Martha Thomas
I graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science (2020) and an MSc in Sport and Exercise Physiology (2021). In 2022, I joined the Leicester Diabetes Centre as a Research Assistant, where I primarily worked in data collection and intervention delivery, with a focus in exercise physiology and exercise training in clinical populations.
In October 2023, I began a PhD at the University of Leicester, based at the Leicester Diabetes Centre. My PhD research explores how best to support individuals living with multiple long-term conditions to improve their 24-hour movement behaviours through person-centred care, using a mixed-methods approach.
Favourite way to be active
HIIT, weight training, running, and tennis. I also love walking with my dog - as long as it’s not raining (his rule, not mine!)
Contact
Research Areas
Behaviour change interventions
Physical activity and exercise for clinical populations
Multimorbidity
Ageing and Physical Function
Current Projects
Maintaining function and participation through tailored 24-hour physical behaviours for people living with multiple cardiorenal metabolic conditions and frailty: The PERSONAL-AGILITY study.
The impact of a holistic multifactorial management intervention in adults with early-onset type 2 diabetes (aged 16 to 45 years): The M3 randomised controlled trial.
Investigating the impacts of a low-calorie diet in conjunction with an exercise training regime in young adults with Type 2 Diabetes: The RESET for REMISSION trial.
Impact of exercise training in combination with dapagliflozin on physical function in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomised controlled trial: The DETA trial.The impact of a holistic multifactorial management intervention in adults with early-onset type 2 diabetes (aged 16 to 45 years): The M3 randomised controlled trial.
Publications
1. Goldney, J., Barker, M.M., Thomas, M., Slater, T., Mickute, M., Sargeant, J.A., Khunti, K., Davies, M.J. and Zaccardi, F., 2024. Age at onset of type 2 diabetes and prevalence of vascular disease and heart failure: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Journal of Diabetes and its Complications, 38(10), p.108849. DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2024.108849
2. Herring, L.Y., Henson, J., Thomas, M., Ahmad, E., Brough, C., Burdon, J., Edwardson, C.L., Hadjiconstantinou, M., Northern, A., Webb, D. and Young, H., 2025. Incorporating a physical activity mHealth tool into a multidisciplinary clinical weight management service in England: service evaluation of Steps4Health. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 22(10), pp.1283-1296. DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2025-0188
3. Young, H.M., Henson, J., Dempsey, P.C., Willis, S.A., Billany, R.E., Curtis, F., Gray, L., Greenwood, S., Herring, L.Y., Highton, P. and Kelsey, R.J., 2024. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour interventions for people living with both frailty and multiple long-term conditions and their informal carers: a scoping review and stakeholder consultation. Age and ageing, 53(11), p.afae255. DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae255