West Virginia University Ware Distinguished Professor Eloise Elliott is the newest member of the Cooper Institute FitnessGram Advisory Board, designed to promote life-long fitness and wellness through research and education.
The Cooper Institute works to provide research and programs that focus on the importance of physical activity across all stages of life. FitnessGram is one of the institute’s youth initiatives that strives to educate children and adolescents about the benefits of physical activity now and later in life.
The primary goal of FitnessGram is to provide comprehensive physical fitness and activity assessments and reporting programs for children and youth. Advisory board members play a critical role in the sustainability and credibility of the FitnessGram program.
The College of Applied Human Sciences faculty member says that she is pleased to serve on the board. “I am looking forward to working with this distinguished group and providing my expertise with children, schools and physical education/activity,” Elliott said. “Through the board’s combined efforts, we can move the needle in increased participation of the FitnessGram program in schools, districts, and states throughout the country.”
The board advises the Cooper Institute decision-makers regarding scientific research to validate health-related fitness test items needed to assess a child’s overall physical fitness level. Additionally, the group recommends educational strategies for implementation to optimize the use of FitnessGram in schools in every state across the country.
“Children’s health-related fitness should be taken seriously. This program provides the scientifically-proved assessments along with reports for youth, their parents and teachers to help them work toward lifelong physical activity and health,” Elliott said.
The advisory board features outstanding experts in the fields of kinesiology, exercise physiology, nutrition, physical activity/education, epidemiology and health education. Members provide technical content expertise in various aspects of physical activity and physical fitness and contribute to advancing FitnessGram research.
By conducting related research studies, board members help ensure that the assessment remains on solid, scientific ground. Additionally, they increase visibility and advocacy of FitnessGram.