Professor
JHB 218
865-974-0458
fitzhugh@utk.edu
COURSES TAUGHT
| KNS 350 | Physical Activity Epidemiology |
| KNS 508 | Research Methods |
| KNS 521 | Physical Activity Epidemiology Methods |
| KNS 635 | Physical Activity and Positive Health |
EXPERIENCE
2010-Present Associate Professor – Kinesiology, Recreation, & Sports Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
2004-2010 Assistant Professor – Kinesiology, Recreation, & Sports Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
1999-2004 Chronic Disease Epidemiologist & Director of Surveillance, Evaluation, and Research Division – Knox County Health Department (Knoxville, TN)
1995-1999 Assistant Professor — Health & Safety Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
1986-1989 State Consultant Physical Education and Coordinated School Health – Kentucky Department of Education (Frankfort, KY)
1982-1986 Instructor — Model Laboratory School (Richmond, KY)
EDUCATION
| PhD | The Universities of Alabama (UA) and Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) |
Health Education & Health Promotion |
| MS | Eastern Kentucky University | School Health Education |
| BA | Eastern Kentucky University | Physical Education & School Health Education |
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Fitzhugh’s primary area of research revolves around the dose-response relationship of physical activity to chronic diseases across the lifespan. He largely conducts secondary data analysis on datasets from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. His work has contributed to publications focusing on hypertension, obesity, diabetes, major depressive disorder, and the metabolic syndrome. A secondary research focus is in area of how the built environment can promote or hinder physical activity.
AWARDS/RECOGNITION
2002 Jack Davis Professional Achievement Award (The University of Alabama)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Fitzhugh directs the Center for Physical Activity and Health which strives to promote physical activity among staff, faculty, and students at the University. He also serves as on the editorial board of two journals (Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise and the American Journal of Health Education).
RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Monroe, C., Fitzhugh, E.C. (2017). Effect of Adding Online Social Support Tools to an Adult Walking Program: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Health Promotion Practice18(1), 84-92
Boyer, W., Churilla, J.C., Johnson, T., Richardson, M., & Fitzhugh, E.C., (2016). The associations between increasing degrees of HOMA-IR and adiposity among euglycemic U.S adults. Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders 14(2), 108-113, doi: 10.1089/met.2015.0077
Wolff-Hughes, D.L., Troiano, R.P., Boyer, W.R., Fitzhugh, E.C., & McClain, J.J. (2016). Use of population referenced percentiles for total activity counts to assess and classify physical activity of population groups. Preventive Medicine, 87, 35-40.
Fitzhugh, E.C. (2015). Methods to Measure Physical Activity Behaviors in Health Education Research. American Journal of Health Education, 46(1),1-6.
Bassett, D.R., Erwin, P.C., Fitzhugh, E.C., Frederick, V., Wolff, D.L., & Welch, W.A. Policies to increase youth physical activity in school and community settings. Research Digest, 14(1), 1-10.
Ceaser, T., Thompson, D.L., Bassett, D.R., & Fitzhugh, E.C. (2013). Association of Physical Activity, Fitness, and Race: NHANES 1999-2004. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(2), 286-293.
Bassett, D.R., Fitzhugh, E.C., Heath, G.W., Erwin, P.C., Frederick, G.M., Wolff, D.L., Welch, W.A., & Stout, A.B. (2013). Estimated energy expenditure for school-based policies and active living. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 44(2), 108-113.
Hardin, R., Fitzhugh, E.C., & Marabito, T, (2012). Examining satisfaction in collegiate physical activity classes and intent for future participation. Global Journal of Health and Physical Education Pedagogy, 1(4), 334-347.
Maples, J.M., Fitzhugh, E.C., Costello, C., Moustaid-Moussa, N, Bassett, D.R., Spence, M.L., & Greer, B. (2012). Physical activity, screen time, and prevalence of overweight/obesity among adolescents in a creative, problem-solving program. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 3, 568-578, doi:10.4236/fns.2012.34079..
Churilla, J.C., Fitzhugh, E.C. (2012). Total physical activity volume, physical activity intensity, and metabolic syndrome: 1999-2004 NHANES. Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, 10(1), 70-76.
Burchfield, R., Fitzhugh, E.C., & Bassett, D.R. (2012). The association of physical activity with weather-related factors on an urban greenway. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 9(2), 188-197.
Steeves, J. A., Bassett, D.R., Thompson, D.L., & Fitzhugh, E.C. (2012). Occupational and Non-Occupational Physical Activity are Inversely Associated with Abdominal Obesity. International Journal of Obesity, 36, 100-106.
Wolff, D.L. & Fitzhugh, E.C. (2011). The Relationships between Weather-Related Factors and Daily Outdoor Physical Activity Counts on an Urban Greenway. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,8(2), 579-589;doi:10.3390/ijerph8020579.
Fitzhugh, E.C., Bassett, D.R., & Evans, M.R. (2010). Impact of an urban greenway/trail on non-motorized neighborhood physical activity and active commuting to school: A natural experiment. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 39(3),259-262.
Erwin, P., Fitzhugh, E.C., Brown, K, (2010). Health disparities in rural area: An interaction of race, socioeconomic status, and geography. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and the Underserved, 21(3), 931-945
Fitzhugh, E.C. & Thompson, D.L. (2009). Leisure-time walking and compliance with ACSM/CDC aerobic-related physical activity recommendations: 1999-2004 NHANES. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 6(4), 393-402.
Churilla, J.C.& Fitzhugh, E.C. (2009). Relationship between leisure-time physical activity and metabolic syndrome using varying definitions: 1999-2004 NHANES. Diabetes and Vascular Disease Research, 6(2), 100-109.
Brown, K., Fitzhugh, E.C., Neutens, J.J., & Klein, D.A. (2009). Screening mammography utilization in Tennessee women: The association with residence. Journal of Rural Health, 25(2), 167-173.
Fitzhugh, E.C., Klein, D.A., & Hayes, G. (2008). Leisure-time physical activity participation among older adults: Implications for therapeutic recreation specialists. Annals in Therapeutic Recreation, 16, 117-128.
Churilla, J.C., Fitzhugh, E.C., & Thompson, D.L. (2007). The metabolic syndrome: How definition impacts prevalence and risk in U.S. adults: 1999-2004 NHANES. Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, 5(4), 331-341.