Research Group

Research Team Leaders
(not all staff listed here)

Major measurement areas

Cardiovascular Health

Dr (Assoc Prof) Marc Budge, Senior Specialist, Dept of Geriatrics, The Canberra Hospital,
Dr David Coles, Senior Cardiologist
The Canberra Hospital
Prof David Calermajer
Director of Research,
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney
Prof Roland Stocker
Senior Principal Research Fellow, Vascular Research, Uni NSW
Dr Paul Waring, Senior Research Scientist, Department of Chemistry,ANU

Heart structure and function using ultrasound. Subject to the hospital equipment availability, some schools testing may be carried out in Term 1, 2006 at Canberra Hospital. Time per child 50 minutes.

Blood cholesterol, fats, antioxidant and inflammatory markers. One blood sample required every two years, carried out before school, after which a breakfast will be provided for the children. Time per child 20 minutes.

Metabolism Function (Type II Diabetes)

Prof. Paul Zimmet,
Dr. Jonathan Shaw, Diabetes Specialists
International Diabetes Institute, Melbourne
Dr Paul Waring

Blood indicators of insulin sensitivity and glucose and lipid metabolic control. Measures taken from the sample mentioned above.

Skeletal Health

Assoc. Prof. Shona Bass, Dr Rob Daly, Centre of Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin Uni,
Prof. Marcus Seibel, Dept of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Concord Hospital  Medical Centre,
Assoc Prof Geraldine Naughton, Exercise Science, Aust. Catholic Uni, Sydney
Dr Ahmad Javaid, Director, Nuclear Medicine, Canberra Hospital.

Bone density and bone geometry measured by scanning the body and limbs. This test will be done at Canberra Hospital by trained medical technicians. Time per child 1 hour. Due to the time per child at the hospital some schools may be tested in Term 1, 2006.

Balance, Movement, Skill

Mr. Mark McGrath,
Mr. Wayne Haynes, Human Movement Specialists, Bluearth Institute, Melbourne.

Several balance and posture assessments, carried out at the school by physical educationists. Carried out as part of PE at school. Time per child 30 minutes.

Physical Activity Measurement

Mr Rohan Telford, Exercise Scientist,
The Commonwealth Institute, Canberra

Pedometers supplied to the children, who will take them home and wear them throughout the day.
Questionnaire on sporting and other physical activity.  20 minute instruction time at school.

Dietary Control

Ms Mary Kay Martin
Nutritional Science Research, Canberra

Questionnaire and interview assessment of nutritional intake by dieticians. Time per child 20-30 minutes.

Psychology
and
Academic Achievement

Professor Don Byrne, Head, Clinical and Health Psychology, ANU,
Dr Xiaoli Zhang, Psychologist, University of Ballarat.
Dr Laurie Prosser, Physical Educator, Worksafe K.I.D.S., Ballarat
Dr Ken Tallis, Aust. Institute of Health and Welfare, Canberra.

Questionnaire assessment of psychological stresses, body image, self esteem and quality of life designed and administered by our psychology team. An assessment of academic achievement will be estimated using the national academic achievement benchmark tests.  Time per child/parents 30 minutes.

Immunological Competence

Dr. David Pyne, Exercise Immunology Researcher, AIS

Blood markers of immune system function, together with medical history. Taken from the blood sample mentioned above. Assessment by exercise immunology team at AIS. No further time required.

Environment and Family Influence

Prof. John Carlson, Director, Centre for Ageing, Rehabilitation, Exercise & Sport
Victoria University,

Questionnaire to parents to indicate lifestyle patterns of parents and the nature and access to amenities around the neighbourhood. Time taken by parents  15 minutes

Physical Fitness and Anthropometry

Dr Philo Saunders, Exercise Scientist, AIS

The multi-stage shuttle (beep) test and a dynamometer test of back and leg strength. Done at the school as part of PE class. Time per child 20 minutes.

Pedagogy

Mr. Darryl Stuckey, Head of Physical Education, University of Canberra

Questionnaires to children and teachers to assess effectiveness of physical activity intervention. Time per child 30 minutes. This will be administered during 2006.