3:30-7:30 p.m. Conference Registration

4:00-5:30 p.m. Pre-Conference Workshop 1

1) Multilevel Modeling in Active Living Research: Conceptual Underpinnings and Practical Applications, Scott Roesch, PhD, San Diego State University

This statistical workshop provided a conceptual overview on the use of multilevel modeling with (nested) data structures and variables commonly encountered in active living research. In addition, the HLM software was introduced and used in a number of active living research examples. This session emphasized the practical utility of multilevel modeling to the novice user.

2) Policy Analysis: Technical & Policy-Process Approaches, William Ascher, PhD, Claremont-McKenna College

This session was a discussion of how policy analysis methods assess the technical merit of active-living policies and programs and determined how to select initiatives and enactment strategies that increase the likelihood of adoption and successful implementation.  Both the technical-analytic tools (such as benefit-cost analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis) and the framework for understanding the policy process were covered.

5:30-7:00 p.m. Dinner On Your Own

7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Pre-Conference Workshop 2
1) GIS for the Non-Expert, Ann Forsyth, PhD, University of Minnesota

This session was an introductory discussion about GIS aimed at those in public health interested in collaborating with GIS experts rather than using it themselves.  The session introduced key dimensions and topics that can be measured using GIS, typical ways to measure variables, the different geographies that are used (e.g. buffers, distances to a feature), and data sources. The focus of the session was on what can go wrong and the potential for misunderstanding between public health and built environment researchers.

2) Using Accelerometry: Methods Employed in NHANES, Richard P. Troiano, PhD and David Berrigan, PhD, MPH, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute

Accelerometry data were collected on approximately 7000 participants ages 6 years and over in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004. This session described data cleaning and analytic decisions applied to these data.  Topics addressed included data-based detection of monitor malfunction, definition of valid days and persons for analysis, selection of intensity and bout length criteria for moderate and vigorous activity, and requirements for handling a three gigabyte data file. Implications of various decisions were explored and demonstrated.