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 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

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

148 works between 2009 and 2025
All (148) Journal Article (112) Book Chapter (3) Conference Publication (23) Other Outputs (10)

121 - 140 of 148 works

2016

Journal Article

Testing the activitystat hypothesis: a randomised controlled trial

Gomersall, S. R., Maher, C., English, C., Rowlands, A. V., Dollman, J., Norton, K. and Olds, T. (2016). Testing the activitystat hypothesis: a randomised controlled trial. BMC Public Health, 16 (1) 900, 900. doi: 10.1186/s12889-016-3568-x

Testing the activitystat hypothesis: a randomised controlled trial

2016

Journal Article

12min/week of high-intensity interval training reduces aortic reservoir pressure in individuals with metabolic syndrome: a randomized trial

Ramos, Joyce S., Dalleck, Lance C., Ramos, Maximiano V., Borrani, Fabio, Roberts, Llion, Gomersall, Sjaan, Beetham, Kassia S., Dias, Katrin A., Keating, Shelley E., Fassett, Robert G., Sharman, James E. and Coombes, Jeff S. (2016). 12min/week of high-intensity interval training reduces aortic reservoir pressure in individuals with metabolic syndrome: a randomized trial. Journal of Hypertension, 34 (10), 1977-1987. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001034

12min/week of high-intensity interval training reduces aortic reservoir pressure in individuals with metabolic syndrome: a randomized trial

2016

Journal Article

Long-term effects of physical activity level on changes in healthy Body Mass Index over 12 years in young adult women

Pavey, Toby G., Peeters, G.M.E.E. (Geeske), Gomersall, Sjaan R. and Brown, Wendy J. (2016). Long-term effects of physical activity level on changes in healthy Body Mass Index over 12 years in young adult women. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 99 (6), 735-744. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.03.008

Long-term effects of physical activity level on changes in healthy Body Mass Index over 12 years in young adult women

2016

Journal Article

Accuracy of heart rate watches: implications for weight management

Wallen, Matthew P., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Keating, Shelley E., Wisløff, Ulrik and Coombes, Jeff S. (2016). Accuracy of heart rate watches: implications for weight management. PLoS Biology, 11 (5) e0154420, e0154420. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154420

Accuracy of heart rate watches: implications for weight management

2016

Journal Article

Effects of exercise intensity and nutrition advice on myocardial function in obese children and adolescents: A multicentre randomised controlled trial study protocol

Dias, Katrin A., Coombes, Jeff S., Green, Daniel J., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Keating, Shelley E., Tjonna, Arnt Erik, Hollekim-Strand, Siri Marte, Hosseini, Mansoureh Sadat, Ro, Torstein Baade, Haram, Margrete, Huuse, Else Marie, Davies, Peter S. W., Cain, Peter A., Leong, Gary M. and Ingul, Charlotte B. (2016). Effects of exercise intensity and nutrition advice on myocardial function in obese children and adolescents: A multicentre randomised controlled trial study protocol. BMJ Open, 6 (4) 010929, 1-13. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010929

Effects of exercise intensity and nutrition advice on myocardial function in obese children and adolescents: A multicentre randomised controlled trial study protocol

2016

Journal Article

Past-day recall of sedentary time: validity of a self-reported measure of sedentary time in a university population

Clark, Bronwyn K., Pavey, Toby G., Lim, Rui F., Gomersall, Sjaan R. and Brown, Wendy J. (2016). Past-day recall of sedentary time: validity of a self-reported measure of sedentary time in a university population. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 19 (3), 237-241. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2015.02.001

Past-day recall of sedentary time: validity of a self-reported measure of sedentary time in a university population

2016

Journal Article

Chronic disease risks and use of a smartphone application during a physical activity and dietary intervention in Australian truck drivers

Gilson, Nicholas D, Pavey, Toby G., Vandelanotte, Corneel, Duncan, Mitch J., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Trost, Stewart G. and Brown, Wendy J. (2016). Chronic disease risks and use of a smartphone application during a physical activity and dietary intervention in Australian truck drivers. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 40 (1), 91-93. doi: 10.1111/1753-6405.12501

Chronic disease risks and use of a smartphone application during a physical activity and dietary intervention in Australian truck drivers

2016

Journal Article

Field evaluation of a random forest activity classifier for wrist-worn accelerometer data

Pavey, Toby G., Gilson, Nicholas D., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Clark, Bronwyn and Trost, Stewart G. (2016). Field evaluation of a random forest activity classifier for wrist-worn accelerometer data. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 20 (1), 75-80. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2016.06.003

Field evaluation of a random forest activity classifier for wrist-worn accelerometer data

2015

Other Outputs

The road less travelled: the 2015 Active Healthy Kids Australia progress report card on active transport for children and young people

Tomkinson, Grant, Olds, Tim, Schranz, Natasha, Boyd, Roslyn, Evans, John, Gomersall, Sjaan, Hardy, Louise, Hesketh, Kylie, Lubans, David, Ridgers, Nicky, Straker, Leon, Vella, Stewart and Ziviani, Jenny (2015). The road less travelled: the 2015 Active Healthy Kids Australia progress report card on active transport for children and young people. Adelaide, SA, Australia: Active Healthy Kids Australia.

The road less travelled: the 2015 Active Healthy Kids Australia progress report card on active transport for children and young people

2015

Journal Article

Time regained: when people stop a physical activity program, how does their time change? A randomised controlled trial

Gomersall, Sjaan, Maher, Carol, English, Coralie, Rowlands, Alex and Olds, Tim (2015). Time regained: when people stop a physical activity program, how does their time change? A randomised controlled trial. PLoS One, 10 (5) e0126665, e0126665.1-e0126665.18. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126665

Time regained: when people stop a physical activity program, how does their time change? A randomised controlled trial

2015

Journal Article

Australia and other nations are failing to meet sedentary behavior guidelines for children: implications and a way forward

Straker, Leon, Howie, Erin Kaye, Cliff, Dylan Paul, Davern, Melanie T, Engelen, Lina, Gomersall, Sjaan R, Ziviani, Jenny, Schranz, Natasha K, Olds, Tim and Tomkinson, Grant Ryan (2015). Australia and other nations are failing to meet sedentary behavior guidelines for children: implications and a way forward. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 13 (2), 177-188. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2015-0026

Australia and other nations are failing to meet sedentary behavior guidelines for children: implications and a way forward

2015

Journal Article

The validity of the GENEActiv wrist-worn accelerometer for measuring sedentary time in free living

Pavey, Toby G., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Clark, Bronwyn K. and Brown, Wendy J. (2015). The validity of the GENEActiv wrist-worn accelerometer for measuring sedentary time in free living. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 19 (5), 395-399. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2015.04.007

The validity of the GENEActiv wrist-worn accelerometer for measuring sedentary time in free living

2015

Journal Article

In search of lost time: When people start an exercise program, where does the time come from? A randomized controlled trial

Gomersall, Sjaan R., Norton, Kevin, Maher, Carol, English, Coralie and Olds, Tim S. (2015). In search of lost time: When people start an exercise program, where does the time come from? A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 18 (1), 43-48. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2014.01.004

In search of lost time: When people start an exercise program, where does the time come from? A randomized controlled trial

2015

Journal Article

Validity of a self-report recall tool for estimating sedentary behaviour in adults

Gomersall, Sjaan R., Pavey, Toby, Clark, Bronwyn Kay, Jasman, Adib and Brown, Wendy J. (2015). Validity of a self-report recall tool for estimating sedentary behaviour in adults. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 12 (11), 1485-1491. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2014-0602

Validity of a self-report recall tool for estimating sedentary behaviour in adults

2015

Conference Publication

Free-living validation of consumer based-based activity trackers as measures of physical activity and sedentary behaviour: Fitbit One™ and Jawbone UP™

Gomersall, Sjaan, Ng, Norman, Pavey, Toby and Brown, Wendy (2015). Free-living validation of consumer based-based activity trackers as measures of physical activity and sedentary behaviour: Fitbit One™ and Jawbone UP™. ICAMPAM, Limerick, Ireland, 10-12 June 2015.

Free-living validation of consumer based-based activity trackers as measures of physical activity and sedentary behaviour: Fitbit One™ and Jawbone UP™

2015

Journal Article

Introducing novel approaches for examining the variability of individuals' physical activity

Rowlands, Alex V., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Tudor-Locke, Catrine, Bassett, David R., Kang, Minsoo, Fraysse, François, Ainsworth, Barbara and Olds, Tim S. (2015). Introducing novel approaches for examining the variability of individuals' physical activity. Journal of Sports Sciences, 33 (5), 457-466. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2014.951067

Introducing novel approaches for examining the variability of individuals' physical activity

2014

Journal Article

Shifting Gears: Physical inactivity, unhealthy diet choices and chronic disease risks in Australian truck drivers

Gilson, N., Pavey, T., Vandelanotte, C., Duncan, M., Wright, O., Gomersall, S., Trost, S. and Brown, W. (2014). Shifting Gears: Physical inactivity, unhealthy diet choices and chronic disease risks in Australian truck drivers. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 18. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2014.11.369

Shifting Gears: Physical inactivity, unhealthy diet choices and chronic disease risks in Australian truck drivers

2014

Other Outputs

Is Sport Enough? The 2014 Active Healthy Kids Australia Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Young People

Grant Tomkinson, Tim Olds, Natasha Schranz, Dylan Cliff, Melanie Davern, Lina Engelen, Billi Giles-Corti, Sjaan Gomersall, Louise Hardy, Kylie Hesketh, Andrew Hills, David Lubans, Doune Macdonald, Rona Macniven, Philip Morgan, Tony Okely, Anne-Maree Parish, Ron Plotnikoff, Trevor Shilton, Leon Straker, Anna Timperio, Stewart Trost, Stewart Vella and Jenny Ziviani (2014). Is Sport Enough? The 2014 Active Healthy Kids Australia Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Young People. Adelaide, South Australia: Active Healthy Kids Australia.

Is Sport Enough? The 2014 Active Healthy Kids Australia Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Young People

2014

Journal Article

Nine year changes in sitting time in young and mid-aged Australian women: Findings from the Australian longitudinal study for women's health

Clark, B. K., Peeters, G. M. E. E., Gomersall, S. R., Pavey, T. G. and Brown, W. J. (2014). Nine year changes in sitting time in young and mid-aged Australian women: Findings from the Australian longitudinal study for women's health. Preventive Medicine, 64, 1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2014.03.017

Nine year changes in sitting time in young and mid-aged Australian women: Findings from the Australian longitudinal study for women's health

2014

Journal Article

Assessing sedentary behavior with the GENEActiv: introducing the sedentary sphere

Rowlands, Alex V., Olds, Tim S., Hilldson, Melvyn, Pulsford, Richard, Hurst, Tina L., Eston, Roger G., Gomersall, Sjaan R., Johnston, Kylie and Langford, Joss (2014). Assessing sedentary behavior with the GENEActiv: introducing the sedentary sphere. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 46 (6), 1235-1247. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000224

Assessing sedentary behavior with the GENEActiv: introducing the sedentary sphere

Current funding

  • 2025 - 2026
    Digitalisation of the Support Needs Assessment Tool Sports and Exercise
    Beyond Sports Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2024 - 2027
    Moving without fear when living with stoma: A consumer-led physical activity study (MRFF CLR Grant administered by Griffith University)
    Open grant
  • 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 - 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 - 2029
    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
  • 2020 - 2025
    EnhAnCing treatment oUtcoMes after gynaEcological caNcer (ACUMEN): Using exercise to promote health after cancer therapy
    NHMRC MRFF - Rare Cancers, Rare Diseases and Unmet Need
    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
  • 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
  • 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

    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

    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

    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

    Advancing knowledge in the measurement of movement behaviors in children with neurodevelopmental challenges

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Stewart Trost, Dr Jessica Hill

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sandy Brauer

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sandy Brauer

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sandy Brauer

  • 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

  • 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

    Movement behaviours of adults in the inpatient setting

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Sandy Brauer

  • Doctor Philosophy

    The role of sleep and physical activity in pain

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor Paul Hodges, Dr David Klyne

  • 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

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Women in shift work - nutrition and menopause

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Olivia Wright

  • 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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