Transforming schoolyards into green spaces for better physical activity
The Little Rock Green Schoolyard Initiative: Changing Community Norms and Improving Opportunities for Physical Activity
This study is all about making outdoor spaces at two elementary schools more fun and nature-filled, so kids, especially those in low-income neighborhoods, can play and learn outside more often, helping them stay active and healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082341 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The Little Rock Green Schoolyard Initiative aims to enhance the outdoor environments of two elementary schools by creating nature-filled greenspaces. This project focuses on providing children with more opportunities for outdoor learning and play, particularly in low-income, predominantly African American communities. By improving access to safe and welcoming spaces, the initiative seeks to increase physical activity among children, which is crucial for addressing obesity and related health disparities. The program is designed to engage the community and foster connections with nature outside of school hours.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this initiative are children aged 0-11 years, particularly those attending the targeted elementary schools in the Little Rock area.
Not a fit: Children who do not attend the participating schools or those living outside the targeted neighborhoods may not benefit from this initiative.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could significantly improve children's physical activity levels and reduce obesity-related health disparities in the community.
How similar studies have performed: Similar initiatives have shown success in improving community health outcomes by enhancing access to green spaces and promoting physical activity among children.
Where this research is happening
Little Rock, United States
- Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis — Little Rock, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomsen, Michael R. — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Thomsen, Michael R.
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.