The Physical Activity across the Lifespan Unit is a multidisciplinary team which includes clinicians (paediatric sport medicine physicians, exercise scientists and exercise physiologists) and clinician researchers. Our primary focus is the role of physical activity in healthy paediatric populations and children with chronic disease and disability.Ìý
Physical Activity in Paediatric Populations
To combat the overwhelming and growing incidence of cardiovascular disease in Australia, we aim to improve physical activity levels and instil lifelong exercise habits from childhood. We also aim to identify the role of gross motor skill development in promoting physical activity levels, reducing sitting and small screen viewing time and reducing overweight and obesity risks in childhood.
Our experts
A/Prof Carolyn Broderick
A/Prof Belinda Parmenter
A/Prof David Simar
Ms Nancy van Doorn
Physical Activity for Adolescents
This research aims to improve physical activity levels and reduce recreational screen time for adolescents in order to reduce the risk of our adolescents becoming overweight or obese, and developing other cardiovascular risk factors. This research is all about how we can get children and teens exercising regularly and remaining physically active.
Our experts
A/Prof Belinda Parmenter
Physical Activity in Older Adults
Regular physical activity is vital to human health at all stages of life. Unfortunately, with Australia’s aging population, older adults are becoming more sedentary. Regular physical activity can help combat cardiovascular and metabolic disease. Increasing physical activity for older adults is an urgent health priority and our research aims to find ways to make exercising and being physically active easier.Ìý
Our experts
- A/Prof Belinda Parmenter
- Dr Rachel Ward
- Kelly McLeod
- Dr Nattai Borges
Specific research areas
The role of physical activity in ameliorating risk of cardiovascular disease across the lifespan.
Interventions to improve participation in physical activity in children and adolescents.
Physical activity and exercise interventions for children with or surviving cancer.
Evaluating the role of exercise in special paediatric populations including children with haemophilia, obesity and insulin resistance, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and the mitochondrial myopathies.
Quantification and analysis of human movement to guide motor skill acquisition.
Assessing interventions to improve fundamental motor skills in young children and their impact on physical activity participation.
Identifying ways to make exercise easier for older adults.
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