NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving community design to promote physical activity

Official title: Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network

Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11047794 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is all about making our neighborhoods better for walking and biking, so people can be more active and healthy, and it’s designed for everyone in the community who wants to enjoy a more active lifestyle.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Worcester, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2024
Project endSeptember 29, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$300,000
NIH project number1U48DP006885-01
Project IDNIH-11047794 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in communities that are looking to improve their physical activity infrastructure.

Less likely to help

Patients who live in areas with already established and effective physical activity infrastructure may not receive significant benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance physical activity in communities by developing and implementing strategies that encourage better community design. The project will focus on creating environments that support walking and biking through policies and plans that facilitate these activities. By engaging various sectors and communities, the research seeks to address gaps in effective strategies for implementing community design interventions. The goal is to create healthier environments that promote active lifestyles.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to healthier communities with increased physical activity levels among residents.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in improving community health outcomes through similar community design interventions.

Where this research is happening

  • Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
    Worcester, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Lemon, Stephenie C. — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
  • Study coordinator: Lemon, Stephenie C.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Understanding HIV-1 Env shapes to boost immune attack against infected cells

    Aimed at helping people living with HIV, this project explores how specific HIV-1 envelope structures attract or resist immune attack so future therapies could better help the body clear hidden virus.

    NIH research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · Worcester, United States · NIH-11620068

  • Reprogramming metabolism to power alternative fat-burning modes

    A new project will explore how fat cells burn calories in different ways to help combat obesity.

    NIH research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · Worcester, United States · NIH-11607804

  • Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions

    A patient-friendly plan to use a gene-based approach to quiet an extra chromosome in cells and a mouse model to reduce disease-related effects in Down syndrome and other chromosomal imbalance disorders.

    NIH research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · Worcester, United States · NIH-11600903

  • Gut microbes and brain function in autism

    Researchers are exploring how gut bacteria may influence brain signals and behavior in autism, using worm models to uncover possible links that could someday inform human therapies.

    NIH research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · Worcester, United States · NIH-11594150

  • Chlamydia and gonorrhea interaction: how host interferons influence co-infection

    A human-health focused project looks at how the body’s interferon signals during chlamydia infection affect the way gonorrhea behaves, with potential implications for people vulnerable to both infections.

    NIH research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · Worcester, United States · NIH-11572329

  • Conquering High Blood Pressure in Vietnamese Cities

    A program to adapt and test a proven plan for lowering high blood pressure in urban Vietnam using a mobile health platform and integrated care approach.

    NIH research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · Worcester, United States · NIH-11565070

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.