Increasing physical activity in children and families

A PhD or Master of Research program is offered around the topic “Increasing physical activity in children and families”. This research will examine how the 10,000 Steps Australia program, an ongoing community-based physical activity program, can be adapted for implementation in children and families. A particular focus will be on children and families who have chronic disease risk factors (i.e., physical inactivity, overweight/obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes). The research may utilise activity trackers, smartphone apps, a website and social media (Facebook group) to engage Australian children and families to increase their physical activity levels (steps, active minutes) individually and together as a family. Study designs to be implemented as part of a PhD or Master of Research program may include:

1. Formative research (e.g., interviews, focus groups) with children/families, stakeholders and research partners to co-create innovative 10,000 Steps intervention features suitable for children and families.
2. Secondary data analyses and/or systematic review
3. Pilot randomised controlled trial to test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the 10,000 Steps program to increase physical activity in children and their families.