QUARTER 2: April – June 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

NEWS YOU CAN USE:

  • Brief Exercise Sessions Can Support Memory
  • PAPREN Implementation in Action April 2026: Going Places: A Transportation Self-Efficacy Intervention to Increase Youth Physical Activity

UPCOMING EVENTS AND OBSERVANCES

  • July, August, September

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:

  • Physical Activity Alliance’s Statement for the Record: HR 6121
  • New Bills Would Earmark Federal Transportation Funds for Active Transportation

RESEARCH NOTES:

  • Sedentary Time and Television Viewing Time are Associated with an Increased Risk for All-cause Mortality: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews
  • Sarcopenia, Grip Strength, Walking Pace, and New-Onset Stroke Risk: A UK Biobank Study
  • Unlocking the Clock: Optimal Physical Activity Timing for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
  • Effectiveness of Wearable Activity Trackers to Increase Physical Activity and Improve Health: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses

REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES:

  • 2026 AHA/ACC/ADA/ASN Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines
  • Use of Predicted Risk and Expected Benefit to Guide Decision-Making in Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
  •  Aerobic Physical Activity Among Adults Age 18 and Older: United States, 2024
  •  The Crucial Role of Recess in School: Policy Statement
  • New Arthritis Guidelines Prioritize Physical Activity
  • Reframing Obesity Care for Older Adults: Lessons from the New EASO Position Paper Webinar

PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:

  • North Dakota HHS announces $3.6M in Community-based Grants
  •  New Mexico Officials Look for Early Intervention to Address Childhood Obesity
  • Veterans of Every Generation Find Their Stride in Adaptive Sports

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:

  • July, August, September, October, and November

A LETTER FROM OUR DIRECTOR:

Happy Summer!

I recently returned from an extended trip to Europe, during which I had the opportunity to step in for a colleague and co-lead a Maymester Abroad program in the Netherlands and Denmark. I co-led the course with Andy Kaczynski, USC PRC Co-Investigator, and I would like to share some reflections from this experience that connect directly to the USC PRC’s focus on physical activity and health.
The course explored how the built environment influences physical activity and other health outcomes. Having visited Copenhagen before, I was already familiar with the city’s strong culture of active transportation and extensive cycling infrastructure. This trip reinforced those impressions and also gave me the opportunity to observe similar, and perhaps even stronger, patterns in Amsterdam.
What I learned, however, is that these cities and countries were not always designed this way. Like many communities in the United States today, they were once more dependent on automobiles. Over time, for a variety of reasons, they made intentional decisions to invest in infrastructure that reduced car dependency and promoted walking, cycling, and other forms of active transportation.
Students submitted five journal reflections during the course. At the beginning of the course, many students expressed skepticism that cities such as Columbia, SC, or other cities across the U.S., could ever undergo similar transformations. Yet as they learned about the history of these cities and the important role that community advocacy played in driving change, I saw that skepticism begin to shift toward optimism. It was a realistic optimism; they recognized that changing our culture and infrastructure will not be easy. Still, it was inspiring to see how just 10 days abroad helped students envision a different way of living – one with fewer car trips, more opportunities for physical activity, and healthier communities – and, importantly, to want that kind of environment for themselves and their communities.
As we continue our work, I hope we can all be advocates and voices for positive change in our communities.

– Sara Wilcox

USC PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER UPDATES:

Updates from the USC PRC Core Research Project

The USC PRC is currently recruiting churches to participate in its new core research project, Walking with Purpose, a community-based initiative in partnership with South Carolina AME churches. In collaboration with the Columbia and Charleston AME Districts, the project is enrolling churches for a pilot study aimed at promoting healthier church practices and policies for physical activity and offering walking groups that foster social connection for midlife and older adults. Participating churches will begin training this summer and will receive resources to modify church policies and practices and establish walking groups within their congregations and surrounding communities. Learn more about Walking with Purpose on the USC PRC website.

Updates from the USC PRC

Dr. Andrew Kaczynski delivered an oral presentation at the 2026 International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity (ISBNPA) Annual Meeting in Cádiz, Spain. His presentation highlighted findings from the USC PRC’s previous core research project, Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN), titled Organizational Mechanisms Through Which Implementation Strategies Lead to Implementation Fidelity in a National Study of Churches in the United States.

Dr. Sara Wilcox also presented a poster at this conference. Her poster highlighted findings from the USC PRC’s previous core research project and was titled Associations between organizational practices and policies and individual behaviors in a faith-based national implementation study in the United States.

The USC Prevention Research Center is proud to be featured in the Arnold School of Public Health’s 50-Year Impact Report, highlighting the school’s lasting contributions to public health research, education, and community impact. Learn more about the Prevention Research Center’s work and explore the inspiring stories from across the Arnold School in the Arnold Abstracts 50-Year Impact Report here.

Applications are still being accepted for the annual Physical Activity and Public Health Research Course, a seven-day postgraduate training program designed for emerging researchers in public health. The course will be held in September, and applications close on July 15. For more information about the course and application process, click here.

NEWS YOU CAN USE:

Brief Exercise Sessions Can Support Memory

Research suggests that exercise can boost memory and support overall brain health at any age. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain and stimulates the release of chemicals that help strengthen connections between brain cells, improving learning and memory. Even a short bout of physical activity can help the brain store and retrieve information, while regular exercise may provide longer-term benefits for learning, focus, and cognitive health. Studies indicate that aerobic activities such as walking, running, cycling, and swimming may be especially effective, and even a single workout can provide short-term benefits for focus and recall. Regular exercise is increasingly recognized as a simple, accessible way to support both physical health and cognitive well-being.

  [Source: BBC]

PAPREN Implementation in Action April 2026: Going Places: A Transportation Self-Efficacy Intervention to Increase Youth Physical Activity

The Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network (PAPREN) has provided the recording for their Implementation in Action series focused on interventions to enhance youths’ active transportation as a way to increase their physical activity and access to healthy spaces. The recording can be viewed here.

 [Source: PAPREN]

UPCOMING EVENTS AND OBSERVANCES:

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN WASHINGTON:

Physical Activity Alliance’s Statement for the Record: HR 6121

The Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) is calling on Congress to pass legislation that would mandate periodic updates to the nation’s Physical Activity Guidelines to ensure they reflect the latest scientific evidence. The organization says physical inactivity is a leading cause of chronic disease and health care costs and regular physical activity improves physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life. The proposal also notes growing evidence that muscle-strengthening activities are an important component of healthy aging, disease prevention, and overall fitness. Advocates say that updating physical activity recommendations will allow Americans to make informed choices that will help create healthier communities across the country. More information is available about PAA’s advocacy and the HR 6121 bill.

[Source: Physical Activity Alliance]

 New Bills Would Earmark Federal Transportation Funds for Active Transportation

Congress has introduced new legislation, bill H.R. 8514, to increase government support for projects that improve walking and biking conditions by building sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and other infrastructure. The bills would set up specific funding sources and make it easier for states and local governments to invest in connected networks of active transportation, which are beneficial for health, safety, mobility, economic growth, and quality of life. Supporters say that more money is needed to make transportation options more available and reduce traffic injuries and deaths. If passed, the bill could help cities and towns across the country make their streets safer and more connected so that people can walk, bike, and use public transportation more often.

[Source: Cycling West]

RESEARCH NOTES:

Sedentary Time and Television Viewing Time are Associated with an Increased Risk for All-cause Mortality: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews

 A review of 30 studies involving over 2.7 million adults found that spending more time sedentary and watching television is associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. The increased risk remained even after accounting for physical activity, although regular exercise helped reduce its impact. Researchers also found that the risk tended to increase as sedentary time increased, with some studies identifying higher risk levels among people sitting more than 9–10 hours per day. These findings suggest that staying physically active is important, but reducing prolonged periods of sitting and screen time may provide additional health benefits.

[Source: Shivgulam, M. E., Liu, H., MacDonald, E., Courish, M., Huerta-Domínguez, A., Theou, O., Tovar-Díaz, J., & O’Brien, M. W. (2026). Sedentary time and television viewing time are associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality: A systematic review of systematic reviews. Preventive Medicine, 209, 108610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2026.108610]

 Sarcopenia, Grip Strength, Walking Pace, and New-Onset Stroke Risk: A UK Biobank Study

 A UK Biobank study found that adults with sarcopenia (muscle loss), weaker grip strength, or slower walking speed were at a significantly higher risk of experiencing a stroke. These measures of physical function are increasingly recognized as important indicators of overall health and may reflect underlying cardiovascular and metabolic factors that enhance stroke risk. Researchers suggest that assessing muscle strength and mobility could help identify individuals who may benefit from earlier prevention efforts. These findings emphasize the value of regular physical activity, strength training, and maintaining mobility as key components of healthy aging and stroke prevention.

[Source: Tang, L.-L., Huang, Y.-H., Jin, Y.-J., Yang, K.-C., Lin, Q., Zhou, Z., Gao, F., Xiong, B., Yuan, C., & Tong, L.-S. (2026). Sarcopenia, Grip Strength, Walking Pace, and New-Onset Stroke Risk: A UK Biobank Study. Stroke, 57(6), 1574–1585. https://doi.org/10.1161/strokeaha.125.052311]

 Unlocking the Clock: Optimal Physical Activity Timing for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

A new study examined if the timing of physical activity impacts cardiovascular health and discovered that activity done at particular times of day may be more beneficial. The researchers found that those who were most active in the morning and late afternoon had a lower risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events compared with others whose activity was concentrated at other times. The results indicate that the body’s biological clock may influence how exercise impacts blood pressure, metabolism, and general cardiovascular health. While regular physical activity remains the most important factor, this research highlights the possibility that the timing of exercise could further enhance its protective effects and may help inform future health recommendations.

[Source: Liu, Y., Zhong, S., Liu, G., Chen, T., Cui, X., Li, W., Xu, Z., & Bu, Y. (2026). Unlocking the Clock: Optimal Physical Activity Timing for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 23(5), 676–687. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2025-0145] 

 Effectiveness of Wearable Activity Trackers to Increase Physical Activity and Improve Health: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses

 A meta-analysis review of 39 studies involving more than 160,000 participants has found that wearable activity trackers could have a big impact on health behaviors. Results found that those with devices like fitness watches, pedometers, and activity bands saw an average increase in daily physical activity of an additional 1,800 steps and 40 minutes of walking each day. The review also found small but significant improvements in weight, body mass index, and physical fitness and evidence that wearable devices may help improve blood pressure control, cholesterol levels, and overall well-being. Wearable activity trackers are a practical, low-cost tool that can help people monitor their progress, stay motivated, and develop healthier long-term habits, making them a valuable resource for public health promotion.

[Source: Ferguson, T., Olds, T., Curtis, R., Blake, H., Crozier, A. J., Dankiw, K., Dumuid, D., Kasai, D., O’Connor, E., Virgara, R., & Maher, C. (2022). Effectiveness of wearable activity trackers to increase physical activity and improve health: a systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The Lancet Digital Health, 4(8), e615–e626. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2589-7500(22)00111-x]

REPORTS, SURVEYS, GUIDELINES, RESOURCES:

2026 AHA/ACC/ADA/ASN Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

The 2026 American Heart Association guideline for Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome updates and expands on earlier advice for managing overweight and obesity, recognizing the strong connections between obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. The guideline emphasizes the necessity of a comprehensive, coordinated approach to address these conditions, as they often occur together, rather than treating them in isolation. These include early screening and risk assessment, lifestyle interventions such as healthy eating and regular physical activity, and appropriate use of medications and other therapies to reduce disease progression and improve health outcomes. The guideline emphasizes the importance of prevention of CKM Syndrome across the lifespan and delivery of patient-centered care addressing the full spectrum of cardiometabolic health.

[Source: AHA]

 Use of Predicted Risk and Expected Benefit to Guide Decision-Making in Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

 Along with the updated guidelines on Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome, a new statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) states that physical activity should be considered a first-line treatment for many adults with mildly elevated blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease, and supporting overall well-being. Experts urge health care providers to routinely assess physical activity levels and to assist their patients in incorporating regular physical activity into their daily lifestyle as an essential part of preventive health care.

[Source: AHA] 

 Aerobic Physical Activity Among Adults Age 18 and Older: United States, 2024

According to the CDC, just 47.2% of U.S. adults met the federal physical activity standards in 2024. Men, younger adults, those with greater incomes and levels of education, and those who reported outstanding or excellent health were more likely to meet the guidelines, although participation varied greatly among demographic categories. Obesity, residing in rural regions, and adults with impairments were all associated with a lower likelihood of meeting recommended activity levels. These results make it more crucial than ever to make physical activity accessible for people of all ages and backgrounds. The report stresses the importance of making environments and opportunities available that encourage Americans to move more and sit less in their daily lives.

[Source:  CDC]

 The Crucial Role of Recess in School: Policy Statement

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated its statement on recess, emphasizing its importance for children’s and adolescents’ learning, health, and well-being. Research shows that regular breaks from classroom instruction help students stay focused, manage stress, build social skills, and support healthy brain development. Recess benefits students of all ages and contributes to a more positive learning environment. The AAP encourages parents, educators, and healthcare professionals to work together to protect this valuable part of the school day. The full policy statement can be found here.

[Source: American Academy of Pediatrics]

 New Arthritis Guidelines Prioritize Physical Activity

Updated European guidelines for inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis emphasize physical activity as a routine part of medical treatment. The recommendation stresses that regular physical activity improves disease activity, physical function, pain, and quality of life. It also underlines that becoming less sedentary has significant health effects that are unrelated to exercise levels. New recommendations advise healthcare professionals to regularly check patients’ physical activity, find things that make it hard for them to move, use behavior-change methods, and think about using digital tools like activity trackers and health apps to help people stay active over time. The guidelines also note that most people with arthritis can safely do physical exercise, but that the amount of activity should depend on the person’s needs, abilities, and disease state. This suggests that movement is an important part of managing arthritis in a comprehensive way. Read the full statement here.

[Source:  American Medical Journal]

PROMOTING ACTIVE COMMUNITIES:

North Dakota HHS announces $3.6M in Community-based Grants

 North Dakota Health and Human Services recently announced $3.6 million in grants to support community- and school-based programs designed to improve health and well-being in rural communities. The funding will support three initiatives: before-school physical education programs for middle and high school students, community gardens that increase access to healthy foods, and community-based walking programs that encourage regular physical activity and social connection. State officials noted that these investments aim to address high rates of obesity, diabetes, and chronic disease while promoting healthier lifestyles and stronger communities. The grants are part of North Dakota’s broader Rural Health Transformation Program, which emphasizes prevention, wellness, and community engagement as key strategies for improving long-term health outcomes.

[Source: KX North Dakota News]

 New Mexico Officials Look for Early Intervention to Address Childhood Obesity

 New Mexico health officials are expanding efforts to address childhood obesity, noting that rates remain stubbornly high and continue to place children at greater risk for serious health problems later in life. State leaders are focusing on early intervention strategies that begin in childhood, including increasing access to nutritious foods, encouraging regular physical activity, reducing sedentary behaviors, and providing families with education and support for healthy lifestyle choices. Health experts emphasize that obesity is a complex condition shaped by various biological, social, economic, and environmental factors, which makes comprehensive community-based approaches essential. By identifying risks early and promoting healthy habits in schools, healthcare settings, and communities, officials hope to reduce the likelihood of future chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure while improving children’s overall health and quality of life.

[Source: KRQE Albuquerque News]

 Veterans of Every Generation Find Their Stride in Adaptive Sports

A recent Department of Veterans Affairs feature of two veterans, ages 23 and 84, highlights the growing impact of adaptive sports programs, especially the VA’s Winter Sports Clinic, in helping veterans of all ages and abilities improve their physical, mental, and social well-being. Through activities such as cycling, skiing, wheelchair basketball, rowing, swimming, and track and field, veterans with disabilities or health challenges are discovering new ways to stay active, build confidence, and achieve personal goals. Beyond fitness, participants report enhanced mental health, independence, social connections, and purpose. The program also provides opportunities for peer support and helping veterans connect with others who share similar experiences and challenges. Their stories demonstrate how adaptive sports can foster resilience, enhance quality of life, and support lifelong health and wellness across generations of veterans.

[Source: VA News]

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS:

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

November

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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