, S. and Sakzewski, L. (2022). Reliability of the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAYfun) in ambulant children with cerebral palsy.. Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability,, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 1-5 March 2022. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.
2022
Conference Publication
Convergent validity of the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAYfun) in ambulant children with cerebral palsy
Reedman, S., Frampton, K., Gomersall, S., Trost, S. and Sakzewski, L. (2022). Convergent validity of the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth (PLAYfun) in ambulant children with cerebral palsy. Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and the International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 1-5 March 2022. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell.
2022
Journal Article
Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and educational outcomes among Australian university students: Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations
Babaeer, Lena, Stylianou, Michalis and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2022). Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and educational outcomes among Australian university students: Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 19 (3), 1-12. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2021-0535
2022
Journal Article
Behaviour change techniques in computerized cognitive training for cognitively healthy older adults: a systematic review
Peeters, Geeske, Black, Irene L., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Fritschi, Juliette, Sweeney, Aoife, Guedes de Oliveira, Yasmin, Panizzutti, Rogerio, McEvoy, Claire T. and Lampit, Amit (2022). Behaviour change techniques in computerized cognitive training for cognitively healthy older adults: a systematic review. Neuropsychology Review, 33 (1), 1-17. doi: 10.1007/s11065-022-09537-4
2022
Book Chapter
Physical activity
Coombes, J., Trost, S. and Gomersall, S. (2022). Physical activity. ESSA’s Student Manual for Health, Exercise and Sport Assessment. (pp. 1-25) edited by Jeff Coombes and Tina Skinner. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier.
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: 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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