Karin Pfeiffer, associate professor of kinesiology at Michigan State University, has been appointed to the Science Board of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.
The Science Board was formed to ensure the messages and programs of the council are scientifically sound. Members, who include researchers, scientists and physicians, advise the council on research related to the health and fitness of children and adults across the nation.
Pfeiffer is an exercise physiologist who studies physical activity in children and adolescents. She is committed to increasing physical activity in youth, and she works closely with schools and community organizations to investigate new strategies and programs.
Pfeiffer also is an expert on measuring physical activity. She recently co-led a major longitudinal study to assess the validity of various accelerometers being used widely by researchers.
Her appointment on the science board began during summer 2012 and will last three years. As part of her service, Pfeiffer also is on a sub-committee reviewing methods of increasing physical activity in children and adolescent, particularly in connection with the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. The group expects to submit a report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services at the end of this year.
Fellow MSU kinesiology Professor James Pivarnik is also on the Science Board of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. Members sometimes contribute to the organization’s blog. Pivarnik recently wrote a post about guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy and postpartum — a topic on which he is a leading expert.