Prevention and treatment of chronic diseases
Testing physical activity and weight management interventions to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases.
Most of the population are overweight, do not complete enough physical activity each week and sit for long periods every day, which increases the risk of developing non-communicable diseases and dying prematurely. Our focus is to save as many lives as possible through our pioneering world class research.
We are conducting world leading research that is testing health behaviour interventions to prevent and mange diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and mental illness.
Theme lead
Research spotlights
2024
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Biddle GJH, Thomas N, Edwardson CL, Clemes SA, Daley AJ. Feasibility and acceptability of general practitioners using sit–stand desks: a feasibility trial. BMJ Open. 2024. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084085.
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Biddle GJH, Thomas N, Edwardson CL, Clemes SA, Daley AJ. Burnout, psychological wellbeing and musculoskeletal complaints in general practitioners. BJGP Open. 2023. DOI: 10.3399/BJGPO.2023.0007.
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Gokal K, Daley AJ, Madigan CD. "Fear of raising the problem without a solution": a qualitative study of patients' and healthcare professionals' views regarding the integration of routine support for physical activity within breast cancer care. Supportive care in cancer: official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. 2024. DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08293-2.
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2023
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Krouwel M, Greenfield SM, Chalkley A, Sanders JP, Parretti HM, Gokal K, Jolly K, Skrybant M, Biddle SJH, Greaves C, Maddison R, Mutrie N, Ives N, Esliger DW, Sherar L, Edwardson CL, Yates T, Frew E, Tearne S, Daley AJ. Promoting participation in physical activity through Snacktivity: A qualitative mixed methods study. PLoS One. 2023. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291040.
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Langworthy E, Gokal K, Kettle VE, Daley A. Effects of physical activity interventions on physical activity and health outcomes in young people during treatment for cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials, BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 2023. DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2022-001466.
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Madigan CD, Hill AJ, Caterson ID, Burk J, Hendy C, Chalkley A. A Qualitative Process Evaluation of Participant Experiences in a Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial to Reduce Indulgent Foods and Beverages. Nutrients, 2023. DOI: 10.3390/nu15061389.
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Fong M, Kaner E, Rowland M, Graham HE, McEvoy L, Hallsworth K, Cucato G, Gibney C, Nedkova M, Prentis J, Madigan CD. The effect of preoperative behaviour change interventions on pre- and post-surgery health behaviours, health outcomes, and health inequalities in adults: A systematic review and meta-analyses. PLoS One, 2023. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286757.
2022
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Howick J, Koletsi D, Ioannidis JPA, Madigan CD, Pandis N, Loef M, Walach H, Sauer S, Kleijnen J, Seehra J, Johnson T, Schmidt S. Most healthcare interventions tested in Cochrane Reviews are not effective according to high quality evidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Epidemiol, 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2022.04.017.
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Madigan CD, Graham H, Sturgiss E, Kettle V, Gokal K, Biddle GJH, Daley AJ. Effectiveness of weight management interventions in adults delivered by primary care practitioners: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ 2022. DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-069719.
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Gokal K, Amos-Hirst R, Moakes CA et al. Views of the public about Snacktivity™: a small changes approach to promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour. BMC Public Health. 2022. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13050-x.
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Kettle V, Madigan CD, Coombe A, Graham H, Thomas JJC, Chalkley AE, Daley AJ. Effectiveness of physical activity interventions delivered or prompted by health professionals in primary care settings: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. The BMJ. 2022. DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021-068465.
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Milton K, Poole K, Cross A, Gasson S, Gokal K, Lyons K, Pulsford R, Jones A. 'People don't get cancer, families do': Co-development of a social physical activity intervention for people recently affected by a cancer diagnosis. European journal of cancer care. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.13573.
Exercise oncology
- Yorkshire Cancer Trust: Exercise and Cancer
- The Conversation: Five reasons physical activity is important for cancer patients
Weight management in primary care
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The Conversation: Weight loss advice from GPs really can help people slim down and stay that way
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InsightPLUS: Fighting to manage obesity in underfunded general practice
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Alimentos y Emociones podcast: Behavioural Weight Management Interventions
Sedentary behaviour
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Independent.ie: Sedentary nature of office jobs worse for health than thought
SnacktivityTM
- That Fitness Couple: Have As Much Snacktivity As You Want w/Amanda Daley
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Loughborough University: Can a ‘snacktivity’ approach to physical activity reduce people’s future risk of disease?
GPs and standing desks
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PULSE: Take a stand
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Telegraph: Don't make yourself comfortable: GPs to trial standing appointments to 'set an example'
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Wales Online: 'Standing' GP appointments could be rolled out across the NHS
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Personnel Today: GPs trial standing desks to encourage physical activity
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Dail Mail: The GP will see you now… stood up
Behavioural psychology and weight loss
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Independent: Three ways behavioural psychology can help you lose weight
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The Conversation: Three ways behavioural psychology might help you lose weight
- Snacktivity™ to promote physical activity. Funded by NIHR. Led by Amanda Daley.
- Integrating physical activity into routine cancer care. Led by Kajal Gokal.
- The effectiveness of the small change approach for weight management. Led by Henrietta Graham.
- The SHARE study, addressing weight regain. Led by Claire Madigan.