Simone completed her PhD in Exercise Science at the University of Cape Town and currently works as a Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at the University of Stirling. Simone’s research area is physical activity across the age spectrum. She is currently working on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project with Paths for All, which is aiming to co-produce a programme to help get Scottish secondary school pupils more active. Simone has previously worked on the GOALD (Generating Older Active Lives Digitally) project; a collaborative project between the Universities of Stirling and Plymouth exploring the delivery of physical activity and sports-based reminiscence using digital technology in intergenerational groups.
GOALD: Connectivity and Digital Design for Health and Well-being Across Generations, Places and Spaces
PI: Professor Catherine Hennessy
Funded by: Economic and Social Research Council
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Preprint / Working Paper
Jones RB, Cooper L, Bradwell H, Shore CB, Tomaz SA, Ritchie J, Whittaker AC, Haynes R, Hennessy C & GOALD project (2025) Toolkits for developing digital platforms to help older people stay physically or socially active produced through codesign workshops: real-world impact assessment through 10 case studies. (Preprint). JMIR Preprints. https://doi.org/10.2196/preprints.64222
Article
Pooled Analysis of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep Among Children From 33 Countries
Chong KH, Suesse T, Cross PL, Ryan ST, Aadland E, Aoko O, Byambaa A, Carson V, Chaput J, Christian H, Cliff DP, De Craemer M, de Lucena Martins CM, Delisle Nyström C, Draper CE & Tomaz SA (2024) Pooled Analysis of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Sleep Among Children From 33 Countries. JAMA Pediatrics, 178 (11), pp. 1199-1207. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.3330
Remote Scoping of an Audio-Reminiscence Tool for Care Home Residents
Bradwell HL, Jones RB, Cooper L, Edwards KJ, Tomaz S, Baxter R, Baines R, Page T, Chatterjee A, Whittaker AC, Haynes R & Hennessy C (2024) Remote Scoping of an Audio-Reminiscence Tool for Care Home Residents. In: volume 2024. 2024 IEEE Symposium on Computers and Communications (ISCC), Paris, France, 26.06.2024-29.06.2024. IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/iscc61673.2024.10733572
Conference Paper (published)
Bradwell HL, Cooper L, Baxter R, Tomaz S, Edwards KJ, Whittaker AC & Jones RB (2024) Implementation of Virtual Reality Motivated Physical Activity via Omnidirectional Treadmill in a Supported Living Facility for Older Adults: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation.: Virtual reality to motivate physical activity for older adults. In: CHI '24: Proceedings of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. CHI '24: CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Honolulu HI USA, 11.05.2024-16.05.2024. New York: ACM. https://doi.org/10.1145/3613904.3642281
Article
Tomaz SA, Taylor L, Ryde GC, Bradwell HL, Cooper L, Coffee P, Mannion G, Hennessy C, Haynes R, Whittaker AC & GOALD Project (2024) Generations Active Together: An Example of Using Physical Activity Promotion and Digital Technology to Bring Together Adolescents and Older People in Stirling, Scotland. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships. https://doi.org/10.1080/15350770.2024.2322442
Article
Tomaz SA, Reilly JJ, Johnstone A, Hughes A, Robertson J, Craig LCA & Bardid F (2024) A systematic evaluation of physical activity and diet policies in Scotland: results from the 2021 Active Healthy Kids Report Card. Journal of Public Health, 46 (2), p. e240–e247. https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdae022
Article
Generating Older Active Lives Digitally (GOALD) Through Sport-Based Reminiscence
Haynes R, Ritchie J & Tomaz S (2023) Generating Older Active Lives Digitally (GOALD) Through Sport-Based Reminiscence. Gerontological Society of America, Tampa, Florida, USA Innovation in Aging, 7 (Supplement_1), p. 669. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igad104.2176
Article
Bradwell pL, Cooper L, Edwards KJ, Baxter R, Tomaz SA, Ritchie J, Gaudl S, Veliz-Reyes A, Ryde GC, Križaj T, Warren A, Chatterjee A, Haynes R, Hennessy CH & Whittaker AC (2023) Staff perceptions towards virtual reality-motivated treadmill exercise for care home residents: a qualitative feedback study with key stakeholders and follow-up interview with technology developer. BMJ Open, 13 (11), Art. No.: e073307. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073307
Review
Workplace Physical Activity Within the Gulf Cooperation Council Region: A Scoping Review
Alkhubaizi AA, Ryde GC, Tomaz SA & Whittaker AC (2023) Workplace Physical Activity Within the Gulf Cooperation Council Region: A Scoping Review. Physical Activity and Health, 7 (1), pp. 191-204. https://doi.org/10.5334/paah.280
Article
Niven A, Ainge JA, Allison M, Gorely T, Kelly P, Ozakinci G, Ryde GC, Tomaz SA, Warne S, Whiteford V & Greenwood C (2023) Building partnerships: A case study of physical activity researchers and practitioners collaborating to build evidence to inform the delivery of a workplace step count challenge. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.1067127
Article
Tomaz SA, Ryde GC, Swales B, Neely KC, Andreis F, Coffee P, Connelly J, Kirkland A, McCabe L, Watchman K, Martin JG, Pina I & Whittaker AC (2022) ". . . Exercise opportunities became very important": Scottish older adults' changes in physical activity during Covid19'. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 19, Art. No.: 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-022-00295-z
Article
Bardid F, Tomaz SA, Johnstone A, Robertson J, Craig LCA & Reilly JJ (2022) Results from Scotland's 2021 report card on physical activity and health for children and youth: Grades, secular trends, and socio-economic inequalities. Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness, 20 (4), pp. 317-322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesf.2022.07.002
Article
KARIIPPANON KE, CHONG KH, JANSSEN X, TOMAZ SA, RIBEIRO EHC, MUNAMBAH N, CHAN CHS, CHATHURANGANA PP, DRAPER CE, EL HAMDOUCHI A, FLORINDO AA, GUAN H, HA AS, HOSSAIN MS & KIM DH (2022) Levels and Correlates of Objectively Measured Sedentary Behavior in Young Children: SUNRISE Study Results from 19 Countries. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 54 (7), pp. 1123-1130. https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0000000000002886
Article
Reid H, Ridout AJ, Tomaz SA, Kelly P & Jones N (2022) Benefits outweigh the risks: a consensus statement on the risks of physical activity for people living with long-term conditions. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 56 (8), pp. 427-438. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2021-104281
Article
Ryde GC, Tomaz SA, Sandison K, Greenwood C & Kelly P (2022) Measuring Productivity, Perceived Stress and Work Engagement of a Nationally Delivered Workplace Step Count Challenge. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19 (3), Art. No.: 1843. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031843
Article
Sleep and BMI in South African urban and rural, high and low-income preschool children
Rae DE, Tomaz SA, Jones RA, Hinkley T, Twine R, Kahn K, Norris SA & Draper CE (2021) Sleep and BMI in South African urban and rural, high and low-income preschool children. BMC Public Health, 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10591-5
Article
Tomaz SA, Coffee P, Ryde GC, Swales B, Neely KC, Connelly J, Kirkland A, McCabe L, Watchman K, Andreis F, Martin JG, Pina I & Whittaker AC (2021) Loneliness, Wellbeing, and Social Activity in Scottish Older Adults Resulting from Social Distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (9), Art. No.: 4517. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094517
Article
Pina I, Mendham AE, Tomaz SA, Goedecke JH, Micklesfield LK, Brooks NE, Gallagher IJ, Crockett R, Dudchenko P & Hunter AM (2021) Intensity Matters for Musculoskeletal Health: A Cross-Sectional Study on Movement Behaviors of Older Adults from High-Income Scottish and Low-Income South African Communities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (8), Art. No.: 4310. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084310
Article
Draper C, Tomaz SA, Cook CJ, Jugdav SS, Ramsammy C, Besharati S, Van Heerden A, Vilakazi K, Cockcroft K, Howard SJ & Okely AD (2020) Understanding the influence of 24-hour movement behaviours on the health and development of preschool children from low-income South African settings: the SUNRISE pilot study. South African Journal of Sports Medicine, 32 (1), pp. 1-7. https://doi.org/10.17159/2078-516X/2020/v32i1a8415
Conference Paper (unpublished)
Whittaker AC, Tomaz SA, Ryde G, Connelly J, Coffee P, Kirkland A, McCabe L, Watchman K, Andreis F, Swales B, Martin JG, Pina I & Neely KC (2020) Loneliness, social support and wellbeing in Scottish older adults as a result of social distancing during the Covid19 pandemic. American Psychosomatic Society 2020 Virtual Meeting, Online, 03.12.2020-04.12.2020. https://psychosomatic.org/meetings/annual-meeting-2020/
Newspaper / Magazine
Getting people more active is key to better health: here are 8 areas for investment
Draper C, Foster C, Reece L, Mair J, Schipperijn J, Milton K, Mclaughlin M, Tomaz S, Gomersall S & Shilton T (2020) Getting people more active is key to better health: here are 8 areas for investment. The Conversation. 12.11.2020.
Conference Paper (unpublished)
Impact of Covid19 social distancing on the social and mental health of Scottish older adults
Whittaker AC, Tomaz SA, Coffee P, Ryde G, Connelly J, Kirkland A, McCabe L, Watchman K, Andreis F, Neely KC, Swales B, Martin JG & Pina I (2020) Impact of Covid19 social distancing on the social and mental health of Scottish older adults. Scottish Physical Activity Research Connections 2020 Digital Conference, Online, 11.11.2020-18.11.2020. https://www.sparc.education.ed.ac.uk/conference-2020/
Conference Paper (unpublished)
Tomaz SA, Ryde G, Connelly J, Swales B, Martin JG, Pina I, Neely KC, Coffee P, Kirkland A, Andreis F, McCabe L, Watchman K & Whittaker AC (2020) The impact of Covid19 on Scottish older adults’ physical activity: Changes and associations with wellbeing. Scottish Physical Activity Research Connections 2020 Digital Conference, Online, 11.11.2020-18.11.2020. https://www.sparc.education.ed.ac.uk/conference-2020/
Article
Tomaz SA, Davies JI, Micklesfield LK, Wade AN, Kahn K, Tollman SM, Draper CE & Witham MD (2020) Self-Reported Physical Activity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Rural South Africa: Levels and Correlates. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (17), Art. No.: 6325. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176325
Article
Screen Time and Sleep of Rural and Urban South African Preschool Children
Tomaz SA, Hinkley T, Jones RA, Watson ED, Twine R, Kahn K, Norris SA & Draper CE (2020) Screen Time and Sleep of Rural and Urban South African Preschool Children. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (15), Art. No.: 5449. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155449
Website Content
Tomaz S, Fawkner S, Niven A, Hanson S, Williamson C, Kelly P & Hanson CL (2020) Physical activity for children under 5 years during COVID-19: Play your way and keep moving while at home. British Journal of Sports Medicine Blog [Blog Post] 29.04.2020. https://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2020/04/29/physical-activity-for-children-under-5-years-during-covid-19-play-your-way-and-keep-moving-while-at-home/
