Understanding Early Childhood Physical Activity to Improve Health
Early Childhood Physical Activity: A Dynamic Systems Approach to Reducing Health Disparities
This project aims to understand how various factors influence physical activity in young children, especially in diverse communities, to help prevent chronic diseases later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238819 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that being active as an adult often starts with habits formed in childhood, and many adults face chronic diseases that could be improved with regular physical activity. This project looks at how different parts of a child's world, like their neighborhood, family, and even their own thoughts, all work together to shape their physical activity habits. By understanding these complex connections, we hope to find better ways to encourage kids to be active and reduce health differences among different groups of people. This work could lead to new programs and policies that support healthier lives for children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant to families with young children, particularly those from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds, as it seeks to understand factors influencing their physical activity.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate medical treatment or direct clinical intervention for an existing condition would not directly benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective strategies and policies that help young children develop lifelong physical activity habits, potentially reducing their risk of chronic diseases as adults.
How similar studies have performed: This project uses new approaches from fields like ecology and social science, applying them in a novel way to understand children's physical activity and health disparities.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barkin, Shari — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Barkin, Shari
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.