Lab directors: Dr. Melissa Bopp, Dr. Elizabeth Fallon & Dr. Andrew Kacyzynski

Project Director(s): Mrs. Alicia Brooks-Torrico

The physical activity and public health laboratory mission is to conduct research to understand and promote physical activity in a variety of settings and populations through community-based approaches. Lab activities include qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, intervention development and design, evaluation of outcomes and processes, and analysis. The lab philosophy includes the consideration of community-based participatory methods, culturally tailored programs and studies, and dissemination and sustainability of evidence-based programs.

Current lab projects

Addressing Hispanic Health in Southwest Kansas: A Community Health Assessment(Bopp/Fallon)

• This project is funded by the Sunflower Foundation of Kansas, with matching funds from the KSU Center for Community Engagement and Community Development and the KSU Community Health Institute.
• Using a community-based participatory research method, a comprehensive community-level assessment will be conducted focusing on Hispanics/Latinos living in southwest Kansas (Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal).
• For additional information on this project and contact information for the project director (Mrs. Alicia Brooks-Torrico) please click here.

Understanding the Role of the Church in Health Promotion(Bopp)

• This includes several studies examining how the church as a social institution can impact health through various social, cultural, and environmental approaches
• Current studies include: a qualitative project examining how Latinos review the role of the church for health promotion, a literature review of faith-based physical activity interventions, and a nationwide survey for faith leaders about health and wellness programs. Click here to to take the survey.

Active Commuting Influences(Bopp/Kaczynski)

• This is an undergraduate research project that proposes to better understand how environmental changes at KSU impact walking and biking to campus.
• For an update on this project, click here.
• Further research is ongoing to examine active commuting throughout the city of Manhattan, KS
• For a summary of this project click here: Wittman, Kaczynski

Understanding neighborhood influences on physical activity(Kaczynski)

• This project involved quantitative data collection about how factors in neighborhoods affect physical activity for recreational and transportation purposes.

Examining the role of park availability and characteristics in neighborhood physical activity levels(Kaczynski)

• The aim of this study is to examine detailed data about how park space in neighborhoods and specific features within parks are associated with use of parks for physical activity.

Development of a community stakeholder park audit tool (Kaczynski)

• This project, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Active Living Research program, will develop a user-friendly tool that can be used by a range of community stakeholders (e.g., citizens, parks and recreation professionals, public health officials, politicians, etc.) to evaluate parks for their potential to promote physical activity among children and adults.

Walking Intervention Review: a meta analysis(Bopp/Fallon)

• A systemic quantitative review of the literature to examine the effects of walking on health outcomes associated with chronic disease

Evaluating and redesigning physical activity promotion materials for Latinos(Fallon)

• This project was funded through the University Small Research Grant program.
• It proposes to use a systematic approach to identify, evaluate, and redesign physical activity promotion materials to ensure cultural appropriateness for Latinos to maximize effectiveness
• See information on this webpage regarding reliable sources of health information for Latinos

Heath care provider attitudes towards counseling for physical activity, diet and weight management

• The aim of this project is to use a survey to assess attitudes of physicians, nurses and physician assistants towards counseling for lifestyle factors related to chronic disease. (Click here for a study update)
• Abstract presented at the American College of Sports Medicine, click here

The IDEA (Individuals Devoted to Exercise Adherence) project(Fallon)

• A longitudinal project to examine the psychosocial mechanisms underlying long-term adherence to physical activity
• Data collection for this project is ongoing (Click here for project update)

Long-term Adherence to Physical Activity Behavior Change (Fallon)

• This project aims to better understand the psychosocial mechanisms underlying physical activity behavior change and long-term adherence to physical activity behavior change.
• Recruitment and Data collection for this project is ongoing. (click here for a summary of the project and a progress update)

Completed Projects:

Faithful Footsteps: A faith-based physical activity intervention for Latinos(Bopp/Fallon)

• This pilot program was funded through the Sunflower Foundation and its purpose is to promote physical activity using culturally and spiritually tailored materials within Catholic Churches.
• Summary of results from Faithful Footsteps
• Resumen de los resultados de Faithful Footstep
• Funding to expand this project is pending. Project will run 2008-2011
• You can access a summary of this project by clicking here

Obesity Prevention in Rural Kansas Latinos: A Community Based Approach(Fallon/Bopp)

• This project was funded through the Center for Community Engagement and Community Development on the Manhattan KSU campus.
• The overall goal of this project is to work with community leaders in southwest Kansas to develop a physical activity and nutrition guidebook for Latinos living in Garden City, Dodge City, and Liberal.
• The project was completed in January of 2009. Produced materials are available under Resources on the right. You can access a summary of this project by clicking here

Current positions available

We are interested in undergraduate and graduate students who have a strong interest in public health, ethnic minority groups, and community-based research. Students should have good interpersonal skills, basic computer knowledge, a desire to work in a team, and attention to detail. Competency in Spanish (written and oral) are desirable. If interested, please contact Dr. Bopp, Dr. Fallon or Dr. Kaczynski.

Lab contact information

Location: Room 213 & 214 Ahearn Fieldhouse

Mailing address:
Physical activity and Public Health Laboratory
Department of Kinesiology
1A Natatorium
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66506
Phone: (785) 532- 3484
Fax: (785) 532-6486
Email: paphlab@ksu.edu