Research Objectives of PA-REACH Lab
- To examine the influence of sex, gender, ethnicity, and time-in country on physical activity and subsequent health risk
- Identify subgroups of the population that are at high risk for chronic disease
- Explore the role of built environment on physical activity and chronic disease
- Validate and refine screening tools for identification of chronic disease and associated early intervention strategies
- Mobilize research findings and advocate for physical activity awareness and support
**PA-REACH Lab News**
DIFFERENCES IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DOMAINS, GUIDELINE ADHERENCE, AND WEIGHT HISTORY BETWEEN METABOLICALLY HEALTHY AND METABOLICALLY ABNORMAL OBESE ADULTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
May 15, 2015
In a recent analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, researchers investigated the influence of weight history, weight change, and various doses and types of physical activity on prediction of the metabolically healthy but obese (MHO) phenotype. Results suggest that being active and preventing further weight gain is important for the cardiometabolic health of adults living with obesity. Open access journal article
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHANGES IN SITTING TIME AND MORTALITY IN POST-MENOPAUSAL U.S. WOMEN
May 8, 2015
Using data from the Women's Health Initiative study, researchers have found that the maintenance of minimal sitting time (ST), as well as short-term reductions in ST, reduce the risk of all-cause and cancer- mortality amongst a sample of middle-aged and older women (50-79 y) who are prone to high rates of physical inactivity and ST. Open access journal article. Media.
Awareness and Perception of Plant-Based Diets for the Treatment and Management of Type-2 Diabetes in a Community Education Clinic: A Pilot Study
February 2, 2015
Recent research provides more evidence to support a patient-focused plant-based diet education program for the management of type-2 diabetes. Results suggest that few patients adhered to a plant-based diet, but the majority reported a willingness to try a plant-based diet if given the appropriate support. Open access journal article
Trajectories of Metabolic Syndrome Development in Young Adults
November 4, 2014
A recent study published in PLOS ONE examined the 20-year likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in young adults using the CARDIA study. The study identified distinct patterns of MetS components for at-risk subgroups based on baseline modifiable and non-modifiable individual risk factors. Open access journal article
Association between Obesity and Cardiometabolic Health Risk in Asian-Canadian Sub-Groups
September 15, 2014
A study published in PLOS ONE examined the differences in the association between obesity and cardiometabolic health risks among Asian sub-groups in Canada. In this study, the use of WHO’s lowered Asian-specific BMI cut-offs identified obesity-related risks in South Asian, Filipino and Chinese sub-groups that would have been masked by traditional BMI categories. Open access journal article
Associations between the built-environment, total, recreational, and transit-related physical activity
July 7, 2014
A study published in BMC Public Health evaluated the built environment influence on PA using a multilevel model. Results from the study suggest that increased street connectivity and high residential density were associated with higher levels of PA engagement. Open access journal article
Neighbourhood walkability, leisure-time and transport-related physical activity in a mixed urban-rural area
July 1, 2014
A recent study published in PeerJ developed a walkability index to explore the associations between walkability index and patterns of leisure-time and transport-related physical activity participation using the Canadian Community Health Survey data (2007-2008). Open access journal article
Co-Occurrence of Arthritis and Stroke amongst Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Canada
April 16, 2014
An association between arthritis and stroke according to levels of physical activity in middle-aged and older adults cohort from Canadian Community Health Survey 2010. Findings suggest that arthritis coupled with physical inactivity is associated with higher odds of stroke. Open access journal article
Metabolic Syndrome and Prevalent Any-site, Prostate, Breast and Colon Cancers in the U.S. Adult Population: NHANES 1999-2010
March 05, 2014
Is there an association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and obesity related cancers? A systematic assessment of a U.S. adult population sample found no statistically significant association between MetS and site-specific cancers in age-adjusted models. Open access journal article
