
Overview
Background
Professor Brown's research interests focus on physical activity and the prevention and management of chronic illness at a population level. To date, much of her research has been in the areas of obesity and the health and well being of Australian women.
Professor Wendy Brown joined the UQ School of Human Movement Studies in 2000 as the first professor in physical activity and health. Her educational qualifications are in human biology and physiology, exercise physiology, and health and physical education. She has had a diverse career path, working in both secondary and tertiary education, as well as public and private health promotion. Prior to her move to Queensland, she was the Director of the Research Institute for Gender and Health at the University of Newcastle, where she was a founding investigator and manager of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health. This project has been tracking the health of over 40,000 women for ten years. She was also a Chief Investigator on the "10,000 Steps Rockhampton" project which aimed to increase the physical activity levels of a community of approximately 60,000 people. In addition to her teaching and research commitments, she devotes considerable time to professional and policy development through her work with government departments, the National Heart Foundation, and Sports Medicine Australia. In the last five years, she has contributed to research grants with a value of more than $26,000,000, published more than 120 articles in national and international journals, and written numerous research reports.
Availability
- Emeritus Professor Wendy Brown is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of Birmingham
- Postgraduate Diploma, Loughborough University
- Masters (Coursework) of Science, Loughborough University
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle
Research interests
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Physical activity
Physical activity and its role in the prevention and management of chronic illness at a population level
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Women's health
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Obesity
Works
Search Professor Wendy Brown’s works on UQ eSpace
2010
Journal Article
The feasibility of a home-based moderate-intensity physical activity intervention in obese children and adolescents
Conwell, Louise S., Trost, Stewart G., Spence, Luke, Brown, Wendy J. and Batch, Jennifer A. (2010). The feasibility of a home-based moderate-intensity physical activity intervention in obese children and adolescents. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 44 (4), 250-255. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2008.046359
2010
Journal Article
Body mass index and survival in older men and women aged 70 to 75 years
Flicker, Leon, McCaul, Kieran A., Hankey, Graeme J., Jamrozik, Konrad, Brown, Wendy J., Byles, Julie E. and Almeida, Osvaldo P. (2010). Body mass index and survival in older men and women aged 70 to 75 years. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 58 (2), 234-241. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2009.02677.x
2010
Journal Article
Effects of having a baby on weight gain
Brown, Wendy J., Hockey, Richard and Dobson, Annette J. (2010). Effects of having a baby on weight gain. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 38 (2), 163-170. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2009.09.044
2010
Book
A systematic review of the evidence exploring the association between sedentary behaviour in the workplace and health outcomes, and the strategies which encourage a change in sedentary behaviour in the workplace: final report
Brown, Wendy J., Burton, Nicola W. and Gilson, Nicholas (2010). A systematic review of the evidence exploring the association between sedentary behaviour in the workplace and health outcomes, and the strategies which encourage a change in sedentary behaviour in the workplace: final report. OFFER NO: HPQ 00.01/021 Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Health Promotion Queensland (Health Promotion Branch, Population Health Queensland).
2010
Conference Publication
Older adults’ responses to sitting-time questions: Do we get the information we ask for?
van Uffelen, J., Heesch, K., Hill, R. and Brown, W. (2010). Older adults’ responses to sitting-time questions: Do we get the information we ask for?. Hot Topics in the Tropics, Port Douglas, Qld, 3-6 November, 2010. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2010.10.579
2010
Conference Publication
A glimpse of longitudinal social data in Australia and two studies on physical activity and substance abuse
Haynes, Michele, Kelly, A., Young, R., Turrell, G., Burton, N., Giles-Corti, B., Oldenburg, B., Wilson, L., Giskes, K. and Brown, W. (2010). A glimpse of longitudinal social data in Australia and two studies on physical activity and substance abuse. University of Bristol Impact of Family Socio-economic Status on Outcomes in Childhood and Adolescence (IFSSOCA) seminar, Bristol, United Kingdom, 7 April 2010. Bristol, United Kingdom: University of Bristol.
2010
Conference Publication
Is too much sitting really bad for health and what can be done about it?
Brown, Wendy J., van Uffelen, Jannique G. Z., Proper, Karin I., Chau, Josephine Y., Burton, Nicola W., Gilson, Nicholas and van der Ploeg, Hidde P. (2010). Is too much sitting really bad for health and what can be done about it?. The Third International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health, Toronto, Canada, May 5–8, 2010. Champaign, IL, United States: Human Kinetics.
2010
Journal Article
Health-enhancing physical activity behaviour and related factors in postpartum women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus
Koh, Denise, Miller, Yvette D., Marshall, Alison L., Brown, Wendy J. and McIntyre, David (2010). Health-enhancing physical activity behaviour and related factors in postpartum women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 13 (1), 42-45. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2008.10.003
2010
Book Chapter
Women, health, and leisure: A lot like music-making
Henderson, Karla A. and Brown, Wendy J. (2010). Women, health, and leisure: A lot like music-making. Leisure, Health, and Wellness: Making the Connections. (pp. 305-312) edited by Laura Payne, Barbara Ainsworth and Geoffrey Godbey. State College, PA, U.S.A.: Venture Publishing.
2010
Conference Publication
Evidence based policy and practice of physical activity in Australia: Awareness and attitudes of attendees of a national physical activity conference (the PAPPA study)
Bellew, B., Bauman, A. and Brown, W. (2010). Evidence based policy and practice of physical activity in Australia: Awareness and attitudes of attendees of a national physical activity conference (the PAPPA study). Be Active '09, Brisbane, Australia, 2009. Elsevier BV. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.051
2010
Journal Article
Efficacy of a progressive walking program and glucosamine sulphate supplementation on osteoarthritic symptoms of the hip and knee: A feasibility trial
Ng, Norman T.M., Heesch, Kristiann C. and Brown, Wendy J. (2010). Efficacy of a progressive walking program and glucosamine sulphate supplementation on osteoarthritic symptoms of the hip and knee: A feasibility trial. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 12 (1) R25, R25:1-R25:15. doi: 10.1186/ar2932
2010
Conference Publication
Feasibility and efficacy of an exercise rehabilitation program for colorectal cancer survivors immediately after chemotherapy
Spence, R., Heesch, K. and Brown, W. (2010). Feasibility and efficacy of an exercise rehabilitation program for colorectal cancer survivors immediately after chemotherapy. 2009 Australian Conference of Science and Medicine in Sport - be active '09, Brisbane, Australia, 14-17 October 2009. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2009.10.102
2010
Book Chapter
Global prevalence of adult physical inactivity
Brown, Wendy J. (2010). Global prevalence of adult physical inactivity. Physical activity and obesity. (pp. 40-43) edited by Claude Bouchard and Peter T. Katzmarzyk. Leeds: Human Kinetics.
2010
Conference Publication
Validity of active Australia physical activity questions in older adults
Heesch, K., Hill, R., van Uffelen, Jannique and Brown, W. (2010). Validity of active Australia physical activity questions in older adults. Hot Topics in the Tropics, Port Douglas, Qld, 3-6 November, 2010. Australia: Elsevier Australia. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2010.10.577
2010
Conference Publication
Is inactivity a global phenomenon?
Brown, Wendy J. (2010). Is inactivity a global phenomenon?. 13th World Sport for All Congress, Jyvaskyla, Finland, 14-17 June 2010. Jyvaskyla, Finland: LIKES-Research Center.
2009
Journal Article
Evaluating the effectiveness of psychosocial resilience training for heart health, and the added value of promoting physical activity: A cluster randomized trial of the READY program
Burton, Nicola W., Pakenham, Kenneth I. and Brown, Wendy J. (2009). Evaluating the effectiveness of psychosocial resilience training for heart health, and the added value of promoting physical activity: A cluster randomized trial of the READY program. BMC Public Health, 9 (427) 427, xx-xx. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-9-427
2009
Conference Publication
BMI and mortality in men and women aged 70 to 75 years
Flicker, L., Almeida, O., Brown, W., Byles, J., Calver, J., Hankey, G., Jamrozik, K. and McCaul, K. (2009). BMI and mortality in men and women aged 70 to 75 years. MALDEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC.
2009
Journal Article
Awareness of and changing perceptions of physical activity guidelines among delegates at the Australian conference of science and medicine in sport
Ferney, Shannon L., Moorhead, Gary E., Bauman, Adrian E. and Brown, Wendy J. (2009). Awareness of and changing perceptions of physical activity guidelines among delegates at the Australian conference of science and medicine in sport. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 12 (6), 642-646. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2008.09.014
2009
Journal Article
Can a motivational intervention overcome an unsupportive environment for walking: Findings from the Step-by-Step Study
Merom, Dafna, Bauman, Adrian, Phongsavan, Philayrath, Cerin, Ester, Kassis, Mazen, Brown, Wendy, Smith, Ben J. and Rissel, Chris (2009). Can a motivational intervention overcome an unsupportive environment for walking: Findings from the Step-by-Step Study. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 38 (2), 137-146. doi: 10.1007/s12160-009-9138-z
2009
Journal Article
Do walking strategies to increase physical activity reduce reported sitting in workplaces: A randomized control trial
Gilson, Nicolas D., Puig-Ribera, Anna, McKenna, Jim, Brown, Wendy J., Burton, Nicola W. and Cooke, Carlton B. (2009). Do walking strategies to increase physical activity reduce reported sitting in workplaces: A randomized control trial. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 6 (43) 43, 43. doi: 10.1186/1479-5868-6-43
Funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Emeritus Professor Wendy Brown is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Completed supervision
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Physical Activity and Reproductive Health Problems in Women
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Gregore Iven Mielke
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Urinary incontinence in young to mid-aged women
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Emma Beckman
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Objective and subjective methods for measuring physical activity and sedentary behaviour in older adults
Principal Advisor
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2015
Master Philosophy
Physical Activity Patterns in Rural Australian Populations: An investigation of the relationship between location of residence and physical activity patterns
Principal Advisor
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring pole walking as a health enhancing physical activity for older adults
Principal Advisor
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Young women and weight gain: What is the role of patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour?
Principal Advisor
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2012
Master Philosophy
Twelve month impact of the Just Walk It program on physical activity levels
Principal Advisor
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2012
Master Philosophy
Older Australians and physical activity: measures, prevalence data, and issues
Principal Advisor
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2007
Doctor Philosophy
The efficacy of Tai Chi and Qigong in reducing indicators of risk of Type 2 diabetes in adults with elevated blood glucose
Principal Advisor
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2006
Doctor Philosophy
PROMOTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN GENERAL PRACTICE: A RANDOMISED TRIAL TO TEST THE EFFICACY OF THREE STRATEGIES
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Carrie Ritchie
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2003
Doctor Philosophy
PROACTIVE MUMS:PROMOTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG MOTHERS OF YOUNG CHILDREN
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Stewart Trost
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Doctor Philosophy
COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF A HOME-BASED AND GROUP-BASED RESISTANCE TRAINING PROGRAM ON THE FUNCTIONAL STATUS AND HEALTH OF OLDER AUSTRALIANS
Principal Advisor
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding differences in accumulation of device-measured physical activity in mid-aged adults: Does one size fit all?
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Gregore Iven Mielke
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Comparison of Low-Volume, High-Intensity Aerobic and Resistance Interval Training with Current Exercise Recommendations on Cardiometabolic Outcomes in People with Type 2 Diabetes
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Shelley Keating, Professor Jeff Coombes
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2018
Master Philosophy
Physical activity in shift workers: building evidence to inform health promotion practice
Associate Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Physical activity patterns, attitudes and counselling among adults with mental illness
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Harvey Whiteford
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Measuring and positively influencing physical activity and sedentary behaviour in adults with mental illness
Associate Advisor
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding, describing and measuring workplace physical activity patterns in men from a regional area of Queensland, Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Nicholas Gilson
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Occupational Sitting in Australian Office Workers: Measurement, Description and Strategies for Change
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Nicholas Gilson
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Employee Presenteeism
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Nicholas Gilson
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2006
Doctor Philosophy
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF SINGAPOREAN ADOLESCENTS
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Stewart Trost
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2006
Doctor Philosophy
INSULIN RESISTANCE AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN OBESE CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Stewart Trost
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2006
Doctor Philosophy
PROMOTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING PEOPLE WITH ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bruce Abernethy, Professor Stewart Trost
Media
Enquiries
Contact Emeritus Professor Wendy Brown directly for media enquiries about:
- Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health
- Energy balance and weigh gain prevention
- Physical activity
- Sedentary behaviour and health
- Weight management
- Women's health
- Workplace health promotion
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