Neighborhood Environment Study
The purpose of this study is to examine how the neighborhood environment influences the
physical activity of adolescents aged 12-15 years when television and computer time is
reduced (limited). Eligible youth and their parents will have their physical activity
measured at the beginning, middle, and end of the study by wearing a pager-sized physical
activity monitor that is worn around the waist for one week. Adolescents will also wear
a global positioning system (GPS) unit that is worn around the wrist to track where they
have been physically active. Adolescents and parents will be asked to record all of their
activities in a behavior log when they are wearing the equipment. Families will have a
TV Allowance on each TV and computer monitor. These devices will measure TV and computer
use and may also be used to reduce the amount of time the adolescent can watch TV or use
the computer. The study lasts for 14 weeks. Families will come to the University at
Buffalo 5 times to complete study measurements and study personnel will visit families'
homes 6 times to install the devices, to check data, and to remove devices.
Both adolescents and parents will be reimbursed for participating in the study.
If you would like more information, please call 829-3400 ext. 30.
