CIPA Research Team
Projects
Measurement
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Video-Based Physical Activity Assessment
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A pilot study to develop and validate novel video analysis algorithms for automated ecological assessment of physical activity in settings such as parks, school yards, and youth sports. The technology could be used to increase physical activity in these settings by providing end users with real-time audits and feedback of physical activity within and across sessions or times of day.
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This study compared various software available for assessing bicycling and walking trips from Global Positions Systems tracker data in youth, and tested the ability of consumer devices (FitBit and Garmin) for passively tracking bicycling and walking trips in youth.
Posture-Based Measures from ActiGraph Monitors​
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This project aimed to develop and apply an algorithm to accurately assess posture (sitting versus standing) and sedentary patterns from hip-worn accelerometers across the life span. Findings from the algorithm aid to improve understanding of the impacts of prolonged sedentary patterns on health and inform interventions.
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This project tested the validity of PALMS data processing algorithms for assessing walking, bicycling, and vehicle trips from Global Positioning Tracker data, and applied these algorithms to a study in youth to investigate associations between the neighborhood environment and active travel.
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Our team tested time drift across devices when integrating data from Global Positions Systems trackers and accelerometers to inform best approaches for both data collection and processing.
Intervention
Active Travel to School: Walking School Bus​
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Using an Implementation Science framework, our team identified best practices for leading a successful walking school bus program. Data was collected from approximately 200 walking school bus programs across the US and from other parts of the world, in partnership with the Safe Routes to School National Partnership.
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Working with partners at BikeWalkKC, this project evaluated the Earn-a-Bike Programs delivered in 4 elementary schools and pop-up streetscape pedestrian safety improvements (curb bump outs and crosswalks) in the Northeast Kansas City Neighborhood.
In-School Physical Activity​
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Our team has engaged in multiple projects targeting physical activity in schools. These projects have spanned:
Review of Existing Physical Activity Programs
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A review of all existing adoption ready (i.e., available online or for purchase) classroom based physical activity programs. Our team identified the extent to which they include materials/resources that support sustained school-wide program implementation.
Implementation of Physical Activity Programs
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Our team assessed the rates of implementation of classroom-based physical activity in 6 schools districts that adopted a classroom-based physical activity program, and to document the impacts of classroom physical activity on students' concentration, behavior, and physical activity.
Assessment of Variations in Physical Activity Opportunities
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This project investigated associations between existing school physical activity-related practices/opportunities and students' objectively measured physical activity during school, and how both physical activity opportunities and physical activity varied by the socioeconomic status of the community served by the school.
Epidemiology
Neighborhood Environments and Physical Activity
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This study investigated the role location-specific and location-general multilevel (individual, interpersonal, and environmental) factors in relation to physical activity, sedentary time, and dietary intake in young adolescents. These findings help inform how to target behavior change skills differently across the home, school, and other locations.
Community and Surrounding Areas
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An ancillary study to the national population-based Hispanic Community Health Study/ Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). This project investigated built and social neighborhood environment impacts on cardio-metabolic health in Latinos.
Neighborhood-Built Environments
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This study compiled and analyzed available pediatric health and built environment data in order to better inform local decision making around neighborhood environments. Our team assessed child obesity data and walkability of neighborhoods to draw attention to areas that are most in need of intervention.
Sedentary Time and Health Markers
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An ancillary study to the national population-based Hispanic Community Health Study/ Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). This project investigated the accumulation of prolonged periods/patterns of sedentary time and its association with cardio-metabolic and psychological health in Latino youth.
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An ancillary study to the national population-based Hispanic Community Health Study/ Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). This is an upcoming project that will investigate patterns in daily activity and risk markers for cardiovascular disease.
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Education
Physical Activity Environment Measures User's Guide and Learning Modules​
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Developed in partnership with the National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research (NCCOR) to support researchers and practitioners in the selection and use of measurement tools. This work includes online learning modules to accompany the User’s Guide.
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2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth​
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An assessment of the levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviors in American children and youth, facilitators and barriers for physical activity, and health outcomes related to physical activity.
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