PE PAYS LECTURE SERIES

 

'Seeing is Believing: Assessing Physical Activity Interventions in Home, School, and Community Settings'

Lecture by Dr. Thom McKenzie

Venue: St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin

Date & Time: Thursday February 8th 8.00pm

Dr. Thom McKenzie is Professor of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University and Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics, University of California.  He is a former primary school teacher, coach, and administrator and has authored or co-authored over 120 scientific papers and chapters, developed numerous curricular materials, and presented over 300 papers at state, national, and international conferences. His expertise in designing and assessing physical activity and exercise programmes for diverse populations ranging from obese children to Olympic athletes is widely recognized. AIESEP awarded him the prestigious International Olympic Committee President’s Prize for sport and physical education programme development, research, and scholarship in 2003. Dr. McKenzie is a Fellow of a number of professional organisations and has been a major investigator on eight multidisciplinary research projects in the USA. Dr. McKenzie is a member of the Science Board for the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Dr. McKenzie has also been involved in a number of national research projects to promote lifelong wellness and improve the health of children and adolescents. In June 1989, a team of researchers and educators received funding from the Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, to create, implement, and evaluate an elementary physical education program that could eventually become a nationwide model. Here are some of the projects he has/is involved with currently.

Project SPARK (Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids):
Funded by NIH-NHLBI (National Institutes of Health and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) 1989-1996. Study of the development and implementation of a health-related physical education and behavior change program for elementary schools (14 schools, 2 districts) (See Publications page for SPARK articles.)
University affiliations: San Diego State University, San Diego
 Principal investigators: Dr. Jim Sallis, Co-P.I. Dr. Thom McKenzie

Project M-SPAN (Middle School Physical Activity and Nutrition):
Funded by NIH-NHLBI, 1996-2000. Benchmark study (24 schools, 9 districts) designed to increase physical activity opportunities throughout the school day and decrease the consumption of fat on middle school campuses. (See Publications page for M-SPAN articles.)
University affiliation: San Diego State University
 Principal investigator: Dr. Jim Sallis, Co-P.I. Dr. Thom McKenzie

OPI (Obesity Prevention Initiative):
Funded by San Diego County Board of Supervisors, California Obesity Prevention Initiative (COPI), Department of Health Services, and the Centers for Disease Control, with in-kind provided by CA 5 a Day Power Play, Project LEAN, American Cancer Society, San Diego Unified School District, 2003-2004. Intervention involving 40 elementary schools providing a comprehensive school health approach including physical education, nutrition education, and smoking awareness.
University affiliation: San Diego State University
 Project leaders: Paul Rosengard, Dr. Thom McKenzie

TAAG (Trial of Activity for Adolescent Girls):
Funded by NHLBI, 2000-2006. Six site national study examining ways to provide more physical activity opportunities for girls of middle school age. Hoping to reserve the downward activity trend that begins at this age and continues through adulthood.
University affiliations: San Diego State University, University of Arizona, University of Minnesota, Tulane University, University of South Carolina, University of North Carolina.
Study locations: Baltimore, MD; Raleigh, NC; Tucson, AZ; New Orleans, LA; Minneapolis, MN; San Diego, CA
Principal investigator: Dr. John Elder (in San Diego)
Key staff: Dr. Thom McKenzie, Dr. Jim Sallis, Paul Rosengard (1st two years)

All Welcome to attend, contact Maura Coulter 01 8842186

Sponsored by St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra and PE PAYS Research Centre, University of Limerick.

 

 

Last Updated: Thursday January 25 2007