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The Movement Behaviours and Health Lab (MBH) was founded in 2024 by Dr. Bruno da Costa.

Research at MBH focuses on understanding how we move, sit, and sleep. This is essential for improving and maintaining optimal health and well-being and preventing chronic diseases. Our lab examines the complex interplay between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep across diverse population groups. We investigate the sociodemographic, behavioural, and psychosocial factors that relate to and influence the movement behaviours to understand how, where, when, and why individuals engage in more or less physical activity, spend different amounts of time being sedentary, or experience varying sleep patterns.

Our research is organized around three core pillars that guide our efforts and objectives:

1. Correlates and determinants of movement behaviours

   We study factors (ranging from social and behavioural to cognitive and affective) that influence people’s physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep.

2. Health implications across the lifespan

   We examine how different patterns of physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep affect physical and mental health outcomes at every stage of life, from childhood through older adulthood.

3. Measurement of movement behaviours

   We develop and refine methods to accurately assess these behaviours, along with the contextual factors that influence them.

Ultimately, our goal is to provide evidence that informs effective interventions and policies.  By collaborating with practitioners, policymakers, and community organizations, we aim to foster healthier, more active lifestyles for all.