Investigating the impact of a smart growth community on children's physical activity contexts using ecological momentary assessment

The Foundation's Active Living Research program was designed to support investigator-initiated research to identify and assess structural, environmental, and policy changes with the potential to increase population levels of physical activity.In early 2009, low- and middle-income families in San Bernadino, California, will have the opportunity to move into a smart growth community development called "The Preserve." The purpose of this project is to examine children's physical activity behaviors in the immediate contexts in which they occur. Families selected to move into "The Preserve" will be compared to those who were not selected. The study will determine whether moving to a smart growth community influences children's exposure to and experience of behavior settings and contents conductive to physical activity. Real-time data will be captured using the Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) with mobile phones. Accelerometers, neighborhood audits, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will also be used to gather high-quality, objective data. Deliverables will include article publications, presentations, and the creation of a Web site to disseminate research findings. Findings will also be shared with policymakers and health officials in San Bernadino. All policy-related communications will be created in collaboration with RWJF communications staff and consultants. No RWJF funds will be used for lobbying purposes.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $99,966.00

Awarded on: 1/23/2009

Time frame: 2/15/2009 - 8/14/2010

Grant Number: 65837