Part of Victoria University's Healthy and Inclusive Communities Research Program, the Active Living and Public Health research group examines the role of physical activity and exercise in mental health promotion, prevention and treatment.
Physical Activity & Mental Health research
The Physical Activity and Mental Health research group examines the role of physical activity and exercise in mental health promotion, prevention and treatment. We engage in projects that aim to measure, understand, and promote physical activity to optimise mental wellbeing.
We aim to maximise the potential of physical activity in achieving better clinical outcomes and improved functioning and wellbeing in those at risk of, or experiencing, mental health concerns. We have multidisciplinary expertise in the following areas:
- behaviour change
- education
- epidemiology
- evidence-based practice
- health promotion
- measurement
- psychology
- public health
- translation and implementation.
Research topics
Our research covers a range of topics, including:
- Effectiveness of exercise and physical activity interventions in promoting mental health and wellbeing and preventing mental illness
- Effectiveness of physical activity and exercise interventions in the prevention and treatment of secondary physical health problems associated with mental illness
- Effectiveness of physical activity and exercise interventions in the prevention and treatment of secondary mental health problems associated with poor physical health and/or chronic disease
- Effect of physical activity on the immune system, inflammatory biomarkers and immune cell functionality
- Prevalence, trends, correlates and determinants of physical activity among people with mental health problems and in mental health settings
- Assessing and addressing the barriers and facilitators to engaging in physical activity for mental health at individual, group/family, community, service provider, service delivery and government levels.
Our team
Staff
- Professor Alexandra Parker, Group Leader
- Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Professor Zeljko Pedisic
- Professor Jenny Sharples
- Associate Professor Michelle Ball
- Associate Professor Melinda Craike
- Associate Professor Jacqueline Williams
- Associate Professor Zali Yager
- Dr Kara Dadswell
- Dr Sarah Dash
- Dr Warwick Hosking
- Dr Susan Kidd
- Dr Romana Morda
- Dr Bert Oraison
- Dr Aurelie Pankowiak
- Dr Michaela Pascoe
- Dr Mary Woessner
Research students
- Matthew Bourke
- Kerrin Ford
- Emily Keohane
- Lee Klamert
- Joshua Marmara
- Puneet Sansanwal
Alex Parker, Professor of Physical Activity and Mental Health
