Oregon Research Institute

Physical Activity of African American, Latino, and White Girls

Girls Active Lifestyles Study (GALS)

Dr. Duncan and her team examined change in physical activity over time among African American, Latina and White girls, and the influence of individual, family, peer, school, and neighborhood factors on physical activity.

Details

There is a need for comprehensive, well-designed research to establish the etiology of physical activity among girls from different ethnic groups. Investigators examined change in physical activity over time among African American, Latino, and White girls, and the influence of individual, family and home, peer, school, and neighborhood factors on physical activity. Results of this study greatly improved our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying physical activity across Latino, African American, and White girls, and will ultimately inform the design and implementation of effective physical activity programs for pre-adolescent and adolescent girls.