A PDF of the presentation slides is available at the above link. Questions and answers from the webinar are available here.
Imminent changes in policies or environments (i.e., “natural experiments”) can provide researchers with a unique opportunity to evaluate the before and after impacts of the change on a variety of health outcomes, including physical activity even if the policy or environmental changes were not primarily geared toward health behavior change. These pre-post test evaluations can offer valuable information that typical cross sectional studies cannot.
This webinar, designed primarily for researchers, will feature two leading researchers who will discuss the design and methods of conducting pre-post studies, the challenges that can arise when conducting them, lessons learned, and recommendations for other researchers who are looking to carry out their own pre-post study. The speakers will draw from their own experiences conducting pre-post studies in parks and play spaces where families can be active. Dr. Cohen will focus on the application of SOPARC and its value in identifying characteristics of park users and how they interact with park spaces. Professor Moore will focus on multi-method approaches, including behavior mapping, to evaluate pre-post physical design interventions in childcare center outdoor play and learning spaces.
Webinar presenters:
Deborah Cohen, MD, MPH, Senior Natural Scientist, RAND Corporation
Dr. Cohen has been conducting park-based research for the past 12 years and is currently leading the National Study of Neighborhood Parks. She is also the author of the book, “A Big Fat Crisis—The hidden forces behind the obesity epidemic and how we can end it”.
Robin Moore, DiplArch, MCP, Hon. ASLA, Director, The Natural Learning Initiative, North Carolina State University
Professor Moore co-founded the Natural Learning Initiative in 2000 to focus on evidence-based design of outdoor settings for children and families. His most recent book is "Nature Play and Learning Places: Creating and managing places where children engage with nature", sponsored by USFS. Due to technical difficulties, Robin Moore was unable to participate on the webinar. His presentation will be rescheduled at a later date.
Amanda Wilson, MSRS, Active Living Research, webinar moderator
Amanda is Strategic Engagement & Project Manager for Active Living Research, where she focuses on providing credible and action-oriented research results that address the root causes of childhood obesity and physical inactivity. She offers ongoing technical assistance and training to researchers and practitioners and assists with the translation and dissemination of research results.
