Metadata
Title
Nicholas Gilson
Category
general
UUID
45e0c7efa3ee4410abe5134a8817faa0
Source URL
https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1780
Parent URL
https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/844
Crawl Time
2026-03-11T07:05:29+00:00
Rendered Raw Markdown 
# Nicholas Gilson

**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1780
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/844

Associate Professor

# Nicholas Gilson

Email:
:   [n.gilson1@uq.edu.au](mailto:n.gilson1@uq.edu.au)

## Positions

Core Member of Centre for Community Health and Wellbeing
:   Centre for Community Health and Wellbeing
:   Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences

Associate Professor
:   School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences
:   Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences

## Overview

### Background

Nick joined the School in January 2008. He completed his under-graduate degree (Human Movement Studies) and PhD at Leeds Metropolitan University, UK. His first post-doctoral position was at Liverpool Hope University College, UK where he lectured in Exercise Science (1997-2001). Prior to moving to UQ he was a Senior and Principal Lecturer in Exercise Science and Health within the Carnegie Faculty, Leeds Metropolitan University.

Research Interests:

Nick is an internationally recognised expert in measuring, understanding and influencing occupational physical activity, sedentary behavior, health and productivity. Recent funded work has included leading multi-disciplinary teams in developing and testing innovative health solutions for office workers, truck drivers and veterans. Nick regularly presents to international conferences and academic groups, provides consultancy services to industry, and supervises PhD and other post-graduate projects.

Read more
Read less

### Availability

Associate Professor Nicholas Gilson is:
:   Available for supervision

### Fields of research

[Health Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4759)
[Sports science and exercise](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4986)

### Qualifications

- Bachelor (Honours) of Arts, Leeds Metropolitan University
- Doctor of Philosophy, Leeds Metropolitan University

### Research interests

- #### Physical activity, exercise and health

  Read more
  Read less

## Works

[Search Professor Nicholas Gilson’s works on UQ eSpace](http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list/author_id/74180)

[All
(117)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1780/all)
[Book
(2)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1780/4747)
[Journal Article
(72)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1780/4748)
[Other Outputs
(1)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1780/4749)
[Conference Publication
(40)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1780/4751)
[Book Chapter
(2)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/1780/4752)

2025

Journal Article

##### Acute concurrent exercise improves inhibitory control without mediating the role of lactate: an event-related potential study

Li, Ruei-Hong, Chen, Tai-Rui, Gilson, Nicholas D., Brazaitis, Marius, Cheng, Yi-Ting, Wu, Hui-Fang, Lee, Ji-Hang and Chang, Yu-Kai (2025). Acute concurrent exercise improves inhibitory control without mediating the role of lactate: an event-related potential study. Sports Medicine-Open, 11 (1) 12, 1-13. doi: 10.1186/s40798-024-00809-2

[Acute concurrent exercise improves inhibitory control without mediating the role of lactate: an event-related potential study](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:3d62521)

2024

Journal Article

##### National implementation trial of BeUpstanding™: an online initiative for workers to sit less and move more

Healy, Genevieve N., Goode, Ana D., Ulyate, Lisa, Abbott, Alison, Dunstan, David W., Eakin, Elizabeth G., Gilson, Nicholas D., Gunning, Lynn, Jetann, Jodie, LaMontagne, Anthony D., Moodie, Marj, Mulcahy, Samantha, Owen, Neville, Shilton, Trevor, Sweeny, Leanne, Straker, Leon and Winkler, Elisabeth A. H. (2024). National implementation trial of BeUpstanding™: an online initiative for workers to sit less and move more. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 21 (1) 111, 1-19. doi: 10.1186/s12966-024-01652-0

[National implementation trial of BeUpstanding™: an online initiative for workers to sit less and move more](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:d4c0ada)

2024

Journal Article

##### Keep on truckin': how effective are health behaviour interventions on truck drivers' health? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Virgara, Rosa, Singh, Ben, O'Connor, Edward, Szeto, Kimberley, Merkx, Zydan, Rees, Christian, Gilson, Nicholas and Maher, Carol (2024). Keep on truckin': how effective are health behaviour interventions on truck drivers' health? A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 24 (1) 2623, 1-23. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-19929-1

[Keep on truckin': how effective are health behaviour interventions on truck drivers' health? A systematic review and meta-analysis](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ee81318)

2024

Journal Article

##### Behaviour change techniques, barriers and facilitators for promoting self-managed physical activity in Australian Defence Force veterans: A mixed-methods study

Papinczak, Zoe E., Gilson, Nicholas D., Mielke, Gregore I., Haslam, Catherine and Brown, Wendy J. (2024). Behaviour change techniques, barriers and facilitators for promoting self-managed physical activity in Australian Defence Force veterans: A mixed-methods study. Journal of Military and Veterans' Health, 32 (3), 22-30.

[Behaviour change techniques, barriers and facilitators for promoting self-managed physical activity in Australian Defence Force veterans: A mixed-methods study](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:af37d79)

2023

Journal Article

##### From Fitbits to chatbots: can digital humans help solve the physical inactivity pandemic?

Gilson, Nicholas, James, Edidiong, Viller, Stephen and Glencross, Mashhuda (2023). From Fitbits to chatbots: can digital humans help solve the physical inactivity pandemic?. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57 (22) bjsports-2023-107132, 1413-1414. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107132

[From Fitbits to chatbots: can digital humans help solve the physical inactivity pandemic?](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8d919c3)

2023

Journal Article

##### The efficacy and feasibility of a high intensity interval training program to improve cardiorespiratory fitness in truck drivers: The Fit2Drive cluster-controlled pilot study

Gilson, Nicholas D., Mielke, Gregore I., Coombes, Jeff S., Duncan, Mitch J. and Brown, Wendy J. (2023). The efficacy and feasibility of a high intensity interval training program to improve cardiorespiratory fitness in truck drivers: The Fit2Drive cluster-controlled pilot study. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 65 (10), 836-840. doi: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002914

[The efficacy and feasibility of a high intensity interval training program to improve cardiorespiratory fitness in truck drivers: The Fit2Drive cluster-controlled pilot study](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1b509ec)

2023

Journal Article

##### A stepped down physical activity support program for military service veterans: The Active Choices pilot study

Gilson, Nicholas D., Papinczak, Zoe E., Haslam, Catherine, Mielke, Gregore I., Fooken, Jonas and Brown, Wendy J. (2023). A stepped down physical activity support program for military service veterans: The Active Choices pilot study. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 35 (3), 844-848. doi: 10.1002/hpja.807

[A stepped down physical activity support program for military service veterans: The Active Choices pilot study](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:41ecc09)

2023

Journal Article

##### High intensity and sprint interval training, and work‐related cognitive function in adults: a systematic review

Gilson, Nicholas D., Andersson, Dan, Papinczak, Zoe E., Rutherford, Zoe, John, Julie, Coombes, Jeff S. and Brown, Wendy J. (2023). High intensity and sprint interval training, and work‐related cognitive function in adults: a systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 33 (6), 814-833. doi: 10.1111/sms.14349

[High intensity and sprint interval training, and work‐related cognitive function in adults: a systematic review](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:6c2d9e8)

2023

Journal Article

##### TRACK & ACT: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial exploring the comparative effectiveness of pedometers and activity trackers for changing physical activity and sedentary behaviour in inactive individuals

Ryan, Daniel J., Ross, Megan H., Simmich, Joshua, Ng, Norman, Burton, Nicola W., Gilson, Nick, Pavey, Toby, Brown, Wendy J. and Gomersall, Sjaan R. (2023). TRACK & ACT: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial exploring the comparative effectiveness of pedometers and activity trackers for changing physical activity and sedentary behaviour in inactive individuals. Journal of Activity, Sedentary and Sleep Behaviors, 2 (1) 12, 1-12. doi: 10.1186/s44167-023-00018-4

[TRACK & ACT: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial exploring the comparative effectiveness of pedometers and activity trackers for changing physical activity and sedentary behaviour in inactive individuals](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:e225dc3)

2022

Journal Article

##### Drivers with and without obesity respond differently to a multi-component health intervention in heavy goods vehicle drivers

Ruettger, Katharina, Clemes, Stacy A., Chen, Yu-Ling, Edwardson, Charlotte L., Guest, Amber, Gilson, Nicholas D., Gray, Laura J., Johnson, Vicki, Paine, Nicola J., Sherry, Aron P., Sayyah, Mohsen, Troughton, Jacqui, Varela-Mato, Veronica, Yates, Thomas and King, James A. (2022). Drivers with and without obesity respond differently to a multi-component health intervention in heavy goods vehicle drivers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (23) 15546, 1-12. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192315546

[Drivers with and without obesity respond differently to a multi-component health intervention in heavy goods vehicle drivers](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:67126ef)

2022

Journal Article

##### Postpandemic hybrid work: opportunities and challenges for physical activity and public health

Gilson, Nicholas, Coenen, P, Hallman, David, Holtermann, Andreas, Mathiassen, Svend Erik and Straker, Leon (2022). Postpandemic hybrid work: opportunities and challenges for physical activity and public health. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 56 (21) bjsports-2022-105664, bjsports-2022. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-105664

[Postpandemic hybrid work: opportunities and challenges for physical activity and public health](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:dee51f2)

2022

Journal Article

##### Physical activity, sedentary time, and cardiometabolic health in heavy goods vehicle drivers

Ruettger, Katharina, Varela-Mato, Veronica, Chen, Yu-Ling, Edwardson, Charlotte L., Guest, Amber, Gilson, Nicholas D., Gray, Laura J., Paine, Nicola J., Sherry, Aron P., Sayyah, Mohsen, Yates, Thomas, King, James A. and Clemes, Stacy A. (2022). Physical activity, sedentary time, and cardiometabolic health in heavy goods vehicle drivers. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 64 (4), E217-E223. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002484

[Physical activity, sedentary time, and cardiometabolic health in heavy goods vehicle drivers](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7d5631a)

2022

Journal Article

##### Symptom characteristics in office workers using standing workstations: a cross-sectional study

Smith, Michelle D., Vicenzino, Bill, Brown, Wendy J., Gilson, Nicholas, Gane, Elise M. and Johnston, Venerina (2022). Symptom characteristics in office workers using standing workstations: a cross-sectional study. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 26 (2) 100393, 100393. doi: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2022.100393

[Symptom characteristics in office workers using standing workstations: a cross-sectional study](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:282309f)

2021

Journal Article

##### Physical activity and sitting time in occupational groups from Papua New Guinea

Clark, Bronwyn K., Karthikeyan, Priya, Barnabas, Emily and Gilson, Nicholas D. (2021). Physical activity and sitting time in occupational groups from Papua New Guinea. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 95 (3), 621-628. doi: 10.1007/s00420-021-01796-7

[Physical activity and sitting time in occupational groups from Papua New Guinea](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1a5fb67)

2021

Journal Article

##### VO2peak and 24‐hour sleep, sedentary behaviour and physical activity in Australian truck drivers

Gilson, Nicholas D., Mielke, Gregore I., Coombes, Jeff S., Feter, Natan, Smith, Emily, Duncan, Mitch J., Wallis, Guy and Brown, Wendy J. (2021). VO2peak and 24‐hour sleep, sedentary behaviour and physical activity in Australian truck drivers. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports, 31 (7), 1574-1578. doi: 10.1111/sms.13965

[VO2peak and 24‐hour sleep, sedentary behaviour and physical activity in Australian truck drivers](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:6a9fd59)

2021

Journal Article

##### Stepped-down intervention programs to promote self-managed physical activity in military service veterans: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

Gilson, Nicholas D., Papinczak, Zoe E., Mielke, Gregore I., Haslam, Catherine, McKenna, James and Brown, Wendy J. (2021). Stepped-down intervention programs to promote self-managed physical activity in military service veterans: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 24 (11), 1155-1160. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2021.06.008

[Stepped-down intervention programs to promote self-managed physical activity in military service veterans: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:2873738)

2021

Journal Article

##### Effects of the active choices program on self-managed physical activity and social connectedness in Australian Defence Force veterans: protocol for a cluster-randomised trial

Gilson, Nicholas D, Papinczak, Zoe E, Mielke, Gregore Iven, Haslam, Catherine, Fooken, Jonas, McKenna, James and Brown, Wendy J (2021). Effects of the active choices program on self-managed physical activity and social connectedness in Australian Defence Force veterans: protocol for a cluster-randomised trial. JMIR Research Protocols, 10 (2) e21911, 1-8. doi: 10.2196/21911

[Effects of the active choices program on self-managed physical activity and social connectedness in Australian Defence Force veterans: protocol for a cluster-randomised trial](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:efb62ed)

2020

Conference Publication

##### Cardio-respiratory Fitness And Vigorous Physical Activity In Australian Truck Drivers Prior To A Hiit Intervention

Gilson, Nicholas D., Mielke, Gregore I., Coombes, Jeff, Duncan, Mitch J., Wallis, Guy and Brown, Wendy J. (2020). Cardio-respiratory Fitness And Vigorous Physical Activity In Australian Truck Drivers Prior To A Hiit Intervention. 67th Annual Meeting of the American-College-of-Sports-Medicine (ACSM), Electr Network, 2020. PHILADELPHIA: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS.

[Cardio-respiratory Fitness And Vigorous Physical Activity In Australian Truck Drivers Prior To A Hiit Intervention](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:49d74b1)

2020

Journal Article

##### Supporting workers to sit less and move more through the web-based beupstanding program: protocol for a single-arm, repeated measures implementation study

Healy, Genevieve, Goode, Ana D., Abbott, Alison, Burzic, Jennifer, Clark, Bronwyn K., Dunstan, David W., Eakin, Elizabeth G., Frith, Matthew, Gilson, Nicholas D., Gao, Lan, Gunning, Lynn, Jetann, Jodie, LaMontagne, Anthony D., Lawler, Sheleigh P., Moodie, Marj, Nguyen, Phuong, Owen, Neville, Straker, Leon, Timmins, Perri, Ulyate, Lisa and Winkler, Elisabeth A. H. (2020). Supporting workers to sit less and move more through the web-based beupstanding program: protocol for a single-arm, repeated measures implementation study. JMIR Research Protocols , 9 (5) e15756, e15756. doi: 10.2196/15756

[Supporting workers to sit less and move more through the web-based beupstanding program: protocol for a single-arm, repeated measures implementation study](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5db5e6d)

2019

Journal Article

##### Controversies in the science of sedentary behaviour and health: insights, perspectives and future directions from the 2018 Queensland Sedentary Behaviour Think Tank

Biddle, Stuart J. H., Bennie, Jason A., De Cocker, Katrien, Dunstan, David, Gardiner, Paul A., Healy, Genevieve N., Lynch, Brigid, Owen, Neville, Brakenridge, Charlotte, Brown, Wendy, Buman, Matthew, Clark, Bronwyn, Dohrn, Ing-Mari, Duncan, Mitch, Gilson, Nicholas, Kolbe-Alexander, Tracy, Pavey, Toby, Reid, Natasha, Vandelanotte, Corneel, Vergeer, Ineke and Vincent, Grace E. (2019). Controversies in the science of sedentary behaviour and health: insights, perspectives and future directions from the 2018 Queensland Sedentary Behaviour Think Tank. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16 (23) 4762, 4762. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16234762

[Controversies in the science of sedentary behaviour and health: insights, perspectives and future directions from the 2018 Queensland Sedentary Behaviour Think Tank](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:b9ab615)

## Funding

### Current funding

- 2025 - 2027

  Active Choices for Springfield: A veteran-led online program to support physically active and connected lifestyles in a priority regional community

  Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/67245)

### Past funding

- 2020 - 2023

  The impact of Truck-Fit on the musculoskeletal health and psychological wellbeing of truck drivers

  Workcover Queensland

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/48550)
- 2019 - 2021

  Active Choices: A 'stepped-down' program to promote group-based physical activity to DVA clients

  Department of Veterans' Affairs

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/37661)
- 2019 - 2023

  Truck-Fit: Testing of a scalable high intensity interval training program for male long distance truck drivers with cardio-metabolic risks and conditions

  National Heart Foundation Vanguard Grant

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/37178)
- 2018 - 2022

  National implementation trial of an evidence-informed workplace sitting reduction intervention

  NHMRC Partnership Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/33117)
- 2016 - 2017

  Optimisation of the BeUpstanding Champion Toolkit

  Safe Work Australia

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/29536)
- 2015 - 2020

  'Train the Champion' toolkit; Phases 3 and 4

  Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/27622)
- 2015 - 2017

  'Train the Champion' toolkit; Phase 2

  Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/26752)
- 2015

  Development of a stand up, sit less, move more 'train the champion' toolkit

  Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/23734)
- 2014 - 2017

  Encouraging businesses to adopt activity-permissive workplaces to reduce sitting time at work

  National Heart Foundation Focus Grant

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/23606)
- 2014 - 2015

  Development and evaluation of a health education resource for blue collar workers

  Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/23459)
- 2014 - 2015

  Using prompts to break occupational sitting time and improve heart health

  National Heart Foundation Vanguard Grant

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/21167)
- 2013 - 2015

  The Shifting Gears Project: Active Living and Healthy Eating in Queensland Truck Drivers

  Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/15831)
- 2013

  Development of a baseline 'Lifestyle Needs Assessment Survey tool' to support the Queensland 'Workplaces for Wellness' Program

  Queensland Health

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/15709)
- 2012

  Development of a baseline 'Lifestyle Needs Assessment Survey tool' to support the Queensland 'Workplaces for Wellness' Program

  Queensland Health

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/13804)
- 2009

  UQ Travel Awards Category 2, Dr Nick Gilson

  UQ Travel Grants Scheme

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/45882)
- 2009

  Workplace Physical Activity: A Randomised Control Trial Intervention for Brisbane City Council Workers

  UQ Early Career Researcher

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/10710)
- 2008 - 2009

  'Walk UQ': a longitudinal multi-site workplace physical activity intervention

  UQ New Staff Research Start-Up Fund

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/45117)

View all 17 past funded projects
View less

## Supervision

### Availability

Associate Professor Nicholas Gilson is:
:   Available for supervision

Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on [how to choose a supervisor](https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/how-to-choose-a-supervisor).

### Supervision history

#### Current supervision

- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Wellbeing Within Australian Secondary School Teachers

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr James Woodforde](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/43709), [Dr Michalis Stylianou](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/11845)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Structured breathing practice and exercise for stress reduction via telehealth - Feasability, mechanisms for allied health practice.

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Shelley Keating](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/12259)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Development and evaluation of a digital human exercise coach

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Shelley Keating](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/12259)

#### Completed supervision

- 2019

  Master Philosophy

  ##### [Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Occupational Groups from Papua New Guinea: Self-reported Patterns and Correlates](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:32ab2b1)

  Principal Advisor
- 2014

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Understanding, describing and measuring workplace physical activity patterns in men from a regional area of Queensland, Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:335889)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Emeritus Professor Wendy Brown](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/844)
- 2013

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Occupational Sitting in Australian Office Workers: Measurement, Description and Strategies for Change](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:318333)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Emeritus Professor Wendy Brown](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/844)
- 2013

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Employee Presenteeism](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:310990)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Emeritus Professor Wendy Brown](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/844)

## Media

### Enquiries

For media enquiries about Associate Professor Nicholas Gilson's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team:

[communications@uq.edu.au](mailto:communications@uq.edu.au)

## External profiles

- [ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5744-3609)
- [ResearcherID](https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/D-6056-2012)
- [Scopus](https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId= )

## Personal links

- [Personal profile](https://hmns.uq.edu.au/profile/1250/nicholas-gilson)

Log in to Academic Portal to update your profile

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