From Research to Reality: The Evolution of Physical Activity Insights - Professor James F. Sallis (Pt1)

In the latest episode of the podcast hosted by Dr. Olli Tikkanen, listeners are treated to an insightful conversation with the distinguished Professor James F. Sallis. Professor Sallis, recently appointed to the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of California, San Diego, is a renowned figure in the realm of behavioral medicine and public health. With a rich career marked by his dedication to understanding the intersections of physical activity, built environments, and public health, Professor Sallis has been recognized globally for his pioneering research. Notably, he has been identified as one of the world's most cited authors in the social sciences and has received accolades such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. In this episode, Dr. Tikkanen and Professor Sallis delve deep into the evolution of physical activity research over the years. They discuss the role of built environments, the significance of accurate measures, and share insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field. Professor Sallis recounts the transformative shifts he has witnessed in the domain of behavioral nutrition and physical activity. He emphasizes the myriad benefits of physical activity, from its role in bolstering the immune system to its anti-inflammatory impacts. However, he also highlights the challenges in translating research into policy and practice, lamenting the lack of dedicated infrastructure and funding for physical activity in public health. The conversation also touches upon the broader implications of physical activity on public health, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Sallis underscores the importance of physical activity in combating infectious diseases and its potential role in mitigating severe outcomes in COVID-19 patients. The episode concludes with a discussion on the complexities of promoting physical activity, given the powerful industries that inadvertently promote sedentary lifestyles. From the oil companies to the electronics sector, these industries pose significant challenges to the mission of re-engineering physical activity back into our daily lives. Tune in to this enlightening episode to gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted world of physical activity research and its profound implications for public health. _______________________________________________   This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS --- SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.  Learn more about Fibion Research --- Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions. --- Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children. --- Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove. --- Explore our Wearables,  Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep,  Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles. --- Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods. --- Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide. --- Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview. --- Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ". --- For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability. --- Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkan