RESEARCH CASE STUDY Role of Exercise in Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (Filmed 2024)
Dr. Shelley Keating AES AEP* is an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, a researcher, and a senior lecturer at the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. Dr. Keating’s research primarily focuses on the role of exercise in the management of metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. MASLD affects a significant portion of the global adult population, with many individuals unaware of their condition.
The condition is strongly linked with the development of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and various liver-related consequences. Dr. Keating’s research emphasises lifestyle interventions, particularly the role of exercise, in managing MASLD. Her work has shown that aerobic exercise, independent of weight loss, plays a crucial role in reducing liver fat and improving liver health.
Through clinical trials, Dr. Keating and her team have explored the impact of different doses of supervised aerobic exercise on individuals with obesity and MASLD. Their findings suggest that aerobic exercise, at various durations and intensities, yields benefits for reducing liver fat. They recommend 150 to 240 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise per week as beneficial for improving liver health. Moreover, even lower doses of exercise, such as 135 minutes per week, have shown positive effects.
Dr. Keating has collaborated with Exercise and Sports Science Australia and international experts in creating exercise guidelines for the management of MASLD, which have been adopted in numerous policies and guidelines worldwide. Currently, her focus is on designing tailored exercise solutions to help individuals living with MASLD sustain long-term exercise behaviours based on their needs, perspectives, and experiences.
* AES is the acronym for Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES), AEP is the acronym for Accredited Exercise Physiologist
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Corneal and Ocular Surface Immunology and Regeneration
Assoc Professor Holly Chinnery’s career in ocular immunology began with a focus on animal models; however, it has recently transitioned into clinical imaging studies involving human research participants. The ability to visualise the immune system and sensory nerves in the human cornea represents a significant advantage in corneal immunology and neuroimmunology research.
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Anne O’Neill
STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORTING MEDICAL RESEARCH
@ NSW HEALTH, NEW SOUTH WALES AUSTRALIA -
Enhancing occupational therapy service provision with military veterans
Prof McKinstry was instrumental in the development of the occupational therapy course at the La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus and also the establishment of the Rural Health School.
Prof McKinstry’s research focus is on health workforce, particularly developing a sustainable rural health workforce through recruitment of rural students for health courses, innovative and flexible delivery of health courses, telehealth and emerging areas of practice for occupational therapists.
