Kenneth H. Cooper Institute at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Kenneth H. Cooper Institute at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center We are the Kenneth H. Cooper Institute at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, originally a non-profit founded by Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., MPH, in 1970.

We are dedicated to promoting lifelong health and wellness through research and education.

When it comes to preventing symptoms of depression, new research suggests that how you move may be as important as how m...
06/18/2026

When it comes to preventing symptoms of depression, new research suggests that how you move may be as important as how much you move!

Recent research from KHCI at found that among nearly 39,000 adults, all physical activity characteristics (e.g., volume, duration, type, intensity, and diversity) were beneficial in reducing risk of depressive symptoms; however, the strongest associations were observed with diversity and intensity of activity. In other words, engaging in a variety of physical activities—including some vigorous-intensity exercise—may lower odds of experiencing symptoms of depression.

Just one more reason to keep moving—your body and mind may both thank you. 💪🧠

Read the full article here: https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/fulltext/2026/07000/physical_activity_characteristics_and_symptoms_of.15.aspx

This week, the FitnessGram Advisory Board (FAB) gathered in Dallas, Texas, at the Cooper Aerobics Campus for its annual ...
06/11/2026

This week, the FitnessGram Advisory Board (FAB) gathered in Dallas, Texas, at the Cooper Aerobics Campus for its annual retreat, bringing together leading researchers, exercise scientists, and health experts dedicated to advancing youth fitness.

A highlight of this year's meeting was a special session with Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper himself, who shared reflections on his pioneering legacy and the enduring importance of helping individuals become “Cooperized” through lifelong physical activity and preventive health practices.

Since 1985, the FitnessGram Advisory Board has helped ensure FitnessGram remains grounded in the latest science and best practices. We are grateful for their expertise, leadership, and commitment to improving the health and wellness of youth nationwide.

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Our team would like to wish NFL PLAY 60 FitnessGram Project Champion for the Seattle Seahawks market, Krista Winn, a ver...
06/04/2026

Our team would like to wish NFL PLAY 60 FitnessGram Project Champion for the Seattle Seahawks market, Krista Winn, a very happy retirement.

Krista has been a dedicated part of the NFL PLAY 60 FitnessGram Project since fall 2020, helping us advance our shared goal of supporting student health and fitness across Seattle-area school districts.

Beyond her impact with the project, Krista has devoted her career to education as a teacher at Hamilton Elementary School in the Port Angeles School District since 1990, 36 years at the same school and 41 years in education overall. Her lasting influence on generations of students is evident in the recognition she received from her school, including the naming of the gym in her honor: “Winn’s Gym,” a truly well-deserved tribute to her legacy.

We are grateful for her years of leadership, dedication, and commitment, and we wish her all the best in this next chapter.

Week in rewind 📸Researchers from the Kenneth H. Cooper Institute had the wonderful opportunity to attend the American Co...
06/03/2026

Week in rewind 📸

Researchers from the Kenneth H. Cooper Institute had the wonderful opportunity to attend the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City last week. It was an inspiring few days filled with cutting-edge science, meaningful conversations, and valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues and collaborators from across the country. Thankful for the chance to learn, share ideas, and be part of a community dedicated to advancing sports medicine, exercise science, epidemiology, and human performance.

Don’t miss new findings from the NFL PLAY 60 FitnessGram Project. This work advances our understanding of how large-scal...
05/28/2026

Don’t miss new findings from the NFL PLAY 60 FitnessGram Project. This work advances our understanding of how large-scale youth fitness initiatives translate into measurable health outcomes.

Join Dr. Andjelka Pavlovic for her poster presentation, “Relationships Between NFL PLAY 60 Programming and Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among Youth in the United States,” on Friday, May 29, from 9:30–11:00 a.m. Hall D Poster Board No. 152 at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting.

We look forward to sharing this work and connecting with colleagues in Salt Lake City.

Join Dr. Kerem Shuval, Dr. Laura DeFina and Dr. Clare Meernik on May 29, 2026, from 1:45–3:15 p.m. in Room 355-B for the...
05/28/2026

Join Dr. Kerem Shuval, Dr. Laura DeFina and Dr. Clare Meernik on May 29, 2026, from 1:45–3:15 p.m. in Room 355-B for the symposium, “Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Dementia Risk: Insights from Behavioral Economics,” at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City.

Dementia affects 55 million people worldwide, a number expected to nearly triple by 2050. Nearly half of cases may be preventable through healthier behaviors, particularly increased physical activity and improved fitness. This symposium will explore how public health and behavioral economics can help us better understand health decision-making and encourage habits that may reduce dementia risk later in life.

We look forward to sharing this important discussion and connecting with colleagues throughout the conference.

Join Dr. Kerem Shuval on May 28th Hall D Poster Board No. 171 at 8:30 a.m. for his poster presentation, “Risk Taking Ten...
05/27/2026

Join Dr. Kerem Shuval on May 28th Hall D Poster Board No. 171 at 8:30 a.m. for his poster presentation, “Risk Taking Tendency and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Adults: The Cooper Center Longitudinal Study,” at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City.

Individuals who enjoy high-risk activities, like parachuting or race car driving, often have different lifestyle habits. This study explored whether those risk-takers also demonstrate better cardiorespiratory fitness, a key marker of health and longevity.

We look forward to sharing this work and connecting with colleagues throughout the conference.

Join Dr. Clare Meernik on May 27, 2026, from 9:30–11:00 a.m. in Room 155-D for her presentation, “Change in Midlife Card...
05/26/2026

Join Dr. Clare Meernik on May 27, 2026, from 9:30–11:00 a.m. in Room 155-D for her presentation, “Change in Midlife Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cancer Risk,” at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City.

We look forward to sharing this research and connecting with colleagues throughout the conference.

Join our KHCI TTUHSC team at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting May 26th-29th in Salt Lake City, UT....
05/22/2026

Join our KHCI TTUHSC team at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting May 26th-29th in Salt Lake City, UT. We are looking forward to sharing our latest research focusing on youth fitness, cardiorespiratory health, physical activity, behavioral health, and dementia prevention.

Be sure to stop by our presentations and posters throughout the conference. We look forward to connecting with fellow researchers and professionals in the field.

Congratulations to NFL PLAY 60 FitnessGram Project Champion for the New Orleans Saints market, Tahj Bradley, on being na...
05/21/2026

Congratulations to NFL PLAY 60 FitnessGram Project Champion for the New Orleans Saints market, Tahj Bradley, on being named the 2025–26 NBA Jr. Pelicans Scholastic Coach of the Year!

This award recognizes a coach who goes above and beyond to positively impact students through basketball, leadership, academic encouragement, and community engagement. Tahj’s dedication to empowering youth both on and off the court continues to make a lasting difference throughout the New Orleans community.

We are incredibly lucky to have Tahj as a champion in the NFL PLAY 60 FitnessGram Project and grateful for the passion, energy, and mentorship he brings to students every day. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

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75235

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