QUARTER 1: January - March 2020 | USC-PRC Notes

"Promoting Health through Physical Activity"

Topics in this issue

COVID-19: RESOURCES AND AT-HOME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

NEWS YOU CAN USE:

  • America Walks Announces 19 Community Change Grantees
  • Customize Move Your Way Materials for Your Community
  • Five Health Tips for Your Community in 2020
  • The Child Opportunity Index 2.0
  • Upcoming Events and Observances: April, May, June

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON: 

  • Connecting America's Active Transportation System Act
  • The REHAB Act Supports Active Communities

RESEARCH NOTES:

  • Childcare Center Characteristics Moderate the Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention
  • Current Evidence of Measurement Properties of Physical Activity Questionnaires for Older Adults: An Updated Systematic Review
  • Engaging Underserved Community Members in Diabetes Self-Management: Evidence from the YMCA of Greater Richmond Diabetes Control Program
  • Brain Breaks® Physical Activity Solutions in the Classroom and on Attitudes towardPhysical Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial among Primary Students from Eight Countries

REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES:

  • Park Planning Tool for Inclusive Spaces
  • CDC Adult Physical Inactivity Prevalence Maps

PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:

  • $19M Allocated to Los Angeles Parks Improvements
  • Community Center Fitness & Fun in Ohio
  • Vermont Physical Activity Council Announces Grant Recipients
  • New Physical Activity Spaces in West Virginia

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:

  • April, May, June

USC PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER UPDATES:

  • Update from the USC PRC Core Research Project
  • National Physical Activity Plan Alliance (NPAPA) Seeks State Liaisons 
  • Update from the South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network II

COVID-19:

RESOURCES AND AT-HOME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
We realize these might be uncertain and stressful times for many of our readers from around the world. In this edition of our newsletter, we will dedicate a special section to where you can find resources for staying safe, healthy, and active during this challenging time. We have not tested each of the fitness apps or websites, so please use them at your own discretion and choose activities that are well-suited to your current fitness level.

COVID-19 Resources
Please refer to the links below for accurate and up-to-date information regarding COVID-19:

At-Home Physical Activity & Fitness Resources
Although many fitness and recreation centers are closed, you can still be active at home. Staying active can keep you healthy and relieve stress! Check the websites of your local gyms and fitness studios to see if they are offering live streaming or pre-recorded classes that can be engaged in at home. Many online fitness platforms are also offering free access to classes (often by extending trial periods). Below are some free resources that may be helpful:

Activities for Children:

Fitness Apps (All offering free options at this time):

Yoga:

Other:

Mental Health Resources
Many people – adults and children alike – are feeling anxious and stressed now. These resources have information for managing stress and anxiety during this challenging time. 

NEWS YOU CAN USE:

America Walks Announces Community Change Grant Winners
America Walks, an organization focused on advocating and promoting opportunities for walkable communities, announced the 19 winners of their annual Community Change Grant program. The program funds community projects focused on creating or improving accessible and enjoyable places to be active. Funded projects must also outline a plan to increase physical activity at the community level. Award winners receive $1500 and partner with America Walks and Everybody Walk! to implement their projects. Short descriptions of the funded projects can be read online. Please check their website later in the year for a 2020 call for applications.
[Source: America Walks]

Customize Move Your Way Materials for Your Community
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) has released customizable materials for Move Your Way, the promotional campaign for the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The free resources are available through the CDC’s State and Community Health Media Center. The materials include social media graphics, posters and fact sheets in English & Spanish, and videos that target a variety of age levels. For a small additional fee, the materials can also be customized with organizational logos or branding. 
[Source: Office of Disease Prevention & Health Promotion]

Five Health Tips for Your Community in 2020
Social determinants of health, including an individual’s community, are known to impact individual health behaviors including physical activity. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) focuses on addressing these community factors; and has announced five community health resolutions for 2020. These resolutions aim to support communities as they develop a plan to improve or create public spaces that support active and healthy lifestyles for all. Among the five recommendations are collaboration, use of big data to set common goals, and cultivating equity and inclusion. RWJF also offers examples of successful community collaborations and resources to implement each resolution.
[Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation]

The Child Opportunity Index 2.0
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation used the new Child Opportunity Index 2.0 to show how researchers would employ the tool to measure inequities of families living in different neighborhoods. The index, developed in January 2020, builds on a previous index and adds information on how neighborhoods affect the children that grow up in them. The Child Opportunity Index has helped cities examine inequities within neighborhoods and has aided in promoting the development of things like parks for children in the lowest opportunity neighborhoods. To learn more about the opportunities in your area, click here.
[Source: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation]

UPCOMING EVENTS AND OBSERVANCES:

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:

Connecting America's Active Transportation System Act

Representatives Daniel Lipinski (IL), Jared Huffman (CA), and Chris Pappas (NH) are co-sponsoring the newly introduced Connecting America’s Active Transportation System Act. The bill would allocate $500M annually of federal funding to support active transportation infrastructure development in communities across the U.S. Active transportation initiatives aim to connect communities via safe and accessible walkable or bikeable pathways. Under the new legislation, a federal grant program would be established to support communities that seek to develop or improve active transportation options. Current federal funding for active transportation development (under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation act) is set to expire in September 2020.
[Source: PR Newswire]

The REHAB Act Supports Active Communities

The Revitalizing Economies, Housing and Businesses (REHAB) Act is gaining bipartisan support with its inclusion of federal tax credit. The act proposes credit that would incentivize private investors to develop neighborhoods in an equitable and active way. The Act would promote walking communities, increase the availability of affordable housing, and make it easier for older adults to access facilities in their neighborhoods. To view an infographic about the benefits of the REHAB Act, click here. 
[Source: Smart Growth America]

RESEARCH NOTES:

Childcare Center Characteristics Moderate the Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention

Early childhood education centers can make life-long impacts on the health and development of young children. This study examined the effects of center characteristics on a physical activity intervention (Study of Health and Activity in Preschool Environments) and the child’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Children from 4-year-old classrooms of 16 childcare centers (n=378) participated in the intervention. Analyses showed that the social environment, instructional practices, and the physical environment may modify the effect of the intervention on the child’s physical activity rates. More studies are needed to assess additional strategies to test the effects of interventions on early childhood care centers.
[Source: Saunders, R. P., Dowda, M., Pfeiffer, K. A., Brown, W. H., & Pate, R. R. (2020). Childcare Center Characteristics Moderate the Effects of a Physical Activity Intervention. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 

Current Evidence of Measurement Properties of Physical Activity Questionnaires for Older Adults: An Updated Systematic Review

Questionnaires are a widely-used form of physical activity (PA) measurement for older adults, particularly in large-scale studies. While questionnaires may be more feasibly implemented than objective measures of PA in this population, they may not be as reliable or valid. Furthermore, many PA questionnaires have been developed for use among older adults, but there is no conclusive recommendation as to which may be most acceptable. In this study, researchers performed an update to a systematic review of the literature (originally conducted in 2010) to compare self-administered PA questionnaires for older adults. 56 articles utilizing 40 different questionnaires were analyzed; the overall quality of evidence ranged from very low to high. Overall, the authors recommend the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly for total PA assessment and the Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire for MVPA assessment.
[Source: Sattler, M. et al. (2020). Current Evidence of Measurement Properties of Physical Activity Questionnaires for Older Adults: An Updated Systematic Review. Sports Medicine.]

Engaging Underserved Community Members in Diabetes Self-Management: Evidence from the YMCA of Greater Richmond Diabetes Control Program

Diabetes self-management programs (DSMPs) are widely used to improve clinical outcomes as well as physical and mental quality of life among individuals with diabetes. These programs may be conducted in community settings, particularly to reach at-risk individuals in underserved communities. However, it remains relatively unknown what factors support individual engagement in these community DSMPs. Researchers in this study sought to analyze influential engagement factors among participants in a Richmond, VA DSMP. The researchers conducted qualitative focus groups with participants and health coaches to identify themes related to engagement. Participant fear was found to impact program enrollment as well as engagement. Program length, accessibility of program materials, and external obligations were also found to be influential factors in participant engagement. 

[Source: Allen, J. O., Concha, J. B., Mejía Ruiz, M. J., Rapp, A., Montgomery, J., Smith, J., ... & Mezuk, B. (2020). Engaging Underserved Community Members in Diabetes Self-Management: Evidence From the YMCA of Greater Richmond Diabetes Control Program. The Diabetes Educator.]

Brain Breaks® Physical Activity Solutions in the Classroom and on Attitudes toward Physical Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial among Primary Students from Eight Countries

The benefits from physical activity breaks in the classroom setting are well documented. Improvements are possible in academic achievements, behaviors, and physical activity behaviors outside the classroom. However, there is still research needed on how to change the child’s attitude towards physical activity and optimize the benefits achieved during the school day. The current study aimed to evaluate one particular program (Brain Breaks Physical Activity Solutions) to see how it changed attitudes related to physical activity. Data from students aged 8-11 (n=3036) from several countries around the world participated in this study. The authors found that the Brain Breaks resource improved not only the children’s attitudes towards physical activity, but also their motivation to be active and their learning experience. 
[Source: Mok, M. M. C., Chin, M. K., Korcz, A., Popeska, B., Edginton, C. R., Uzunoz, F. S., ... & Pasic, M. (2020). Brain Breaks® Physical Activity Solutions in the Classroom and on Attitudes toward Physical Activity: A Randomized Controlled Trial among Primary Students from Eight Countries. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health] 

REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES:

Park Planning Tool for Inclusive Spaces

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has released a master planning tool for developing inclusive spaces. The tool, which is available on the NRPA website, provides best practice advice to park planners on equitable park design. The tool consists of a detailed four-step approach to developing a master park plan through an inclusive, collaborative, and data-driven process. Along with inclusivity, park planners are also encouraged to consider a multi-benefit focus for their park plan. This focus involves emphasizing the economic and health-related benefits of park development.
[Source: National Recreation and Park Association]    

CDC Adult Physical Inactivity Prevalence Maps

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new maps of adult self-reported physical inactivity prevalence based on 2015-2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Overall physical inactivity maps are available by state and territory, as are maps for specific racial and ethnic groups. In all states, more than 15% of adults are physically inactive, with estimates ranging from 17.3%-47.7%. Regionally, the South has the highest prevalence of physical inactivity (28%), followed by the Northeast (25.6%), Midwest (25.0%), and West (20.5%). Disparities also exist by racial and ethnic groups: in most states, physical inactivity was higher among minority groups. The maps are available on the CDC website.
[Source: CDC]

City Parks Alliance: Active Parks, Healthy Cities Report

The National Study of Neighborhood Parks findings have been summarized in a report from the City Parks Alliance. Recommendations from the study are grouped into four major recommendation categories: (1) Programming, (2) Design, (3) Marketing and Outreach, and (4) Measuring Park Use. This report helps parks agencies make modifications to design and other aspects in order to address public health issues in an equitable manner. Learn more about the recommendations and download the report here.
[Source: City Parks Alliance]

PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:

$19M Allocated to Los Angeles Parks Improvements

The city of Los Angeles, CA has received over $19M in state funding that will be used to improve two existing city parks and to create two new parks in under-resourced areas of the city. Projected improvements at existing parks include the addition of new athletic fields and recreational facilities, as well as safety features such as lighting and shade structures. New parks will include similar facilities and amenities, as well as space for community public art. To create the park designs, Mayor Eric Garcetti sought the input of the Los Angeles community at more than 110 meetings held during the summer of 2019. The parks are projected to be open by mid-summer 2022. 
[Source: CBS Los Angeles]  

Community Center Fitness & Fun in Ohio

The Worthington, OH Parks and Recreation Department has expanded recreational programming at the Worthington Community Center. The programming, titled “Family, Fun, & Fitness,” offers expanded recreational fitness opportunities to residents of all ages. Offerings include a pickleball league for older adults, group fitness classes, and a newly added giant inflatable water slide in the aquatics facility. The Worthington Community Center has also partnered with The Ohio State University to implement the American College of Sports Medicine’s Exercise is Medicine (EIM) program. Trained center staff members will be available to assist community members who wish to develop customized EIM training plans to meet their health and fitness goals. 
[Source: ABC News]

Vermont Physical Activity Council Announces Grant Recipients

The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports announced the Exercise is Medicine Community Wellness Grant recipients in February. The goal of these grants is to increase physical activity knowledge in the health care field, promote the use of physical activity to prevent chronic illness, and create a standard of physical activity being considered a vital sign. Recipients of the grant included an adaptive ski and sports program, a parks department that wants to increase the community’s access to mountain biking, and a bike share. 
[Source: Vermont Biz]

New Physical Activity Spaces in West Virginia

West Virginia University’s (WVU) Center for an ActiveWV announced 13 projects that it will fund to increase pedestrian and bicycle safety across the state. Supported by WVU’s Take Back our Health initiative, the projects will each receive up to $5,000 to promote physical activity. Some examples of grantees include a city wheel ramp installation, a trailhead and mapping program, a trail connector infrastructure project, and a physical activity prescription promotion program. To learn more about WVU’s health initiatives, you can visit their Facebook page. 
[Source: My Buckhannon]

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:

The conference schedule listed below reflects the changes being made to the original dates due to COVID-19 protocols. Please check the links provided to find the most up-to-date information.

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

USC PRC UPDATES:

Update from the USC PRC Core Research Project

The University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center began the new year with a continued focus on developing online modules to train churches across the nation to deliver the Faith, Activity, and Nutrition program. The eight modules include training on how to provide opportunities, set policies, share messages, and engage pastors in physical activity and healthy eating. We are currently conducting a pilot study of the FAN Online Training Program with 10 churches. The churches will complete one module per week and will provide feedback on the modules and the training program.  Recruitment for the larger implementation study will begin in Fall 2020. Churches interested in taking part can complete an online interest form: http://prevention.sph.sc.edu/projects/fantraining.htm 

Four members from the UofSC PRC and the South Carolina Cancer Prevention Control and Research Network participated in the 2019-2024 Prevention Research Center Kick-off Meeting hosted by the CDC Prevention Program on January 22-24, 2020 in Atlanta, GA. The 3-day meeting provided a forum for information sharing, collaboration, and networking among the 25 funded PRCs, CDC, and its affiliated national partners. PRC Director Sara Wilcox presented, along with the University of Washington and New York University School of Medicine and City University of New York School of Public Health PRCs, on translating research into practice using the Knowledge to Action (K2A) framework. The UofSC PRC also participated in the poster session, highlighting the PRC's efforts to engage community and organizational partners in research, practice, and training to support physical activity and healthy eating for all people.

A new publication based on the 2014-2019 Core Research Project is now available:
Dunn, C.G., Wilcox, S., Bernhart, J.A., Blake, C.E., Kaczynski, A.T., and Turner-McGrievy, G.M. (2019). Church leaders’ views of obesity prevention efforts for children and youth. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 52(3), 259-269. To view the abstract click here.

A summary of the article is also available here. 

Finally, the PRC has launched Facebook and Twitter accounts! Please “like” or follow us for more physical activity information and resources.

National Physical Activity Plan Alliance (NPAPA)

The National Physical Activity Plan Alliance, the National Physical Activity Society, and the National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity have merged to create the Physical Activity Alliance - a new, broadly based, powerful voice for physical activity promotion in our country.

The mission of the Physical Activity Alliance is to lead efforts to create, support, and advocate policy and system changes that enable all Americans to enjoy physically active lives. We envision an active and healthy nation where the opportunity for physical activity is easily available in the daily lives of all Americans. The Alliance combines deep expertise in policy advocacy, strategic planning, and workforce development to address physical activity. We connect planning to policy and advocacy as well as to professionals promoting public health approaches to physical activity.

For more information on the new Physical Activity Alliance, please contact:

Laurie Whitsel, Laurie.Whitsel@heart.org
Ayanna McKnight, ayanna@PAAmovewithUS.org

Update from the South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (SC-CPCRN) III 

Ashley Brunson, a SC-CPCRN undergraduate research assistant, has received the University of South Carolina’s Magellan Scholar Award to work with our Community and Research Advisory Councils this upcoming grant year. She will seek council members’ expert input as we plan for our Community Health Intervention Program (CHIP) mini-grants initiative that will occur in Years 2 and 4 of the 5-year grant cycle.

Please check the newly updated SC-CPCRN website for more information about SC-CPCRN III.

Writers: Kelsey Day and Lindsay Decker

To submit an item, please e-mail the USC PRC at uscprc@mailbox.sc.edu.

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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 U48DP006401 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.