Promoting walking and physical activity in rural communities through libraries
Rural Libraries Promoting Walking and Walkability in Their Rural Communities
This study is all about helping people in rural areas get more active by using local libraries to create fun walking programs and build a supportive community, making it easier for everyone to stay healthy and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11014038 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance physical activity levels among rural residents by leveraging public libraries as community hubs. It focuses on creating community-based walking programs that engage individuals and social networks while also improving the built environment to support physical activity. By addressing individual, social, and community factors, the project seeks to implement effective interventions that can reduce chronic illness disparities related to inactivity, such as cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. The approach is innovative as it combines civic engagement with library resources to foster healthier lifestyles in rural areas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are rural residents aged 21 and older who are looking to increase their physical activity and improve their health.
Not a fit: Patients living in urban areas or those who are unable to participate in walking programs due to mobility issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the health and well-being of rural residents by increasing their physical activity levels and reducing chronic disease risks.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using community-based interventions to promote physical activity, particularly in rural settings, indicating that this approach has potential.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perry, Cynthia Kay — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Perry, Cynthia Kay
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.