Utilization of Collaborations to Engage Children in Physical Activity: A Community-Based Research Approach
Click name to view affiliation
Search for other papers by Sheri J. Brock in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Danielle Wadsworth in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Shelby Foote in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Mary E. Rudisill in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Institutions of higher education have a responsibility to prioritize the needs of society and local communities. One essential need prevalent in all communities is to address the rise of obesity and health risks due to lack of participation in physical activity. In the United States, children spend a small percentage of time engaged in physical activity, and engagement decreases further in adolescence and adulthood. Collaborative partnerships between kinesiology faculty at universities and community organizations are one avenue for engaging children in physical activity. Partnerships must be multilevel and community wide to evoke change and have long-term impact and sustainability. Within the context of community-based research, we propose a three-step framework for establishing collaborative partnerships: (1) determining the needs of partners; (2) discussing expertise, services, and philosophy; and (3) providing a quality product. In addition, we outline and illustrate our experiences when collaborating with community partners to promote physical activity.
Brock, Wadsworth, Foote, and Rudisill are with Auburn University, Auburn, AL.
© 2024 Human Kinetics