Return to Research Areas at ORI

The growing epidemic of childhood obesity is largely due to the sedentary lifestyle typical of today’s children.  As a result, children are suffering from the adult form of diabetes, and they are at much increased risk for heart disease.  

ORI scientists are studying this national public health concern.  We are following a sample of youths in Portland, Oregon, from early teens to young adulthood, to learn about their physical activity over time.  Both boys and girls, but particularly girls, become even less active over their teenage years. This increasingly sedentary lifestyle is supported by their friends and families, and by the lack of opportunity for physical recreation in the neighborhood.

Now that we know more about their changing activity levels, we will use this knowledge to find ways to inspire young people to lead healthier, fitter lives. 

Additionally, ORI scientists are committed to promoting physical activity as people age and we have several projects to study healthy aging. Our research in Tai Chi exercise with sedentary senior citizens has shown positive results.

Current Grants

Translating an Effective Fall Prevention Program into a Community-Based Practice (TC DIS)

Investigators are working tol determine whether an evidence-based Tai Chi fall prevention program can be disseminated through a broad spectrum of community-based senior service providers who often cater to low income, under-served community-dwelling older adults at risk of falling.

Principal Investigator: Fuzhong Li

Co-Investigator: Peter Harmer

Project Period: 9/30/11 - 8/31/16

National Institute on Aging

Web-Based Family Intervention for Pediatric Obesity (FIPO)

Researchers are developing and testing a web based family program to prevent childhood obesity.

Principal Investigator: Herb Severson

Project Period: 3/7/11 - 2/29/13

Subcontract with Klein Buendel, Inc., from the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development

Girls Active Lifestyle Study (GALS)
Physical Activity of African American, Latino, and White Girls (ETHNICPA)

Dr. Duncan and her team are examining change in physical activity over time among African American, Latina and White girls, and the influence of individual, family, peer, school, and neighborhood factors on physical activity. This project is based at ORI's Portland, Oregon office.

Principal Investigator: Sue Duncan

Co-Investigators: Terry Duncan, Lisa Strycker, Nigel Chaumeton
Research Assistants: Telena Rogers, Randa BenAziz, Gloria Dominguez, Deborah Moore, Inga Ascencio

Project Period: 4/15/10 - 3/31/15

National Institute for Child Health and Human Development

Translating and Implementing Fall Prevention Research through Clinical Practice (TC Practice)

Investigators are determining whether an evidence-based Tai Chi fall prevention program can be disseminated through healthcare provider referrals of older patients who are at risk of falling.

Principal Investigator: Fuzhong Li

Co-Investigator: Peter Harmer

Project Period: 9/1/09 - 8/31/12

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Tai Chi and Parkinson's Disease (TCPD)

Scientists are examining, in a single-blind, randomized controlled trial, whether Tai Chi can improve postural balance and lower-extremity muscle strength, and reduce frequency of falls among early to moderately advanced Parkinson's disease patients.

Principal Investigator: Fuzhong Li

Co-Investigator: Peter Harmer

Project Period: 12/19/07 - 11/30/11

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke