QUARTER 1: January – March 2026 | USC-PRC Notes

“Promoting Health through Physical Activity”

Topics in this issue

A LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR

USC PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER UPDATES:

  • Update from the USC PRC Core Research Project
  • Update from the USC PRC PRC
  • Update from the USC PRC Arthritis SIP

NEWS YOU CAN USE:

  • A Land-Use Audit for Walkable: Policy Changes to Expand the Benefits of Walkability Communities
  • The Science Behind Exercise and Why it’s Good for Our Bodies
  • The Surprisingly Big Health Benefits of Just a Little Exercise
  • The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) will Host the Health Disparities Research Institute (HDRI)
  • School Playground and Activity Grants Updated

UPCOMING EVENTS AND OBSERVANCES

  • April, May, June, July, August

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:

  • Congress Passes Critical Health Program Funding, Extends Telehealth Flexibilities

RESEARCH NOTES:

  • Global, Regional, and National Burden of Major Diabetes-related Complications Attributable to Physical Inactivity
  • Light Physical Activity and All‐Cause Mortality in US Adults Across Cardiovascular‐Kidney‐Metabolic Syndrome Stages
  • Promoting Physical Activity and Peer Relationships in Adolescent Girls Through a Summer Program

REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES:

  • Measuring Physical Activity in Adults Using Wearable Technologies: Report of a Scientific Meeting
  • Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Recommendations Updated
  • Advancing Employer Coverage for Diabetes Prevention: A Practical Tool for Public Health Action

PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:

  • Building Savannah, Georgia’s Tide to Town TrailRec-Connect™ Makes Fitness Fun for Everyone
  • 136 Schools Nationwide Awarded Grants to Improve Student and Faculty Health
  • Alabama Community Engagement Alliance Promotes Physical Activity
  • Somerville Joins Active Agers Program

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:

  • April, May, June, July, August

A LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR:

As spring arrives, it brings with it a sense of renewal and, for our Center, a long-awaited beginning.

In the coming weeks, we will launch the pilot study that has been in the making for many months. Like many ambitious efforts, the path to this moment was longer and more complex than we initially imagined (!!). There were stretches when progress felt slow, and times when the start line seemed out of reach. At times, we did not know if our funding would even continue. Yet, step by step, with persistence, collaboration, and no small measure of patience, we have arrived.

Ready or not, we will soon begin.

In many ways, this moment reflects something broader about both research and life. The work that matters most rarely unfolds on a predictable timeline. It asks us to stay committed through uncertainty, to adapt, and to trust that sustained effort, paired with a good bit of luck, can lead to meaningful progress.

As we move forward, we are excited to share what we learn, to continue building and strengthening partnerships, and to contribute to advancing physical activity and public health in ways that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Happy Spring! Thanks for being a part of our journey.

-Sara Wilcox

USC PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER UPDATES:

Update from the USC PRC Core Research Project

The USC PRC has launched recruitment for its core research project, Walking with Purpose, a community-based initiative in partnership with South Carolina AME churches. Collaborating with the Columbia and Charleston AME Districts, the PRC is enrolling churches for a pilot study following months of development and guidance from its Community Advisory Board (CAB). Participating churches will begin training this summer, gaining tools to promote healthier church environments and establish walking groups for midlife and older adults in their congregations and communities. Learn more about the CAB and Walking with Purpose on the USC PRC website.

Update from the USC PRC

Recent highlights from the USC PRC showcase outstanding achievements in research and collaboration while also spotlighting one of our talented statisticians and the great work that they do through the PRC!

Caroline Rudisill, a USC Arnold School professor and Academic Director of the USC–Prisma Health partnership, received the Academic Partner Research Award at the 2025 Prisma Health Education and Research Institute Showcase. The award recognizes her leadership in strengthening collaborative research, advancing team science, and improving population health through partnerships between USC and Prisma Health. You can read the article via the link here.

Yesil Kim, an assistant scientist with the USC Prevention Research Center, plays a central role in both the development and analysis of research projects, contributing statistical expertise to grant proposals, data analysis, and publications. Her work supports PRC investigators and students alike, combining advanced methodology with a passion for problem-solving and scientific rigor. The full Staff Spotlight featuring Yesil can be found on the Arnold School website.

 

Update from the USC PRC Arthritis SIP

As a collaborating center in the CDC PRC Arthritis Management and Wellbeing Research Network, Dr. Pellegrini and her team have published a new protocol paper for the Healthy Living after Knee Replacement randomized controlled trial. The paper outlines the study’s design and procedures, examining weight loss and chronic disease management over 12 months in adults with total knee replacement.

Pellegrini, C. A., Wilcox, S., Kennerley, C., Lee, J., Turner-McGrievy, G., Regan, E., Wessinger, P., Chen, B., Davis, H. T., Jamieson, S., Horn, K., Stansbury, M., & Jackson, J. B. (2026). Weight loss and physical activity after total knee replacement: Study protocol for the healthy living randomized controlled trial. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, 8(2), 100760. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocarto.2026.100760

Dr. Pellegrini and colleagues have also called for greater integration of behavioral theory in exercise interventions for osteoarthritis. The new narrative review work emphasizes the need to better address behavioral factors to support long-term adherence to exercise and sustain the benefits of managing osteoarthritis symptoms.

Pellegrini, C. A., Carlesso, L. C., & White, D. K. (2026). More than a prescription: The need for behavioral theory to guide exercise interventions for osteoarthritis—A narrative review. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2026.02.012

NEWS YOU CAN USE:

A Land-Use Audit for Walkability: Policy Changes to Expand the Benefits of Walkability Communities

 America Walks has released a new webinar, “A Land-Use Audit for Walkability,” featuring a panel of multi-sector experts discussing how land-use decisions shape walkable communities. The session explores practical strategies for evaluating land-use policies and highlights how collaboration among planners, public health professionals, local governments, and community stakeholders can support environments that encourage walking. The discussion emphasizes the role of coordinated planning and policy in creating healthier, more accessible communities.

[Source: America Walks YouTube]

The Science Behind Exercise and Why it’s Good for Our Bodies

 PBS News highlights the benefits of physical activity in a recent podcast episode, “The Science Behind Exercise and Why It’s Good for You.” In the conversation, Dr. Euan Ashley discusses how exercise affects the body at the molecular level. The episode explores how emerging research is helping scientists better understand why physical activity plays such a powerful role in improving health and preventing disease.

[Source: PBS News]

The Surprisingly Big Health Benefits of Just a Little Exercise

 Recent research highlights that even brief bouts of physical activity, sometimes called “exercise snacks” can deliver significant health benefits, especially for people who struggle to meet traditional exercise guidelines. Long-standing recommendations call for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, but new evidence suggests that smaller, more frequent movement throughout the day like short walks, climbing stairs, or other everyday activity is strongly linked with lower risks of heart disease and premature death. These insights come from studies using wearable devices that provide more accurate activity tracking than self-reports, revealing that meaningful health improvements can occur well below conventional targets. Experts emphasize that while more exercise generally leads to greater benefits, the greatest relative gains come from moving from being inactive to doing some activity. Even modest increases in daily movement, such as adding short bursts of activity, can support cardiovascular health and overall well-being, making physical activity more accessible and achievable for a wider range of people.

[Source: Nature]

The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) will host the Health Disparities Research Institute (HDRI)

 The Health Disparities Research Institute (HDRI), hosted by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) at the National Institutes of Health, has opened applications for its annual training program designed to support the career development of early-stage investigators focused on minority health and health disparities science. This program shows NIMHD’s larger goal to promote strong, reliable research that deals with health inequalities and helps create a diverse group of scientists who can address difficult health issues in underserved communities. The application is open until April 10th. Additional information, including requirements and the HDRI application, can be found here.

[Source: NIMHD]

UPCOMING EVENTS AND OBSERVANCES:

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:

 Congress Passes Critical Health Program Funding, Extends Telehealth Flexibilities

 Congress has passed a major fiscal 2026 health funding bill that includes several health care provisions backed by the American College of Cardiology (ACC). The law extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities through the end of 2027, reestablishes in-home cardiac and pulmonary rehab services through early 2028, increases funding for the National Institutes of Health, and maintains funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also authorizes support for maternal mortality review committees and clinician well-being programs through 2030 and boosts funding for valvular heart disease research and awareness. These outcomes reflect sustained advocacy efforts to strengthen cardiovascular care, support clinicians, and improve patient access.

[Source: American College of Cardiology]

RESEARCH NOTES:

Global, Regional, and National Burden of Major Diabetes-related Complications Attributable to Physical Inactivity

 A recent study in the Journal of Sport and Health Science examined how physical inactivity contributes to major complications among people living with diabetes at global, regional, and national levels. Researchers analyzed data from more than 2.3 million adults across multiple population studies to estimate how much disease burden could be linked to inactivity. The findings suggest that physical inactivity is responsible for a meaningful share of diabetes-related complications, including stroke, heart failure, cardiovascular disease, and diabetic retinopathy. For example, inactivity was linked to about 10% of stroke cases and nearly 10% of retinopathy cases among people with diabetes. The study also found differences across regions and populations, with higher burdens in some higher-income regions and among people with lower educational attainment. Overall, the results highlight the important role of regular physical activity in preventing complications and improving outcomes for people living with diabetes worldwide

[Feter, J., Feter, N., Leal-Menezes, R., Hallal, P. C., & Umpierre, D. (2026). Global, Regional, and National Burden of Major Diabetes-related Complications Attributable to Physical Inactivity. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 101123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jshs.2026.101123]

Light Physical Activity and All‐Cause Mortality in US Adults Across Cardiovascular‐Kidney‐Metabolic Syndrome Stages

 New findings from a rapid communication in the Journal of the American Heart Association examined how light physical activity, such as walking, household chores, or gardening, relates to survival among adults with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a cluster of conditions including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and kidney disease. Using data from more than 7,200 U.S. adults with activity measured by wearable devices, researchers tracked health outcomes over about 14 years. The results showed that higher levels of light daily activity were associated with a lower risk of death, particularly for people with more advanced stages of CKM syndrome. Each additional hour of light activity per day was linked to about a 14–20% lower mortality risk. The findings suggest that even modest movement throughout the day can provide meaningful health benefits, especially for individuals who may not be able to perform moderate-to-vigorous exercise due to chronic health conditions.

[Sartini, J., Rooney, M. R., Schrack, J. A., McEvoy, J. W., Ndumele, C. E., Zeger, S., Selvin, E., & Fang, M. (2026). Light Physical Activity and All‐Cause Mortality in US Adults Across Cardiovascular‐Kidney‐Metabolic Syndrome Stages. Journal of the American Heart Association, e046271–e046271. https://doi.org/10.1161/jaha.125.046271]

Promoting Physical Activity and Peer Relationships in Adolescent Girls Through a Summer Program

 A recent study evaluated EmpowerHER, a pilot program designed to increase physical activity and strengthen peer relationships among adolescent girls. The program combined physical activity sessions with social-emotional learning (SEL) during an eight-week summer program for girls ages 10–14. Researchers tracked activity levels using wearable devices and examined changes in friendship networks and well-being. Results suggest the program may help increase physical activity and foster supportive peer connections, both of which are important for adolescent mental and physical health. The findings highlight the potential of integrating movement and social-emotional skill-building in youth programs to promote healthier behaviors and stronger social ties.

[Prochnow T, Patterson MS, Flores SA, et al. Promoting Physical Activity and Peer Relationships in Adolescent Girls Through a Summer Program. Health Promotion Practice. 2026;27(2):247-258. doi:10.1177/15248399251347892]

REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES:

Measuring Physical Activity in Adults Using Wearable Technologies: Report of a Scientific Meeting

 A new World Health Organization (WHO) report summarizes discussions from a 2025 scientific meeting that brought together global experts in epidemiology, technology, and public health surveillance. The meeting focused on how wearable devices such as accelerometers and fitness trackers can improve measurement of physical activity and sedentary behavior in population health monitoring systems. The report explores key challenges and opportunities for integrating wearable technology into national health surveillance, including standardizing device specifications, defining core activity metrics, and improving data comparability across studies and countries. The report also highlights ongoing research needs and the potential for wearable data to strengthen efforts to monitor global physical activity trends and support WHO’s goal of reducing physical inactivity worldwide. The full report is available here.

[Source: WHO]

 Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Recommendations Updated

 The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Parkinson’s Foundation have released updated exercise recommendations for people living with Parkinson’s disease, reflecting new research and feedback from clinicians and the Parkinson’s community. The guidance emphasizes that early and consistent physical activity is a key part of managing the disease and maintaining quality of life. The recommendations encourage a well-rounded exercise routine across four areas: aerobic activity, strength training, stretching, and balance or agility exercises. The updated guidance also provides clearer direction on exercise intensity, timing, and adapting routines as the disease progresses, with the goal of helping individuals safely integrate physical activity into daily life and remain independent for longer.

[Source: ACSM]

Advancing Employer Coverage for Diabetes Prevention: A Practical Tool for Public Health Action

The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) highlights their new tool, Healm, an online tool designed to help employers add coverage for the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) to workplace health benefits. The platform provides simple guidance on how employers can design, implement, and evaluate diabetes prevention programs for their workforce. By helping organizations better understand program options and costs, Healm aims to expand access to proven lifestyle programs that help prevent type 2 diabetes and support healthier workplaces.

[Source: NACDD]

PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:

Building Savannah, Georgia’s Tide to Town TrailRec-Connect™ Makes Fitness Fun for Everyone

 America Walks recently highlighted progress on Savannah, Georgia’s Tide to Town Trail, a growing network of walking and biking paths designed to connect neighborhoods, schools, hospitals, and commercial areas across the city and surrounding county. When completed, the trail system is expected to span more than 30 miles and link dozens of neighborhoods, improving access and opportunities for active transportation. The project reflects years of collaboration among community groups, local leaders, and public health advocates, including Healthy Savannah. Support from federal infrastructure funding and community engagement efforts has helped move the trail from concept to construction, demonstrating how partnerships can help build healthier, more walkable communities.

[Source: America Walks]

 136 Schools Nationwide Awarded Grants to Improve Student and Faculty Health

 The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have awarded grants to 136 schools in 45 states to help improve the health and well-being of students and school staff. The funding supports programs that encourage more physical activity and healthier school environments, including equipment for active play, recess improvements, inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. Part of the NFL PLAY 60 initiative, the grants, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ and NFL PLAY 60™ aim to help schools create more opportunities for students to stay active throughout the day and build healthy habits early in life. The program promotes the goal of at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity for children, supporting both physical and mental well-being.

[Source: AHA]

 Alabama Community Engagement Alliance Promotes Physical Activity

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) are leading a new NIH-funded initiative to test community-based approaches that encourage healthier eating and more physical activity. The program adapts “food is medicine” and “exercise is medicine” concepts for use at the community level to help reduce chronic disease risk. Working with local residents and organizations, the project develops neighborhood-specific “community prescriptions” that promote healthy habits through activities such as wellness events, exercise sessions, and cooking demonstrations. Community health coaches help connect participants with resources and guide programs tailored to local needs. Researchers will follow participating communities for two years to evaluate whether these locally driven strategies can improve health behaviors and support long-term wellness.

[Source: UAB News]

 Somerville Joins Active Agers Program

The City of Somerville’s Council on Aging has joined the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) Active Agers initiative, a statewide effort that encourages older adults to stay physically active to support mental, physical, and social well-being. As part of the program, the Council is expanding free wellness and movement programs for seniors, including exercise, strength, and balance classes, yoga, dance, and tai chi. The initiative aims to help older adults stay healthy, try new activities, and connect with others while promoting the benefits of regular physical activity for healthy aging.

[Source: City of Sommerville]

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:

APRIL

May

JUNE

JULY

August

Writers: Jasmin Parker-Brown

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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.

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