Mats Hallgren

Senior public health researcher

Editor in Chief: Mental Health and Physical Activity (Elsevier)

>150 peer reviewed publications (H-index=41, >6000 citations)

I lead a program of research focused on links between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and mental health. 

My recently completed projects include a pilot study examining the effects of sedentary screen use on brain activity and mood states in young adults (with Deakin University); a community-based randomized controlled trial (RCT) of exercise as stand-alone treatment for alcohol use disorder (FitForChange); and a dual site (Sweden-India) trial of yoga to promote wellbeing in physically inactive older adults (FitForAge). I jointly led the largest international trial of exercise for depression (Br J Psychiatry >200 citations), and the first trial of exercise for psychosis in Sweden. 

Principal investigator of an ongoing RCT 'Breathe Easy': yoga-based exercise for adults with post COVID-19 condition. Co-investgator for an ongoing trial examining the effects of high intensity interval training (HITT) on cognitive function among inpatients with substance dependence (in collaboration with Norwegian University of Science and Technology). Using Swedish register data, I am currently leading a series of studies investigating longitudinal relationships of sedentary behavior with dementia. 

In parellel to my experimental work, I have led a series of large-scale observational studies examining relationships of sedentary behaviour (sitting) and depression. This highly cited research has impacted clinical and public health guidelines in Sweden, India, and Australia. 

I am regularly invited to discuss my research on radio, podcasts, and the print media. Invited external grant reviewer (e.g., Huo Foundation UK, Uni of Br Columbia). I have reviewed >120 manuscripts for high-impact scientific journals, including JAMA Psychiatry and Lancet Psychiatry. 

Experienced and qualified university lecturer and supervisor. I give seminars on physical activity and mental health to graduate students, clinicians, and the general public. Main supervisor to 17 post-graduate research students in public health science and psychology.