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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Physical activity

Examining the Association Between Intervention-Related Changes in Diet, Physical Activity, and Weight as Moderated by the Food and Physical Activity Environments among Rural, Southern Adults
Study examining changes in weight, diet, and physical activity in rural adults who took part in a lifestyle intervention in rural Lenoir County, North Carolina. Reports data on self-reported and objectively-measured changes over 6 months, covering access to different kinds of food retailers, gyms, and parks, as well as community walkability, crime, and barriers to physical activity.
Author(s): Stephanie B. Jilcott Pitts, Thomas C. Keyserling, Larry F. Johnston, et al.
Citation: Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 117(10), 1618-1627
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
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Urban-Rural Differences in Aerobic Physical Activity, Muscle Strengthening Exercise, and Screen-time Sedentary Behavior
Highlights a study of physical activity (PA) among rural and urban residents. Compares rates of aerobic PA, muscle strengthening PA, and sedentary behavior in rural and urban areas.
Author(s): Michael C. Robertson, Jaejoon Song, Wendell C. Taylor, et al.
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 34(4), 401-410
Date: 09/2018
Type: Document
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Weight Loss Success of Participants Residing in Rural and Urban Areas
Compares the weight loss outcomes of residents in rural and urban areas of Arkansas and Vermont participating in an on-line behavioral weight loss intervention, and assesses any rural and urban differences in adherence to treatment goals.
Author(s): Elise Mench, Delia West, Rebecca Krukowski, Jean Harvey
Citation: Journal of Rural Health, 34(4), 396-400
Date: 09/2018
Type: Document
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The Role of Social Support and the Neighborhood Environment on Physical Activity in Low-income, Mexican-American Women in South Texas
Presents a study on the effectiveness of a promotora-led intervention aimed at improving the rates of physical activity among low-income Mexican-American women in rural South Texas.
Author(s): Jennifer J. Salinas, Marisol McDaniel, Deborah Parra-Medina
Citation: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, 51(5), 234-241
Date: 09/2018
Type: Document
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Youth and Adult Visitation and Physical Activity Intensity at Rural and Urban Parks
Study of physical activity and park use at 15 rural and 15 urban parks in eastern North Dakota. Data taken from systematic observations of park activity. Compares park attributes, visitor demographics and activity, park programming, and walkability between urban and rural parks.
Author(s): James N. Roemmich, LuAnn Johnson, Grace Oberg, Joley E. Beeler, Kelsey E. Ufholz
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(8), 1760
Date: 08/2018
Type: Document
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Beliefs About Behavioral Determinants of Obesity in Appalachia, 2011-2014
Examines responses from the Health Information National Trends Survey (2011-2014) to compare Appalachian and non-Appalachian individuals on body mass index, beliefs about obesity, and health behaviors. Provides survey respondents' sociodemographic information, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, annual household income, and rurality.
Author(s): Elise L. Rice, Minal Patel, Katrina J. Serrano, et al.
Citation: Public Health Reports, 133(4), 379-384
Date: 07/2018
Type: Document
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Faith, Activity, and Nutrition Randomized Dissemination and Implementation Study: Countywide Adoption, Reach, and Effectiveness
Reports on the effectiveness of the Faith, Activity, and Nutrition physical activity and healthy eating program implemented in 59 rural churches located in a medically underserved South Carolina county. Discusses the acceptance and reach of program, program impact, and the potential for broader distribution.
Author(s): Sara Wilcox, Ruth P Saunders, Andrew T Kaczynski, et al.
Citation: American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 54(6), 776-785
Date: 06/2018
Type: Document
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The Starr County Border Health Initiative: Focus Groups on Diabetes Prevention in Mexican Americans
Reports on 3 focus group interviews with 27 Mexican-American residents of Starr County, a rural Texas border community. Discusses diabetes prevalence, the cultural significance of food and exercise, barriers to healthier lifestyles, lack of affordable healthy foods, and technology use. Describes focus group recommendations for diabetes self-management (DSME) interventions.
Author(s): Sharon A. Brown, William B. Perkison, Alexandra A. GarcĂ­a, et al.
Citation: The Diabetes Educator, 44(3), 293-306
Date: 06/2018
Type: Document
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A Changing Kansas: Implications for Health and Communities
Shows changes in Kansas' population since 1960 and population projections through 2066, with breakdowns by urban, semi-urban, densely settled rural, rural, and frontier location. Includes information and statistics on poverty, education, access to care and healthy food, physical activity, tobacco, and community engagement.
Additional links: Issue Brief
Author(s): D. Charles Hunt, Lawrence John Panas
Date: 06/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Kansas Health Institute
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Ecological Approaches to Promoting Active Living and Preventing Childhood Obesity
Features the opening keynote presentation by Dr. Jim Sallis at the 2018 Heartland Childhood Obesity Summit - Factors of Health: Addressing the Systems Influencing Childhood Obesity. Covers discussion on ecological models and evidence of environmental roles influencing active living and obesity in youth. Describes environmental disparities and mentions tool to assess rural communities' physical environment features and amenities, town characteristics, and other factors influencing rural residents physical activity.
Author(s): James Sallis
Date: 06/2018
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organizations: Children's Mercy Hospital, Health Resources and Services Administration, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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