A5001328826- Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
- Physical Activity and Health
- Children's Physical and Motor Development
- Community Health and Development
- Health Policy Implementation Science
- Cardiovascular Health and Risk Factors
- Urban Agriculture and Sustainability
- Urban Transport and Accessibility
- Eating Disorders and Behaviors
- Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports
- Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations
- COVID-19 and Mental Health
- Infant Development and Preterm Care
- Climate Change and Health Impacts
- Environmental Education and Sustainability
- Nutritional Studies and Diet
- Youth Development and Social Support
- Public Health Policies and Education
- Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders
- School Health and Nursing Education
- Health disparities and outcomes
- Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
- Urban Green Space and Health
- Health and Lifestyle Studies
- Agriculture Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Center for Advancing Health
2022-2025
Texas A&M University
2024-2025
Research Institute of Dallas
2023
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
2019-2022
Arizona State University
2016-2022
The Multiphase Optimization STrategy (MOST) is a framework that uses three phases-preparation, optimization, and evaluation-to develop multicomponent interventions achieve intervention EASE by strategically balancing Effectiveness, Affordability, Scalability, Efficiency. In implementation science, optimization of the requires focus on strategies-things we do to deliver intervention-and outcomes. MOST has been primarily used optimize components related behavioral or health However, innovative...
Background Targeting cardiovascular fitness (CVF), rather than weight loss, may be a more acceptable and feasible outcome among Latinos. Purpose The purpose of this study was to test the short-term efficacy Athletes for Life (AFL), fitness- lifestyle-focused behavioral intervention improve CVF performance Latino families. Methods parent-child dyads (n = 137) were randomized either AFL program or waitlist control condition. consisted 24 group family-based, nutrition sport/fitness oriented...
Background/Objectives: This study examines the relationship of eating in absence hunger (EAH) with child sex, food preference, and body mass index (BMI) percentiles primarily Hispanic preschoolers, an understudied population. Methods: was a secondary analysis data from 211 children (79% Hispanic) aged 3 to 5 years low-income families who completed cluster randomized controlled trial September 2017 June 2020. Weight height were used calculate BMI percentiles. Sweet (animal crackers) salty...
Background: Hypertension is a critical risk factor for cardiovascular diseases with high prevalence in pediatric populations. However, the long-term effects of physical activity, sleep, and screen time on hypertension incidence adolescents remain unclear. Research Questions: How do influence within Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study? Aims: i) Investigate sleep patterns, using Fitbit self-reports. Methods: Our analysis involved 1,702 (51.5% boys) from ABCD study across 21 US...
Multiple models and frameworks exist for the measurement classification of physical activity in adults that are applied broadly across populations but have limitations when to youth. The authors propose a conceptual framework specifically designed classifying youth activity.
Abstract Implementing evidence‐based interventions remains slow in federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). The purpose of this study is to qualitatively examine the R = MC 2 ( eadiness m otivation × innovation specific c apacity general apacity) heuristic subcomponents context implementing and colorectal cancer screening (CRCS)‐related practice changes FQHCs. We conducted 17 interviews with FQHC employees (1) experiences successful or unsuccessful change efforts, (2) using approaches...
There is a need to understand how schools adopt physical activity approaches (curricula, programs and practices), but few studies report on this process.To obtain elementary school staff's perspectives regarding their are currently adopting approaches.We recruited 15 participants from four job types in an urban Texas district participate semi-structured interviews. We coded analyzed interviews using directed content analysis iterative categorization.We identified themes pertaining the...
Abstract Classroom-based physical activity approaches can improve students’ activity; however, their implementation remains a challenge. This study examined teacher-level factors associated with implementing two classroom-based (active learning and breaks). We collected cross-sectional survey data from classroom teachers (n = 133) 20 elementary schools in an urban Texas school district. Surveys included questions about theoretical constructs (e.g., knowledge, self-efficacy), personal...
Abstract The COVID-19 crisis and parallel Black Lives Matter movement have amplified longstanding systemic injustices among people of color (POC). POC been differentially affected by COVID-19, reflecting the disproportionate burden ongoing chronic health challenges associated with socioeconomic inequalities unhealthy behaviors, including a lack physical activity. Clear well-established benefits link daily activity to well-being—physical, mental, existential. Despite these benefits, face...
Abstract Background Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities 2.0 (SHHC-2.0) was a 24-week cardiovascular disease prevention program that effective in improving physical activity and nutrition behaviors clinical outcomes among women 11 rural New York, USA towns. This study evaluated the delivery of SHHC-2.0 to prepare intervention for further dissemination. Methods process evaluation guided by Medical Research Council recommendations engaged leaders participants (i.e., over age 40) using...
We examined individual and parental demographics home environment factors associated with locomotor skills in predominantly Hispanic preschool-aged children. used questionnaires to survey parents, included inquiries regarding parenting practices, parents’ physical activity levels, home-based resources; we administered the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) CHAMPS Motor Skills Protocol (CMSP) children measure quantity quality of their skills. Participants were 144...
Despite the development of numerous evidence-based interventions (EBIs), many go unused in practice. Hesitations to use existing EBIs may be due a lack understanding about EBI components and what it would take adapt or implement as designed. To improve EBIs, program planners need understand their goals, core components, mechanisms action. This paper presents Mapping, systematic approach based on Intervention that can used clearly describe help put them into
Environmental characteristics of early care and education centers (ECECs) are an important context for preschool-aged children’s development, but few studies have examined their relationship with locomotor skills. We the association between ECEC environment quantitatively (i.e., product-based) qualitatively process-based) measured skills, using Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) portion Children’s Activity Movement in Preschool Study (CHAMPS) motor skills protocol...
Sustainability of intervention programming is challenging to achieve under real world conditions, since few models exist and many studies do not plan far beyond the funding period. Programming content in early care education centers (ECECs) often driven by guidelines. However, implementation very sensitive contextual factors, such as setting implementer (teacher) characteristics. This paper presents model, definitions, methodology used for sustainability action capitalizing on a...
Background : Climate change, increasing recognition of institutionalized discrimination, and the COVID-19 pandemic are large-scale, societal events (ie, forces change) that affect timing, settings, modes youth physical activity. Despite impact change have on activity environments, few studies consider how they promotion. Methods The authors use 2 established frameworks, ecological model how, setting framework, to highlight changes in patterns North America resulted from contemporary change....
Abstract Multiple types of school staff members (e.g., classroom teachers, principals) are involved in implementing physical activity programs classroom-based, gym), but factors specific to their job responsibilities may inhibit ability implement programming effectively. Thus, implementation strategies tailored by type be needed. We compare perceptions behavioral constructs related school-based programs, type, among staff. School (n = 139), including principals/assistant principals 21),...