“Improving Health through Movement – A MAP to a Healthier Future”

Presentation Abstract:

Movement is a powerful tool to support lifelong health, yet children continue to exhibit declines in skills known to support physical activity. Kara Palmer’s research focuses on motor competence and physical activity from a developmental and health perspective. In this presentation, Palmer will discuss her past, current, and future work within her two primary research lines: (1) designing, implementing, and assessing the effects of evidence-based community health interventions to improve motor competence, physical activity, perceived competence and anthropometrics in young children; and (2) examining cognitive and psychosocial factors related to movement and high-autonomy interventions.

Biography:

Kara Palmer is a clinical assistant professor, research scientist, and associate program chair of Movement Science in the School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan. Her work focuses on using movement interventions to improve current and future health and well-being, particularly in children at risk for future health disparities. When she is not planning or implementing interventions for her research, Palmer is at home playing soccer, basketball, or Super Nintendo with her two preschoolaged children.