This presentation will highlight some of the findings from long-standing studies in the department of Kinesiology examining the health of Penn State students. Summarizing more than a decade of research on how physical activity and other health behaviors impact physiological health outcomes (cardiometabolic risk factors, body composition) and mental health (depression, stress, happiness), this presentation will also aim to document notable differences by sociodemographic factors (gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation) among college students. Study results have noted a wide range of factors impacting health among this population that can be targeted with policy, environmental, and programmatic strategies to prevent and treat chronic disease and address possible health inequities.
Dr. Bopp’s research interests focus on exploring alternative strategies for partnering with community organizations to promote physical activity in diverse populations, centering on:
- Community-based influences on physical activity
- Health disparities
- Public health approaches to physical activity promotion
