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
2022
Other Outputs
Reboot! Reimagining Physically Active Lives: 2022 Australian Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Young People
Hesketh, Kylie, Lubans, David, Cleland, Verity, Gomersall, Sjaan, Olds, Tim, Reece, Lindsey, Ridgers, Nicola, Straker, Leon, Stylianou, Michalis, Tomkinson, Grant and Booth, Verity (2022). Reboot! Reimagining Physically Active Lives: 2022 Australian Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Young People. Adelaide, SA, Australia: Active Healthy Kids Australia. doi: 10.21153/ahka2022
2022
Journal Article
School physical activity policies and associations with physical activity practices and behaviours: a systematic review of the literature
Stylianou, Michalis, Woodforde, James, Duncombe, Stephanie, Kolbe-Alexander, Tracy and Gomersall, Sjaan (2022). School physical activity policies and associations with physical activity practices and behaviours: a systematic review of the literature. Health and Place, 73 102705, 102705. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2021.102705
2022
Journal Article
Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study
Alsop, Tahlia, Williams, Katrina and Gomersall, Sjaan (2022). Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people with myasthenia gravis: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases, 9 (1), 137-146. doi: 10.3233/jnd-210722
2021
Other Outputs
Sharper Minds 2021 Pilot Report
Dingle, G.A., Hodges, J., Hides, L., McKimmie, B., Gomersall, S., Beckman, E., Birch, S., Smith, S., Zurynski, Y., Maccallum, F., Bentley, S., Wright, O., Walter, Z. and Alhadad, S. (2021). Sharper Minds 2021 Pilot Report.
2021
Journal Article
Effects of school-based before-school physical activity programmes on children's physical activity levels, health and learning-related outcomes: a systematic review
Woodforde, James, Alsop, Tahlia, Salmon, Jo, Gomersall, Sjaan and Stylianou, Michalis (2021). Effects of school-based before-school physical activity programmes on children's physical activity levels, health and learning-related outcomes: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 56 (13), bjsports-2021. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-104470
2021
Conference Publication
Before-school physical activity programs and youth physical activity, health and learning-related outcomes: a systematic review
Woodforde, J., Alspo, T., Salmon, J., Gomersall, S. and Stylianou, M. (2021). Before-school physical activity programs and youth physical activity, health and learning-related outcomes: a systematic review. 2021 SMA e-Conference, Online, 6 - 9 October 2021. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2021.09.187
2021
Conference Publication
Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep in LGBTQIA+ populations: a systematic review
Gomersall, S., Ross, M., Derouet, N., Perales, F. and Stylianou, M. (2021). Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep in LGBTQIA+ populations: a systematic review. 2021 SMA e-Conference, Online, 8-9 October 2021. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2021.09.188
2021
Journal Article
Physiotherapy student clinical placements in Australian private practice: patient‐reported outcomes with supervised student care
Chia, Ruo Xin, Gomersall, Sjaan R., Fooken, Jonas, Birch, Stephen, Dinsdale, Alana, Dunwoodie, Ruth and Forbes, Roma (2021). Physiotherapy student clinical placements in Australian private practice: patient‐reported outcomes with supervised student care. Physiotherapy Research International, 27 (1) e1929, 1-9. doi: 10.1002/pri.1929
2021
Journal Article
How do music activities affect health and well-being? A scoping review of studies examining psychosocial mechanisms
Dingle, Genevieve A., Sharman, Leah S., Bauer, Zoe, Beckman, Emma, Broughton, Mary, Bunzli, Emma, Davidson, Robert, Draper, Grace, Fairley, Sheranne, Farrell, Callyn, Flynn, Libby Maree, Gomersall, Sjaan, Hong, Mengxun, Larwood, Joel, Lee, Chiying, Lee, Jennifer, Nitschinsk, Lewis, Peluso, Natalie, Reedman, Sarah Elizabeth, Vidas, Dianna, Walter, Zoe C. and Wright, Olivia Renee Louise (2021). How do music activities affect health and well-being? A scoping review of studies examining psychosocial mechanisms. Frontiers in Psychology, 12 713818, 713818. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.713818
2021
Journal Article
Fundamental movement skill proficiency and objectively measured physical activity in children with bronchiectasis: a cross-sectional study
Joschtel, Barbara, Gomersall, Sjaan R., Tweedy, Sean, Petsky, Helen, Chang, Anne B. and Trost, Stewart G. (2021). Fundamental movement skill proficiency and objectively measured physical activity in children with bronchiectasis: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pulmonary Medicine, 21 (1) 269, 269. doi: 10.1186/s12890-021-01637-w
2021
Journal Article
Does the time-of-day of exercise influence the total volume of exercise? A cross-sectional analysis of objectively monitored physical activity among active individuals
Brooker, Paige G., Jung, Mary E., Kelly-Bowers, Dominic, Morlotti, Veronica, Gomersall, Sjaan R., King, Neil A. and Leveritt, Michael D. (2021). Does the time-of-day of exercise influence the total volume of exercise? A cross-sectional analysis of objectively monitored physical activity among active individuals. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 18 (9), 1029-1036. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2020-0802
2021
Journal Article
Physiotherapists’ experiences and views of older peoples’ exercise adherence with respect to falls prevention in Singapore: a qualitative study
Teng, Bernadine, Rosbergen, Ingrid C. M., Gomersall, Sjaan, Hatton, Anna and Brauer, Sandra G. (2021). Physiotherapists’ experiences and views of older peoples’ exercise adherence with respect to falls prevention in Singapore: a qualitative study. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44 (19), 1-9. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1938705
2021
Journal Article
Effectiveness of interventions to maintain physical activity behavior (device-measured): systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Madigan, Claire D., Fong, Mackenzie, Howick, Jeremy, Kettle, Victoria, Rouse, Peter, Hamilton, Louisa, Roberts, Nia, Gomersall, Sjaan R. and Daley, Amanda J. (2021). Effectiveness of interventions to maintain physical activity behavior (device-measured): systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Obesity Reviews, 22 (10) e13304, 1-9. doi: 10.1111/obr.13304
2021
Journal Article
Eight investments that work for physical activity
Milton, Karen, Cavill, Nick, Chalkley, Anna, Foster, Charlie, Gomersall, Sjaan, Hagstromer, Maria, Kelly, Paul, Kolbe-Alexander, Tracy, Mair, Jacqueline, McLaughlin, Matthew, Nobles, James, Reece, Lindsey, Shilton, Trevor, Smith, Ben J and Schipperijn, Jasper (2021). Eight investments that work for physical activity. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 18 (6), 1-6. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2021-0112
2021
Journal Article
Validity of two wheelchair-mounted devices for estimating wheelchair speed and distance traveled
Karinharju, Kati S., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Clanchy, Kelly M., Trost, Stewart G., Yeo, Li T. and Tweedy, Sean M. (2021). Validity of two wheelchair-mounted devices for estimating wheelchair speed and distance traveled. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 38 (3), 1-17. doi: 10.1123/apaq.2020-0122
2021
Book Chapter
Population measurement of physical activity among children aged under ten years
Hardy, Louise L. and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2021). Population measurement of physical activity among children aged under ten years. Physical activity and sport during the first ten years of life. (pp. 16-27) edited by Richard Bailey, Jennifer P. Agans, Jean Côté, Andy Daly-Smith and Phillip D. Tomporowski. Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9780429352645-4
2021
Journal Article
High intensity interval training does not result in short- or long-term dietary compensation in cardiac rehabilitation: results from the FITR heart study
Taylor, Jenna L., Keating, Shelley E., Holland, David J., Finlayson, Graham, King, Neil A., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Rowlands, Alex V., Coombes, Jeff S. and Leveritt, Michael D. (2021). High intensity interval training does not result in short- or long-term dietary compensation in cardiac rehabilitation: results from the FITR heart study. Appetite, 158 105021, 105021. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2020.105021
2021
Journal Article
Physical activity, sedentary behavior and educational outcomes in university students: a systematic review
Babaeer, Lena, Stylianou, Michalis, Leveritt, Michael and Gomersall, Sjaan (2021). Physical activity, sedentary behavior and educational outcomes in university students: a systematic review. Journal of American College Health, 70 (7), 1-26. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1846047
2020
Other Outputs
Fundamental Movement Skill Proficiency and Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Children with Bronchiectasis: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Joschtel, Barbara, Gomersall, Sjaan, Tweedy, Sean, Petsky, Helen, Chang, Anne and Trost, Stewart (2020). Fundamental Movement Skill Proficiency and Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Children with Bronchiectasis: A Cross-Sectional Study.. doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-133720/v1
2020
Other Outputs
Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour In People With Myasthenia Gravis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Alsop, Tahlia, Williams, Katrina and Gomersall, Sjaan (2020). Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour In People With Myasthenia Gravis: A Cross-Sectional Study. doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-113875/v1
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall is:
- Available for supervision
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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
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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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
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
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Master Philosophy
Enhancing Treatment Outcomes After Gynaecological Cancer (ACUMEN)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Sandie McCarthy, Dr Elise Gane
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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