Janet Withall

Dr. Janet Withall is an experienced researcher and Trial Manager at the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham. She leads the NIHR-funded ACE randomized controlled trial, which investigates lifestyle interventions to support older adults in achieving meaningful and lasting health improvements.

Education:

• PhD in Exercise and Health Science, University of Bristol
• MSc in Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, University of Bristol
• BSc in Business Studies, University of Bradford

Her research focuses on active and healthy ageing, particularly the relationships between physical activity, mobility, and well-being, and the development and evaluation of lifestyle interventions for older populations. She previously worked at the University of Bath on the REACT and ACE feasibility studies.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on community-based interventions, peer volunteering, recruitment challenges in older adult trials, and strategies for promoting physical activity among disadvantaged groups. The research spans public health, gerontology, and behavioral science, with an emphasis on real-world applicability and sustainable lifestyle change.

Dr. Withall is actively contributing to the field through high-impact journals such as BMC Public Health, The Gerontologist, and Trials, and collaborates with leading researchers in healthy ageing.

Advising and Grants: While no formal students are listed, she manages a major NIHR-funded trial, indicating significant grant leadership and research management experience. Her work involves extensive public and patient involvement and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Labs and Teams: She is part of the research team within the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, contributing to its strong portfolio in physical activity, ageing, and public health. Her work is closely aligned with the research of Professor Afroditi Stathi and other experts in community-based interventions.