The Physical activity and nutrition for cognitive and mental health group focuses on informing and developing optimal nutrition and physical activity strategies to optimise mental health and cognitive function across the lifespan.
Our expertise
In particular, our group is comprised of multi-disciplinary researchers with expertise ranging from neurophysiology, exercise physiology, cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, psychological stress, mental health, behavioural (i.e. physical activity, sedentary behaviour, nutritional) epidemiology. Collectively, we lead research utilising a range of study designs and methods, including the conduct of clinical and translational intervention trials, large-scale epidemiological studies and qualitative research methods.
Our research
This group covers:
- Using state-of-the-art brain imaging and behavioural techniques for assessing cognition and brain function
- Understanding the role of nutrition (including micronutrients, dietary patterns and supplements), physical activity, sedentary behaviour and other health behaviours on healthy cognitive ageing, neurodegenerative diseases, mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan
- Conducting clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of nutritional, physical activity and sedentary behaviour interventions, and their combination, on cognitive and mental health
- Exploring the role of health technologies to deliver physical activity programs to optimise mental and cognitive health and physical function in older adults and those with chronic or neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson’s disease and dementia)
- Understanding and exploring the links between brain and cognitive health, and allostatic load, with chronic conditions, such as sarcopenia and diabetes
- Exploring the role of the gut-brain axis and microbiome in cognitive health.