@article{cosco_wells_zhang_goodell_monsur_xu_moore_2022, title={Hands-on childcare garden intervention: A randomized controlled trial to assess effects on fruit and vegetable identification, liking, and consumption among children aged 3-5 years in North Carolina}, volume={13}, ISSN={["1664-1078"]}, DOI={10.3389/fpsyg.2022.993637}, abstractNote={Gardening at childcare centers may have a potent influence on young children’s learning about fruits and vegetables and their development of healthy dietary behaviors. This randomized controlled trial examined the effect of a garden intervention on fruit and vegetable (FV) identification, FV liking, and FV consumption among 3–5-year-old children enrolled in childcare centers in Wake County, North Carolina, USA. Eligible childcare centers (serving primarily low-income families) were randomly selected and then randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) intervention; (2) waitlist-control that served as a control in year 1 and received the intervention in year 2; or (3) no-intervention control. From the 15 participating childcare centers, 285 children aged 3–5  years were consented by their parents or guardians to participate. The intervention comprised six standardized, raised, mulched garden beds, planted with warm-season annual vegetables and fruits, and perennial fruits. A Gardening Activity Guide describing 12 age-appropriate, sequential gardening activities was distributed for teachers to lead hands-on gardening activities during the growing season. Data were gathered between Spring 2018 and Fall 2019. FV identification and liking were measured using an age-appropriate tablet-enabled protocol. FV consumption was measured by weighing each child’s fruit and vegetable snack tray before and after tasting sessions. Compared to children receiving no-intervention, children who received the garden intervention showed a greater increase in accurate identification of both fruits and vegetables as well as consumption of both fruit and vegetables during the tasting sessions. Consistent with prior research, the effects on fruit consumption were greater than on vegetable consumption. There was no significant effect of the garden intervention on children’s FV liking. Garden interventions implemented early in life foster learning about FV and promote healthy eating. Early exposure to gardening may yield a return on investment throughout the lifecourse, impacting healthy diet and associated health outcomes, which are particularly important within disadvantaged communities where children’s health is challenged by a host of risk factors. Clinical Trials Registration #NCT04864574 (clinicaltrials.gov).}, journal={FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY}, author={Cosco, Nilda G. G. and Wells, Nancy M. M. and Zhang, Daowen and Goodell, L. Suzanne and Monsur, Muntazar and Xu, Tong and Moore, Robin C. C.}, year={2022}, month={Nov} }
 @article{cosco_wells_monsur_goodell_zhang_xu_hales_moore_2021, title={Research Design, Protocol, and Participant Characteristics of COLEAFS: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Childcare Garden Intervention}, volume={18}, ISSN={["1660-4601"]}, DOI={10.3390/ijerph182413066}, abstractNote={Childcare garden interventions may be an effective strategy to increase fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption and physical activity among young children. The objective of this paper is to describe the research design, protocol, outcome measures, and baseline characteristics of participants in the Childcare Outdoor Learning Environments as Active Food Systems (“COLEAFS”) study, a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) examining the effect of a garden intervention on outcomes related to diet and physical activity. Fifteen childcare centers in low-income areas were randomly assigned to intervention (to receive garden intervention in Year 1), waitlist control (to receive garden intervention in Year 2), and control group (no intervention). The garden intervention comprised six raised beds planted with warm-season vegetables and fruits, and a garden activity booklet presenting 12 gardening activities. FV knowledge and FV liking were measured using a tablet-enabled protocol. FV consumption was measured by weighing FV before and after a snack session. Physical activity was measured using Actigraph GT3x+ worn by children for three consecutive days while at the childcare center. Of the 543 eligible children from the 15 childcare centers, 250 children aged 3–5 years received parental consent, assented, and participated in baseline data collection. By employing an RCT to examine the effect of a garden intervention on diet and physical activity among young children attending childcare centers within low-income communities, this study offers compelling research design and methods, addresses a critical gap in the empirical literature, and is a step toward evidence-based regulations to promote early childhood healthy habits.}, number={24}, journal={INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH}, author={Cosco, Nilda Graciela and Wells, Nancy M. and Monsur, Muntazar and Goodell, Lora Suzanne and Zhang, Daowen and Xu, Tong and Hales, Derek and Moore, Robin Clive}, year={2021}, month={Dec} }
 @article{stevenson_moore_cosco_floyd_sullivan_brink_gerstein_jordan_zaplatosch_2020, title={A national research agenda supporting green schoolyard development and equitable access to nature}, volume={8}, ISSN={["2325-1026"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1525/elementa.406}, DOI={10.1525/elementa.406}, abstractNote={The diverse benefits of nature are increasingly well-known, but access to nature and its associated benefits are inequitable. In parallel, because school attendance is compulsory, schools are ubiquitous in every community. However, only a small fraction extend classroom settings into outdoor spaces developed as educational resources richly endowed with nature. By greening schoolyards, every community in the United States would provide safe, accessible, natural areas, greatly expanding available educational space and resources benefiting the entire school community. Greening schoolyards offers a promising strategy to ensure all children and communities have access to the health, wellness, learning, and myriad other benefits contact with nature provides. This paper makes the case for green schoolyards as a tool for providing access to nature for all children and sets a research agenda to support that goal.}, number={1}, journal={ELEMENTA-SCIENCE OF THE ANTHROPOCENE}, author={Stevenson, Kathryn T. and Moore, Robin and Cosco, Nilda and Floyd, Myron F. and Sullivan, William and Brink, Lois and Gerstein, Dana and Jordan, Cathy and Zaplatosch, Jaime}, year={2020} }
 @article{cosco_moore_monsur_goodell_2018, title={Outdoor Learning Environments as Active Food Systems: Effectiveness of the Preventing Obesity by Design Gardening Component}, volume={50}, ISSN={1499-4046}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/J.JNEB.2018.04.263}, DOI={10.1016/J.JNEB.2018.04.263}, abstractNote={Objective: To assess the impact of a Gardening Component on 4–5 year olds enrolled in 15 childcare centers in Wake County, North Carolina, using a waitlist/control group, randomized controlled trial research design (2017–2022). Description: Fifteen centers were selected in 2018 and randomly assigned to intervention/waitlist/control groups to evaluate the impact of fruit and vegetable (FV) gardening on children's physical activity, FV liking, FV knowledge, and FV consumption. A standardized approach to garden installation was used locating six identical raised planting beds (8' x 2') at each intervention center, with similar, controlled growing conditions. Six FV types were selected and planted consistently at each center. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers. Fruit and vegetable liking and knowledge was measured via a modified electronic method (Carraway-Stage, et la.2014) using portable tablets. Fruit and vegetable consumption was measured using the Fruit & Vegetable Snack Tool (Witt & Duncan, 2012). Outdoor environmental quality was assessed using the Preschool Outdoor Environment Measurement Scale POEMS (DeBord, et al. 2005) and Best Practice Indicators (Cosco & Moore, 2014). The study is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Food, Bioprocessing, and Nutrition Sciences, Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University. First data gathering wave was completed in April 2018. Evaluation: Preliminary results will be ready for distribution in Fall 2018. Conclusions and Implications: Because childcare centers are policy-sensitive institutions, evidence underscoring the benefits of fruit and vegetable gardening may encourage regulators to adopt supportive rules (Tandon, Walters et al. 2016). With approximately 76% of the U.S. population living in areas with an annual growing season >200 days (IIASA 2013), a gardening component may be a promising obesity prevention strategy for young children in those regions, where 77% of total (120,000 approximatley) U.S. regulated childcare centers are located (CCAA 2012). Funding: 2017-68001-26354. The following is the supplementary data to this article: Download .pdf (26.68 MB) Help with pdf files Poster}, number={7}, journal={Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Cosco, Nilda and Moore, Robin and Monsur, Muntazar and Goodell, Lora S.}, year={2018}, month={Jul}, pages={S118–S119} }
 @article{islam_moore_cosco_2016, title={Child-Friendly, Active, Healthy Neighborhoods: Physical Characteristics and Children's Time Outdoors}, volume={48}, ISSN={["1552-390X"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84964903705&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1177/0013916514554694}, abstractNote={Relationships between neighborhood built environment characteristics and children’s average time outdoors on weekdays were investigated in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 22 built environment variables, 8 socio-demographic variables, and 1 perceptual variable were tested for their relationship to children’s ( N = 109) self-reported average time outdoors on weekdays, measured in minutes. Built environment variables were measured using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based urban form variables and systematic, direct observation. Analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression. Results ( p < .01) suggest that additional minutes of children’s average time outdoors on weekdays are associated with availability of adjacent space (23 min), male child (23 min), dead-end instead of through street in front of residence (15 min), perception of neighborhood safety by parents (10 min), one story lower in level of residence floor (3 min), and 1,000 m2less of total building footprint area within the neighborhood (1 min).}, number={5}, journal={ENVIRONMENT AND BEHAVIOR}, author={Islam, Mohammed Zakiul and Moore, Robin and Cosco, Nilda}, year={2016}, month={Jun}, pages={711–736} }
 @article{cosco_moore_smith_2014, title={Childcare Outdoor Renovation as a Built Environment Health Promotion Strategy: Evaluating the Preventing Obesity by Design Intervention}, volume={28}, ISSN={["2168-6602"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84892504130&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.4278/ajhp.130430-quan-208}, abstractNote={Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of Preventing Obesity by Design (POD), a childcare center outdoor renovation intervention. }, number={3}, journal={AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH PROMOTION}, author={Cosco, Nilda G. and Moore, Robin C. and Smith, William R.}, year={2014}, pages={S27–S32} }
 @article{baran_smith_moore_floyd_bocarro_cosco_danninger_2014, title={Park Use Among Youth and Adults: Examination of Individual, Social, and Urban Form Factors}, volume={46}, ISSN={["1552-390X"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84903973570&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1177/0013916512470134}, abstractNote={This article examines park use in relation to neighborhood social (safety and poverty) and urban form (pedestrian infrastructure and street network pattern) characteristics among youth and adult subpopulations defined by age and gender. We utilized System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) and Geographic Information Systems to objectively measure park use and park and neighborhood characteristics in 20 neighborhood parks. Heterogeneous negative binomial regression models indicated that the relationship between park use and types of activity settings, and park use and neighborhood attributes vary by age and gender. In general, the study found that park and activity setting size; activity settings such as playgrounds, basketball courts, pool and water features, shelters, and picnic areas; and availability of sidewalks and intersections in the park’s neighborhood were positively associated with park use, whereas crime, poverty, and racial heterogeneity of the surrounding neighborhood were negatively associated with park use.}, number={6}, journal={Environment & Behavior}, author={Baran, P.K. and Smith, W.R. and Moore, R.C. and Floyd, M.F. and Bocarro, J.N. and Cosco, N. and Danninger, T.}, year={2014}, pages={768–800} }
 @article{floyd_bocarro_smith_baran_moore_cosco_edwards_suau_fang_2011, title={Park-Based Physical Activity Among Children and Adolescents}, volume={41}, ISSN={0749-3797}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2011.04.013}, DOI={10.1016/j.amepre.2011.04.013}, abstractNote={Background Availability of parks is associated with higher levels of physical activity among children and adolescents. Few studies examine actual park use and park-based physical activity in these populations. Purpose This study examined associations among individual, park, and neighborhood environmental characteristics and children's and adolescent's park-based physical activity. Methods Data were collected in 2007 on 2712 children in 20 randomly selected parks in Durham NC. The System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) provided measures of physical activity. Hierarchic regression analysis assessed associations among individual, park, and neighborhood environmental characteristics and children's park-based physical activity. Data were analyzed in 2010. Results Of the 2712 children observed, 34.2% and 13.2% were engaged in walking or vigorous physical activity. Environmental features of parks were associated with activity levels whereas neighborhood characteristics were not. Physical activity was negatively associated with gender (girls) (p=0.003); presence of a parent (p<0.0001); presence of nonparental adult (p=0.006); and an interaction involving the 0–5 years age group and style of play (p=0.017). Higher level of physical activity was associated with presence of other active children (p<0.0001); courts (e.g., basketball); and an interaction between number of recreation facilities and formal activities (p=0.004). Conclusions These social factors and design features should be considered in order to stimulate higher levels of park-based physical activity among children and adolescents. Availability of parks is associated with higher levels of physical activity among children and adolescents. Few studies examine actual park use and park-based physical activity in these populations. This study examined associations among individual, park, and neighborhood environmental characteristics and children's and adolescent's park-based physical activity. Data were collected in 2007 on 2712 children in 20 randomly selected parks in Durham NC. The System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) provided measures of physical activity. Hierarchic regression analysis assessed associations among individual, park, and neighborhood environmental characteristics and children's park-based physical activity. Data were analyzed in 2010. Of the 2712 children observed, 34.2% and 13.2% were engaged in walking or vigorous physical activity. Environmental features of parks were associated with activity levels whereas neighborhood characteristics were not. Physical activity was negatively associated with gender (girls) (p=0.003); presence of a parent (p<0.0001); presence of nonparental adult (p=0.006); and an interaction involving the 0–5 years age group and style of play (p=0.017). Higher level of physical activity was associated with presence of other active children (p<0.0001); courts (e.g., basketball); and an interaction between number of recreation facilities and formal activities (p=0.004). These social factors and design features should be considered in order to stimulate higher levels of park-based physical activity among children and adolescents.}, number={3}, journal={American Journal of Preventive Medicine}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Floyd, Myron F. and Bocarro, Jason N. and Smith, William R. and Baran, Perver K. and Moore, Robin C. and Cosco, Nilda G. and Edwards, Michael B. and Suau, Luis J. and Fang, Kunsheng}, year={2011}, month={Sep}, pages={258–265} }
 @article{cosco_moore_islam_2010, title={Behavior Mapping: A Method for Linking Preschool Physical Activity and Outdoor Design}, volume={42}, ISSN={["0195-9131"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-77249105546&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1249/mss.0b013e3181cea27a}, abstractNote={UNLABELLED
The preschool that children attend has been shown to be a significant but variable predictor of physical activity of 3- to 5-yr-olds, whereas the time outdoors has been found to be a strong correlate of physical activity. Researchers speculate that variations in preschool physical activity may be attributed to variations in preschool policies and practices, including the form and content of outdoor physical environments. However, assessment methods linking them to physical activity are limited. Improved understanding of links between environment and activity could be used to influence childcare policy, which is highly regulated, usually at state level, to create outdoor environments more conducive to children's informal play and physical activity. The purpose of this article was to introduce behavior mapping as a direct observation method on the basis of the theories of behavior setting and affordance and to demonstrate its sensitivity to gathering physical activity and associated environmental data at a sufficiently detailed level to affect built environment design policy.


METHODS
Behavior mapping data, including outdoor environmental characteristics and children's physical activity levels, were obtained in two preschool centers at the Research Triangle region, NC.


RESULTS
Physical activity levels at the two centers varied across different types of behavior settings, including pathways, play structures, and open areas. The same type of setting with different attributes, such as circular versus straight pathways, and open areas with different ground surfaces, such as asphalt, compacted soil, woodchips, and sand, attracted different levels of physical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Behavior mapping provides a promising method for objectively measuring relationships between physical behavior settings and directly associated activity levels.}, number={3}, journal={MEDICINE AND SCIENCE IN SPORTS AND EXERCISE}, author={Cosco, Nilda G. and Moore, Robin C. and Islam, Mohammed Z.}, year={2010}, month={Mar}, pages={513–519} }
 @article{bocarro_floyd_moore_baran_danninger_smith_cosco_2009, title={Adaptation of the System for Observing Physical Activity and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) to Assess Age Groupings of Children}, volume={6}, ISSN={["1543-5474"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-73349133665&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.1123/jpah.6.6.699}, abstractNote={Background:To better measure physical activity (PA) in outdoor environments, McKenzie and colleagues developed the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). However, previous SOPARC research has focused on adults, seniors, teens and children. One avenue for extending this work is to expand the child age group code to capture important nuances that can influence children's PA and their environments. This study reports on the reliability of a measure designed to account for PA in parks among children in different childhood age groups.}, number={6}, journal={JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & HEALTH}, publisher={Human Kinetics}, author={Bocarro, Jason N. and Floyd, Myron and Moore, Robin and Baran, Perver and Danninger, Tom and Smith, William and Cosco, Nilda}, year={2009}, month={Nov}, pages={699–707} }
 @article{moore_2007, title={Reasons to smile at teardrop (Teardrop Park in Manhattan)}, volume={97}, number={12}, journal={Landscape Architecture}, author={Moore, R. C.}, year={2007}, pages={136-} }
 @misc{moore_2006, title={American playgrounds: Revitalizing community space}, volume={96}, number={4}, journal={Landscape Architecture}, author={Moore, R. C.}, year={2006}, pages={134} }
 @article{killingsworth_earp_moore_2003, title={Supporting health through design: Challenges and opportunities}, volume={18}, DOI={10.4278/0890-1171-18.1.1}, abstractNote={This special issue of the American Journal of Health Promotion on ‘‘Health Promoting Community Design’’ highlights the most recent research into how the built environment affects health. This emerging research provides another chapter in the rich history of public health and its quest to overcome obstacles to health through shaping the environment in which people live. The role of public health in community design has traditionally been to improve sanitation and personal hygiene. Now attention is shifting to how design affects other important elements of health, especially physical activity. The 13 articles in this special issue provide a fundamental overview of the relationship between community design and health and what needs to be done to promote physical activity and improve health through affecting social circumstances and environmental conditions.}, number={1}, journal={American Journal of Health Promotion}, author={Killingsworth, R. and Earp, J. and Moore, R.}, year={2003}, pages={02-} }
 @article{debord_hestenes_moore_cosco_mcginnis_2002, title={Paying attention to the outdoor environment is as important as preparing the indoor environment}, volume={57}, number={3}, journal={Young Children}, author={Debord, K. and Hestenes, L. L. and Moore, R. C. and Cosco, N. and McGinnis, J. R.}, year={2002}, pages={32–34} }
 @book{moore_wong_1997, title={Natural learning: The life history of an environmental schoolyard}, publisher={Berkeley, Calif.: MIG Communications}, author={Moore, R. C. and Wong, H. H.}, year={1997} }