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. 2016 Sep-Oct;22(5):E11-20.
doi: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000000333.

Rural Active Living: A Call to Action

M Renée Umstattd Meyer  1 , Justin B Moore, Christiaan Abildso, Michael B Edwards, Abigail Gamble, Monica L Baskin
Affiliations

Rural Active Living: A Call to Action

M Renée Umstattd Meyer et al. J Public Health Manag Pract. 2016 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Rural residents are less physically active than their urban counterparts and disproportionately affected by chronic diseases and conditions associated with insufficient activity. While the ecological model has been successful in promoting and translating active living research in urban settings, relatively little research has been conducted in rural settings. The resulting research gap prohibits a comprehensive understanding and application of solutions for active living in rural America. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to assess the evidence base for an ecological model of active living for rural populations and outline key scientific gaps that inhibit the development and application of solutions. Specifically, we reexamined the 4 domains conceptualized by the model and suggest that there is a dearth of research specific to rural communities across all areas of the framework. Considering the limited rural-specific efforts, we propose areas that need addressing to mobilize rural active living researchers and practitioners into action.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Ecological model of four domains of active living. Reproduced with permission of ANNUAL REVIEWS.
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