Dori Rosenberg, PhD, MPH, has conducted extensive research into physical activity and sedentary time, with a central focus on older adults and people with chronic conditions, who often face substantial barriers to engaging in physical activity. Dr. Rosenberg has a particular interest in helping to build an evidence base for the health effects of sedentary time, given that the vast majority of people’s waking hours are spent sitting, yet we are only starting to understand how this impacts health.

Dr. Rosenberg currently leads the Healthy Aging Resources to Thrive (HART) Trial. HART is testing the effects of sitting reduction on cardiovascular and metabolic health outcomes through a large randomized controlled trial.  Dr. Rosenberg also leads the accelerometer sub-study of the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) cohort study where she is examining how 24-hour activity cycle behaviors (sedentary time, physical activity, sleep) are associated with cognition and physical function in older adults.

A key step in better understanding sedentary behaviors is having validated measures. Dr. Rosenberg validated the widely used Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire, which is a self-reported measure of sedentary time (see below to learn more). She has also contributed to studies on sedentary behavior measurement with accelerometers, including machine learning approaches.

As part of her epidemiologic research, Dr. Rosenberg investigates how aspects of the built environment — such as parks, open space, and sidewalks — encourage better health, particularly as we age. Further, she is interested in the ways social determinants of health in early life, including the neighborhood environment, impact cognitive and physical aging and is exploring this in the ACT cohort.

In her intervention research, Dr. Rosenberg employs mobile health approaches to promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary time, including in a recent micro-randomized trial for physical activity after bariatric surgery. She is currently working with colleagues on piloting a mobile health application for mindfulness and acceptance to support healthy eating and physical activity.

Dr. Rosenberg serves on a subcommittee of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, & Nutrition to inform the development of the Physical Activity Guidelines Midcourse Report on older adults. She is also past co-chair of the Physical Activity Special Interest Group at the Society of Behavioral Medicine. Additionally, she is an associate professor in the Health Systems Science Department of the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, affiliate associate professor in the Department of Health Services at the University of Washington School of Public Health, and a fellow of the Society of Behavioral Medicine.

Measurement tools

The following tools are available for free download and use.

Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire: This is a self-reported measure of sedentary time, taking into account sedentary behaviors on weekdays and weekends. It has been used widely in research studies across the globe to describe sedentary behavior and track changes in sedentary time.

Walking Route Audit Tool for Seniors (WRATS): WRATS is an audit tool for identifying the best walking routes for older adults. The tool includes 59 items relating to functionality, safety, aesthetics, and destinations, among other domains. Most domains are measured using a 3-point scale. The tool can be used by the general public as well as by researchers.