University of Exeter Medical School

Dr Rebecca Abbott

Dr Rebecca Abbott

Senior Research Fellow, Evidence Synthesis Team

 R.A.Abbott@exeter.ac.uk

 6098

 726098

 South Cloisters 3.09

 

South Cloisters, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Heavitree Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK

Overview

Rebecca joined the Evidence Synthesis Team (EST) in April 2012. The key remit of her post is to lead and support evidence synthesis and systematic reviews on a wide variety of topics being taken forward within the current PenARC.

As part of the EST, Rebecca is involved with: 

  • undertaking evidence synthesis research to address priority questions where primary research evidence exists; or through using evidence and local data to explore potential new ways of organising services (operations research)
  • supporting applications for external funding to support new research to resolve PenARC's priority questions and to support the evaluation of implementation activities with the NHS, and
  • developing capacity, through provision of clinics and workshops, for others to undertake evidence based research.

Many of the recent reviews of the EST have focussed on care home issues: mealtime interventions, the benefits of outdoor spaces for residents with dementia and the effectiveness of interventions to reduce anti-psychotic prescriptions to residents with dementia. Other reviews that Rebecca has led have included the effectiveness of mindfulness based interventions in people with vascular disease and the effectiveness of tnf-alpha inhiitor therapy in people with chronic disease. The team are currently involved in a number of reviews related to implementation and knowledge translation in care home and dementia related research. 

Qualifications

  • 2000 PhD (Queensland University of Technology)
  • 1985 BSc (Hons) Nutrition (Surrey)
  • 1985 Diploma Dietetics (Surrey)

Career

Rebecca started her career as a research dietitian at the Institite of Child Health in London. Her career meanderings led to roles as a trials co-ordinator for the MRC Dunn Nutrition Unit, a physical activity research officer at the Cambridge Institute of Public Health, and a senior researcher and lecturer at the University of Queensland, Australia working with colleagues in occupational therapy, pedagogy, physiotherapy and public health on physical activity and health related research with children and young people and teaching undergraduate level courses related to ‘nutrition, physical activity and health’.

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Research

Research interests

Evidence synthesis, including both systematic reviews and meta-analyses, of health services related research

Novel approaches to dissemination and implementation of systematic review findings to encourage greater usability of review findings

Teaching systematic review methods

Research projects

Multi-component interventions for preventing falls and fall-related injuries among older people: systematic review and meta-regression

A systematic review of the effectiveness of mealtime interventions in elderly people living in residential care

Antipsychotic prescribing in people with dementia resident in care homes: a systematic review

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for individuals with depression and vascular disease: a systematic review

Evidence synthesis of implementation studies in health research: A systematic scoping review of methodological approaches

The effectiveness of TNF-alpha inhibitor therapy on depression and anxiety in people with chronic disease

Research grants

  • 2015 Alzheimers Society
    Dissemination and implementation of evidence based practices in dementia care
  • 2012 Australia NHMRC
    A life course approach to characterising and predicting inactivity and sedentary behaviour in young adults

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Publications

Journal articles

Watkins R, Goodwin V, Abbott R, Tarrant M (In Press). Eating well in care homes: Testing the feasibility of a staff training programme aimed at improving social interaction, choice, and independence at mealtimes. International Journal of Older People Nursing
Pannone E, Abbott R (2024). What is known about the health effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use in marathon and ultraendurance running: a scoping review. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 10(1), e001846-e001846. Abstract.
Abbott R, Bethel A, Rogers M, Whear R, Orr N, Shaw L, Stein K, Thompson Coon J (2022). Characteristics, quality and volume of the first 5 months of the COVID-19 evidence synthesis infodemic: a meta-research study. BMJ Evid Based Med, 27(3), 169-177. Abstract.  Author URL.
Abbott RA, Rogers M, Lourida I, Green C, Ball S, Hemsley A, Cheeseman D, Clare L, Moore D, Hussey C, et al (2022). New horizons for caring for people with dementia in hospital: the DEMENTIA CARE pointers for service change. Age and Ageing, 51(9). Abstract.
Whear R, Bethel A, Abbott R, Rogers M, Orr N, Manzi S, Ukoumunne OC, Stein K, Coon JT (2022). Systematic reviews of convalescent plasma in COVID-19 continue to be poorly conducted and reported: a systematic review. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 151, 53-64.
Richards DA, Sugg HVR, Cockcroft E, Cooper J, Cruickshank S, Doris F, Hulme C, Logan P, Iles-Smith H, Melendez-Torres GJ, et al (2021). COVID-NURSE: evaluation of a fundamental nursing care protocol compared with care as usual on experience of care for noninvasively ventilated patients in hospital with the SARS-CoV-2 virus—protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open, 11(5), e046436-e046436. Abstract.
Mole L, Kent B, Abbott R, Hickson M (2021). Family carers’ experiences of nutritional care for people living with dementia at home: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Dementia, 20(1), 231-246. Abstract.
Strick K, Abbott R, Thompson Coon J, Garside R (2021). Meta-ethnography of the purpose of meaningful occupation for people living with dementia. Int J Older People Nurs, 16(5). Abstract.  Author URL.
Bethel AC, Rogers M, Abbott R (2021). Use of a search summary table to improve systematic review search methods, results, and efficiency. J Med Libr Assoc, 109(1), 97-106. Abstract.  Author URL.
Lourida I, Gwernan-Jones R, Abbott R, Rogers M, Green C, Ball S, Hemsley A, Cheeseman D, Clare L, Moore D, et al (2020). Activity interventions to improve the experience of care in hospital for people living with dementia: a systematic review. BMC Geriatr, 20(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Abbott RA, Moore DA, Rogers M, Bethel A, Stein K, Coon JT (2020). Effectiveness of pharmacist home visits for individuals at risk of medication-related problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMC Health Serv Res, 20(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Whear R, Thompson-Coon J, Rogers M, Abbott RA, Anderson L, Ukoumunne O, Matthews J, Goodwin VA, Briscoe S, Perry M, et al (2020). Patient-initiated appointment systems for adults with chronic conditions in secondary care. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 4(4). Abstract.  Author URL.
Gwernan-Jones R, Abbott R, Lourida I, Rogers M, Green C, Ball S, Hemsley A, Cheeseman D, Clare L, Moore DA, et al (2020). The experiences of hospital staff who provide care for people living with dementia: a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OLDER PEOPLE NURSING, 15(4).  Author URL.
Gwernan-Jones R, Lourida I, Abbott RA, Rogers M, Green C, Ball S, Hemsley A, Cheeseman D, Clare L, Moore D, et al (2020). Understanding and improving experiences of care in hospital for people living with dementia, their carers and staff: three systematic reviews. Health Services and Delivery Research, 8(43), 1-248. Abstract.
Mole L, Kent B, Hickson M, Abbott R (2019). 'It's what you do that makes a difference' an interpretative phenomenological analysis of health care professionals and home care workers experiences of nutritional care for people living with dementia at home. BMC Geriatrics, 19(1). Abstract.
Abbott R, Orr N, McGill P, Whear R, Bethel A, Garside R, Stein K, Thompson-Coon J (2019). How do "robopets" impact the health and well-being of residents in care homes? a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative evidence. Int J Older People Nurs, 14(3). Abstract.  Author URL.
Newlove-Delgado T, Abbott RA, Martin AE (2019). Probiotics for Children with Recurrent Abdominal Pain. JAMA Pediatr, 173(2), 183-184. Abstract.  Author URL.
Hunt H, Abbott R, Boddy K, Whear R, Wakely L, Bethel A, Morris C, Prosser S, Collinson A, Kurinczuk J, et al (2019). “They've walked the walk”: a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence for parent-to-parent support for parents of babies in neonatal care. Journal of Neonatal Nursing, 25(4), 166-176. Abstract.
Rogers M, Bethel A, Abbott R (2018). Locating qualitative studies in dementia on MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO: a comparison of search strategies. Res Synth Methods, 9(4), 579-586. Abstract.  Author URL.
Hunt H, Whear R, Boddy K, Wakely L, Bethel A, Morris C, Abbott R, Prosser S, Collinson A, Kurinczuk J, et al (2018). Parent-to-parent support interventions for parents of babies cared for in a neonatal unit-protocol of a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative evidence. Syst Rev, 7(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Abbott RA, Martin AE, Newlove-Delgado TV, Bethel A, Whear RS, Thompson Coon J, Logan S (2018). Recurrent Abdominal Pain in Children: Summary Evidence from 3 Systematic Reviews of Treatment Effectiveness. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 67(1), 23-33. Abstract.  Author URL.
Mole L, Kent B, Abbott R, Wood C, Hickson M (2018). The nutritional care of people living with dementia at home: a scoping review. Health and Social Care in the Community, 26(4), e485-e496. Abstract.
Watkins R, Goodwin VA, Abbott RA, Backhouse A, Moore D, Tarrant M (2017). Attitudes, perceptions and experiences of mealtimes among residents and staff in care homes for older adults: a systematic review of the qualitative literature. Geriatr Nurs, 38(4), 325-333. Abstract.  Author URL.
Newlove-Delgado TV, Martin AE, Abbott RA, Bethel A, Thompson-Coon J, Whear R, Logan S (2017). Dietary interventions for recurrent abdominal pain in childhood. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 3(3). Abstract.  Author URL.
Lourida I, Abbott RA, Rogers M, Lang IA, Stein K, Kent B, Thompson Coon J (2017). Dissemination and implementation research in dementia care: a systematic scoping review and evidence map. BMC Geriatr, 17(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Watkins R, Goodwin VA, Abbott RA, Hall A, Tarrant M (2017). Exploring residents' experiences of mealtimes in care homes: a qualitative interview study. BMC Geriatr, 17(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Oliveira RS, Barker AR, Wilkinson KM, Abbott RA, Williams CA (2017). Is cardiac autonomic function associated with cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity in children and adolescents? a systematic review of cross-sectional studies. Int J Cardiol, 236, 113-122. Abstract.  Author URL.
Alsubaie M, Abbbott R, Dunn BD, Dickens C, Keil T, Henley W, Kuyken W (2017). Mechanisms of action in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in people with physical and/or psychological conditions: a systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 55, 74-91.
Martin AE, Newlove-Delgado TV, Abbott RA, Bethel A, Thompson-Coon J, Whear R, Logan S (2017). Pharmacological interventions for recurrent abdominal pain in childhood. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017(3). Abstract.
Abbott RA, Martin AE, Newlove-Delgado TV, Bethel A, Thompson-Coon J, Whear R, Logan S (2017). Psychosocial interventions for recurrent abdominal pain in childhood. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 1(1). Abstract.  Author URL.
Howie EK, Campbell AC, Abbott RA, Straker LM (2017). Understanding why an active video game intervention did not improve motor skill and physical activity in children with developmental coordination disorder: a quantity or quality issue?. Res Dev Disabil, 60, 1-12. Abstract.  Author URL.
Zhelev Z, Abbott R, Rogers M, Fleming S, Patterson A, Hamilton WT, Heaton J, Thompson Coon J, Vaidya B, Hyde C, et al (2016). Effectiveness of interventions to reduce ordering of thyroid function tests: a systematic review. BMJ Open, 6(6). Abstract.  Author URL.
Kirk E, Burrows L, Kent B, Abbott R, Warren A (2016). Facilitators and barriers to remaining at home for people with dementia who live alone: a protocol for a systematic review of qualitative evidence. JBI Database System Rev Implement Rep, 14(4), 20-29. Abstract.  Author URL.
Howie EK, McVeigh JA, Abbott RA, Olds TS, Straker LM (2016). Multiple components of fitness improved among overweight and obese adolescents following a community-based lifestyle intervention. Journal of Sports Sciences, 34(16), 1581-1587. Abstract.
McVeigh JA, Winkler EAH, Howie EK, Tremblay MS, Smith A, Abbott RA, Eastwood PR, Healy GN, Straker LM (2016). Objectively measured patterns of sedentary time and physical activity in young adults of the Raine study cohort. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act, 13 Abstract.  Author URL.
Howie EK, Olds T, McVeigh JA, Abbott RA, Straker L (2015). It's A-bout Time: Detailed Patterns of Physical Activity in Obese Adolescents Participating in a Lifestyle Intervention. J Phys Act Health, 12(11), 1453-1460. Abstract.  Author URL.
Straker LM, Hall GL, Mountain J, Howie EK, White E, McArdle N, Eastwood PR, Smith A, Beales D, O'Sullivan P, et al (2015). Rationale, design and methods for the 22 year follow-up of the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. BMC Public Health, 15(1). Abstract.
Abbott R, Whear R, Nikolaou V, Bethel A, Coon JT, Stein K, Dickens C (2015). Tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitor therapy in chronic physical illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect on depression and anxiety. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 79(3), 175-184. Abstract.
lisahunter, abbott R, macdonald D, ziviani J, cuskelly M (2014). Active kids active minds: a physical activity intervention to promote learning?. Asia-Pacific Journal of Health, Sport and Physical Education, 5(2), 117-131.
Straker L, Campbell A, Mathiassen SE, Abbott RA, Parry S, Davey P (2014). Capturing the pattern of physical activity and sedentary behavior: exposure variation analysis of accelerometer data. J Phys Act Health, 11(3), 614-625. Abstract.  Author URL.
Martin AE, Newlove-Delgado TV, Abbott RA, Bethel A, Thompson-Coon J, Nikolaou V, Logan S (2014). Dietary interventions for recurrent abdominal pain in childhood. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(2). Abstract.
Whear R, Abbott R, Thompson-Coon J, Bethel A, Rogers M, Hemsley A, Stahl-Timmins W, Stein K (2014). Effectiveness of mealtime interventions on behavior symptoms of people with dementia living in care homes: a systematic review. J Am Med Dir Assoc, 15(3), 185-193. Abstract.  Author URL.
Abbott RA, Whear R, Rodgers LR, Bethel A, Thompson Coon J, Kuyken W, Stein K, Dickens C (2014). Effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindfulness based cognitive therapy in vascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 76(5), 341-351. Abstract.
Abbott RA, Smith A, Howie E, Pollock C, Straker L (2014). Effects of Home Access to Active Videogames on Child Self-Esteem, Enjoyment of Physical Activity, and Anxiety Related to Electronic Games: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial. Games for Health Journal, 3(4), 260-266.
Straker L, Abbott R, Collins R, Campbell A (2014). Evidence-based guidelines for wise use of electronic games by children. Ergonomics, 57(4), 471-489. Abstract.
Straker L, Abbott R, Collins R, Campbell A (2014). Evidence-based guidelines for wise use of electronic games by children. Ergonomics, 57(4), 471-489. Abstract.  Author URL.
Thompson Coon J, Abbott R, Rogers M, Whear R, Pearson S, Lang I, Cartmell N, Stein K (2014). Interventions to reduce inappropriate prescribing of antipsychotic medications in people with dementia resident in care homes: a systematic review. J Am Med Dir Assoc, 15(10), 706-718. Abstract.  Author URL.
Martin A, Saunders DH, Shenkin SD, Sproule J (2014). Lifestyle intervention for improving school achievement in overweight or obese children and adolescents. COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS(3).  Author URL.
Goodwin VA, Abbott RA, Whear R, Bethel A, Ukoumunne OC, Thompson-Coon J, Stein K (2014). Multiple component interventions for preventing falls and fall-related injuries among older people: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Geriatr, 14 Abstract.  Author URL.
Martin AE, Newlove-Delgado TV, Abbott RA, Bethel A, Thompson-Coon J, Nikolaou V, Logan S (2014). Pharmacological interventions for recurrent abdominal pain in childhood. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(2). Abstract.
Martin AE, Newlove-Delgado TV, Abbott RA, Bethel A, Thompson-Coon J, Nikolaou V, Logan S (2014). Psychosocial interventions for recurrent abdominal pain in childhood. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014(2). Abstract.
Straker LM, Howie EK, Smith KL, Fenner AA, Kerr DA, Olds TS, Abbott RA, Smith AJ (2014). The impact of Curtin University's activity, food and attitudes program on physical activity, sedentary time and fruit, vegetable and junk food consumption among overweight and obese adolescents: a waitlist controlled trial. PLoS One, 9(11). Abstract.  Author URL.
Whear R, Coon JT, Bethel A, Abbott R, Stein K, Garside R (2014). What is the impact of using outdoor spaces such as gardens on the physical and mental well-being of those with dementia? a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence. J Am Med Dir Assoc, 15(10), 697-705. Abstract.  Author URL.
Abbott RA, Whear R, Thompson-Coon J, Ukoumunne OC, Rogers M, Bethel A, Hemsley A, Stein K (2013). Effectiveness of mealtime interventions on nutritional outcomes for the elderly living in residential care: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Res Rev, 12(4), 967-981. Abstract.  Author URL.
Whear R, Thompson-Coon J, Rogers M, Abbott RA, Ukoumunne O, Perry M, Stein K (2013). Patient-initiated appointment systems for people with chronic conditions in secondary care. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013(12). Abstract.
Abbott RA, Straker LM, Mathiassen SE (2013). Patterning of children's sedentary time at and away from school. Obesity (Silver Spring), 21(1), E131-E133. Abstract.  Author URL.
Macdonald,D, Abbott, R, Hunter, L, Hay, P, McCuaig L (2013). Physical activity – academic achievement: student and teacher perspectives on the ‘new’ nexus. Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy
Straker L, Smith A, Hands B, Olds T, Abbott R (2013). Screen-based media use clusters are related to other activity behaviours and health indicators in adolescents. BMC Public Health, 13 Abstract.  Author URL.
Straker L, Abbott R (2013). Sedentariness and physical activity of children at school is an occupational health issue. 49th Annual Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia Conference 2013, HFESA 2013 Abstract.
Straker L, Abbott RA, Heiden M, Matthiasen SE, Toomingas A (2013). Sit-stand desks in call centres: associations of use and ergonomics awareness with sedentary behaviour. Applied Ergonomics: human factors in technology and society, 44(4), 517-522.
Straker LM, Abbott RA, Smith AJ (2013). To remove or to replace traditional electronic games? a crossover randomised controlled trial on the impact of removing or replacing home access to electronic games on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in children aged 10-12 years. BMJ Open, 3(6). Abstract.  Author URL.
Nelson AL, Macdonald D, Abbott RA (2012). A risky business? Health and physical activity from the perspectives of urban Australian Indigenous young people. Health, Risk and Society, 14(4), 325-340. Abstract.
Knez, K, Macdonald, D, Abbott, R (2012). Challenging stereotypes: Muslim girls talk about physical activity, physical education and sport. Asia-Pacific Journal of Health, Sport and Physical Education, 3(2), 109-122.
Macdonald D, Abbott R, Jenkins D (2012). Physical Activity of Remote Indigenous Australian Women: a Postcolonial Analysis of Lifestyle. Leisure Sciences, 34(1), 39-54. Abstract.
Larouche R, Abbott R (2012). Promoting car safety behaviours should not stigmatise cycling as an alternative mode of transportation. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 36(2), 193-194.
Straker LM, Smith KL, Fenner AA, Kerr DA, McManus A, Davis MC, Fielding AM, Olds TS, Hagger MS, Smith AJ, et al (2012). Rationale, design and methods for a staggered-entry, waitlist controlled clinical trial of the impact of a community-based, family-centred, multidisciplinary program focussed on activity, food and attitude habits (Curtin University's Activity, Food and Attitudes Program--CAFAP) among overweight adolescents. BMC Public Health, 12 Abstract.  Author URL.
Abbott R, Macdonald D, Hay P, McCuaig L (2011). 'just add facilitators and stir': Stimulating policy uptake in schools. Educational Management Administration and Leadership, 39(5), 603-620. Abstract.
Elliott SA, Davies PSW, Nambiar S, Truby H, Abbott RA (2011). A comparison of two screening methods to determine the validity of 24-h food and drink records in children and adolescents. Eur J Clin Nutr, 65(12), 1314-1320. Abstract.  Author URL.
Elliott SA, Truby H, Lee A, Harper C, Abbott RA, Davies PSW (2011). Associations of body mass index and waist circumference with: energy intake and percentage energy from macronutrients, in a cohort of Australian children. Nutr J, 10 Abstract.  Author URL.
Straker LM, Campbell AC, Jensen LM, Metcalf DR, Smith AJ, Abbott RA, Pollock CM, Piek JP (2011). Rationale, design and methods for a randomised and controlled trial of the impact of virtual reality games on motor competence, physical activity, and mental health in children with developmental coordination disorder. BMC Public Health, 11 Abstract.  Author URL.
Pont K, Ziviani J, Wadley D, Abbott R (2011). The Model of Children's Active Travel (M-CAT): a conceptual framework for examining factors influencing children's active travel. Aust Occup Ther J, 58(3), 138-144. Abstract.  Author URL.
Abbott RA, Lee AJ, Stubbs CO, Davies PSW (2010). Accuracy of weight status perception in contemporary Australian children and adolescents. J Paediatr Child Health, 46(6), 343-348. Abstract.  Author URL.
Nelson A, Abbott R, Macdonald D (2010). Indigenous Austalians and physical activity: using a social-ecological model to review the literature. Health Educ Res, 25(3), 498-509. Abstract.  Author URL.
Smibert A, Abbott R, Macdonald D, Hogan A, Leong G (2010). School, community, and family working together to address childhood obesity: Perceptions from the KOALA lifestyle intervention study. European Physical Education Review, 16(2), 155-170. Abstract.
Straker L, Pollock C, Piek J, Abbott R, Skoss R, Coleman J (2009). Active-input provides more movement and muscle activity during electronic game playing by children. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 25(8), 713-728. Abstract.
Ha A, Abbott R, Macdonald D, Pang B (2009). Comparison of perceived support for physical activity and physical activity related practices of children and young adolescents in Hong Kong and Australia. European Physical Education Review, 15(2), 155-173.
Pont K, Ziviani J, Wadley D, Bennett S, Abbott R (2009). Environmental correlates of children's active transportation: a systematic literature review. Health Place, 15(3), 827-840. Abstract.  Author URL.
Lee J, Abbott R (2009). Physical activity and rural young people's sense of place. Children's Geographies, 7(2), 191-208. Abstract.
Straker LM, Abbott RA, Piek JP, Pollock CM, Davies PS, Smith AJ (2009). Rationale, design and methods for a randomised and controlled trial to investigate whether home access to electronic games decreases children's physical activity. BMC Public Health, 9 Abstract.  Author URL.
Poulsen AA, Bush R, Tirendi J, Ziviani J, Abbott R, MacDonald D, Brown MA, Leong GM (2009). Research around practice partnerships: an example of building partnerships to address overweight and obesity in children. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 15(4), 285-293. Abstract.
MacDonald D, Abbott R, Knez K, Nelson A (2009). Taking exercise: Cultural diversity and physically active lifestyles. Sport, Education and Society, 14(1), 1-19. Abstract.
Abbott RA, Macdonald D, Nambiar S, Davies PSW (2009). The association between walking to school, daily step counts and meeting step targets in 5- to 17-year-old Australian children. Pediatr Exerc Sci, 21(4), 520-532. Abstract.  Author URL.
Nambiar S, Truby H, Abbott RA, Davies PSW (2009). Validating the waist-height ratio and developing centiles for use amongst children and adolescents. Acta Paediatr, 98(1), 148-152. Abstract.  Author URL.
Abbott R, Jenkins D, Haswell-Elkins M, Fell K, MacDonald D, Cerin E (2008). Physical activity of young people in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Region: an exploratory study. Aust J Rural Health, 16(5), 278-282. Abstract.  Author URL.
Straker L, Pollock C, Piek J, Abbott R, Coleman J (2008). Virtual electronic game playing by children can be active. Contemporary Ergonomics 2008, 496-501. Abstract.
Straker L, Abbott R (2007). Effect of screen-based media on energy expenditure and heart rate in 9- to 12-year-old children. Pediatr Exerc Sci, 19(4), 459-471. Abstract.  Author URL.
Macdonald D, Rodger S, Abbott R, Ziviani J, Jones J (2005). 'I could do with a pair of wings': Perspectives on physical activity, bodies and health from young Australian children. Sport, Education and Society, 10(2), 195-209. Abstract.
Wickramasinghe VP, Cleghorn G, Edmiston KA, Murphy AJ, Abbott RA, Davies PS (2005). Ability of bioelectrical impedance to predict percentage fat mass in children of two different ethnic origins. International Journal of Body Composition Research, 3(1), 5-14.
Abbott RA, Atkin LM, Davies PSW (2005). Predicting adult height in Turner syndrome [1]. European Journal of Endocrinology, 152(6).
Wickramasinghe VP, Cleghorn GJ, Edmiston KA, Murphy AJ, Abbott RA, Davies PSW (2005). Validity of BMI as a measure of obesity in Australian white Caucasian and Australian Sri Lankan children. Ann Hum Biol, 32(1), 60-71. Abstract.  Author URL.
Wickramasinghe VP, Lamabadusuriya SP, Cleghorn G, Murphy AJ, Abbott RA, Davies PS (2005). Validity of BMI as a measure of obesity in Sri Lankan and Australian children. International Journal of Body Composition Research, 3(3).
Abbott RA, Davies PSW (2004). Correcting physical activity energy expenditure for body size in children. Ann Hum Biol, 31(6), 690-694. Abstract.  Author URL.
Abbott RA, Davies PSW (2004). Habitual physical activity and physical activity intensity: their relation to body composition in 5.0-10.5-y-old children. Eur J Clin Nutr, 58(2), 285-291. Abstract.  Author URL.
Morley R, Fewtrell MS, Abbott RA, Stephenson T, MacFadyen U, Lucas A (2004). Neurodevelopment in Children Born Small for Gestational Age: a Randomized Trial of Nutrient-Enriched Versus Standard Formula and Comparison with a Reference Breastfed Group. Pediatrics, 113(3 I), 515-521. Abstract.
Morley R, Fewtrell MS, Abbott RA, Stephenson T, MacFadyen U, Lucas A (2004). Neurodevelopment in children born small for gestational age: a randomized trial of nutrient-enriched versus standard formula and comparison with a reference breastfed group. Pediatrics, 113(3 Pt 1), 515-521. Abstract.  Author URL.
Fewtrell MS, Abbott RA, Kennedy K, Singhal A, Morley R, Caine E, Jamieson C, Cockburn F, Lucas A (2004). Randomized, double-blind trial of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation with fish oil and borage oil in preterm infants. Journal of Pediatrics, 144(4), 471-479. Abstract.
Xin, L, Abbott, RA (2004). The application of five elements theory in exercise intervention – a key role in the treatment of gestational diabetes. The European Journal of Integrated Eastern and Western Medicine, 3(2), 45-48.
Abbott RA, Harkness MA, Davies PSW (2002). Correlation of habitual physical activity levels with flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery in 5-10 year old children. Atherosclerosis, 160(1), 233-239. Abstract.  Author URL.
Fewtrell MS, Morley R, Abbott RA, Singhal A, Isaacs EB, Stephenson T, MacFadyen U, Lucas A (2002). Double-blind, randomized trial of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in formula fed to preterm infants. Pediatrics, 110(1 I), 73-82. Abstract.
Fewtrell MS, Morley R, Abbott RA, Singhal A, Isaacs EB, Stephenson T, MacFadyen U, Lucas A (2002). Double-blind, randomized trial of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in formula fed to preterm infants. Pediatrics, 110(1 Pt 1), 73-82. Abstract.  Author URL.
Abbott RA, Ball EJ, O'Connor J, Steinbeck KS, Wishart C, Gaskin KJ, Baur LA, Davies PSW (2002). The use of body mass index to predict body composition in children. Ann Hum Biol, 29(6), 619-626. Abstract.  Author URL.
Fewtrell MS, Morley R, Abbott RA, Singhal A, Stephenson T, MacFadyen UM, Clements H, Lucas A (2001). Catch-up growth in small-for-gestational-age term infants: a randomized trial. Am J Clin Nutr, 74(4), 516-523. Abstract.  Author URL.
Brooker, R, Abbott, R (2001). Developing intelligent performers in sport: should coaches be making more sense of game sense?. Journal of Sport Pedagogy, 7(2), 67-83.
Lucas A, Fewtrell MS, Morley R, Singhal A, Abbott RA, Isaacs E, Stephenson T, MacFadyen UM, Clements H (2001). Randomized trial of nutrient-enriched formula versus standard formula for postdischarge preterm infants. Pediatrics, 108(3), 703-711. Abstract.  Author URL.
Ball EJ, O'Connor J, Abbott R, Steinbeck KS, Davies PSW, Wishart C, Gaskin KJ, Baur LA (2001). Total energy expenditure, body fatness, and physical activity in children aged 6-9 y. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 74(4), 524-528. Abstract.
Rondó PHC, Abbott R, Tomkins AM (2001). Vitamin a and neonatal anthropometry. Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, 47(5), 307-310. Abstract.
Singhal A, Morley R, Abbott R, Fairweather-Tait S, Stephenson T, Lucas A (2000). Clinical safety of iron-fortified formulas. Pediatrics, 105(3). Abstract.  Author URL.
Kennedy K, Fewtrell MS, Morley R, Abbott R, Quinlan PT, Wells JCK, Bindels JG, Lucas A (1999). Double-blind, randomized trial of a synthetic triacylglycerol in formula-fed term infants: Effects on stool biochemistry, stool characteristics, and bone mineralization. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 70(5), 920-927. Abstract.
Lucas A, Stafford M, Morley R, Abbott R, Stephenson T, MacFadyen U, Elias-Jones A, Clements H (1999). Efficacy and safety of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation of infant-formula milk: a randomised trial. Lancet, 354(9194), 1948-1954. Abstract.
Morley R, Abbott R, Fairweather-Tait S, MacFadyen U, Stephenson T, Lucas A (1999). Iron fortified follow on formula from 9 to 18 months improves iron status but not development or growth: a randomised trial. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 81(3), 247-252. Abstract.
Abbott R (1998). He effects of iron supplementation on cognitive function in infants and children. Forum of Nutrition, 54, 67-75.
Abbott R (1998). The effects of iron supplementation on cognitive function in infants and children. Bibl Nutr Dieta(54), 67-75.  Author URL.
Morley R, Abbott RA, Lucas A (1997). Infant feeding and maternal concerns about stool hardness. Child Care Health Dev, 23(6), 475-478. Abstract.  Author URL.
Rondó PHC, Abbott R, Rodrigues LC, Tomkins AM (1997). The influence of maternal nutritional factors on intrauterine growth retardation in Brazil. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, 11(2), 152-166. Abstract.
Rondo PHC, Abbott R, Rodrigues LC, Tomkins AM (1995). Vitamin A, folate, and iron concentrations in cord and maternal blood of intra-uterine growth retarded and appropriate birth weight babies. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 49(6), 391-399. Abstract.
Filteau SM, Morris SS, Tomkins AM, Arthur P, Kirkwood BR, Ross DA, Abbott RA, Gyapong JO (1994). Lack of association between vitamin a status and measures of conjunctival epithelial integrity in young children in northern Ghana. Eur J Clin Nutr, 48(9), 669-677. Abstract.  Author URL.
Filteau SM, Morris SS, Abbott RA, Tomkins AM, Kirkwood BR, Arthur P, Ross DA, Gyapong JO, Raynes JG (1993). Influence of morbidity on serum retinol of children in a community-based study in northern Ghana. Am J Clin Nutr, 58(2), 192-197. Abstract.  Author URL.
Bolton J, Abbott R, Kiely M, Alleyne M, Bell S, Stubbs L, Slevin M (1992). Comparison of three oral sip‐feed supplements in patients with cancer. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 5(2), 79-84. Abstract.
Barnett CR, Abbott RA, Bailey CJ, Flatt PR, Ioannides C (1992). Cytochrome P450-dependent mixed-function oxidase and glutathione S-transferase activities in spontaneous obesity-diabetes. Biochemical Pharmacology, 43(8), 1868-1871. Abstract.
Abbott RA, Cox M, Markus H, Tomkins A (1992). Diet, body size and micronutrient status in Parkinson's disease. Eur J Clin Nutr, 46(12), 879-884. Abstract.  Author URL.
Morris R, Hart K, Smith V, Shannon L, Bolton J, Abbott R, Alleyne M, Plant H, Slevin ML (1990). A comparison of the energy supplements Polycal and Duocal in cancer patients. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 3(3), 171-176. Abstract.
Bolton J, Shannon L, Smith V, Abbott R, Bell SJ, Stubbs L, Slevin ML (1990). Comparison of short‐term and long‐term palatability of six commercially available oral supplements. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 3(5), 317-321. Abstract.

Chapters

Thompson Coon J, Abbott R (2020). Critical Appraisal. Tamsin Ford, Matthew Hotopf, Martin Prince, and Robert Stewart. In Das-Munshi J, Ford T, Hotopf M, Prince M, Stewart R (Eds.) Practical Psychiatric Epidemiology, Oxford University Press, USA. Abstract.
Macdonald D, Wright J, Abbott RA (2012). Anxieties and aspirations: the making of active informed citizens. In Wright J, Macdonald D (Eds.) Young People, Physical Activity and the Everyday. Edited by Jan Wright and Doune MacDonald, Routledge. Abstract.
Nelson A, Abbott RA (2012). The cultural interface: theoretical and ‘real’ spaces for urban Indigenous young people and physical activity. In Wright J, Macdonald D (Eds.) Young People, Physical Activity and the Everyday. Edited by Jan Wright and Doune MacDonald, Routledge. Abstract.
Ziviani J, Macdonald D, Abbott RA (2006). Children’s participation in physical activity at school. In Rogers S, Ziviani J (Eds.) Occupational therapy with children: understanding children’s occupations and enabling participation, Blackwell Publishing.
Wareham N, Brage S, Ekelund U, Abbott R (2005). Physical activity and insulin resistance. In Kumar S, O'Rahilly S (Eds.) Insulin Resistance, Wiley. Abstract.
Davies PSW (2001). Nutritional needs of female athletes. In Maffulli N (Ed) Sports Medicine for Specific Ages and Abilities, Elsevier Health Sciences. Abstract.
Abbott RA, Davies PSW (2000). Validation of foot to foot bioelectrical impedance in 6-10 year old children. In Jurimae T, Hills A (Eds.) Body composition assessment in children and adolescents, Karger.

Conferences

Thompson-Coon J, Abbott R, Orr N, McGill P, Whear R, Bethel A, Garside R, Stein K (2019). HOW DO 'ROBOPETS' IMPACT THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF RESIDENTS IN CARE HOMES? a SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE EVIDENCE.  Author URL.

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Teaching

Rebecca is involved in teaching 'systematic review methods' to a variety of audiences: clinicians and allied health professionals across the region, MSc (Applied Health Service Research) students, medical undergraduates and, in conjunction with the IS team within ESMI, to information specialists and librarians nationally. 

Modules

2023/24

Information not currently available


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Supervision / Group

Postgraduate researchers

  • Louise Mole (Co-supervision with Mary Hickson and Bridie Kent)
  • Ross Watkins Mealtime interventions in residential care (Co-supervision with Mark Tarrant adn Vicki Goodwin)

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