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Emeritus Professor Wendy Brown
Emeritus Professor

Wendy Brown

Email: 

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

  • Physical activity

    Physical activity and its role in the prevention and management of chronic illness at a population level

  • Women's health

  • Obesity

Works

Search Professor Wendy Brown’s works on UQ eSpace

795 works between 1973 and 2025

101 - 120 of 795 works

2019

Journal Article

Efficacy of an m-Health physical activity and sleep health intervention for adults: a randomized waitlist-controlled trial

Murawski, Beatrice, Plotnikoff, Ronald C., Rayward, Anna T., Oldmeadow, Christopher, Vandelanotte, Corneel, Brown, Wendy J. and Duncan, Mitch J. (2019). Efficacy of an m-Health physical activity and sleep health intervention for adults: a randomized waitlist-controlled trial. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 57 (4), 503-514. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2019.05.009

Efficacy of an m-Health physical activity and sleep health intervention for adults: a randomized waitlist-controlled trial

2019

Conference Publication

Do physical activity and sitting time affect associations between BMI and fertility in women? Data from a large population-based cohort study

Mena, G., Mielke, G. and Brown, W. (2019). Do physical activity and sitting time affect associations between BMI and fertility in women? Data from a large population-based cohort study. 2019 ASICS SMA Conference, Noosa, QLD Australia, 23 – 26 October 2019. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.245

Do physical activity and sitting time affect associations between BMI and fertility in women? Data from a large population-based cohort study

2019

Conference Publication

Physical activity/exercise and pregnancy – updating knowledge and understanding challenges for guideline development

Brown, W., Mielke, G., Mena, G., Lamerton, T., Keating, S. and Haakstad, L. (2019). Physical activity/exercise and pregnancy – updating knowledge and understanding challenges for guideline development. 2019 ASICS SMA Conference, Noosa, QLD, Australia, 23 – 26 October 2019. Chatswood, NSW Australia: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.052

Physical activity/exercise and pregnancy – updating knowledge and understanding challenges for guideline development

2019

Journal Article

The effect of t'ai chi on quality of life in centrally obese adults with depression

Liu, Xin, Williams, Gail, Kostner, Karam and Brown, Wendy J. (2019). The effect of t'ai chi on quality of life in centrally obese adults with depression. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25 (10) acm.2019.0050, 1005-1008. doi: 10.1089/acm.2019.0050

The effect of t'ai chi on quality of life in centrally obese adults with depression

2019

Journal Article

Physical activity and the prevention of chronic illness in the BRICS nations: issues relating to gender equality

Mielke, Gregore I. and Brown, Wendy J. (2019). Physical activity and the prevention of chronic illness in the BRICS nations: issues relating to gender equality. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 8 (6), 507-508. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2019.08.001

Physical activity and the prevention of chronic illness in the BRICS nations: issues relating to gender equality

2019

Journal Article

Sitting time and depression in young women over 12-years: the effect of physical activity

Pavey, T. G. and Brown, W. J. (2019). Sitting time and depression in young women over 12-years: the effect of physical activity. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 22 (10), 1125-1131. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.06.010

Sitting time and depression in young women over 12-years: the effect of physical activity

2019

Journal Article

The effect of physical activity on reproductive health outcomes in young women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Mena, Gabriela P., Mielke, Gregore I. and Brown, Wendy J. (2019). The effect of physical activity on reproductive health outcomes in young women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Human Reproduction Update, 25 (5), 542-564. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmz013

The effect of physical activity on reproductive health outcomes in young women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2019

Journal Article

Safe habitats: does the association between neighborhood crime and walking differ by neighborhood disadvantage?

Foster, Sarah, Hooper, Paula, Burton, Nicola W., Brown, Wendy J., Giles-Corti, Billie, Rachele, Jerome N. and Turrell, Gavin (2019). Safe habitats: does the association between neighborhood crime and walking differ by neighborhood disadvantage?. Environment and Behavior, 53 (1), 001391651985330-39. doi: 10.1177/0013916519853300

Safe habitats: does the association between neighborhood crime and walking differ by neighborhood disadvantage?

2019

Journal Article

A hard day's night: time use in shift workers

Kolbe-Alexander, Tracy L., Gomersall, Sjaan, Clark, Bronwyn, Torquati, Luciana, Pavey, Toby and Brown, Wendy J. (2019). A hard day's night: time use in shift workers. BMC Public Health, 19 (S2) 452, 452. doi: 10.1186/s12889-019-6766-5

A hard day's night: time use in shift workers

2019

Journal Article

A multilevel study of neighborhood disadvantage, individual socioeconomic position, and body mass index: Exploring cross-level interaction effects

Rachele, Jerome N., Schmid, Christina J., Brown, Wendy J., Nathan, Andrea, Kamphuis, Carlijn B.M. and Turrell, Gavin (2019). A multilevel study of neighborhood disadvantage, individual socioeconomic position, and body mass index: Exploring cross-level interaction effects. Preventive Medicine Reports, 14 100844, 100844. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2019.100844

A multilevel study of neighborhood disadvantage, individual socioeconomic position, and body mass index: Exploring cross-level interaction effects

2019

Journal Article

How many days are enough for measuring weekly activity behaviours with the ActivPAL in adults?

Aguilar-Farias, Nicolas, Martino-Fuentealba, Pía, Salom-Díaz, Nicolas and Brown, Wendy J. (2019). How many days are enough for measuring weekly activity behaviours with the ActivPAL in adults?. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 22 (6), 684-688. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.12.004

How many days are enough for measuring weekly activity behaviours with the ActivPAL in adults?

2019

Journal Article

Land use proportion and walking: application of isometric substitution analysis

Sugiyama, Takemi, Rachele, Jerome N., Gunn, Lucy D., Burton, Nicola W., Brown, Wendy J. and Turrell, Gavin (2019). Land use proportion and walking: application of isometric substitution analysis. Health and Place, 57, 352-357. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.12.004

Land use proportion and walking: application of isometric substitution analysis

2019

Journal Article

The epidemiology of aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening activity guideline adherence among 383,928 U.S. adults

Bennie, Jason A., De Cocker, Katrien, Teychenne, Megan J., Brown, Wendy J. and Biddle, Stuart J. H. (2019). The epidemiology of aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening activity guideline adherence among 383,928 U.S. adults. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 16 (1) 34, 34. doi: 10.1186/s12966-019-0797-2

The epidemiology of aerobic physical activity and muscle-strengthening activity guideline adherence among 383,928 U.S. adults

2019

Journal Article

Feasibility and impact of sit-stand workstations with and without exercise in office workers at risk of low back pain: a pilot comparative effectiveness trial

Johnston, Venerina, Gane, Elise M., Brown, Wendy, Vicenzino, Bill, Healy, Genevieve N., Gilson, Nicholas and Smith, Michelle D. (2019). Feasibility and impact of sit-stand workstations with and without exercise in office workers at risk of low back pain: a pilot comparative effectiveness trial. Applied Ergonomics, 76, 82-89. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.12.006

Feasibility and impact of sit-stand workstations with and without exercise in office workers at risk of low back pain: a pilot comparative effectiveness trial

2019

Journal Article

A pilot study to assess the effects of tai chi on health indicators in type 1 diabetes patients

Liu, Xin, Russell, Anthony, Kabir, Enamul and Brown, Wendy (2019). A pilot study to assess the effects of tai chi on health indicators in type 1 diabetes patients. Health, 11 (03), 341-350. doi: 10.4236/health.2019.113030

A pilot study to assess the effects of tai chi on health indicators in type 1 diabetes patients

2019

Journal Article

The potential for walkability to narrow neighbourhood socioeconomic inequalities in physical function: A case study of middle-aged to older adults in Brisbane, Australia

Loh, Venurs HY, Rachele, Jerome N., Brown, Wendy J., Ghani, Fatima, Washington, Simon and Turrell, Gavin (2019). The potential for walkability to narrow neighbourhood socioeconomic inequalities in physical function: A case study of middle-aged to older adults in Brisbane, Australia. Health and Place, 56, 99-105. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.01.020

The potential for walkability to narrow neighbourhood socioeconomic inequalities in physical function: A case study of middle-aged to older adults in Brisbane, Australia

2019

Journal Article

Metabolic equivalent values of common daily activities in middle-age and older adults in free-living environments: a pilot study

Aguilar-Farias, Nicolas, Brown, Wendy J., Skinner, Tina L. and Peeters, G. M. E. E. (Geeske) (2019). Metabolic equivalent values of common daily activities in middle-age and older adults in free-living environments: a pilot study. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 16 (3), 222-229. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2016-0400

Metabolic equivalent values of common daily activities in middle-age and older adults in free-living environments: a pilot study

2019

Journal Article

Preliminary efficacy and feasibility of referral to exercise specialists, psychologists and provision of a technology-based behavior change support package to promote physical activity in school teachers ‘at risk’ of, or diagnosed with, type 2 diabetes: The ‘SMART Health’ Pilot Study Protocol

Murphy, Maria L., Lubans, David R., Cohen, Kristen E., Robards, Sara L., Wilczynska, Magdalena, Kennedy, Sarah G., James, Erica L., Brown, Wendy J., Courneya, Kerry S., Sigal, Ronald J. and Plotnikoff, Ronald C. (2019). Preliminary efficacy and feasibility of referral to exercise specialists, psychologists and provision of a technology-based behavior change support package to promote physical activity in school teachers ‘at risk’ of, or diagnosed with, type 2 diabetes: The ‘SMART Health’ Pilot Study Protocol. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 78, 53-62. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2019.01.007

Preliminary efficacy and feasibility of referral to exercise specialists, psychologists and provision of a technology-based behavior change support package to promote physical activity in school teachers ‘at risk’ of, or diagnosed with, type 2 diabetes: The ‘SMART Health’ Pilot Study Protocol

2019

Journal Article

"In Initiative Overload": Australian perspectives on promoting physical activity in the workplace from diverse industries

Chau, Josephine Y., Engelen, Lina, Kolbe-Alexander, Tracy, Young, Sarah, Olsen, Heidi, Gilson, Nicholas, Burton, Nicola W., Bauman, Adrian E. and Brown, Wendy J. (2019). "In Initiative Overload": Australian perspectives on promoting physical activity in the workplace from diverse industries. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16 (3) 516, 516. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16030516

"In Initiative Overload": Australian perspectives on promoting physical activity in the workplace from diverse industries

2019

Journal Article

Pre-pregnancy body mass index and the risk of antenatal depression and anxiety

Holton, Sara, Fisher, Jane, Nguyen, Hau, Brown, Wendy J. and Tran, Thach (2019). Pre-pregnancy body mass index and the risk of antenatal depression and anxiety. Women and Birth, 32 (6), e508-e514. doi: 10.1016/j.wombi.2019.01.007

Pre-pregnancy body mass index and the risk of antenatal depression and anxiety

Funding

Past funding

  • 2019 - 2021
    Active Choices: A 'stepped-down' program to promote group-based physical activity to DVA clients
    Department of Veterans' Affairs
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Truck-Fit: Testing of a scalable high intensity interval training program for male long distance truck drivers with cardio-metabolic risks and conditions
    National Heart Foundation Vanguard Grant
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    A pilot study to assess the efficacy of Tai Chi for Type 1 Diabetes
    Diabetes Australia Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2017
    The Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Referral to Exercise Physiologists, Psychologists, and Supplementary Physical Behavior Change Strategies for School Teachers 'at risk' for Type 2 Diabetes
    Hunter Medical Research Institute
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2021
    High intensity exercise for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis - is it safe, effective, and feasible in practice? (Tom Penrose Community Service Grant)
    Exercise and Sports Science Australia Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Assessing the effectiveness of High Intensity Interval Training for smoking cessation in women
    National Heart Foundation Vanguard Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Encouraging businesses to adopt activity-permissive workplaces to reduce sitting time at work
    National Heart Foundation Focus Grant
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Evaluation of a community cycling program for teens: 'The Happiness Cycle'
    Bicycle Victoria Incorporated
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Fun 'n fitness: Evaluation of the Churches of Christ in Queensland Falls Prevention Exercise Program for its Aged Care Residents
    Churches of Christ in Queensland
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Cellular metabolic respirometry and enzymatic assessment suite
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    The Shifting Gears Project: Active Living and Healthy Eating in Queensland Truck Drivers
    Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General
    Open grant
  • 2013
    Development of a baseline 'Lifestyle Needs Assessment Survey tool' to support the Queensland 'Workplaces for Wellness' Program
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2019
    A longitudinal multilevel study of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and physical function in mid-to-late adulthood (NHMRC Project Grant administered by Deakin University)
    Deakin University
    Open grant
  • 2012
    Clinical and Nutritional Biomarker Platform
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2015
    Sitting less and moving more: Population health research to understand and influence sedentary behaviour (NHMRC Program Grant administered by Baker IDI)
    Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2016
    Project B - The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health - Establishment of a new cohort of women born 1989-94; more frequent surveys of women born 1921-26; strengthening of study capacity
    Department of Health and Ageing
    Open grant
  • 2011
    A metabolic testing suite for clinical exercise physiology, sports science and sports nutrition research
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Retirement activity planning: a randomised controlled trial (ARC Discovery Project administered by UniSA)
    University of South Australia
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2016
    NHMRC CRE: Centre of Research Excellence in Women's Health in the 21st century (CREWH21)
    NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence
    Open grant
  • 2010
    An integrated portfolio of objective measurement devices for research on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in population health
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2011
    Sitting less and moving more: Population health research to understand and influence sedentary behaviour
    NHMRC Program Grant
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    Evidence and Strategies for Sitting Time and Health
    Queensland Health Health Promotion
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2016
    Project A - Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (2012-2016)
    Department of Health and Ageing (Commonwealth of Australia)
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    Feasibility and efficacy of a supervised exercise program for colorectal cancer survivors in the rehabilitation phase of cancer recovery
    Wesley Merdical Research
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2010
    Increasing psychosocial resilience and physical activity for heart health: a randomised trial of the READY (REsilience and Activity every DaY) program
    National Heart Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2012
    Men, Women and Ageing: predictors of ageing well in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health and the Perth Health in Men Study
    NHMRCARC Ageing Well, Ageing Productively Program
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2009
    The Development of a Food and Nutrition and Physical Activity Project for Pregnancy and Early Life In Urban Locations
    Queensland Health Health Promotion
    Open grant
  • 2006
    NHMRC_Infrastructure Item_Monitors for the objective measurement of physical activity in adults
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2005 - 2007
    The impact of physical activity on outcomes for older women
    Department of Family and Community Services
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Towards 10,000 Steps Brisbane: The validity of self reported physical activity, height and weight among mid aged women and men.
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2005
    An exploratory study to assess the efficacy of Tai Chi in preventing Type II Diabetes among high risk adults
    Diabetes Australia Research Trust
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Self-management Practices and Health Service Utilisation for Diabetes Prevention among Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
    Diabetes Australia Research Trust
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2005
    Preliminary Development of the 10,000 Steps Brisbane Project
    Brisbane City Council
    Open grant
  • 2004
    NHMRC_Equipment Grant_HLTH_(Pop Hlth; CPRC; HMS)_Objective Measurement of Physical Activity and Real-Time Feedback for Behavioural Studies in Population Health
    NHMRC Equipment Grant
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    A randomised control trial to compare the efficacy of a home based and group based resistance training program on the functional status and health of older Australians.
    Blue Care
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2006
    Psychological determinants of physical activity across the life span and critical life-stage transitions: Cross-sectional, longitudinal causal modelling and experimental interventions
    University of Sydney
    Open grant
  • 2004 - 2008
    Understanding and influencing physical activity to improve population health
    NHMRC Program Grant
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2009
    Building Capacity for Physical Activity Research in Population Health
    Capacity Building Grants in Population Health Research
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2006
    Randomised control trial to compare the efficacy of a home based and 'centre' based resistance training program in terms of outcomes relating to functional status and health in older Australians.
    Department of Health and Ageing
    Open grant
  • 2003 - 2004
    Increasing physical activity in the general practice setting: a randomised trial to test the efficacy of three strategies.
    National Heart Foundation of Australia
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2003
    Physical activity in the veteran community - prevalence, barriers, preferences and relationships with health and well-being
    Department of Veterans' Affairs
    Open grant
  • 2002 - 2003
    Discussion paper for the development of recommendations for children's and youth's participation in health promoting physical activity
    Department of Health and Ageing
    Open grant
  • 2001 - 2003
    To assist in the development of a multi-strategy health promotion project focusing on physical activity and social determinants of health
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Physical Activity and Health Specialist Training Course
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Effects of moderate physical activity on insulin sensitivity and other components of the insulin resistance syndrome in obese adolescents.
    University of Queensland Small Grants Scheme
    Open grant
  • 2001
    Reliability of a community based protocol for measurement of oxygen cost of locomotion in people with acquired brain injury (ABI)
    GF Finch Bequest
    Open grant
  • 2001
    The efficacy of a community based physical activity intervention in improving the health of people with acquired brain injury
    Princess Alexandra Hospital R&D Foundation
    Open grant
  • 2000
    Physical activity and daily energy expenditure among mothers of young children
    Department of Health and Ageing
    Open grant
  • 1999 - 2008
    The Australian longitudinal study on women's health.
    University of Newcastle
    Open grant

Supervision

Availability

Emeritus Professor Wendy Brown is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Completed supervision

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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