Research Methods in Physical Activity and Health

Physical activity is a vital tool in preventing disease and managing recovery at a population level, with governments and health authorities relying on high-quality, university research into the risks associated with sedentary behaviour, optimal exercise prescription and effective lifestyle change to set and administer guidelines. Research Methods in Physical Activity and Health is the first book to comprehensively present the issues associated with physical activity and health research and introduce students and researchers to the methods available.

The book outlines the historical and scientific context of physical activity and health research before working through the full research process, from generating literature reviews and devising a research proposal, through selecting a research methodology and quantifying physical activity and outcome measures, to disseminating findings. Including a full section on conducting research studies with special populations, the book includes chapters on:

• observational and cross-sectional studies;
• interviews, questionnaires and focus groups;
• qualitative and quantitative research methods;
• epidemiological research methods;
• physical activity interventions and sedentary behaviour;
• and working with children and older people, indigenous groups and LGBTI groups, and physically or mentally disabled groups.

Research Methods in Physical Activity and Health is the only book to approach the full range of physical activity research methods from a health perspective. It is essential reading for any undergraduate student conducting a research project or taking applied research modules in physical activity and health, graduate students of epidemiology, public health, exercise psychology or exercise physiology with a physical activity and health focus, or practicing researchers in the area.