Using light sensors to measure how much time children spend outdoors
Official title: Establishing best practices for the use of accelerometer measured ambient light sensor data to assess children's outdoor time
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10895544 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to better track the time kids spend outside by using special devices that measure movement and light, so we can understand how being outdoors affects their health and happiness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $119,670 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HL170275-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895544 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years, particularly those in child care settings.
✕Less likely to help
Children who do not have access to outdoor environments or those who are not enrolled in child care programs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to accurately measure the amount of time children spend outdoors using accelerometers with ambient light sensors. By analyzing existing data from previous trials, the project aims to establish best practices for interpreting light exposure data, which can help differentiate between indoor and outdoor activities. This objective assessment of outdoor time is crucial for understanding its impact on children's physical and mental health. The findings could lead to improved guidelines for promoting outdoor activities among children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a reliable method for assessing children's outdoor time, leading to better health outcomes through increased physical activity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using accelerometers for physical activity measurement, but this specific approach to using ambient light data is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neshteruk, Cody — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Neshteruk, Cody
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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.