Our completed research projects focused on cycle skills training, adolescents' lifestyle and community-based cardiac rehabilitation.
Cycle Skills Training projects
| Improving Cycle Skills Training for Children (2017-2018) | Cycling is a healthy, low-cost, and low-carbon transport option. The cycle skills training programme teaches the theory of safe cycling followed by off-road and on-road experiences. This study examined key factors for improving the quality of the content and delivery of cycle skills training in primary and intermediate schools in Dunedin. Data was collected from children, teachers, cycle skills trainers, cycling experts and parents of children who took part in the training. Focus groups, photos and videos, were used to elicit information, while the study also involved building 3D cycle skills training course models. Investigators: Dr Christina Ergler (PI), Dr Sandy Mandic Funding: University of Otago Research Grant |  |
| Evaluation of Cycle Skills Training Programme (2015-2017) | South Dunedin Cycling Project aimed to increase participation levels in cycling for transport, recreation and sport in children, young people and their families/whanau in South Dunedin. South Dunedin Cycling Project provided a cycle skills training programme, a series of activities and events, as well as access to bikes, helmets and safety equipment. This research project examined the effects of the cycle skills training programme on increasing knowledge of road safety, practical cycling skills and rates of cycling for recreation, transport and sport in children and young people. The findings have been used to improve and redesign the cycle skills training programme in Dunedin and nationally to generate the desired outcomes. Investigators: Dr Sandy Mandic (PI), Mrs Charlotte Flaherty Funding: Dunedin City Council and Sport New Zealand. |  |
Adolescents' Lifestyle
| Otago School Students Lifestyle Survey (2009-2012) | This multidisciplinary cross-sectional study examined physical activity habits, fitness and food choices and the factors that influence these patterns in adolescents in Otago. Initial study in 2009 was a collaborative project between the University of Otago, Dunedin City Council, Otago Regional Council, and Otago Secondary School Sports Association. Investigators: Sandra Mandic (PI), Paula Skidmore (Co-PI), Katherine Black (Co-PI) Funding: University of Otago Research Grant, National Heart Foundation, Lottery Health Research Grant, Dunedin City Council and Otago Regional Council. |  |
Community-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation
| Community-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation: 5-Year Follow-up (2017) | This longitudinal observational study extends our previous research and examined the 5-year changes in physical function, exercise capacity, physical activity patterns, and quality of life in elderly individuals participating in community-based cardiac rehabilitation programmes. Investigators: Dr Sandy Mandic (PI), Mr Garrick Hately Funding: School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago |  |
| Long-term effects of cardiac rehabilitation in elderly individuals (2011-2012) | This cross-sectional study examined the long-term effects of community-based cardiac rehabilitation on exercise capacity, cardiovascular function, physical function and quality of life in elderly individuals with coronary artery disease. Comparison groups included age- and gender-matched healthy active and sedentary individuals and cardiac patients in the community. Investigators: Dr Sandy Mandic (PI), Assoc Prof Michael Williams, Prof Rob Walker Funding: University of Otago Research Grant and an equipment grant from the Southland Medical Foundation Ltd. |  |
| Community-based cardiac rehabilitation: Prospective observational study (2009-2012) | This longitudinal observational study examined the long-term effects of community-based cardiac rehabilitation on changes in physical function, exercise capacity, physical activity patterns, and quality of life among the members of the community-based cardiac rehabilitation programmes. Investigators: Dr Sandy Mandic (PI), Assoc Prof Michael Williams, Prof Rob Walker Funding: Lottery Health Research Grant and an internal grant from the School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences. |  |
