Exploring how the environment and social connections affect youth physical activity in summer.

Identifying the reciprocal associations between the built environment, social networks, and physical activity among youth in the summer

NIH-funded research Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11092157

This study is looking at how the places kids hang out and their friends influence how much they move around during the summer, and it's for young people aged 12 to 15 who want to help us understand what encourages them to be active or what holds them back.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTexas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Station, United States)
Project IDNIH-11092157 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the built environment and social networks influence physical activity levels among youth during the summer months. By using innovative methods like ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and social network analysis (SNA), the study aims to gather real-time data on youth behaviors and their social contexts. The project will recruit 100 participants aged 12-15 years, focusing on their experiences and interactions in natural settings to better understand the factors that encourage or hinder physical activity. This approach seeks to provide a comprehensive view of how different elements work together to impact youth health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 12-15 years who are entering 7th to 9th grade.

Not a fit: Patients who are not in the specified age range or who do not have access to the local school district may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for promoting physical activity among youth, particularly during the summer when they are less structured.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using similar methodologies to understand youth behavior and health, indicating a promising approach for this study.

Where this research is happening

College Station, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.