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 (https://www.10000steps.org.au/), 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.