QUARTER 3: July - September 2019 | USC-PRC Notes
"Promoting Health through Physical Activity"
Topics in this issue
NEWS YOU CAN USE:
Applications Open for National Recreation Trail Designation
RWJF Funding Opportunity: Culture of Health Prize
6 Principles for Creating Walkable Spaces
Runner Friendly Communities of 2019
Upcoming Events and Observances: October, November, December
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:
America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act Promotes Pedestrian & Bicyclist Safety
RESEARCH NOTES:
Short-term Associations Between Objective Crime, Park-use, and Park-based Physical Activity in Low-income Neighborhoods
Associations of Mother’s Behaviors and Home/Neighborhood Environments with Preschool Children’s Physical Activity Behaviors
Efficacy of a Multi-Component Intervention to Promote Physical Activity Among Latino Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Trends in Adherence to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans for Aerobic Activity and Time Spent on Sedentary Behavior
Among US Adults, 2007 to 2016
Effect of Interventions Using Physical Activity Trackers on Physical Activity in People Aged 60 Years and over: A Systematic Review
and Meta-Analysis
REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES:
Safe Systems for Safer Streets
6 Principles for Creating Walkable Spaces
Foot Traffic Ahead
2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data
PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:
University of Maryland’s RecWell Customizes Move Your Way for College Students
Scavenger Hunt App Encourages Residents to Explore Local Parks
QR Fit Readers Enhance Walking Workouts in Waco, TX
Hartford, CT, Launches 10-Minute Walk Campaign
UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:
October, November, December
USC PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER UPDATES:
Update from the USC PRC Core Research Project
Update from the National Physical Activity Plan Alliance
Update from the South Carolina Healthy Brain Research Network
Update from the South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network II
NEWS YOU CAN USE:
Applications Open for National Recreation Trail Designation
The National Recreation Trails Program provides services to preserve and recognize scenic pathways throughout the United States. The National Recreation Trail (NRT) designation is given to eligible landmarks annually. To receive the NRT designation, trails must be open for public use, have no gaps, and be designed and maintained according to best practices. Any public or private trail manager is eligible to apply. The deadline to apply is November 1.
[Source: American Trails]
RWJF Funding Opportunity: Culture of Health Prize
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Culture of Health Prize recognizes U.S. communities that optimize resources and policies to promote better health among all community members. Applications that emphasize the breadth and success of initiatives already in place and focus on how community-wide partnerships advance health will be considered. As many as 10 communities will be selected to receive a $25,000 cash prize. Interested applicants can review stories about past award winners here and sign up to receive information and updates from RWJF. Applications will be accepted online until November 4.
[Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation]
Local Schoolyard Access Opens to the Public for Increased Safe Places to Play
The Trust for Public Land released a new analysis regarding access to safe places for children to play. Many children nationwide do not have access to a local park. Opening public school grounds after hours and on weekends (“shared-use agreements”) may alleviate this issue. If school yards were open after hours and during holiday breaks, children who previously could not easily access a park would now have a safe place to play and be physically active. Learn more about recommendations for how to create accessible places to play (i.e. community partnerships and adding greenspace) online.
[Source: The Trust for Public Land]
Runner Friendly Communities of 2019
The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) announced two new cities designated as runner friendly for the summer of 2019. Tucson, Arizona, and Lafayette, Louisiana, join the list of 48 other communities that have met the runner friendly qualifications. To be designated as runner friendly, a community is evaluated on three characteristics, (1) community infrastructure, (2) community support, and (3) local government support. The designation committee meets twice per year to review applications. If you are interested in recognizing your town as a runner friendly community, apply here. Applications will be accepted until November 1.
[Source: Road Runners Club of America]
UPCOMING EVENTS AND OBSERVANCES:
October
Healthy Lung Month
October 1-31, 2019
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 1-31, 2019
National Physical Therapy Month
October 1-31, 2019
International Walk to School Month
October 1-31, 2019
Walk to School Day
October 2, 2019
Walk to Work Day [Australia]
October 4, 2019
National Child Health Day
October 7, 2019
World Food Day
October 16, 2019
World Osteoporosis Day
October 20, 2019
November
National Diabetes Month
November 1-30, 2019
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month
November 1-30, 2019
World Diabetes Day
November 14, 2019
United States Antibiotic Awareness Week
November 18-24, 2019
December
World AIDS Day
December 1, 2019
National Handwashing Awareness Week
December 2-8, 2019
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:
America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act Promotes Pedestrian & Bicyclist Safety
On July 30th, the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee (EPWC) voted 21-0 in favor of advancing America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act, a bill with bipartisan support that allocates $287B to transportation funding across the next five years. Nearly $4B is earmarked specifically for pedestrian and bicyclist safety and infrastructure improvements nationwide. The bill also establishes the Accessibility Data Pilot Program. This initiative will offer training and data to state planners who seek to connect important community destinations (e.g., workplaces, schools, health care facilities, and grocery stores) via multiple active transportation modes.
[Source: US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works]
RESEARCH NOTES:
Short-term Associations Between Objective Crime, Park-use, and Park-based Physical Activity in Low-income Neighborhoods
Previous research has shown that higher levels of crime and lower levels of perceived safety near parks contribute to their decreased use. In this study, researchers analyzed the effects of crime on park use behaviors in low-income neighborhoods in New York City. Researches used the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to observe behaviors in 20 parks around the city. They also gathered police reports from the area surrounding each park to assess timing and type of crime at one week, one month, and three months prior to visiting. Findings revealed a negative association between crime rates and park use. Future work should focus on developing policies and programs to address park safety.
[Source: Marquet, O. et al. 2019. Short-term Associations Between Objective Crime, Park-use, and Park-based Physical Activity in Low-income Neighborhoods Preventive Medicine]
Associations of Mother’s Behaviors and Home/Neighborhood Environments with Preschool Children’s Physical Activity Behaviors
Healthy eating and physical activity behaviors begin in early childhood. Mothers often have the most influence on these behaviors in their children. This study examined the association between mother’s health behaviors and the home and neighborhood environment with children’s health behaviors. Behaviors for mother and child dyads (N=531) were reported by the mother. Study authors found that the mother’s health behaviors had a stronger association with child physical activity than the home environment, and the home environment was more strongly associated with child physical activity than the neighborhood environment. Future studies should continue to investigate these relationships among children of other age groups.
[Source: Zhang, M., Quick, V., Jin, Y., & Martin-Biggers, J. 2019. Associations of Mother’s Behaviors and Home/Neighborhood Environments with Preschool Children’s Physical Activity Behaviors. American Journal of Health Promotion]
Efficacy of a Multi-Component Intervention to Promote Physical Activity Among Latino Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Latino populations are at higher risk for physical inactivity. Promotion of physical activity through smartphones may be useful in this population. In this study, researchers randomized 69 participants to a combined text messaging counseling approach with brief motivational interviewing by phone or a control group which received educational physical activity handouts. The primary outcome was steps/week, assessed at three months post-intervention. Results showed the intervention group had a higher increase in steps/week compared to the control group (31,184 and 15,370 respectively). This study supports the efficacy of combining text messages and motivational interviewing to increase physical activity among Latino populations.
[Source: Collins, T.C. et al. 2019. Efficacy of a multi-component intervention to promote physical activity among Latino adults: A randomized controlled trial. Preventive Medicine Reports.]
Trends in Adherence to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans for Aerobic Activity and Time Spent on Sedentary Behavior Among US Adults, 2007 to 2016
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans offer evidence-based recommendations for optimal types and durations of physical activity to promote health and wellbeing among US children and adults. In addition, the recently released 2018 guidelines advise reducing sedentary time. This study used nationally representative data from the National Health & Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted from 2007-2016 to examine adherence to the guidelines and trends in sedentary behavior. Overall, more than 60% of adults reported meeting the guidelines for aerobic activity, and this percentage did not significantly change from 2007-2016. Daily sedentary time among adults did significantly increase from 5.7 hours/day in 2007-2008 to 6.4 hours/day in 2015-2016. Overall, this research suggests that the proportion of US adults who meet aerobic activity recommendations has not changed since the first edition of the guidelines in 2008. The study also suggests efforts to minimize sedentary behavior are important given the increased trends in sedentary time.
[Source: Du, Y., Liu, B., Sun, Y., Snetselaar, L. G., Wallace, R. B., & Bao, W. 2019. Trends in adherence to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans for aerobic activity and time spent on sedentary behavior among US adults, 2007 to 2016. JAMA network open]
Effect of Interventions Using Physical Activity Trackers on Physical Activity in People Aged 60 Years and Over: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Physical inactivity is a risk factor for preventable physical ailments and disabilities, especially among older adults. Wearable activity trackers may be useful to increase physical activity in this population. This systematic review assessed the effects of interventions that incorporated the use of activity trackers to measure physical activity levels. Data from 23 studies were included in the review. Results showed interventions that used activity trackers increased physical activity and steps/day compared to usual care, no intervention, and waitlist control. Furthermore, longer duration interventions were more effective than short duration interventions. Future studies should continue to examine other methods of promoting physical activity through wearable devices in this population.
REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES:
Safe Systems for Safer Streets
A new report from America Walks shows the outcomes from several cities committed to preventing pedestrian deaths as a part of the Safer Systems program. The program is a partnership between America Walks and the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center. The report includes progress stories from participating communities including Flint, MI, and Richmond, VA. The full report can be downloaded online, in addition to other safe streets resources.
[Source: America Walks]
6 Principles for Creating Walkable Spaces
America Walks, an organization that promotes walking and walkable community design, has released a guide outlining six principles for communities to consider when designing walkable spaces. The principles suggest ways to engage community leaders and members in the creation of safe and inclusive pedestrian-friendly areas. America Walks emphasizes that the principles can be adapted for use by communities of any size. Policy suggestions, such as auditing speed limits in high-foot traffic areas, as well as tips on how to increase equitable access to walkable neighborhoods, are included.
[Source: 6 Principles of Walkability]
Foot Traffic Ahead
Foot Traffic Ahead: 2019, released by Smart Growth America, offers a comprehensive ranking of the 30 largest US metropolitan areas based on the availability and use of walkable urban places (WalkUPs). WalkUPs include offices, retail locations, and housing developments connected to public transit. The report discusses (1) the current state of walkable communities, (2) trends pointing to future walkability, (3) associations between walkability and education, and (4) the impact that walkability has on social equity. The top three metro areas with the most walkable urban spaces are New York City, Denver, and Boston.
[Source: Smart Growth America]
2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data and documentation. The 2018 BRFSS assessed factors such as physical activity participation, clinical preventive health practices, and health care access from a representative sample of adults aged 18 years or older. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico collected and reported BRFSS data for 2018. All BRFSS data are self-reported. The question codebook, state- and nation-level comparisons, and analyses are all provided on the CDC website. Archived data from previous years are also available.
PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:
University of Maryland’s RecWell Customizes Move Your Way for College Students
As part of the updated 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines, the Move Your Way campaign developed resources (e.g., posters, handouts) for communities to promote the new guidelines. The University of Maryland Recreation department, RecWell, launched their own Move Your Way campaign from March 25 to May 13. RecWell adapted the materials and distributed them throughout campus, placing posters on shuttle buses and residence halls, sharing posts on social media, and setting up information tables at various campus events. RecWell partnered with the School of Public Health to survey the reach of the campaign and received positive feedback from the students.
[Source: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion]
Scavenger Hunt App Encourages Residents to Explore Local Parks
Residents in Norman, Oklahoma, participated in a citywide scavenger hunt during July for National Park and Recreation Month. More than 40 families participated in the scavenger hunt, which was developed to increase public awareness of local parks. Participants were asked to complete different missions including specific physical activity breaks, attending local family events, and visiting other area destinations.
[Source: The Norman Transcript]
QR Fit Readers Enhance Walking Workouts in Waco, TX
Waco, Texas Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Live Well Waco and the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District, have installed QR F.I.T. stations along paved fitness and walking trails at 11 local parks. The QR code at each station can be scanned by a smartphone QR code reader and links users to a free guided exercise video. At many stations, multiple videos are offered when the code is scanned, allowing users to select a desired type or difficulty of exercise class from the options provided. Waco Parks and Recreation has also installed fitness equipment stations along many of the QR trails, providing additional opportunities for workout customization.
[Source: Central Texas News Now]
Hartford, CT, Launches 10-Minute Walk Campaign
In an effort to promote their local parks, the West Hartford Department of Leisure Services participated in the 10-minute walk campaign. The goal of this program, organized by the Trust for Public Land and the National Recreation and Park Association, is to increase the portion of the population that has access to a quality park or green space within a 10-minute walk from home. Other activities included in the initiative were parks bingo, story time in the park, and park clean-up days.
UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:
October
Annual ASHA School Health Conference
October 2-4, 2019
Cincinnati, OH
International Council on Active Aging Conference
October 10-12, 2019
Orlando, FL
November
American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Exposition
November 2-6, 2019
Philadelphia, PA
European Public Health Association (EUPHA) Annual Conference
November 20-23, 2019
Marseille, France
December
12th Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health
December 4-6, 2019
Arlington, VA
USC PRC UPDATES:
Update from the USC PRC Core Research Project
The USC PRC core research project examines the dissemination & implementation of Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN), a faith-based intervention to help promote changes to the church environment and policies that support physical activity and healthy eating.
The USC PRC is among the 25 academic institutions across the United States funded for the next 5-year cycle from 2019-2024. The USC PRC has been funded continuously since 1993 completing various research projects promoting physical activity and healthy eating in community settings. During the most recent cycle (2014-2019), the USC PRC disseminated the FAN program using a train-the-trainer model to churches in South Carolina. In response to interest and demand from churches and communities around the United States, work in the upcoming cycles will further disseminate the FAN Program to churches nationwide. Read more about the new funding cycle here as well as previously completed research projects by the USC PRC here.
One new publication from this project is now available in an epub ahead of print version. This study was led by PRC Co-Investigator, Dr. Patricia Sharpe.
Sharpe, P.A., Wilcox, S., Stucker, J., Kinnard, D., Bernhart, J.A. James, K.L. (in press) Community health advisors' characteristics and behaviors, role performance, and volunteer satisfaction in a church-based healthy eating and physical activity intervention. Journal of Community Health. Epub ahead of print August 10, 2019. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10900-019-00722-w
Update from the National Physical Activity Plan Alliance
This quarter the National Physical Activity Plan Alliance (NPAPA) released a 10-year report, a new physical activity commentary, and new resources for Communities of Practice. The NPAPA 10-year report covers 2008-2018 and chronicles the evolution of the National Physical Activity Plan and the organizational structure of the Alliance. Also summarized are the NPAPA's communication efforts and the various special projects completed over the last decade. The full report can be viewed here. The new commentary in which Sabrina Rodgers, a U.S. Health Program Manager in the Global Health Unit at the United Methodist Church, shares her thoughts on the role of faith-based communities in improving health and increasing physical activity. To learn more about physical activity promotion in faith-based setting, check out the full commentary. The resources designed to support the work of Communities of Practice can be used at various levels - from sponsors, funders, facilitators/coordinators, and/or leadership teams to CoP members - and include a developmental checklist and evaluation framework. The resources can be found on the NPAPA website.
Update from the South Carolina Healthy Brain Research Network
The SC-HBRN funding cycle came to a close on 9/30/2019. We are so very grateful for our partners across the state as well as the HBRN Scholars who have conducted innovative and important research to increase awareness and communication about cognitive health and aging. We hope to use the SC-HBRN as a model for other research networks and continue to guide and strengthen public health and cognitive aging research and practice through initiatives of the UofSC Office for the Study of Aging and the National Institute of Aging-funded Carolina Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Minority Research.
Update from the South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network II
The SC-CPCRN received notice of award that it will be refunded through 2024. SC-CPCRN investigators have contributed 4 articles to a special issue of Preventive Medicine. This issue is in collaboration with other CPCRN sites (2014-2019) and highlights local and cross-center work of this network.
On September 28, the South Carolina Cancer Alliance’s Prostate Cancer Workgroup, including SC-CPCRN members, will be hosting another Prostate Cancer Education program in Hartsville, SC. The program includes a discussion forum with local providers to encourage discussion between community members and providers about prostate health.
Writers: John Bernhart, Kelsey Day and Lindsay Decker
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The USC Prevention Research Center is a member of the CDC Prevention Research Center's National Network, consisting of 33 Centers in the U.S. For more information about the PRC National Network, visit http://www.cdc.gov/prc.
This publication was supported by Cooperative Agreement Number U48-DP-001936 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC.
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
