Research Lines and Scope of Work
The Physical Activity and Health Promotion (PAHP) lab conducts work on the assessment and promotion of physical activity and other health behaviors. The lab has specialized in measurement related research focused on developing and refining tools to facilitate effective assessment and promotion. The lab has also focused more recently on translational research and implementation science methods for enhancing the impact of health promotion programming in school, community and clinical settings. Details on current projects are listed below and information is also on the associated tabs.
Physical Activity Assessment METHODS
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A foundational area of research in the lab is on refining and improving methods for assessing physical activity behavior. We intentionally use the word 'assessment' as we contend that it is not possible to 'measure' physical activity behavior. Thus, understanding, quantifying and managing error in the assessment methods is the real goal. The accurate assessment of physical activity is essential for advancing research in a number of different areas.
The concepts are best illustrated by the Behavioral Epidemiology Framework depicted in the figure. This was published in a book devoted to physical activity assessment (Welk, 2002) and has served as a guiding framework in the Physical Activity User Guide developed for the Measures Registry - a website developed by NCCOR to guide researchers to select and use effective assessment tools. Visit the User Guide to learn more about the model and other key ideas that guide our assessment research (Link). |
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Research Tools and Methods
Youth Activity Profile (YAP) - Assessment and Promotion of PA
Work on the development and validation of the Youth Activity Profile (YAP) was focused on developing and calibrating a self-report measure of physical activity to facilitate school based assessments of physical activity. We have developed calibration models and an online application has been developed for continued evaluation and future dissemination. Click here for details about the Youth Activity Profile.
Work on the development and validation of the Youth Activity Profile (YAP) was focused on developing and calibrating a self-report measure of physical activity to facilitate school based assessments of physical activity. We have developed calibration models and an online application has been developed for continued evaluation and future dissemination. Click here for details about the Youth Activity Profile.
Family Nutrition and Physical Activity (FNPA) Screening Tool
Work on the development and validation of the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity (FNPA) screening tool was driven by the goal to develop ways to facilitate the prevention of childhood obesity BEFORE it starts. Clinical screening based on BMI identifies children after they are overweight or obese. The FNPA was developed as a simple screening tool to help evaluate home obesogenic environments. The tool has been adapted for use in a variety of settings by a number of colleagues and collaborators. A team at ISU still works to coordinate these efforts but a distributed user group has evolved and efforts are currently focused on building the FNPA into Epic Standard to enable access. Click on the associated tab for more details or visit the FNPA user group page directly at www.myfnpa.org
Work on the development and validation of the Family Nutrition and Physical Activity (FNPA) screening tool was driven by the goal to develop ways to facilitate the prevention of childhood obesity BEFORE it starts. Clinical screening based on BMI identifies children after they are overweight or obese. The FNPA was developed as a simple screening tool to help evaluate home obesogenic environments. The tool has been adapted for use in a variety of settings by a number of colleagues and collaborators. A team at ISU still works to coordinate these efforts but a distributed user group has evolved and efforts are currently focused on building the FNPA into Epic Standard to enable access. Click on the associated tab for more details or visit the FNPA user group page directly at www.myfnpa.org
Translational Health Promotion Research
SWITCH (School Wellness Integration Targeting Child Health)
SWITCH was a school wellness training initiative that evolved over time to disseminate the evidence-based Switch intervention. The original Switch program was managed by a non-profit agency but the lab helped to facilitate the transfer of the copyrights and trademarks with the original programming. Through a series of grants (most notably a 5 year USDA grant), the team helped to coordinate the development of a training model and enable dissemination through the 4-H Youth Development Program within the ISU Extension and Outreach (ISUEO) program. The SWITCH project supported schools for over 10 years and led to a number of studies on implementation science and school wellness programming. The SWITCH project is currently on hold until a new dissemination plan is established. Click here to read more about SWITCH. .
SWITCH was a school wellness training initiative that evolved over time to disseminate the evidence-based Switch intervention. The original Switch program was managed by a non-profit agency but the lab helped to facilitate the transfer of the copyrights and trademarks with the original programming. Through a series of grants (most notably a 5 year USDA grant), the team helped to coordinate the development of a training model and enable dissemination through the 4-H Youth Development Program within the ISU Extension and Outreach (ISUEO) program. The SWITCH project supported schools for over 10 years and led to a number of studies on implementation science and school wellness programming. The SWITCH project is currently on hold until a new dissemination plan is established. Click here to read more about SWITCH. .
Walk with Ease
Walk with Ease (WWE) is an evidence-based walking program designed to help adults establish regular patterns of physical activity. Our team has built capacity to lead group and self-directed versions of WWE and is currently serving as the lead organization for state-wide dissemination through a CDC-sponsored Cooperative Agreement on arthritis care. Click the associated tab to learn more or visit www.walkwitheaseISU.org.
Walk with Ease (WWE) is an evidence-based walking program designed to help adults establish regular patterns of physical activity. Our team has built capacity to lead group and self-directed versions of WWE and is currently serving as the lead organization for state-wide dissemination through a CDC-sponsored Cooperative Agreement on arthritis care. Click the associated tab to learn more or visit www.walkwitheaseISU.org.