Dr Katie Garstang is a researcher in the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at University of Birmingham. Her work centres on understanding and promoting physical activity participation, with a particular focus on the psychological factors that influence behaviour change and long-term engagement in physical activity.
Katie completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in sport and exercise science before undertaking doctoral research focused on physical activity promotion and behaviour change. Her research has explored how goal setting, motivation, and other evidence-based behavioural strategies can be used to support individuals in adopting and maintaining physically active lifestyles. Throughout her academic career, she has been particularly interested in translating theory into practice to address real-world public health challenges.
Her research has focused on populations that face barriers to physical activity participation, including insufficiently active adults and underserved communities. Katie is interested in developing and evaluating interventions that are both effective and accessible, with the aim of reducing health inequalities and creating opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to engage in physical activity. She has experience using qualitative and quantitative research methods and is committed to approaches that place community voices at the centre of research and intervention development.
Alongside her research, Katie has worked closely with community organisations, stakeholders, and end users to develop practical resources that support participation in physical activity and sport. Her work has included engaging with women from diverse communities to better understand barriers and facilitators to participation, leading to the co-development of resources designed to support more inclusive and culturally relevant opportunities for physical activity engagement.
Through her research, teaching, and engagement activities, Katie aims to generate meaningful impact by supporting healthier, more active communities and advancing understanding of the factors that promote sustainable behaviour change.