Dr Angus Leahy

Dr Angus Leahy

Associate Lecturer

School of Education

Career Summary

Biography

Angus is an Associate Lecturer and post-doctoral researcher in the School of Education at the University of Newcastle. He attained a Bachelor of Teaching (Health and Physical Education) (Honours) from the University of Newcastle in 2016, and completed his PhD in 2021. Angus’ doctoral research focused on the development and evaluation of a novel school-based physical activity intervention (known as Burn 2 Learn) for senior school students (i.e., Grades 11 and 12). The Burn 2 Learn project examines the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), on students’ physiological, psychological, and cognitive health, and is currently being adapted for students living with disability.

Angus’ PhD has helped consolidate his research focus on investigating novel approaches to physical activity promotion in the school setting. Angus is also involved in a number of research projects delivered in NSW primary and secondary schools using scalable intervention designs. In addition, Angus has been involved in the dissemination of school-based physical activity interventions in partnership with the NSW Department of Education, through the delivery of professional development workshops for school teachers.  


Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Education, University of Newcastle
  • Bachelor of Teaching (Honours), University of Newcastle

Keywords

  • Adolescent
  • Cognition
  • Executive function
  • Exercise
  • Fitness
  • High-intensity interval training
  • Intervention
  • Physical activity
  • Physical education
  • Psychological health
  • Public health
  • Schools

Languages

  • English (Mother)

Fields of Research

Code Description Percentage
420603 Health promotion 30
390111 Physical education and development curriculum and pedagogy 40
420318 People with disability 30

Professional Experience

UON Appointment

Title Organisation / Department
Lecturer University of Newcastle
School of Education
Australia

Awards

Award

Year Award
2024 Best Early Career Researcher presentation
Asia-Pacific Society for Physical Activity: ASPA
2024 Excellence Award for Early Career Research
College of Human and Social Futures , University of Newcastle
2023 Excellence Award for Research Engagement and Translation
College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle
2023 Commendation Early Career Research Excellence
College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle
2022 Best Higher Degree Research Thesis
College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle
2021 HDR Best Publication Award (runner up)
School of Education, The University of Newcastle
2021 Overall Winner e-Presentation Award
Australasian Society for Physical Activity (ASPA)
2019 Higher Degree Research Achievement Award
Faculty of Education and Arts, University of Newcastle

Teaching

Code Course Role Duration
EDUC 2747 K-6 PDHPE
The University of Newcastle
Course tutor 17/7/2017 - 29/10/2021
EDUC 2057 PE Studies 3: Performance Activities
The University of Newcastle
Course coordinator 19/7/2021 - 26/11/2021
EDUC 1014 PE Studies 1: Motor Development and Skill Acquisition
The University of Newcastle
Course coordinator 24/2/2020 - 1/1/2025
EDUC 4015 Sociology of Health and Physical Education, Sport and Physical Activity
The University of Newcastle
Course tutor 22/2/2021 - 18/6/2021
EDUC 3026 Inclusive and Special Education
The University of Newcastle
Course tutor 26/2/2024 - 7/6/2024
EDUC 1058 Lifetime Physical Activities
The University of Newcastle
Course coordinator 21/2/2022 - 30/6/2023
EDUC 6747 K-6 PDHPE
The University of Newcastle
Course coordinator 22/8/2022 - 10/11/2023
PUBH 1030 Foundation Studies in K-6 PDHPE
The University of Newcastle
Course lecturer 26/2/2018 - 8/6/2018
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Publications

For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.


Chapter (4 outputs)

Year Citation Altmetrics Link
2024 Leahy AA, Smith JJ, Eather N, Harris N, Lubans DR, 'Integrating High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) into the School Setting: Benefits, Criticisms, and Recommendations', 303-325 (2024)
DOI 10.1007/978-3-031-65595-1_14
Co-authors Jordan Smith, David Lubans, Narelle Eather
2024 Leahy A, Smith J, Eather N, Harris N, Lubans D, 'Integrating High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) into the School Setting: Benefits, Criticisms, and Recommendations' (2024)
DOI 10.1007/978-3-031-65595-1
Co-authors David Lubans, Narelle Eather, Jordan Smith
2022 Lubans DR, Leahy AA, Mavilidi MF, Valkenborghs SR, 'Physical Activity, Fitness, and Executive Functions in Youth: Effects, Moderators, and Mechanisms', 53, 103-130 (2022) [B1]
DOI 10.1007/7854_2021_271
Citations Scopus - 2
Co-authors David Lubans, Sarah Valkenborghs
2020 Eather N, Ridley K, Leahy A, 'Physiological Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Young People', 103-120 (2020) [B1]
DOI 10.4324/9781003026426-7
Citations Scopus - 4
Co-authors Narelle Eather
Show 1 more chapter

Conference (13 outputs)

Year Citation Altmetrics Link
2024 Leahy A, 'High-intensity activity breaks for older adolescents living with disability: Acute effect on students’ on-task behaviour and affect' (2024)
2023 Leahy A, 'The mediating effects of self-efficacy on adolescent mental health: Findings from the Burn 2 Learn (B2L) cluster randomised controlled trial' (2023)
DOI 10.36905/jses.2023.04.01
2023 Leahy A, 'Symposium: Can school-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions be scaled-up for population health?' (2023)
2023 Leahy A, 'The mediating effects of self-efficacy on adolescent mental health: Findings from the Burn 2 Learn (B2L) cluster randomised controlled trial' (2023)
DOI 10.36905/jses.2023.04.01
2022 Leahy A, 'Teachers' perceptions of high-intensity activity breaks for senior school students: Findings from the Burn 2 Learn cluster randomised controlled trial' (2022)
2021 Pindus DM, Shigeta T, Leahy AA, Mavilidi M, Ninomiya AS, Hillman CH, Lubans DR, 'Sex Moderates The Associations Of Accelerometer-measured Physical Activity Intensity To Executive Functions Among Older Adolescents', MEDICINE AND SCIENCE IN SPORTS AND EXERCISE, 53, 313-314 (2021)
Co-authors David Lubans
2021 Leahy A, 'Feasibility of a teacher facilitated physical activity intervention for adolescents with disability: The Burn 2 Learn adapted pilot study' (2021)
2020 Leahy A, 'Impact of the Burn 2 Learn intervention on older adolescents’ objectively measured physical activity' (2020)
2019 Wade L, Leahy A, Lubans D, Smith J, Duncan M, 'A systematic review of cognitive assessment in physical activity research involving children and adolescents' (2019)
DOI 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.156
Co-authors Mitch Duncan, Jordan Smith, David Lubans
2019 Leahy A, Smith J, Eather N, Morgan P, Lonsdale C, Noetel M, Plotnikoff R, Duncan M, Blackburn S, Lubans D, 'Utility and feasibility of a smartphone app to support school-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT): Findings from the Burn 2 Learn cluster RCT' (2019)
DOI 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.08.219
Co-authors Narelle Eather, Ron Plotnikoff, David Lubans, Philip Morgan, Mitch Duncan
2019 Shigeta TT, Leahy AA, Smith JJ, Eather N, Lubans DR, Hillman CH, 'Aerobic and Muscular Fitness Associations with Adolescent Cognitive Control', MEDICINE AND SCIENCE IN SPORTS AND EXERCISE, 51, 548-548 (2019)
DOI 10.1249/01.mss.0000562147.77946.67
Citations Web of Science - 1
Co-authors David Lubans, Narelle Eather, Jordan Smith
2018 Leahy A, Smith J, Eather N, Hillman C, Morgan P, Plotnikoff R, Nilsson M, Lonsdale C, Costigan S, Noetel M, Lubans D, 'Effects of a school-based high-intensity interval training intervention on older adolescents’ cognition', S72-S73 (2018)
DOI 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.09.164
Co-authors Jordan Smith, Narelle Eather, Ron Plotnikoff, Philip Morgan, David Lubans
2018 Leahy A, Hillman C, Shigeta T, Smith J, Eather N, Morgan P, Plotnikoff R, Nilsson M, Lonsdale C, Noetel M, Lubans D, 'Teacher facilitated high-intensity interval training intervention for older adolescents: The ‘Burn 2 Learn’ pilot randomised controlled trial', S72-S72 (2018)
DOI 10.1016/j.jsams.2018.09.163
Co-authors Jordan Smith, Ron Plotnikoff, Philip Morgan, David Lubans
Show 10 more conferences

Journal article (26 outputs)

Year Citation Altmetrics Link
2025 Smith JJ, Beauchamp MR, Puterman E, Leahy AA, Valkenborghs SR, Wade L, Chen F, Lubans DR, 'Physical activity intensity and older adolescents' stress: The 'STress-Reactivity after Exercise in Senior Secondary EDucation' (STRESSED) 3-arm randomised controlled trial', PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE, 76 (2025) [C1]

Objectives: Late adolescence (15¿19 years) is a period of heightened susceptibility to stress, but regular physical activity may attenuate reactivity to stressors. We aimed to exp... [more]

Objectives: Late adolescence (15¿19 years) is a period of heightened susceptibility to stress, but regular physical activity may attenuate reactivity to stressors. We aimed to explore the effects of physical activity intensity on older adolescents' stress-reactivity and self-reported mental health. Design and Methods: Three-arm randomised controlled trial in New South Wales, Australia (April¿June 2021). Thirty-seven older adolescents (16.1 ± 0.2 years, 59.5 % female) were randomised to: i) non-active control (CON), ii) light-intensity physical activity (LPA), or iii) moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA). Physical activity groups participated in 2 x 20-min sessions/week for 6 weeks. Salivary cortisol (sCort) reactivity to induced stress was assessed using the Trier Social Stress Test for Groups and quantified as area under the curve (sCortAUC; Primary outcome). Secondary outcomes included peak cortisol (sCortPeak), subjective-reactivity, perceived stress, and non-specific psychological distress. Group differences were assessed using multiple linear regression and quantified using Cohen's d. Results: No statistically significant effects were observed for sCortAUC or sCortPeak and the pattern of effects for subjective-reactivity was inconsistent. Effects for self-reported mental health were also non-significant (p >.05 for all) but of meaningful magnitude, favouring LPA and MVPA over CON (d's = -0.38 to -0.54). Delivery fidelity was high, satisfaction was moderate-to-high, and there was no evidence of harm. However, recruitment, retention for sCort measures, and adherence were lower than expected. Conclusion: Suboptimal recruitment, retention, and adherence limited our ability to conclude on the effect of physical activity intensity on older adolescents' sCort-reactivity to induced stress. We observed potentially meaningful effects on self-reported mental health for both physical activity conditions, which could be confirmed in a future powered trial.

DOI 10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102754
Citations Scopus - 1
Co-authors Sarah Valkenborghs, David Lubans, Jordan Smith, Levi Wade
2024 Bao R, Wade L, Leahy AA, Owen KB, Hillman CH, Jaakkola T, Lubans DR, 'Associations Between Motor Competence and Executive Functions in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis', SPORTS MEDICINE, 54, 2141-2156 (2024) [C1]

Background: Motor competence and executive functions co-develop throughout childhood and adolescence, and there is emerging evidence that improvements in motor competence may have... [more]

Background: Motor competence and executive functions co-develop throughout childhood and adolescence, and there is emerging evidence that improvements in motor competence may have cognitive benefits in these populations. There is a need to provide a quantitative synthesis of the cross-sectional, longitudinal and experimental studies that have examined the association between motor competence and executive functions in school-aged youth. Objectives: The primary aim of our systematic review was to synthesise evidence of the association between motor competence and executive functions in school-aged children and adolescents (5¿18¿years). Our secondary aim was to examine key moderators of this association. Methods: We searched the PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and EMBASE databases from inception up to 27 June 2023. We included cross-sectional, longitudinal and experimental studies that assessed the association between motor competence (e.g., general motor competence, locomotor skills, object control skills and stability skills) and executive functions (e.g., general executive functions, inhibition, working memory and cognitive flexibility) in children and adolescents aged 5¿18¿years. Results: In total, 12,117 records were screened for eligibility, and 44 studies were included. From the 44 included studies, we meta-analysed 37 studies with 251 effect sizes using a structural equation modelling approach in the statistical program R. We found a small positive association (r = 0.18, [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13¿0.22]) between motor competence and executive functions. The positive associations were observed in cross-sectional (r = 0.17, [95% CI 0.13¿0.22]), longitudinal (r = 0.15, [95% CI 0.03¿0.28]) and experimental studies (r = 0.25, [95% CI 0.01¿0.45]). We also found that general motor competence (r = 0.25, [95% CI 0.18¿0.33]), locomotor (r = 0.15, [95% CI 0.09¿0.21]), object control (r = 0.14, [95% CI 0.08¿0.20]) and stability (r = 0.14, [95% CI 0.08¿0.20]) skills were associated with executive functions. We did not find any moderating effects for participants' age on the associations between motor competence and executive functions. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a small-to-moderate positive association between motor competence and executive functions in children and adolescents. The small number of experimental studies included in this review support the assertion that interventions targeting children's motor competence may be a promising strategy to improve their executive functions; however, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Future studies should explore the underlying mechanisms linking motor competence and executive functions as their comprehension may be used to optimise future intervention design and delivery. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42021285134.

DOI 10.1007/s40279-024-02040-1
Citations Scopus - 9Web of Science - 3
Co-authors David Lubans, Levi Wade
2024 Yan J, Morgan PJ, Smith JJ, Chen S, Leahy AA, Eather N, 'Pilot randomized controlled trial of a game-based intervention for teaching basketball in Chinese primary school physical education', JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES, 42, 25-37 (2024) [C1]
DOI 10.1080/02640414.2024.2319457
Citations Scopus - 8Web of Science - 5
Co-authors Narelle Eather, Philip Morgan, Jordan Smith
2024 Bao R, Leahy AA, Lubans DR, Diallo TMO, Beauchamp MR, Smith JJ, Hillman CH, Wade L, 'Mediators of the association between physical activity and executive functions in primary school children', JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES, 42, 2029-2038 (2024) [C1]
DOI 10.1080/02640414.2024.2422203
Co-authors David Lubans, Levi Wade, Jordan Smith
2023 Pindus DM, Shigeta TT, Leahy AA, Mavilidi MF, Nayak A, Marcozzi D, Montero-Herrera B, Abbas Z, Hillman CH, Lubans DR, 'Sex moderates the associations between physical activity intensity and attentional control in older adolescents', SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS, 33, 737-753 (2023) [C1]

Introduction: The relationship between physical activity (PA) intensity and executive functions in older adolescents remains poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the ass... [more]

Introduction: The relationship between physical activity (PA) intensity and executive functions in older adolescents remains poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the associations between PA intensity, volume, attentional control, and working memory and the moderating effects of sex in older adolescents. Method: We analyzed baseline data from 418 participants (211 females, Mage¿=¿16.5 ± 0.40 years) from the Burn 2 Learn trial. Adolescents wore GT9X Link accelerometers on a non-dominant wrist for 7 days, 24-h·d-1. PA intensity was expressed as intensity gradient (IG) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA, Hildebrand cut-points); PA volume was expressed as average acceleration (AvACC). Attentional control was measured with a standard deviation (SDRT) and a coefficient of variation (CVRT) of the reaction time on the incongruent trials of a flanker task. Working memory was expressed as a d prime (a signal discrimination index) on the 2-back task. The moderating effects of sex on the PA-executive functions associations, adjusting for age, BMI z-score, and cardiorespiratory fitness, were tested using multilevel random intercept models. Results: After controlling for AvACC, sex moderated the relationships between IG and incongruent SDRT (B¿=¿0.53, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.94) and CVRT (B¿=¿0.63, 95% CI: 0.22, 1.05; ps = 0.002). Only girls with higher IG showed smaller incongruent SDRT and CVRT (Bs = -0.26, ps = 0.01). IG was not related to working memory. AvACC and MVPA were not associated with attentional control or working memory. Conclusion: Our findings reveal a novel association between higher-intensity PA and superior attentional control among adolescent girls.

DOI 10.1111/sms.14311
Citations Scopus - 5Web of Science - 1
Co-authors David Lubans
2023 Leahy AA, Diallo TMO, Eather N, Duncan MJ, Smith JJ, Morgan PJ, Lubans DR, 'Mediating effects of sleep on mental health in older adolescents: Findings from the Burn 2 Learn randomized controlled trial', SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS, 33, 2369-2380 (2023) [C1]
DOI 10.1111/sms.14463
Citations Scopus - 3Web of Science - 3
Co-authors Philip Morgan, David Lubans, Jordan Smith, Narelle Eather, Mitch Duncan
2023 Wade L, Beauchamp MRR, Nathan N, Smith JJJ, Leahy AAA, Kennedy SGG, Boyer J, Bao R, Diallo TMO, Vidal-Conti J, Lubans DRR, 'Investigating the direct and indirect effects of a school-based leadership program for primary school students: Rationale and study protocol for the 'Learning to Lead' cluster randomised controlled trial', PLOS ONE, 18 (2023)
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0279661
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 1
Co-authors Nicole Nathan, Jordan Smith, David Lubans, Levi Wade, Sarah Kennedy
2022 Valkenborghs SR, Hillman CH, Al-Iedani O, Nilsson M, Smith JJ, Leahy AA, Harries SK, Ramadan S, Lubans DR, 'Effect of high-intensity interval training on hippocampal metabolism in older adolescents', PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY, 59 (2022) [C1]
DOI 10.1111/psyp.14090
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 17
Co-authors Jordan Smith, Saadallah Ramadan, Sarah Valkenborghs, Oun Aliedani, Michael Nilsson, David Lubans
2022 Leahy A, Kennedy S, Smith J, Eather N, Boyer J, Thomas M, Shields N, Dascombe B, Lubans D, 'Feasibility of a teacher facilitated physical activity intervention for adolescents with disability: Findings from the Burn 2 Learn adapted pilot study (vol 24, pg S65, 2021)', JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN SPORT, 25, E11-E11 (2022)
DOI 10.1016/j.jsams.2021.09.164
Co-authors David Lubans, Narelle Eather
2022 Kable TJ, Leahy AA, Smith JJ, Eather N, Shields N, Noetel M, Lonsdale C, Hillman CH, Reeves P, Oldmeadow C, Kennedy SG, Boyer J, Stimpson L, Comis P, Roche L, Lubans DR, 'Time-efficient physical activity intervention for older adolescents with disability: rationale and study protocol for the Burn 2 Learn adapted (B2La) cluster randomised controlled trial', BMJ OPEN, 12 (2022)
DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065321
Citations Scopus - 2
Co-authors Sarah Kennedy, David Lubans, Laura Roche, Jordan Smith, Christopher Oldmeadow, Narelle Eather
2022 Lubans D, Smith J, Eather N, Morgan P, Leahy A, Plotnikoff R, Lonsdale C, Nilsson M, Noetel M, Kennedy S, Shigeta T, Valkenborghs S, Mavilidi M, Costigan S, Holliday E, Weaver N, Gyawali P, Hillman C, 'Time-efficient physical activity intervention for older adolescents: The Burn 2 Learn cluster randomised controlled trial (Jan, 10.1016/j.jsams.2021.09.018, 2022)', JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN SPORT, 25, E1-E1 (2022)
Co-authors Sarah Valkenborghs, Narelle Eather, David Lubans, Ron Plotnikoff, Liz Holliday, Michael Nilsson
2022 Wade L, Leahy AA, Babic MJ, Beauchamp MR, Smith JJ, Kennedy SG, Boyer J, Nathan N, Robinson K, Lubans DR, 'A systematic review and meta-analysis of the benefits of school-based, peer-led interventions for leaders', SCIENTIFIC REPORTS, 12 (2022) [C1]

The aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantitatively synthesise the effects of school-based peer-led interventions on leaders' academic, psychosocial, beh... [more]

The aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantitatively synthesise the effects of school-based peer-led interventions on leaders' academic, psychosocial, behavioural, and physical outcomes. Eligible studies were those that: (i) evaluated a school-based peer-led intervention using an experimental or quasi-experimental study design, (ii) included an age-matched control or comparison group, and (iii) evaluated the impact of the intervention on one or more leader outcomes. Medline, Sportdiscus, Psychinfo, Embase, and Scopus online databases were searched on the 24th of October, 2022 which yielded 13,572 results, with 31 included in the narrative synthesis and 12 in the meta-analysis. We found large positive effects for leaders' attitudes toward bullying (d = 1.02), small-to-medium positive effects for leaders' literacy (d = 0.39), and small positive effects for leaders' self-esteem (d = 0.18). There were mixed findings for behavioural outcomes and null effects for physical outcomes. Notable limitations of this research are the inclusion of a relatively small number of studies, and high heterogeneity in those included. Our findings have the potential to inform educational practice, but also highlight the need for further research examining the mechanisms that might account for the observed effects. Our systematic review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021273129).

DOI 10.1038/s41598-022-25662-9
Citations Scopus - 4Web of Science - 2
Co-authors David Lubans, Sarah Kennedy, Nicole Nathan, Levi Wade, Jordan Smith, Katie Robinson, Mark Babic
2021 Leahy AA, Kennedy SG, Smith JJ, Eather N, Boyer J, Thomas M, Shields N, Dascombe B, Lubans DR, 'Feasibility of a school-based physical activity intervention for adolescents with disability', PILOT AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES, 7 (2021) [C1]

Background: Adolescents with disability are less active and have lower levels of physical fitness than their typically developing peers. Schools are ideal settings to address this... [more]

Background: Adolescents with disability are less active and have lower levels of physical fitness than their typically developing peers. Schools are ideal settings to address this; however, few school-based interventions have been designed and evaluated among this group. Therefore, the aim of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility of a time-efficient school-based physical activity intervention for adolescents with disability. Methods: A non-randomized pilot trial was conducted with adolescents in the special education unit at one secondary school in New South Wales, Australia. Sixteen grade 11 and 12 students (aged 17.3 ± 0.7 years) participated in the 2-month physical activity intervention. Two classroom teachers were trained to facilitate the delivery of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program, known as Burn 2 Learn adapted (B2La). Teachers were asked to deliver 2¿3 weekly HIIT sessions for a period of 2 months. Four domains of feasibility (acceptability, implementation, adaptability, and practicality) were assessed using quantitative measures at the student and teacher levels (e.g., observations, process evaluation questionnaires, and heart rate [HR] monitoring). Data were also collected from three learning and support teachers who assisted classroom teachers with intervention delivery. Preliminary efficacy of the intervention on measures of adolescents' functional capacity (6-min walk/run test) and muscular fitness (sit-to-stand test and modified push-up test) were analyzed using paired sample t-tests. Results: Moderate-to-high levels of program satisfaction were reported by both students (80% rated "Good" or "Excellent") and teachers (100% rated "Good" or "Excellent"). Teachers reported delivering 2.5 ± 0.7 sessions per week during the study. Based on researcher session observations, the program was delivered effectively by teachers (14/20). However, HR data indicated session intensity was lower than intended. The program was considered "adaptable" by teachers, with several observed modifications to HIIT sessions to cater for the needs of adolescents with disability. No adverse events were reported. We observed improvements in preliminary efficacy measures. Conclusions: Our findings suggest it is feasible to train teachers to deliver a school-based HIIT program for adolescents with disability. Evaluation of B2La within a larger-scale effectiveness trial is warranted. Trial registration: ACTRN12621000219886.

DOI 10.1186/s40814-021-00857-5
Citations Scopus - 9Web of Science - 7
Co-authors Narelle Eather, Sarah Kennedy, David Lubans, Jordan Smith
2021 Lubans DR, Smith JJ, Eather N, Leahy AA, Morgan PJ, Lonsdale C, Plotnikoff RC, Nilsson M, Kennedy SG, Holliday EG, Weaver N, Noetel M, Shigeta TT, Mavilidi MF, Valkenborghs SR, Gyawali P, Walker FR, Costigan SA, Hillman CH, 'Time-efficient intervention to improve older adolescents' cardiorespiratory fitness: findings from the 'Burn 2 Learn' cluster randomised controlled trial', BRITISH JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE, 55, 751-+ (2021) [C1]

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 ... [more]

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 February 2019 to February 2020) in New South Wales, Australia. Participants (N=670, 44.6% women, 16.0±0.43 years) from 20 secondary schools: 10 schools (337 participants) were randomised to the Burn 2 Learn (B2L) intervention and 10 schools (333 participants) to the control. Teachers in schools allocated to the B2L intervention were provided with training, resources, and support to facilitate the delivery of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) activity breaks during curriculum time. Teachers and students in the control group continued their usual practice. The primary outcome was CRF (20 m multi-stage fitness test). Secondary outcomes were muscular fitness, physical activity, hair cortisol concentrations, mental health and cognitive function. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 months (primary end-point) and 12 months. Effects were estimated using mixed models accounting for clustering. Results We observed a group-by-time effect for CRF (difference=4.1 laps, 95% CI 1.8 to 6.4) at the primary end-point (6 months), but not at 12 months. At 6 months, group-by-time effects were found for muscular fitness, steps during school hours and cortisol. Conclusions Implementing HIIT during curricular time improved adolescents' CRF and several secondary outcomes. Our findings suggest B2L is unlikely to be an effective approach unless teachers embed sessions within the school day. Trial registration number Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618000293268).

DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2020-103277
Citations Scopus - 5Web of Science - 50
Co-authors Liz Holliday, Philip Morgan, David Lubans, Michael Nilsson, Rohan Walker, Ron Plotnikoff, Jordan Smith, Sarah Valkenborghs, Sarah Kennedy, Narelle Eather
2021 Mavilidi MF, Mason C, Leahy AA, Kennedy SG, Eather N, Hillman CH, Morgan PJ, Lonsdale C, Wade L, Riley N, Heemskerk C, Lubans DR, 'Effect of a Time-Efficient Physical Activity Intervention on Senior School Students' On-Task Behaviour and Subjective Vitality: the 'Burn 2 Learn' Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial', EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW, 33, 299-323 (2021) [C1]
DOI 10.1007/s10648-020-09537-x
Citations Scopus - 3Web of Science - 38
Co-authors Narelle Eather, David Lubans, Levi Wade, Philip Morgan, Sarah Kennedy, Nicholas Riley
2021 Shigeta TT, Leahy AA, Smith JJ, Eather N, Lubans DR, Hillman CH, 'Cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness associations with older adolescent cognitive control', JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE, 10, 82-90 (2021) [C1]

Background: Participation in physical activity supports greater cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), a correlate of cognitive control. However, the relationship between muscular fitne... [more]

Background: Participation in physical activity supports greater cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), a correlate of cognitive control. However, the relationship between muscular fitness (MF) and cognitive control is less clear. The present study investigated the differential relationship of CRF and MF with cognitive control in older adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved students (15¿17 years old, n = 541, 43% female) from 20 secondary schools who completed tests of inhibition (modified flanker task), working memory (n-back task), CRF (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run), and MF (standing long jump and push-up test). Multilevel analyses tested the association between CRF or MF and cognitive outcomes while accounting for the influence of the other fitness variable and relevant demographic factors. Results: CRF predicted response accuracy during incongruent flanker trials, the condition requiring greater inhibition. For the working memory task, CRF predicted greater target accuracy and greater d' scores on the 1-back task, requiring lesser amounts of working memory. In the 2-back task, which requires greater amounts of working memory, CRF also predicted greater target and non-target accuracy and d' scores. Comparatively, MF did not predict any cognitive outcomes after adjustment for CRF. Conclusion: CRF was selectively related to better performance during task conditions that require greater amounts of inhibition and working memory. This finding suggests that CRF, but not MF, may benefit cognitive control in older adolescents. This selective influence of CRF on older adolescents' cognition highlights the value of aerobic physical activity.

DOI 10.1016/j.jshs.2020.05.004
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 19
Co-authors David Lubans, Jordan Smith, Narelle Eather
2020 Leahy AA, Michels MF, Eather N, Hillman CH, Shigeta TT, Lubans DR, Smitha JJ, 'Feasibility of test administration and preliminary findings for cognitive control in the Burn 2 learn pilot randomised controlled trial', JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES, 38, 1708-1716 (2020) [C1]

The feasibility requirements of administering field-based cognitive assessments are rarely reported. We examined the feasibility of administering a group-based cognitive test batt... [more]

The feasibility requirements of administering field-based cognitive assessments are rarely reported. We examined the feasibility of administering a group-based cognitive test battery in a school setting with older adolescents. Several types of reliability were also assessed in the control group. Preliminary efficacy and the relationship between changes in fitness and changes in cognitive control were also explored following a 14-week HIIT intervention (3 sessions/week). Participants completed a cognitive test battery measuring inhibition (flanker), and working memory (n-back) at baseline and post-test.¿Health-related fitness assessments were also conducted.¿Test administration took approximately 30.8¿±¿1.5¿minutes to complete with up to six participants simultaneously. The test battery demonstrated acceptable reliability (ICC¿=¿0.5¿0.81), with significant changes observed for flanker incongruent accuracy, and 2-back non-target accuracy from baseline to post-test. Regarding efficacy,¿small-to-moderate effects were observed for accuracy outcomes, while several small associations were found between changes in fitness and changes in cognition. Findings from the current study suggest a cognitive test battery can be administered with older adolescents in a school setting. However, there remains a lack of adequate reporting of administration requirements for field-based cognitive assessments. Efficacy findings should be confirmed with a larger and more representative sample of older adolescents.

DOI 10.1080/02640414.2020.1756673
Citations Scopus - 9Web of Science - 8
Co-authors David Lubans, Narelle Eather, Jordan Smith
2020 Janssen A, Leahy AA, Diallo TMO, Smith JJ, Kennedy SG, Eather N, Mavilidi MF, Wagemakers A, Babic MJ, Lubans DR, 'Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness and mental health in older adolescents: A multi-level cross-sectional analysis', PREVENTIVE MEDICINE, 132 (2020) [C1]
DOI 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.105985
Citations Scopus - 4Web of Science - 35
Co-authors Sarah Kennedy, Narelle Eather, Jordan Smith, Mark Babic, David Lubans
2020 Kennedy SG, Leahy AA, Smith JJ, Eather N, Hillman CH, Morgan PJ, Plotnikoff RC, Boyer J, Lubans DR, 'Process Evaluation of a School-Based High-Intensity Interval Training Program for Older Adolescents: The Burn 2 Learn Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial', CHILDREN-BASEL, 7 (2020) [C1]
DOI 10.3390/children7120299
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 20
Co-authors David Lubans, Philip Morgan, Ron Plotnikoff, Jordan Smith, Sarah Kennedy, Narelle Eather
2020 Wade L, Leahy A, Lubans DR, Smith JJ, Duncan MJ, 'A systematic review of cognitive assessment in physical activity research involving children and adolescents', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 23, 740-745 (2020) [C1]
DOI 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.12.020
Citations Scopus - 1Web of Science - 1
Co-authors Levi Wade, David Lubans, Jordan Smith, Mitch Duncan
2020 Leahy AA, Mavilidi MF, Smith JJ, Hillman CH, Eather N, Barker D, Lubans DR, 'Review of High-Intensity Interval Training for Cognitive and Mental Health in Youth.', Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 52, 2224-2234 (2020) [C1]
DOI 10.1249/mss.0000000000002359
Citations Scopus - 9Web of Science - 6
Co-authors David Lubans, Jordan Smith, Daniel Barker, Narelle Eather
2019 Leahy AA, Eather N, Smith JJ, Hillman CH, Morgan PJ, Plotnikoff RC, Nilsson M, Costigan SA, Noetel M, Lubans DR, 'Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of a Teacher-Facilitated High-Intensity Interval Training Intervention for Older Adolescents', PEDIATRIC EXERCISE SCIENCE, 31, 107-117 (2019) [C1]
DOI 10.1123/pes.2018-0039
Citations Scopus - 5Web of Science - 48
Co-authors Michael Nilsson, Narelle Eather, Jordan Smith, Ron Plotnikoff, David Lubans, Philip Morgan
2019 Leahy AA, Eather N, Smith JJ, Hillman C, Morgan PJ, Nilsson M, Lonsdale C, Plotnikoff RC, Noetel M, Holliday E, Shigeta TT, Costigan SA, Walker FR, Young S, Valkenborghs SR, Gyawali P, Harris N, Kennedy SG, Lubans DR, 'School-based physical activity intervention for older adolescents: rationale and study protocol for the Burn 2 Learn cluster randomised controlled trial', BMJ OPEN, 9 (2019)
DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026029
Citations Scopus - 2Web of Science - 21
Co-authors Rohan Walker, Michael Nilsson, Liz Holliday, Jordan Smith, Ron Plotnikoff, David Lubans, Philip Morgan, Narelle Eather, Sarah Valkenborghs, Sarah Kennedy
Eather N, Mclachlan E, Leahy A, Sylvester B, Lubans D, 'Exploring the Impact of Choice and Variety on Adolescents' Motivation to Participate in High-Intensity Interval Training During Physical Education: A Randomized Controlled Trial', JOURNAL OF TEACHING IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION [C1]
DOI 10.1123/jtpe.2024-0173
Co-authors Narelle Eather, David Lubans
Leahy AA, Babic M, Hansen V, Eather N, Smith JJ, Costigan SA, Lubans DR, 'Integrating High-Intensity Physical Activity Breaks Into Senior School Lessons: Teachers' Perceptions of the "Burn 2 Learn" Program', JOURNAL OF TEACHING IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION
DOI 10.1123/jtpe.2024-0237
Co-authors Narelle Eather, Jordan Smith, Mark Babic, David Lubans
Gaba A, Hartwig TB, Jaskova P, Sanders T, Dygryn J, Vencalek O, Antczak D, Conigrave J, Parker P, del Pozo Cruz B, Fairclough SJ, Halson S, Hron K, Noetel M, avila-Garcia M, Cabanas-Sanchez V, Cavero-Redondo I, Curtis RG, da Costa BGG, del Pozo-Cruz J, Garcia-Hermoso A, Leahy AA, Lubans DR, Maher CA, Martinez-Gomez D, Meredith-Jones K, Redondo-Tebar A, Sabia S, Silva KS, Skidmore P, Villa-Gonzalez E, Yerramalla MS, Lonsdale C, 'Reallocating Time Between 24-h Movement Behaviors for Obesity Management Across the Lifespan: A Pooled Data Meta-Analysis of More Than 9800 Participants from Seven Countries', SPORTS MEDICINE [C1]
DOI 10.1007/s40279-024-02148-4
Citations Scopus - 2
Co-authors David Lubans
Show 23 more journal articles
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Grants and Funding

Summary

Number of grants 6
Total funding $1,035,772

Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.


20252 grants / $121,000

Onside with the Mariners: Domestic violence primary prevention program with the Central Coast Mariners and the NSW Department of Education$119,000

Funding body: Central Coast Mariners

Funding body Central Coast Mariners
Project Team

David Lubans, Levi Wade, Angus Leahy

Scheme Grant transfer
Role Investigator
Funding Start 2025
Funding Finish 2026
GNo
Type Of Funding C1700 - Aust Competitive - Other
Category 1700
UON N

International Society of Behaviour, Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) Conference, 11-14 June 2025, Auckland$2,000

Funding body: Centre for Active Living and Learning (CALL)

Funding body Centre for Active Living and Learning (CALL)
Scheme CALL Grant Scheme
Role Lead
Funding Start 2025
Funding Finish 2025
GNo
Type Of Funding Internal
Category INTE
UON N

20231 grants / $2,500

CHSF Conference Travel Grant$2,500

Funding body: College of Human and Social Futures | University of Newcastle

Funding body College of Human and Social Futures | University of Newcastle
Scheme CHSF - Conference Travel Scheme
Role Lead
Funding Start 2023
Funding Finish 2023
GNo
Type Of Funding Internal
Category INTE
UON N

20221 grants / $1,950

CHSF Conference Travel Grant$1,950

Funding body: College of Human and Social Futures | University of Newcastle

Funding body College of Human and Social Futures | University of Newcastle
Scheme CHSF - Conference Travel Scheme
Role Lead
Funding Start 2022
Funding Finish 2022
GNo
Type Of Funding Internal
Category INTE
UON N

20212 grants / $910,322

Effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a time-efficient school-based physical activity intervention for adolescents living with disability$775,258

Funding body: Department of Health and Aged Care

Funding body Department of Health and Aged Care
Project Team Professor David Lubans, Professor Nora Shields, Professor Charles Hillman, A/Prof Chris Lonsdale, Associate Professor Narelle Eather, Doctor Jordan Smith, Mr Mike Noetel, Ms Penny Reeves, Doctor Angus Leahy, Mr Toby Kable
Scheme MRFF - PPHRI - Maternal Health and First 2000 Days, Early Childhood, and Exercise and Nutrition
Role Investigator
Funding Start 2021
Funding Finish 2024
GNo G2001398
Type Of Funding C1300 - Aust Competitive - Medical Research Future Fund
Category 1300
UON Y

Transformational leadership program for children: The ‘Learning to Lead’ cluster randomised controlled trial$135,064

Funding body: NSW Department of Education

Funding body NSW Department of Education
Project Team Professor David Lubans, Associate Professor Nicole Nathan, Doctor Jordan Smith, Doctor Mark Babic, Miss Sarah Kennedy, Doctor Angus Leahy, Professor Mark Beauchamp, Mr Ran Bao
Scheme Prequalification Scheme: Performance and Management Services
Role Investigator
Funding Start 2021
Funding Finish 2022
GNo G2100687
Type Of Funding C2400 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Other
Category 2400
UON Y
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Research Supervision

Number of supervisions

Completed0
Current2

Current Supervision

Commenced Level of Study Research Title Program Supervisor Type
2024 PhD Effects of Infusing Physical Activity Breaks with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on Students’ Mental Health PhD (Education), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle Co-Supervisor
2022 PhD Examining the Role of Motor Competence and Fitness in the Development of Executive Functions in children: Learning to Lead Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial PhD (Education), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle Co-Supervisor
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Research Collaborations

The map is a representation of a researchers co-authorship with collaborators across the globe. The map displays the number of publications against a country, where there is at least one co-author based in that country. Data is sourced from the University of Newcastle research publication management system (NURO) and may not fully represent the authors complete body of work.

Country Count of Publications
Australia 30
United States 17
Finland 10
Canada 6
United Kingdom 3
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Dr Angus Leahy

Positions

Associate Lecturer
Centre for Active Living and Learning
School of Education
College of Human and Social Futures

Research Associate
Centre for Active Living and Learning
School of Education
College of Human and Social Futures

Aspan Executive Officer
Centre for Active Living and Learning
School of Education
College of Human and Social Futures

Contact Details

Email angus.leahy@newcastle.edu.au
Phone (02) 4921 6242

Office

Room ATC-304
Building Advanced Technology Centre
Location Callaghan
University Drive
Callaghan, NSW 2308
Australia
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