Research
An outline of PAHRC’s research interests, aims and projects.
Research frameworks
While we know the epidemiological risks of inactivity and the patterning of inactivity across the population, there is much less known about how to successfully change behaviour and create more active lifestyles across all ages.
The main focus of PAHRC is to develop, test and implement interventions which encourage people of all ages to ‘sit less and walk more’. We are interested in all segments of the population, but our current priorities reflect the Scottish Government’s target groups of adolescent girls and older adults.
Our research planning follows established frameworks including: acknowledgement of the social- ecological framework that influences health; the MRC guidance on developing and evaluating complex interventions; and the ‘seven investments that work’ recommended by the Toronto Charter for Physical Activity.
Research themes
Across the settings suggested by the ‘seven investments that work’ statement and the Scottish Government’s current target priorities of older adults and adolescent girls, there are a number of key themes that we are currently involved with.
Key Areas of Research
- Evaluation of physical activity/sedentary behaviour interventions
- Reducing sedentary time
- Physical activity in children and adolescent girls
- Physical activity for people with medical conditions
- Physical activity messaging and communication
- The promotion of walking
- The role of the environment in physical activity promotion
Meet our researchers
Research projects and recent funding
Professor Marie H Murphy
Director of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC)
- Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences (ISPEHS)
- Moray House School of Education and Sport
Contact details
- Email: marie.murphy@ed.ac.uk
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Address
- Street
Room SL 2.24