Promoting outdoor exercise and health benefits for low-income children
Park, Rx, Physical Activity and other Health Benefits for Low Income Children
This study is looking at how giving low-income kids "prescriptions" for outdoor play can help them feel better physically and mentally, making it easier for them to enjoy nature and live healthier lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10678934 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on the ParkRx initiative, which encourages low-income children to engage in outdoor physical activities to improve their physical and mental health. By providing formal prescriptions for outdoor exercise, the program aims to increase children's exposure to nature and reduce stress, which can enhance cognitive functioning. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of these park prescriptions in promoting healthier lifestyles among children living in poverty. The initiative is particularly relevant as it addresses health disparities faced by low-income populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are low-income children aged 0-11 years who may benefit from increased physical activity and exposure to nature.
Not a fit: Children who are not from low-income backgrounds or those who do not have access to outdoor spaces may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved physical and mental health outcomes for low-income children through increased outdoor activity.
How similar studies have performed: While the ParkRx concept is gaining traction, rigorous evidence of its effectiveness is still being established, making this research a potentially novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Oakland, UNITED STATES
- Kaiser Foundation Research Institute — Oakland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cohen, Deborah a — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Cohen, Deborah a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.