My main research interest has been on designing and evaluating health behaviour change interventions for improving mental and physical health among participants with low mood, weight concerns, diabetes and other chronic conditions. Research on the acute and chronic effects of exercise on smoking related outcomes has been cited in the guidance on smoking cessation in the US, Canada, Australia and other countries, Methodologically, I have conducted many laboratory studies, led 6 randomised controlled trials, led various systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and qualitative research.
A recent focus has been on tackling health inequalities in rigorous trials involving multiple health behaviour change and well-being interventions, for offenders under community supervision, and by reducing smoking.
I co-founded the international journal 'Mental Health and Physical Activity' in 2008 with Prof Guy Faulkner (http://ees.elsevier.com/menpa/) and stepped down as Editor in Chief at the end of 2022, having built it up to being in the top 25% of Psychiatry journals in the world. I have reviewed widely for international journals, scientific grant review boards, institutional research programmes, and academic promotions internationally, and examined PhD candidates globally. 
I have worked on the acute and chronic effects of physical activity on addiction (nicotine, alcohol and other substances), and published over 55 peer reviewed journal articles on the topic since 1998. Key publications include a Cochrane review on the effects of chronic exercise on smoking cessation (revised 2000 - 2019), reviews on the acute effects of exercise on smoking related outcomes, reviews on the quantitative and qualitative effects of exercise on alcohol and substance use, and findings from an NIHR funded pilot (EARS - doi: 10.3310/hta18040) and full trial (TARS - https://doi.org/10.1111/add.16129) on using physical activity for smoking cessation for smokers wishing to reduce but not quit. I have supervised 6 PhD students, and been lead or co-applicant on grant funding over £3.5m on related topics. I co-authored the NHS National Quality Assurance Framework for GP exercise referral schemes (ERS)(www.doh.gov.uk) in 2000 after conducting the first ERS RCT in the UK in 1995, and have continued to work in this area with a BMJ published systematic review in 2011, and led the NIHR funded e-coachER RCT (doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-103121). I have led or been closely involved in four funded randomised controlled trials on the chronic effects of physical activity on mental mental health outcomes (TREAD, BAcPAc, e-Motion, STRENGTHEN) involving participants experiencing depression and low mood and well-being. I am currently a co-applicant, working on the NIHR funded PRO-GROUP trial (doi: 10.1186/s40814-022-01167-0). A

Non-clinical Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Fellow of British Association of Sport & Exercise Science

 Research degrees awarded to (18) supervised students (selected examples)
Sonam Zamir (2016-2020). Skype on Wheels: Implementation of video-calls to reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation for older people living in care. University of Plymouth. PhD. PenARC funded. PhD.
Jeff Lambert (2013-17). Assessing intervention fidelity in physical activity interventions with behavioural support for enhancing mental health. University of Exeter. PhD. ESRC funded.
Lewis Elliott (2012-15). Interactions between physical activity, well-being and the natural environment. University of Exeter. PhD. ESRC funded.
Tom Thompson (2015). Exercise assisted reduction to stop smoking among ‘hard to reach’ smokers: A randomized trial. University of Exeter. PhD.
Marcela Haasova (2014). The acute effects on attentional bias to smoking and snack food images. University of Exeter. PhD.
Charlotte Benjamin (2013). The acute effects of exercise on affect and motivation in children. University of Exeter. PhD.
Hwa Jung Oh (2012). The acute effects of exercise on food cravings. PhD. International student. University of Exeter.
Melfy Eddosary (2010). The determinants of exercise intention and behaviour for Saudi youngsters: An application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. PhD, University of Exeter. Saudi funded.
Kate Janse van Rensburg (2010). Effects of acute exercise on smoking-related outcomes. PhD, University of Exeter.
Vicki Goodwin. (2010). The effect of a targeted exercise programme on falls and function for people with Parkinson’s disease (GETuP Study). PhD. Co-supervisor, University of Exeter. NIHR funded. 
Andy Soundy (2007). Physical activity and psychological well-being among people with severe and enduring mental illness. PhD. University of Exeter. 
Michael Ussher (2002). A randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise as a smoking cessation intervention. PhD First Supervisor from 1998-2000 at the University of Brighton, then co-supervisor when registered at University of London. Cancer UK funded trial. 
Mark Hamer (2002). The relationship between aerobic exercise and cardiovascular stress reactivity in offspring of hypertensive families. PhD Co-supervisor at De Montfort University. 
Sarah Hardcastle. (2002). Processes of change in physical activity and self-perceptions among women in exercise referral programmes: a qualitative approach. PhD, University of Brighton.
David Gilbourne (1998). An examination of the perceptions and implementation of psychological skills training in a sports injury rehabilitation setting, through Action Research. PhD. U of Brighton. 
Sally May (1995). Factors influencing compliance to sports injury regimen. PhD. U. of Brighton. 

I have taught a wide range of health professionals and sport and exercise science students on topics related to health behaviour change and self-regulation, particularly of relevance to enhancing well-being among mental health patients and smokers. 
I have supervised 20 PhD students and been examiner for over 30 postgraduate students. 

Keen cyclist and runner (hash house harriers, orienteer, trail runner covering 700 - 900 miles a year). Trying to walk the SW Coastal path with my wife before it or we erode away. Chair of Devon Orienteering Club (2021 -