Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Fresno State Kinesiology research studies recess and physical activity in Central Valley schools to advance health equity and student achievement. Associate Professor Nicole Smith leads applied research through the P.A.R.K. program, measuring how much recess students receive, how active they are, and how movement supports executive function and classroom readiness.
Hear how Professor Smith explains the connection between physical activity, brain development and learning, and why recess is essential to supporting equitable outcomes for Valley students. With only one in five children meeting recommended activity levels, this research addresses physical activity as a foundational health behavior.
By partnering with local schools, Fresno State is helping build a research-informed model that strengthens physical education, recess policy and student achievement across the Valley.
Topics covered:
•Recess and student physical activity
•Health equity in Central Valley schools
•Gender differences in physical activity
•Brain development and executive function
•Community-engaged research partnerships
Learn more about Kinesiology at Fresno State and how faculty and student research is advancing community health while empowering the next generation of leaders.
#FresnoState #HandsOnLearning #FresnoStateBulldogs #FresnoBulldogs #StudentSuccess #DiscoverFresnoState #CentralValley #kinesiology #physicaleducation
MB01WUGVZKTCGMY
Fresno State Kinesiology research studies recess and physical activity in Central Valley schools to advance health equity and student achievement. Associate Professor Nicole Smith leads applied research through the P.A.R.K. program, measuring how much recess students receive, how active they are, and how movement supports executive function and classroom readiness.
Hear how Professor Smith explains the connection between physical activity, brain development and learning, and why recess is essential to supporting equitable outcomes for Valley students. With only one in five children meeting recommended activity levels, this research addresses physical activity as a foundational health behavior.
By partnering with local schools, Fresno State is helping build a research-informed model that strengthens physical education, recess policy and student achievement across the Valley.
Topics covered:
•Recess and student physical activity
•Health equity in Central Valley schools
•Gender differences in physical activity
•Brain development and executive function
•Community-engaged research partnerships
Learn more about Kinesiology at Fresno State and how faculty and student research is advancing community health while empowering the next generation of leaders.
#FresnoState #HandsOnLearning #FresnoStateBulldogs #FresnoBulldogs #StudentSuccess #DiscoverFresnoState #CentralValley #kinesiology #physicaleducation
MB01WUGVZKTCGMY
