Kelli Koltyn

I am a professor in the Department of Kinesiology. I have a broad background in Kinesiology majoring in exercise physiology for my Master’s degree and exercise psychology for my Ph.D. degree. My research program focuses on the psychobiological effects of physical activity with a primary emphasis on health promotion. I have extensive experience conducting studies involving physical activity with healthy adults (e.g., young, old, pregnant women), as well as with clinical samples including adults with substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain conditions (e.g., chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, arthritis pain). Results have indicated numerous benefits associated with participation in physical activity programs (e.g., psychological improvements, reductions in pain), and we are now examining potential mechanisms underlying the benefits of physical activity with a focus on opioid and endocannabinoid systems. I also have conducted community-based research in order to be able to translate our findings to those who may benefit the most from the results. Our current work involves translating a “Stand Up and Move More” intervention by State Aging Units to older adults in underserved communities. With funding from the National Institutes of Health, we examined the feasibility and effectiveness of a four-week “Stand Up and Move More” workshop to reduce sedentary behavior (i.e., prolonged sitting) in older adults from communities in four counties in Wisconsin (i.e., Dane, Iowa, Rock & Vilas counties). Results indicated that individuals who participated in the workshop significantly reduced their sitting time by 68 minutes/day after the workshop, and had significant improvements in balance, mobility, and getting up from a chair. Further, participants reported higher vitality levels, as well as fewer limitations due to their physical health following participation in the workshop. In comparison, there were no significant changes in the older adults who did not participate in the “Stand Up and Move More” workshop. We are now collaborating with the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA) and State Aging Units to disseminate the workshop throughout Wisconsin and then nationwide.