Physical Activity and Sport

Universities’ higher elite athlete program investment sees student athletes’ Olympic performance soar. By Don Knapp Australian University Sport began tracking the performance of student-athletes at Olympic Games in preparation for its Winning Edge funding submission to the Australian Sports Commission in 2012. At the 2004 Athens Games, 104 student-athletes were selected in the Australian Olympic […]

A report on the support and services provided to elite student-athletes by Australian universities. Research has revealed that elite athletes have the capacity to achieve simultaneous sporting and academic success (Henry, 2013; Wylleman, 2017). The 2008, 2012 and 2016 Australia Olympic team confirmed this with over 50% of medallists being current or former elite student-athletes […]

In 2018 UniSport conducted a research project with Griffith University and the University of the Sunshine Coast examining the elite student-athlete experience with Australian universities. Data was gained from 867 elite student-athletes from 27 universities. A full industry report on the findings is below. Download the full report below. (1MB)

This research investigated the relationship between competence, self-efficacy, enjoyment, and motivation with physical activity behaviour during student’s transition from school to university. Among 558 first-year biology health science students, 80% reported satisfactory or above physical activity index scores, with males scoring significantly higher than females. Enjoyment, self-efficacy, and competence were found to be predictive of […]

Physical activity is associated with improved well-being.The research found that COVID-19-related isolation measures led to a significant decrease in physical activity among Australian university students, with about 30% fewer students meeting sufficient activity levels. Energy intake increased, particularly in females, and snacking frequency and energy density of snacks also rose. These changes persisted even as […]

This research examines how COVID-19-related mobility restrictions affected sleep and physical activity rhythms among young adults. It found that physical activity decreased significantly during lockdown, while sleep patterns remained relatively stable. The study highlights the importance of maintaining physical activity for overall health during periods of restricted mobility Ong, J.L., Lau, T., Massar, S.A.A., Chong, […]

How can universities better support the mental wellbeing of higher degree research students? A study of students’ suggestions. HDR students suggest improved resources such as enhancing supervision, financial support, and peer engagement. Also would like an academic research culture that values the well-being of all staff and students. Read Tracii Ryan’s online article here.

An Exploration of Issues, Motivations, Barriers and Trends

Developed for the Sports Federation of Queensland (QSport)

Sport can position itself nationally as a leader in student well being. Download Mr. Chris Massey’s presentation.

Active students have higher wellbeing, inclusion and perceptions of employability and attainment compared to inactive students. This report shows that when universities invest in opportunities and provide students with support to be physically active it can lead to more positive outcomes. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have an important role to play in the physical and mental wellbeing of their students, whilst ensuring they have the skills needed to excel.