Dr Gabriela Mena Ribadeneira

Research interests

My research focuses on understanding the relationships between physical activity and reproductive health in women, spanning from pre-conception and reproductive health problems such as infertility and menstrual irregularities to pregnancy and postpartum. This also includes investigating the associations between sedentary behaviour (e.g., sitting time) and body mass index with reproductive health outcomes. I have a special interest in how physical activity influences the reproductive system in women trying to conceive. My work also incorporates behaviour change strategies to support individuals in adopting and maintaining healthier lifestyles, with a focus on facilitating sustainable physical activity habits and improving long-term reproductive health outcomes.

Research impact:

I was a member of the committee convened by the Australian Government Department of Health to develop the Australian guidelines for physical activity/exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period (https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/evidence-based-physical-activity-guidelines-for-pregnant-women). The report was used to develop web-based and print resources for public use and a brochure.

The guidelines have been incorporated into the Australian Government clinical practice guidelines on pregnancy care, which provide high quality evidence-based guidance to both maternity service providers and the people they care for.

I also contributed to the development of a Screening Tool for Physical Activity/Exercise During Pregnancy, endorsed by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA), Exercise is Medicine Australia, Fitness Australia, and Sports Medicine Australia. This tool is widely accessible and utilised by healthcare professionals, allied health practitioners, and fitness instructors, ensuring tailored exercise recommendations that meet the individual needs of pregnant women. For my contributions to the field, I was awarded the Sports Medicine Australia ‘Wendy Ey award – Women in Sport’ in both 2019 and 2021.

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning:

My scholarly research focuses on intern readiness, exploring how medical education can better prepare students for the transition to clinical practice. I am also involved in a Teaching & Innovation Grant exploring how AI technologies can be integrated into medical training to enhance learning and support behaviour change through motivational interviewing, with the goal of improving both student development and patient care.