2017 | Poster presentation: invited position as lead researcher at Partnering for Health Research Showcase. Research project 'Play Sport, Live Better!': The Gibir Galangur Program.

The Play sport, live better! research project was inspired by a major issue, that of an ageing world population, low physical activity rates in this population and the subsequent impact on quality of life and health. The research is further motivated by health disparities between Indigenous Australians and their non-Indigenous counterparts resulting in low life expectancy predominantly due to chronic diseases and low physical activity rates. This research has international significance as it seizes a unique opportunity to address worldwide priorities identified by the World Health Organisation.

The objectives of the research are to design and implement a culturally appropriate group-based modified sport program for Indigenous Australian men, and to work collaboratively with Closing the Gap Programs and local government agencies in south-east Queensland to integrate the program into existing Closing the Gap Programs that adds diversity of choice to existing physical activity options.

The Gibir Galangur Program is the outcome of this collaboration and was informed by a systematic literature review that evaluated research into the effectiveness of group-based sport and exercise programs targeting Indigenous adults on anthropometric, physiological and quality of life outcomes.

A computer-based literature search of relevant health databases was conducted. Methodological quality of individual articles was assessed using McMasters University Guidelines and Appraisal Forms for Critical Review for Quantitative Research where results were summarised.

Six articles were identified with critical appraisal scores ranging from 6 – 12 (from a possible 15 points), with a mean score of 9.6. Five articles were of moderate to good quality. Significant improvements were observed in anthropometric, physiological and quality of life outcomes across all studies. Elements of successful group-based exercise and sport programs corresponded to global recommendations on physical activity for health for 18 to 64 year olds, and were implemented over a period of time ranging from 12 – 24 weeks to exhibit results, plus community consultation in developing programs and nutrition education.