Philip J Morgan

• BEd (Health & PE), PhD
• University of Newcastle Australia

Background The increasing prevalence of poor mental and physical health in adults is a global health concern. Given the scope of this problem, scalable and effective treatment interventions are needed. While podcasts (online digital audio files) are becoming more popular, the extent of podcast use in mental, physical, or combined health interventio...

Strengths-based parenting research involving Aboriginal fathers is scarce. This study centralises the knowledge and experiences of Aboriginal fathers and father figures living on Darkinjung Country, Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Yarning methodology was used to explore the roles and experiences of Aboriginal fathers living on Darkinju...

While psychotherapy is effective for treating depression, men are less likely than women to attend and more likely to drop out. The value of alternative therapeutic approaches for men needs to be investigated. In this randomised pilot trial, we investigated the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of outdoor ‘walk‐and‐talk’ therapy compared to conv...

Background Dads and Daughters Exercising and Empowered (DADEE) is a program targeting fathers/father-figures to improve their daughters’ physical activity and well-being. Previous randomised controlled efficacy and effectiveness trials of DADEE demonstrated meaningful improvements in a range of holistic outcomes for both fathers and daughters in th...

Healthy Youngsters, Healthy Dads’ (HYHD) targets fathers to improve the health of their preschool-aged children. In a previous randomized trial, fathers and children experienced meaningful improvements in physical activity and eating behaviours. The next phase is to test the replicability and adaptability of HYHD when delivered in the community by...

Introduction This study set out to understand the association between teaching practices, teacher confidence, competence, self-efficacy, and the resulting student outcomes. Methods Data regarding teaching behaviours were collected via video recording and then evaluated using the MASTER Observation Tool. The information about demographics, self-rep...

BACKGROUND The increasing prevalence of poor mental and physical health in adults is a global health concern. Given the scope of this problem, scalable and effective treatment interventions are needed. While podcasts (online digital audio files) are becoming more popular, the extent of podcast use in mental, physical, or combined health interventio...

Background Utilising fathers to support their daughters and enhance their cricket skills may be an innovative approach to addressing traditional socio-cultural views of cricket relating to gender, by improving girls’ enjoyment, participation and long-term retention in in the sport. Purpose To assess the feasibility of the ‘Daughters and Dads Crick...

Objectives To assess the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents in trials of parenting programs in Australia; the involvement of Indigenous fathers in such studies; and whether parenting programs are designed to be culturally appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Study design Scoping review of peer‐revie...

This study evaluated the effect of the Dads And Daughters Exercising and Empowered (DADEE) program on daughters’ social-emotional well-being when delivered by trained facilitators. Fathers (n = 158; Mage = 41.95 ± 5.32 years; 86% Australian born) and daughters (n = 193; Mage = 8.35 ± 1.85 years) from Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, were rand...

The Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids (HDHK) program was designed to help fathers with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² to lose weight and positively influence physical activity and dietary behaviors of their children. There is a need to better understand the broader impact of father-focused, healthy lifestyle programs from the perspectives of other family members. This qu...

Purpose Our study explored the mediating effect of sleep‐related variables on older adolescents' mental health in the context of a school‐based physical activity intervention. Methods We evaluated the Burn 2 Learn (B2L) intervention using a cluster randomized controlled trial, which included two cohorts. Participants for this sub‐study were from t...

Erschienen in Bewegung und Sport - Fachzeitschrift für den Unterricht in Schulen, Kindergärten und Vereinen 77(2) Bewegung, Spiel und Sport werden als möglicher Impulsgeber für Vielfältiges angesehen. So werden bewegungs-, spiel- und sportbezogene Angebote auch in einem Zusammenhang mit der Förderung sozialer Gerechtigkeit gesehen. Im Kontext der...

Purpose : The aim of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate a 16-lesson integrated physical education program focusing on Indigenous games: Education, Movement, and Understanding (EMU). Method : The study aligned with current physical education, English, and mathematics syllabi and involved 105 children (9–12 years) from two primary sch...

The prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder in men is half that of women, yet depression affects approximately 109 million men worldwide. Alarmingly, men account for three quarters of suicides in Western countries but are unlikely to seek help for mental health concerns. It is possible that existing mental health treatments are not engaging or acce...

Background Whole-of-school programs have demonstrated success in improving student physical activity levels, but few have progressed beyond efficacy testing to implementation at-scale. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the scale-up of the ‘Internet-based Professional Learning to help teachers promote Activity in Youth’ (iPLAY) intervention i...

Background: Achieving system-level, sustainable ‘scale-up’ of interventions is the epitome of successful translation of evidence-based approaches in population health. In physical activity promotion, few evidence-based interventions reach implementation at scale or become embedded within systems for sustainable health impact. This is despite the va...

Background Targeting fathers may be a key strategy to increase physical activity among their preschool-aged children, but limited research exists in this area. The primary study aim was to examine the impact of a lifestyle program for fathers and their preschool-aged children on child physical activity levels. Methods A total of 125 fathers (aged:...

Background Children can internalise social and parental gender stereotypes and this may influence their perceived motor competence (PMC). This study aimed to examine the association between father and daughter gender-stereotyped attitudes/beliefs and girls’ PMC. Methods Girls (N = 68, Mage = 8.9 years, SD = 1.7) and their fathers were recruited at...

Background Depression and obesity are major health concerns and commonly co-exist, but men rarely seek help for these conditions. SHED-IT: Recharge was a gender-tailored eHealth program for men that generated clinically meaningful improvements in weight and depressive symptoms. Purpose To evaluate behavioral and psychological outcomes from the SHE...

Despite increasing rates of co-morbid depression and obesity, few interventions target both conditions simultaneously, particularly in men. The SHED-IT: Recharge trial, conducted in 125 men with depressive symptoms and overweight or obesity, tested the efficacy of a gender-tailored eHealth program with integrated mental health support. The aims of...

Background : The SHED-IT: Recharge study demonstrated that a gender-tailored eHealth program could improve the depressive symptoms of men with overweight or obesity and low mood. This study examined whether changes in key behaviours and cognitions acted as significant mediators of this treatment effect. Methods : The study was a randomised control...

Abstract Background Physical Activity 4 Everyone (PA4E1) is an evidence-based program effective at increasing adolescent physical activity (PA) and improving weight status. This study aimed to determine a) the effectiveness of an adapted implementation intervention to scale-up PA4E1 at 24-month follow-up, b) fidelity and reach, and c) the cost and...

The effect of fathers on dietary intake in preschool-aged children is under-explored. The aims were to: (i) evaluate the efficacy of a family-based lifestyle intervention, Healthy Youngsters, Healthy Dads, on change in dietary intake in fathers and their preschool-aged children post-intervention (10 weeks) and at 9 months follow-up compared to a wa...

Background Physical activity guidelines recommend young people engage in regular muscle-strengthening activities (e.g., resistance training [RT]). However, few school-based physical activity interventions have been delivered at-scale or promoted RT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and mainten...

This study explored the impact of a university teacher education course on preservice and inservice teachers’ attitudes towards gender equity in physical activity and sport. Preservice teachers (n = 40) completed an Implicit Association Test and explicit attitude measures pre- and post-course. Focus group interviews were conducted with preservice a...

Objective: Obesity and depression are major, inter-related health concerns for men, yet many do not receive support to manage these conditions. This study investigated whether a self-guided, eHealth program (SHED-IT: Recharge) could reduce weight and depressive symptoms in men with overweight or obesity and low mood. Method: Overall, 125 men [Body...

Background The ‘Dads And Daughters Exercising and Empowered’ (DADEE) program significantly improved physical activity levels of fathers and their daughters in an efficacy trial. However, the effectiveness of interventions when delivered in real-world settings needs to be established. Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of the DADEE intervention...

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the impact of a novel 8-week coach development intervention (MASTER) on game-based coaching practices of netball coaches from one netball club (n = 16; 8 intervention, 8 active-control; NSW Australia), and player outcomes for the junior athletes being coached. The multi-component MASTER in...

Importance Cardiorespiratory fitness is an important marker of childhood health and low fitness levels are a risk factor for disease later in life. Levels of children's fitness have declined in recent decades. Whether school-based physical activity interventions can increase fitness at the population level remains unclear. Objective To evaluate th...

Despite well-established benefits, the majority of young people around the globe are not sufficiently active. In many countries, including Australia, physical activity (i.e. physical education and school sport) is not mandatory in the final two years of high school (i.e. senior school years). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a time...

Integrating physical activity into the curriculum can reduce the time children spend sedentary and enhance the learning experience, particularly inmathematics where engagement is a real concern. The aimof the current study was to evaluate the dissemination of the Thinking while Moving in Maths (TWM-M) professional learning program guided by the Rea...

Background Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an important marker of current and future health status. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of a time-efficient school-based intervention on older adolescents’ CRF. Methods Two-arm cluster randomised controlled trial conducted in two cohorts (February 2018 to February 2019 and Febr...

Process evaluations can help to optimise the implementation of school-based physical activity interventions. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process evaluation of a school-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program for older adolescent students, known as Burn 2 Learn (B2L). B2L was evaluated via a cluster randomised controll...

Most family-based physical activity interventions have been modestly successful and failed to engage fathers. Also, program impact on family functioning and psychosocial outcomes are rarely measured. We explored the impact of an innovative father–daughter physical activity program on family functioning and psychosocial outcomes for girls using qual...

Background: This study compared the efficacy of two multi-component m-health interventions with a wait-list control group on body weight (primary outcome), and secondary outcomes of cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle behaviours, and mental health. Methods: Three-arm randomised controlled trial (Enhanced: physical activity, diet, sleep, Tradi...

Abstract Background ‘Physical Activity 4 Everyone’ (PA4E1) was an efficacious multi-component school-based physical activity (PA) program targeting adolescents. PA4E1 has seven PA practices. It is essential to scale-up, evaluate effectiveness and assess implementation of such programs. Therefore, the aim is to assess the impact of implementation su...

Motor competence (MC) in youth is associated with positive health outcomes, yet few achieve their developmental capability. Although numerous MC studies address initial intervention effectiveness, fewer consider intervention sustainability. This study aimed to investigate whether teachers continued to implement an effective MC programme targeting g...

Background: The majority of children internationally are not sufficiently active. Integrating physical activity into academic lesson time may not only help increase children’s activity levels but also improve learning. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a classroom-based physical activity intervention on primary school students’ phys...

Despite rising mental health problems worldwide, engaging men to seek mental health support is challenging. Male‐only lifestyle interventions have shown promise for improving men's physical health, but the overall impact of these programs on psychological outcomes is unclear. This review aimed to evaluate the impact of male‐only lifestyle intervent...

Background More men than women in the UK are living with overweight or obesity, but men are less likely to engage with weight loss programmes. Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids is an effective Australian weight management programme that targets fathers, who participate with their primary school-aged children. Behavioural interventions do not always transf...

This study examines the impact of a classroom-based physical activity intervention on primary school students’ academic outcomes and physical activity levels. Students (N = 283) from nine primary schools located in New South Wales, Australia were randomly allocated to a control (n = 5 schools) or Thinking while Moving in English (TWM-E) (n = 4 scho...

Background: Few lifestyle programs for young children have targeted fathers. This study examined the feasibility of a lifestyle intervention for fathers and their preschool-aged children. Method: A total of 24 father/preschool child dyads were recruited from Newcastle, Australia, into a single-arm, feasibility trial (baseline and 3-mo postbaseli...

Objective To assess (1) the feasibility of delivering a culturally adapted weight management programme, Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids United Kingdom (HDHK-UK), for fathers with overweight or obesity and their primary school-aged children, and (2) the feasibility of conducting a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT). Design A two-arm, randomise...

This study aimed to examine the feasibility of the Supporting Our Lifelong Engagement; Mothers and Teens Exercising (SOLE MATES) program. SOLE MATES, a single-arm six-week feasibility trial, comprised six face-to-face sessions. Participants were mothers (n = 27) with daughters (n = 31) aged 12–16 years. Data were collected in Ireland between Januar...

Objectives: Supporting healthy ageing is a key priority worldwide. Physical activity, diet quality and sleep are all associated with health outcomes, but few studies have explored their independent associations with all-cause mortality in an older population in the same model. The study aim was to examine associations between step-count, self-repo...

Background: The implementation of interventions at-scale is required to maximise population health benefits. ‘PhysicalActivity 4 Everyone (PA4E1)’ was a multi-component school-based program targeting adolescents attending secondary schools in low socio-economic areas. An efficacy trial of the intervention demonstrated an increase in students’ mean...

Issue addressed: Supporting centre-based childcare services to create physical activity (PA) environments is a recommended strategy to improve child PA. This study aimed to describe the implementation of PA policies and practices by these services, and to examine the associations with service characteristics. Methods: Nominated supervisors of ch...

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of a novel coach development intervention (MASTER) on coaching practices of football coaches. The study involved six coaches (of 10–12 year old) from one representative football club (Australia February–July 2017). The 15-week multi-component intervention included a face-to-face workshop, ongoi...

Despite the life stage of menopause being identified as a high risk for weight gain, there are few obesity prevention interventions for this target group, and no evidence on maintenance of intervention effects after intervention support is withdrawn. In the 40-Something Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) (ACTRN12611000064909), a five-consultation he...

Healthy Dads Healthy Kids (HDHK) was the first program internationally to specifically target overweight and obese fathers to improve their children’s health. In previous randomized controlled trials, HDHK generated meaningful short-term improvements in the adiposity, physical activity, and eating behaviors of both fathers and children. The aim of...

Introduction This trial aims to investigate the impact of a school-based physical activity programme, involving high-intensity interval training (HIIT), on the physical, mental and cognitive health of senior school students. Methods and analysis The Burn 2 Learn (B2L) intervention will be evaluated using a two-arm parallel group cluster randomised...

Background The current and declining physical activity levels of children is a global concern. Integrating physical activity into the school curriculum may be an effective way not only to improve children’s physical activity levels but also enhance educational outcomes. Given the recent national focus in Australia on improving the literacy levels o...

Purpose: The development of a physical literacy definition and standards framework suitable for implementation in Australia. Method:Modified Delphi methodology. Results: Consensus was established on four defining statements: Core-Physical literacy is lifelong holistic learning acquired and applied in movement and physical activity contexts; Composi...

Assessment of physical literacy poses a dilemma of what instrument to use. There is currently no guide regarding the suitability of common assessment approaches. The purpose of this brief communication is to provide a user's guide for selecting physical literacy assessment instruments appropriate for use in school physical education and sport setti...

Objective: To increase girls’ well-being, strategies are needed to optimize their social–emotional competence during childhood. Although positive fathering is important for girls, many fathers discount their unique influence and few participate in interventions. The Dads And Daughters Exercising and Empowered (DADEE) program was developed to engage...

The primary aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a childcare-based intervention in increasing child physical activity by allowing children unrestricted access to outdoor areas for free-play when structured activity is not taking place. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in six childcare services. Intervention services provided c...

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the preliminary efficacy and feasibility of an 8-week high-intensity interval training program (Uni-HIIT) for young adult students in a university setting. Design: Randomised controlled trial. Method: Uni-HIIT was conducted at the University of Newcastle, Australia (February-June, 2017). Par...

Introduction: Comprehensive school-based physical activity (PA) interventions exist which are efficacious when tested under research conditions, however they often require adaptation for implementation at scale. We report the results of scaling-up Physical Activity 4 Everyone (PA4E1), an efficacious PA intervention conducted in Australian secondary...

Introduction: Traditional behavioural weight loss trials targeting improvements in physical activity and diet are modestly effective. It has been suggested that sleep may have a role in weight loss and maintenance. Improving sleep health in combination with physical activity and dietary behaviours may be one strategy to enhance traditional behavio...

Purpose: This study was designed to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a teacher-facilitated high-intensity interval training intervention for older adolescents (ie, 16-18 y). Methods: Two secondary schools from New South Wales, Australia were recruited, and participants (ie, grade 11 students; 16.2 [0.4] y) were randomized at th...

The evidence base for weight loss programs in men is limited. Gaining a greater understanding of which personal characteristics and pretreatment behaviors predict weight loss and attrition in male-only studies would be useful to inform the development of future interventions for men. In December 2010, 159 overweight/obese men (mean age = 47.5 years...

Background: The physical, cognitive, and learning benefits of physical activity for children have already been established. However, many schools are failing to provide children with sufficient activity at school due to a crowded school curriculum. Physical activity interventions that integrate physical activity with learning is a way to enhance ph...

Perceived and actual motor competence (MC) influence physical activity (PA) behaviour. Notably, both are lower in girls than in boys. This study aimed to investigate (i) whether a 12-week, teacher-led intervention that improves actual MC (Lander, N., Morgan, P. J., Salmon, J., & Barnett, L. M. (2017). Improving early-adolescent girls’ motor skill:...

Objective: To examine the impact of a school-based physical activity intervention on adolescents' self-esteem and subjective well-being, and to explore moderators and mediators of intervention effects. Methods: Resistance Training for Teens was evaluated using a cluster RCT in 16 schools located in New South Wales, Australia. Adolescents (N = 508;...

Evidence supports a positive association between competence in fundamental movement skills (e.g., kicking, jumping) and physical activity in young people. Whilst important, fundamental movement skills do not reflect the broad diversity of skills utilized in physical activity pursuits across the lifespan. Debate surrounds the question of what are th...

Purpose Schools are considered ideal locations to deliver public health interventions. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine teachers' perspectives regarding reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the Resistance Training for Teens (RT for Teens) program to aid in evaluating program translation. Methods Se...

Young women are gaining weight rapidly. Evidence for effective weight loss interventions targeting young women is lacking. This randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy and acceptability of a six-month targeted and tailored eHealth weight loss program for young women (Be Positive Be Healthe (BPBH)). Women aged 18–35 years were randomized t...

Background Existing strategies to increase girls’ physical activity levels have seen limited success. Fathers may influence their children’s physical activity, but often spend more time with their sons and rarely participate in family-based programs. Purpose To test a novel program designed to increase the physical activity levels of fathers and t...

Background: Increasing the frequency of periods of outdoor free-play in childcare may represent an opportunity to increase child physical activity. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of scheduling multiple periods of outdoor free-play in increasing the time children spend in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) while attending childc...