Our work in this vital aspect of human health specifically covers research into physical activity as a non-medical intervention applied throughout the lifespan.
Quality of life and movement potential are enhanced through promotion, prevention, treatment/intervention, habilitation, and rehabilitation.
CHARR researchers work with a number of colleagues from around the University and have hosted three Physical Activity and Health Colloquium (2012, 2014, 2015).
CHARR is involved in leading a network of University researchers and community partners in the area of physical activity, health, and wellbeing.
Research highlight: Diabetes community exercise programme (DCEP)
The Diabetes Community Exercise Programme (DCEP) is an inter-professional, coordinated, patient-centred, whānau-supported package of care specifically developed to target Māori and Pacific people and those living in low socioeconomic areas. This RCT trial is funded by a Health Research Council project grant.
Check out our dedicated website and video telling you all about the research
Current research projects
Current projects include:
- Community exercise classes for health and well-being
- An integrative Tai Chi (ANITA) programme for breast cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment
- Cardiopulmonary research
- Physical Activity and amputees
- Dog walking
- Blue prescription: Physical Activity for chronic condition
- Overuse injuries and running
- Access to Physical Activity for men following stroke
- Physical Activity for people with multiple sclerosis
- Park based physical activity
Publications
Recent publications
- Mulligan, H., Armstrong, A., Francis, R., Hitchcock, H., Hughes, E., Thompson, J., Wilkinson, A., & Hale, L. (2018). Engagement in exercise for people with Parkinson's: What is meaningful? New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 46(1), 19-28. doi: 10.15619/NZJP/46.1.04
- Liu, L., Petrich, S., McLaren, B., Kelly, L., & Baxter, G. D. (2018). An integrative Tai Chi program for patients with breast cancer undergoing cancer therapy: Study protocol for a randomized controlled feasibility study. Journal of Integrative Medicine. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.joim.2017.12.011 [Protocol/Methodology].
- Vlietstra, L., Hendrickx, W., & Waters, D. L. (2018). Exercise interventions in healthy older adults with sarcopenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Australasian Journal on Ageing. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1111/ajag.12521 [Review].
Key Physical Activity and Health publications
A complete list of Physical Activity and Health publications
Funding
| Year | Project title | Funder |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Community exercise for long-term management of diabetes and multimorbidity | HRC project, Health Delivery Stream |
| 2017 | Acceptability for the treadmill 6 minute walk test for pacific peoples | HRC Pacific Summer Studentship |
| 2017 | A pedometer based walking programme for people with stroke: a feasibility study | Physiotherapy Neuro Special Interest Group |
| 2017 | Physical activity and stroke | OMRF, Summer studentship |
| 2017 | Personalised physical activity and motivational text messaging in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). | School of Physiotherapy Trust |
| 2016 | Walking to better health after stroke | UORG |
| 2016 | Does exercise using the Wii Fit™ Balance Board increase muscle strength and decrease instability in individuals with knee osteoarthritis: A feasibility study? | MPPT |
| 2016 | Developing an intervention to promote physical activity engagement for people with multiple sclerosis living in rural settings: a feasibility study | MPPT |
| 2015 | Longitudinal investigation of sedentary behaviour patterns and its predictors among New Zealanders with high risk of developing chronic diseases. | Lottery Health Research |
| 2014 | Dunedin Community Exercise Programme | WellSouth |
| 2014 | The Influence of Relative BMI on Energy Expenditure during Brisk Walking | Physiotherapy New Zealand |
| 2014 | Development of a strategic framework to enable support persons to facilitate male stroke survivors to engage in physical activity | Physiotherapy New Zealand |
| 2014 | Development of a strategic framework to enable support persons to facilitate male stroke survivors to engage in physical activity | Canterbury Trust |
| 2014 | Early detection of hip/knee osteoarthritis to improve physical activity and self-efficacy | Jack Thomson Arthritis Fund |
| 2014 | Physical activity and quality of life in persons with dysvascular and traumatic below-knee amputation | NZALS |
| 2014 | Sedentary behaviour and its associations with psychosocial factors in individuals with high risk of developing type-2 diabetes mellitus. | UORG |
| 2013 | Effects of aerobic training on menstrual pain in women with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial | Physiotherapy New Zealand |
| 2013 | Are Mobile Methods a feasible way to ask people with chronic conditions about dog-walking and health? | UORG |
| 2013 | Evaluation of a walking programme for people with rheumatoid arthritis | MPPT |
| 2013 | Participation of children with physical disability in leisure activities in New Zealand | PNZ Paediatric Special Interest Group |
| 2012 | Wilson Home Trust | |
| 2012 | Back 2 Activity Trial | UORG |
| 2012 | The Otago back pain and lifestyle study | Otago Branch PNZ |
| 2011 | How does fatigue influence community exercise participation in men with Multiple Sclerosis | UORG |
| 2010 | Accessibility to physically active recreation: Toward full inclusion of people with physical disability in the New Zealand context | Burwood Academy of Independent Living |
| 2009 | Blue Prescription: physiotherapy activity support package for chronic disability | UORG |
| 2009 | Mardi Cup posture study | SPAARC |
Graduate research
PhD candidates
Renee Hamel
Long-term impact of cardiovascular and respiratory deconditioning on physical activity intolerance in outpatient adults with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury.
Read more about Renee's work
Donald Manlapaz
The use of Nintendo Wii Fit™ in improving falls risk, balance and adherence to exercise in patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.
Read more about Donald's work
Masters by Research candidates
Claire Hargest
A Fitbit™ based walking programme for people with stroke: a feasibility study.
Emily Gray
Physical activity following coronary artery bypass graft surgery: Participant's understanding and experiences.
News and events
National and international collaborators
Academic
- Dr Paul Hendrick (University of Nottingham)
- Professor Suzanne McDonough (University of Ulster)
- Professor Stephan Milosavljevic (University of Saskatchewan)
- Dr Lorna Paul (University of Glasgow)
Organisations
- MS and Parkinson's Society of Canterbury Inc
- Silver Fern Farms
- Physiotherapy Clinics