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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Physical activity

Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Impacts
Highlights programs in 6 rural counties to improve the health and well-being of children and families supported by the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Initiative. Programs included the expansion of the early childhood care and education program, promotion of physical activity through the development of walking and biking routes, and improved accessibility to local foods and support for the local economy.
Date: 2017
Sponsoring organizations: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Luther College, Northeast Iowa Community College
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The Effect of a Weight Gain Prevention Intervention on Moderate-Vigorous Physical Activity among Black Women: The Shape Program
Examines if an effective weight gain prevention intervention, called the Shape Program, increased moderate to vigorous physical activity among overweight or obese African American women in rural North Carolina. Includes participant characteristics for the initial and 12 month assessment by age, education, poverty level, marital status, number of children in the household, employment status, and more.
Author(s): Mary L. Greaney, Sandy Askew, Sherrie F. Wallington, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 14, 139
Date: 2017
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Opportunities for Promoting Physical Activity in Rural Communities by Understanding the Interests and Values of Community Members
Describes the results of a telephone survey administered to 524 adults from 8 rural towns in southeastern Missouri to identify ways to improve rates of physical activity (PA). Includes individual characteristic data by percent trail utilization. Covers life pursuits and reasons for enjoying the trails from individuals who walk but do not meet the PA recommendations by level of enjoyment/importance.
Author(s): Thomas Park, Amy A. Eyler, Rachel G. Tabak, Cheryl Valko, Ross C. Brownson
Citation: Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2017, 8608432
Date: 2017
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Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks
Provides resources and ideas on how to make current bicycle and pedestrian design appropriate for small towns and rural communities. Offers examples of project implementation and includes information on how mobility infrastructure can positively impact the health of rural citizens.
Author(s): Dana Dickman, Nick Falbo, Steve Durrant, et al.
Date: 12/2016
Sponsoring organization: Federal Highway Administration
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Understanding Multiple Behavioral Risk Factors for Cancer in Rural Women
Analyzes data from the Rural Families Speak about Health study to report on demographic and health-related factors associated with risk behaviors linked to cancer, such as smoking, high body mass index (BMI), and low physical activity for rural women. Includes characteristic statistics by age, race/ethnicity, marital status, income, health status, and number of risk factors.
Author(s): Devon Noonan, Latefa Dardas, Tiffany Bice-Wigington, et al.
Citation: Public Health Nursing, 33(6), 519-528
Date: 11/2016
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Age-Associated Perceptions of Physical Activity Facilitators and Barriers Among Women in Rural Southernmost Illinois
Results of a qualitative study of 14 focus groups in a 7-county rural area, comprising 110 women divided into 4 age groups. Explores the women's narratives, including knowledge of physical activity, behavior, and access to physical activity facilities. Includes demographic information on participants.
Author(s): Kristine Zimmermann, Leslie R. Carnahan, Nadine R. Peacock
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 13
Date: 09/2016
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Utility of the Living (Well Through) Intergenerational Fitness and Exercise Program as a County-Delivered Extension Program
Evaluates the suitability of the county Extension to deliver the Living (well through) Intergenerational Fitness and Exercise (LIFE) program, a group-based exercise program for rural residing older adults providing low-cost, effective physical activities to address chronic health conditions and improve health-related quality of life.
Author(s): Ashleigh J. Sowle, Sarah L. Francis, Jennifer A. Margrett, Warren D. Franke
Citation: Journal of Extension, 54(4), rb5
Date: 08/2016
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Building Rural Environments for Active Living
Describes the role of the built environment in community health and individual physical activity. Identifies rural infrastructure barriers to active living, and features a skate park and plaza in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
Author(s): Zachary Toliver
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 07/2016
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Adoption of a Tai Chi Intervention, Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance, for Fall Prevention by Rural Faith-Based Organizations, 2013-2014
Results of a study of fall-prevention exercises geared toward adults ages 65 or above, conducted by 19 trained instructors through faith-based organizations in 7 rural West Virginia counties.
Author(s): Dina L. Jones, Rachael W. Starcher, Jennifer L. Eicher, Sara Wilcox
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 13
Date: 07/2016
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Disparities in Adolescents' Residence in Neighborhoods Supportive of Physical Activity — United States, 2011–2012
Discusses the connection between adolescents living in neighborhoods that support physical activity (have sidewalks and walking paths, parks, playgrounds, and/or recreation centers) and overall health. Identifies differences in access to neighborhoods supportive of physical activity by ethnicity and race, income level, parental education level, and rurality. Provides recommendations for community-based projects for improvement.
Author(s): Kathleen B. Watson, Carmen D. Harris, Susan A. Carlson, Joan M. Dorn, Janet E. Fulton
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 65(23), 598-601
Date: 06/2016
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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