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
2019
Conference Publication
Exercise and cancer-related cognitive impairment: A study protocol
Keating, Eliza, Gomersall, Sjaan, Lynem, Phillip, Tsiamis, Michael and Skinner, Tina (2019). Exercise and cancer-related cognitive impairment: A study protocol. COSA's 46th Annual Scientific Meeting, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 12–14 November 2019. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing. doi: 10.1111/ajco.13263
2018
Other Outputs
Muscular fitness: it's time for a jump start! The 2018 Active Healthy Kids Australia report card on physical activity for children and young people
Schranz, Natasha, Olds, Tim, Evans, John, Gomersall,Sjaan, Hardy, Louise, Hesketh, Kylie, Lubans, David, Stylianou, Michalis, Tomkinson, Grant, Vella, Stewart and Ziviani, Jenny (2018). Muscular fitness: it's time for a jump start! The 2018 Active Healthy Kids Australia report card on physical activity for children and young people. Adelaide, SA, Australia: Active Healthy Kids Australia. doi: 10.25954/5b862301479a1
2018
Journal Article
Results from Australia's 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth
Schranz, Natasha, Glennon, Vanessa, Evans, John, Gomersall, Sjaan, Hardy, Louise, Hesketh, Kylie D., Lubans, David, Ridgers, Nicola D., Straker, Leon, Stylianou, Michalis, Tomkinson, Grant R., Vella, Stewart, Ziviani, Jenny and Olds, Tim (2018). Results from Australia's 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 15 (S2), S315-S317. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2018-0418
2018
Journal Article
Effects of exercise training on physical and psychosocial health in children with chronic respiratory disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Joschtel, Barbara, Gomersall, Sjaan R, Tweedy, Sean, Petsky, Helen, Chang, Anne B and Trost, Stewart G (2018). Effects of exercise training on physical and psychosocial health in children with chronic respiratory disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine, 4 (1) e000409, e000409. doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2018-000409
2018
Conference Publication
The effect of morning vs evening exercise on the temporal distribution of energy and macronutrient intakes, appetite and food preferences: implications for weight management
Brooker, P. G., King, N. A., Gomersall, S. R. and Leveritt, M. D. (2018). The effect of morning vs evening exercise on the temporal distribution of energy and macronutrient intakes, appetite and food preferences: implications for weight management. Nutrition Society Summer Meeting, Leeds, United Kingdom, 10-12 July 2018. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. doi: 10.1017/S0029665118001660
2018
Conference Publication
Effects of a therapeutic exercise program in children with non-cf bronchiectasis: a randomised controlled trial
Joschtel, Barbara E., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Tweedy, Sean, Petsky, Helen L., Chang, Anne B. and Trost, Stewart G. (2018). Effects of a therapeutic exercise program in children with non-cf bronchiectasis: a randomised controlled trial. Annual Meeting of the American-College-of-Sports-Medicine (ACSM), Minneapolis, MN, United States, 31 May 2018. Philadelphia, PA, United States: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
2018
Conference Publication
Effectiveness of a text message intervention to improve whole-of-day activity in cancer survivors participating in clinical exercise rehabilitation: a randomised controlled trial
Gomersall, Sjaan, Skinner, Tina, Winkler, Elisabeth, Healy, Genevieve, Eakin, Elizabeth and Fjeldsoe, Brianna (2018). Effectiveness of a text message intervention to improve whole-of-day activity in cancer survivors participating in clinical exercise rehabilitation: a randomised controlled trial. 7th International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress, London, England, 15-17 October 2018. Champaign, IL, United States: Human Kinetics.
2018
Book Chapter
Physical activity and physical inactivity in the aetiology of obesity
Gomersall, Sjaan R. and Brown, Wendy J. (2018). Physical activity and physical inactivity in the aetiology of obesity. Advanced nutrition and dietetics in obesity. (pp. 126-131) edited by Catherine Hankey and Kevin Whelan. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley and Sons. doi: 10.1002/9781118857991
2018
Conference Publication
Automated detection of wheelchair propulsion using a single wrist accelerometer
Ahmadi, Matthew N., Karinharju, Kati, Gomersall, Sjaan, Clancy, Kelly, Tweedy, Sean and Trost, Stewart G. (2018). Automated detection of wheelchair propulsion using a single wrist accelerometer. Annual Meeting of the American-College-of-Sports-Medicine (ACSM), Minneapolis, MN, United States, 31 May 2018. Philadelphia, PA, United States: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
2017
Journal Article
Study protocol for the FITR Heart Study: feasibility, safety, adherence, and efficacy of high intensity interval training in a hospital-initiated rehabilitation program for coronary heart disease
Taylor, Jenna, Keating, Shelley E., Leveritt, Michael D., Holland, David J., Gomersall, Sjaan R. and Coombes, Jeff S (2017). Study protocol for the FITR Heart Study: feasibility, safety, adherence, and efficacy of high intensity interval training in a hospital-initiated rehabilitation program for coronary heart disease. Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 8, 181-191. doi: 10.1016/j.conctc.2017.10.002
2017
Journal Article
Effect of high-intensity interval training on fitness, fat mass and cardiometabolic biomarkers in children with obesity: a randomised controlled trial
Dias, Katrin A., Ingul, Charlotte B., Tjønna, Arnt E., Keating, Shelley E., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Follestad, Turid, Hosseini, Mansoureh S., Hollekim-Strand, Siri M., Ro, Torstein B., Haram, Margrete, Huuse, Else Marie, Davies, Peter S. W., Cain, Peter A., Leong, Gary M. and Coombes, Jeff S. (2017). Effect of high-intensity interval training on fitness, fat mass and cardiometabolic biomarkers in children with obesity: a randomised controlled trial. Sports Medicine, 48 (3), 1-14. doi: 10.1007/s40279-017-0777-0
2017
Journal Article
Low-volume high-intensity interval training is sufficient to ameliorate the severity of metabolic syndrome
Ramos, Joyce S., Dalleck, Lance C., Borrani, Fabio, Beetham, Kassia S., Wallen, Matthew P., Mallard, Alistair R., Clark, Bronwyn, Gomersall, Sjaan, Keating, Shelley E., Fassett, Robert G. and Coombes, Jeff S. (2017). Low-volume high-intensity interval training is sufficient to ameliorate the severity of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, 15 (7), 319-328. doi: 10.1089/met.2017.0042
2017
Journal Article
NAFLD in clinical practice: can simple blood and anthropometric markers be used to detect change in liver fat measured by 1H-MRS?
Keating, Shelley E., Parker, Helen M., Hickman, Ingrid J., Gomersall, Sjann R., Wallen, Matthew P., Coombes, Jeff S., Macdonald, Graeme A., George, Jacob and Johnson, Nathan A. (2017). NAFLD in clinical practice: can simple blood and anthropometric markers be used to detect change in liver fat measured by 1H-MRS?. Liver International, 37 (12), 1907-1915. doi: 10.1111/liv.13488
2017
Journal Article
The impact of an m-Health financial incentives program on the physical activity and diet of Australian truck drivers
Gilson, Nicholas D., Pavey, Toby G., Wright, Olivia R. L., Vandelanotte, Corneel, Duncan, Mitch J., Gomersall, Sjaan, Trost, Stewart G. and Brown, Wendy J. (2017). The impact of an m-Health financial incentives program on the physical activity and diet of Australian truck drivers. BMC Public Health, 17 (1) 467, 467. doi: 10.1186/s12889-017-4380-y
2017
Conference Publication
Self-paced aerobic exercise performed in the morning versus the evening: Is there a difference in exercise intensity?
Brooker, P., Gomersall, S., King, N. and Leveritt, M. (2017). Self-paced aerobic exercise performed in the morning versus the evening: Is there a difference in exercise intensity?. 2017 ASICS Sports Medicine Australia Conference,, Langkawi, Malaysia, 25th - 28th October 2017. Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2017.09.327
2017
Conference Publication
Exercise oncology: more than just sets and reps
Skinner, Tina L., Fjeldsoe, Brianna S., Healy, Genevieve N., Winkler, Elizabeth A., Eakin, Elizabeth G. and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2017). Exercise oncology: more than just sets and reps. COSA's 44th Annual Scientific Meeting, Immunotherapy: Molecules and Mountains, International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW, 13–15 November 2017. Oxford, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
2016
Journal Article
Maintaining a healthy BMI: data from a 16-year study of young Australian women
Brown, Wendy J., Kabir, Enamul, Clark, Bronwyn K. and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2016). Maintaining a healthy BMI: data from a 16-year study of young Australian women. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 51 (6), e165-e178. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2016.09.007
2016
Other Outputs
Physical literacy: do our kids have all the tools? the 2016 Active Healthy Kids Australia report card on physical activity for children and young people
Tomkinson. Grant, Schranz, Natasha, Olds, Tim, Boyd, Roslyn, Evans, John, Gomersall, Sjaan, Hardy, Louise, Hesketh, Kylie, Lubans, David, Ridgers, Nicky, Straker, Leon, Vella, Stewart and Ziviani, Jenny (2016). Physical literacy: do our kids have all the tools? the 2016 Active Healthy Kids Australia report card on physical activity for children and young people. Adelaide, South Australia: Active Healthy Kids Australia. doi: 10.4226/78/57AAD6BD49165
2016
Journal Article
Results from Australia's 2016 report card on physical activity for children and youth
Schranz, Natasha K., Olds, Timothy, Boyd, Roslyn, Evans, John, Gomersall, Sjaan R., Hardy, Louise, Hesketh, Kylie, Lubans, David R., Ridgers, Nicola D., Straker, Leon, Vella, Stewart, Ziviani, Jenny and Tomkinson, Grant R. (2016). Results from Australia's 2016 report card on physical activity for children and youth. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 13 (11), S87-S94. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2016-0345
2016
Journal Article
Estimating physical activity and sedentary behavior in a free-living context: a pragmatic comparison of consumer-based activity trackers and ActiGraph accelerometry
Gomersall, Sjaan R., Ng, Norman, Burton, Nicola W., Pavey, Toby G., Gilson, Nicholas D. and Brown, Wendy J. (2016). Estimating physical activity and sedentary behavior in a free-living context: a pragmatic comparison of consumer-based activity trackers and ActiGraph accelerometry. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 18 (9) e239, e239.1-e239.12. doi: 10.2196/jmir.5531
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
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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