The Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity proudly congratulates Tayla von Ash, ScD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Brown University, on securing a major 5-year NIH R01 grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities!
Her groundbreaking study, titled Testing a physical activity intervention for mothers delivered in partnership with youth sports organizations (also known as Moms on the Move), targets key health disparities by integrating physical activity interventions directly into community settings.
Meeting Mothers Where They Are
Rates of physical inactivity and associated chronic disease risks disproportionately affect Hispanic, Black, and low-income mothers—groups who frequently navigate structural barriers such as competing family responsibilities, transportation, and childcare costs.
Rather than expecting mothers to find extra time in their packed schedules, von Ash’s innovative research meets them where they already spend time: at their children's sports practices.
How the Study Works
- Community Partnerships: The study partners with eight local youth football and cheerleading organizations serving predominantly low-income Hispanic and Black families.
- Cluster Randomized Trial: The study will test the efficacy of the intervention in increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and evaluating long-term activity maintenance.
- Overcoming Obstacles: By utilizing existing youth sports practice times, Moms on the Move directly circumvents commonly cited barriers to exercise (lack of time, childcare, transportation, etc.).
This study marks a vital step forward in creating more equitable and accessible opportunities for physical activity among Hispanic, Black, and low-income families. We celebrate Tayla’s achievement and her unwavering commitment to bringing health equity directly to mothers where they are.