About the Physical Activity laboratory
The Physical Activity laboratory (linked to the Baker-Deakin Department of Lifestyle and Diabetes) explores how moving more, sitting less and eating well can prevent and manage chronic disease, particularly type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity and cancer.
Our research focus
- We investigate how physical activity, sedentary behaviour and healthy eating interact across the 24-hour day to influence blood glucose, heart health, complications, quality of life and premature mortality.
- A key focus is prolonged sitting as a distinct health risk, and developing practical ways for people to reduce and regularly break up their sitting time at work, at home and in the community.
Why it matters?
Most adults spend much of their waking day sitting, often in desk-based jobs, in cars or on screens, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and early death, even for those exercise.
By optimising the balance between moving, sitting, sleeping and eating, we can substantially improve prevention and long-term management of chronic disease.
Our approach
- Large population studies using wearable devices to measure sitting, activity and sleep, to identify behaviour patterns linked to health outcomes.
- Controlled laboratory studies to understand what happens in the body and brain during prolonged sitting and when sitting is interrupted by light or more moderate-to-vigorous activity.
- Real-world trials in workplaces, clinics and communities testing interventions and digital tools that support people to sit less, move more and eat well.
- Precision and co-designed approaches that use digital health data and lived experience to tailor support to each person’s needs and context.
Community engagement
We work closely with the Baker Institute’s Community Engagement Group to ensure that people with lived experience of chronic disease help shape what we do and how we do it. Their input guides our study priorities, recruitment approaches and communication, so that our research is more relevant, accessible and impactful for those affected by conditions linked to physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer.
Translational impact
Our laboratory leads translational research that connects discovery science with real-world practice, ensuring that evidence about sitting less, moving more and eating well is embedded in clinical care, prevention programs and digital health tools.
Our findings have informed national and international guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour and are shaping new models of care that combine lifestyle support with medications for obesity and type 2 diabetes, in partnership with health services, community organisations and policy makers.