Respiratory and Exercise Physiology Research Group

12/03/2025

What if your workouts could double as brain training?

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15oj1WqEKD/?mibextid=wwXIfr

What if your workouts could double as brain training? 💪

Research shows that physical activity is key for healthy aging, as it boosts brain health, memory, and lowers dementia risk.

Meet Dr Edward Bliss (University of Southern Queensland - Australia), who is pioneering a co-designed physical activity intervention aimed at improving cognition and enhancing cerebrovascular function. Cognitive decline, a primary symptom of dementia, is often preceded by reduced cerebrovascular (brain blood vessel) function, and made worse by obesity and physical inactivity. This challenge is increasingly prevalent in regional Australia, contributing to a rise in dementia and diminishing the quality of life for older adults.

Dr Bliss is tackling these barriers by engaging with consumers and stakeholders to co-design a 16‑week program specifically for sedentary, obese older regional adults living in independent care. His goal is to boost physical activity engagement and for muscle-strengthening exercises to increase cerebrovascular function and cognition. This pilot study is the first of its kind in regional Australia, laying the foundation for a future use as a preventive treatment for dementia. 🌟

Curious to learn more about Dr Bliss's groundbreaking study? Read more and support the Dementia Australia Research Foundation here ➡️ https://www.dementia.org.au/research/our-researchers/edward-bliss.

Your involvement can help create lasting change for Aussies impacted by dementia. 💛

08/08/2023

Seeking Research Volunteers

We are looking for a few volunteers to complete a research study investigating the effects of exercise on blood markers of ageing.

Thanks, Dean

02/08/2023

We are seeking volunteers in the Ipswich/Toowoomba/Brisbane regions for a new clinical trial to improve brain health

28/07/2023

🎓 Exciting Research Opportunity 🔬
Are you curious about the effects of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) cuffs during high-intensity strength training? 💪
We are looking for a motivated Ph.D. candidate to join our research team for a groundbreaking project! 🌟
🔍 Investigate BFR's impact on barbell velocity and acute physiological responses.
If you're passionate about exercise science and eager to explore uncharted territories in the field, this opportunity is for you! 🚀
📧 DM us to express your interest and learn more about this Ph.D. project💡

15/06/2023

11/06/2023

We are seeking a graduate who would be interested in lab demonstrating work assisting with a first year nutrition course. Starting W/C July 10th for 12 weeks (excluding semester break) at our Ipswich campus – Fridays 9-10am and/or Toowoomba campus – 2-3pm andrea.fuller@usq.edu.au

08/05/2023

We are looking for participants with exercise induced bronchoconstriction/asthma to take part in a clinical trial that will investigate the effects of acute anthocyanin supplementation on lung function. Anthocyanins are a group of antioxidants found in red, blue, and purple fruits and veggies. The study will require 3 visits of 45 minutes - 2 hours at the Ipswich campus and you will receive a $100 Coles Myer Gift Card for your time.

Please contact Lauren.Taylah@usq.edu.au for further information.

Kind regards, Dean

Health & wellness website

20/04/2023

We are currently recruiting volunteers to take part in a 12-week training program aimed at improving strength and performance, and reducing spinal compression associated with carrying heavy loads.

This program is being developed to help improve performance and reduce injury in military and emergency services personnel. Please email Sherrilyn if you are interested in being involved.

Kind regards, Dean

06/02/2023

05/09/2022

We are seeking volunteers for a research study that is investigating the reliability of ultrasound to measure spinal compression, Testing will require 2 x 1.5 hour visits to our research laboratory in Toowoomba. For further details please contact sherrilyn.walters@usq.edu.au

19/07/2022

Are you in Brisbane, Ipswich or Toowoomba? Do you have Exercise Induced Asthma/Bronchoconstriction? Are you aged 18-40 years?

We are seeking volunteers to help us with a new clinical trial that will investigate the effects of anthocyanin supplementation on Exercise Induced Asthma/Bronchoconstriction.

Please contact Lauren.Brook@usq.edu.au for further information.

16/06/2022

In the lead up to World Bronchiectasis Day, we're shining a light on the chronic disease that affects hundreds and thousands of children and adults worldwide, and creates a significant burden on people living with bronchiectasis and their families.

Although there is currently no cure, detecting and treating bronchiectasis early can improve quality of life and may impact the longevity of those affected.

World Bronchiectasis Day on 1 July brings together global partners to help those with the disease and others yet to be diagnosed through education, advocacy, and a global conversation focused on reducing the burden of bronchiectasis for patients and their families worldwide.

Read more about : https://lungfoundation.com.au/news/global-lung-health-organisations-partner-for-inaugural-world-bronchiectasis-day/

COPD Foundation