The study is investigating the influence of the built environment on physical activity when sedentary activity is restricted among obese adolescents. Sedentary behavior was restricted using a TV and computer allowance device. Participants were selected based on their home’s location in relation to parks and public recreation facilities. Half of the subjects’ homes were located within high accessibility to parks and public recreation facilities. The study utilized GPS units and accelerometers to track subject’s movement and intensity of physical activity.

Investigators: James N. Roemmich, Phd (USDA; formerly Division of Behavioral Medicine, UB), Leonard H. Epstein, PhD (Division of Behavioral Medicine), Samina Raja, PhD (Urban and Regional Planning),  Li Yin, PhD (Urban and Regional Planning)

Sponsor(s): National Institute of Health (NIH)