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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Physical activity

Implementation Characteristics That May Promote Sustainability of a Rural Physical Activity Initiative: Examination of Play Streets Through the Lens of Community Implementers
Discusses implementation of Play Streets, a community-based initiative to create safe physical activity areas for children and families, from interviews with program team members in rural Maryland, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas. Highlights factors influencing program effectiveness and sustainability, including community engagement, partnerships, and more.
Author(s): Marilyn E. Wende, M. Renée Umstattd Meyer, Cynthia Perry, et al.
Citation: Implementation Science Communications, 5, 48
Date: 05/2024
Type: Document
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An Evaluation of ¡Haz Espacio Para Papi!, a Culturally Tailored Nutrition and Physical Activity Pilot Program for Mexican-Heritage Fathers
Describes outcomes of ¡Haz Espacio Para Papi! (HEPP), a nutrition and physical activity intervention for Latino fathers in colonias near the Texas-Mexico border. Provides data on changes in participants' fruit and vegetable intake, skin carotenoids, and healthy dietary behaviors. Discusses approaches to cultural appropriateness and collaboration with promotoras.
Author(s): Annika Vahk, Pablo Monsivais, Cassandra M. Johnson, Joseph R. Sharkey
Citation: Nutrients, 16(8), 1153
Date: 04/2024
Type: Document
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Effectiveness of Implementing Evidence-Based Approaches to Promote Physical Activity in a Midwestern Micropolitan Area Using a Quasi-Experimental Hybrid Type I Study Design
Evaluates the effectiveness of a physical activity intervention implemented in a micropolitan Iowa community over 24 months in 142 residents. Describes the community-based participatory research intervention design. Includes discussion of implementing urban-tested approaches in rural settings.
Author(s): Barbara Baquero, Nicole Novak, Daniel K. Sewell, et al.
Citation: BMC Public Health, 24, 1082
Date: 04/2024
Type: Document
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Human-Centered Participatory Co-Design with Children and Adults for a Prototype Lifestyle Intervention and Implementation Strategy in a Rural Middle School
Describes the co-design of a physical activity intervention by children, parents, and teachers in Indiana middle schools. Analyzes participant priorities including autonomy, relationship-building, activity choice, and more. Identifies strategies for effective intervention design, and discusses the significance of physical activity interventions for rural areas.
Author(s): Janette M. Watkins, Sarah J. Greeven, Kathleen N. Heeter, et al.
Citation: BMC Public Health, 24, 845
Date: 03/2024
Type: Document
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Urban–Rural Differences in School Districts' Local Wellness Policies and Policy Implementation Environments
Compares urban and rural local wellness policies (LWPs) and implementation environments of 117 Texas school districts. Provides data on LWP goals, including nutrition and physical activity goals, as well as availability of district wellness plans, LWP assessments, and school health advisory councils. Highlights implications for rural school policy and student health.
Author(s): Swati Iyer, Timothy J. Walker, Alexandra L. MacMillan Uribe, et al.
Citation: Nutrients, 16(6), 801
Date: 03/2024
Type: Document
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Nutritional Guidance on Fitness Centers' Websites in Illinois: An Automated Content Analysis
Examines the nutritional content on fitness websites in Illinois as well as metro versus nonmetro statistics related to body mass index (BMI), diet, physical activity, and more.
Author(s): Adee Athiyaman
Date: 03/2024
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity among Mostly Older, Overweight Black Women Living in the Rural Alabama Black Belt
Examines the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity in 4 rural, predominantly Black Alabama communities from March 2020 to Aug 2021. Study participants were predominantly Black, overweight, older women with low levels of physical activity. Provides data on changes in physical activity levels during the pandemic, concerns influencing physical activity, leisure time physical activity habits, and demographic characteristics.
Author(s): Whitney N. Neal, Erica A. Schleicher, Kerri Baron, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(24), 7180
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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Impacts of Transit on Health in Rural and Small Urban Areas
Overview of how public transportation affects health in rural and small urban areas. Summarizes findings from a literature review that looked at public transportation as it relates to the social determinants of health, healthcare access, physical activity, social isolation, and mental health. Also reports results from a survey of rural older adults supplemented by data analysis looking at travel for healthcare, challenges related to public transportation, and the impacts of missed or delayed healthcare trips.
Author(s): Jeremy Mattson, Bright Quayson
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute
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The MN RIDE Pilot: Feasibility of a Synchronous, Remotely Delivered, Aerobic Exercise Training Program for Rural-Dwelling Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline
Evaluates the feasibility of implementing an aerobic exercise (AEx) telerehabilitation program in rural Minnesota for middle-aged and older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Assesses participant attendance, intensity adherence, adverse events, and satisfaction with the program. Discusses the potential of utilizing telerehabilitation programs for rural patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD).
Author(s): Dereck L Salisbury, Wayne Warry, Joshua Fergen, et al.
Citation: Rural and Remote Health, 23(4), 8351
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
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Support for Healthy Eating and Active Living in Rural Communities: Insights from a National Survey of Local Governments
Analyzes local government policies that support wellness, healthy eating, and physical activity in metro versus nonmetro areas. Utilizes Community Based Survey of Supports for Healthy Eating and Active Living (CBS HEAL) data to compare government structures, master plans, built environment policies, transit options, supportive food access policies, and more.
Author(s): Adee Athiyaman
Date: 12/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
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