Research History

Physical inactivity continues to be a major public health burden. In order to monitor physical activity (PA) levels as well as target and evaluate PA interventions it is imperative to accurately assess PA levels in free-living individuals. This has proven to be somewhat problematic as PA is a complex behavior with numerous components (e.g. intensity, duration, mode, and pattern). Most of the early research I was involved in concerned the evaluation of various PA assessment methods (i.e. PA surveys and the Caltrac accelerometer). We were able to provide reliability and validity information for a variety of well-known PA surveys (Richardson et al., 1993; 1995; 2001) and an early motion sensor (Caltrac accelerometer) (Richardson et al., 1995).

  • Richardson, M.T., Ainsworth, B.E., Jacobs Jr., D.R., Leon, A.S. (2001).  Validation of the Stanford Seven Day Recall to assess habitual physical activity.  Annals of Epidemiology  11:145-153.
  • Richardson, M.T., Ainsworth, B.E., Wu, H.C., Jacobs, Jr., D.R., Leon, A.S. (1995).  Ability of the ARIC/Baecke questionnaire to assess leisure-time physical activity.  International Journal of Epidemiology  24:685-93.
  • Richardson, M.T., Jacobs, Jr., D.R., Ainsworth, B.E., Serfass, R., Leon, A.S. (1993).  Evaluation of the Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire.  Journal of Clinical Epidemiology  47:271-81.
  • Richardson, M.T., Leon, A.S., Jacobs, Jr., D.R., Ainsworth, B.E., Serfass, R. (1995). Ability of the Caltrac accelerometer to assess daily physical activity levels.  Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation   15:107-13.

Continued research efforts concerning PA assessment included studying different populations and evaluating intra-individual variability in PA. We evaluated the reliability and validity of a well-known PA survey designed to assess PA in older individuals (Schuler et al., 2001). Also we investigated PA levels in a large sample of adolescents (Richardson et al., 1999). Finally, I have been involved in research efforts that evaluated intra-individual variability in PA in younger/middle-age (Levin et al., 1999) and older (Emplaincourt et al., 1999) adults.

  • Schuler, P.B., Richardson, M.T., Emplaincourt, P., Wang, MQ (2001). Accuracy and repeatability of the Yale Physical Activity Survey to assess physical activity in older adults.  Perceptual and Motor Skills 93:163-177.
  • Richardson, M.T., Nagy, S. (1999). Ten-Year Physical activity trends in adolescents:  Consideration of gender and ethnicity. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport 70 Suppl.: A44 (Abstract).
  • Levin, S., Jacobs, D.R., Jr., Ainsworth, B.E., Richardson, M.T., Leon, A.S. (1999). Intra-individual variation and estimates of usual physical activity.  Annals of Epidemiology 9(8):481-488.
  • Emplaincourt, P., Richardson, M.T., Schuler, P.B., Wang, M.Q. (1999). Intra-individual variation in daily physical activity levels in older adults.  Journal of Aging and Physical Activity 7(3):270 (Abstract).

More recently my focus has included the assessment of PA by motion sensors (accelerometers and pedometers) for determination of health outcomes (primarily obesity), validation, descriptive, and intervention purposes. We investigated the relationship between youth body mass index (BMI) and several parent and child factors (Hooper et al., 2010). Also we compared steps/day to BMI in sedentary employed women with at least one component of the metabolic syndrome (Geary et al., 2011). We evaluated the validity of wheelchair-mounted accelerometers for measurement of PA (Gendle et al., 2012). We assessed PA (by accelerometer) in a small sample of Amish (Fowler et al., 2013). Finally, We used accelerometers to assess the effects of a community based participatory research physical activity intervention for underserved children (Hamilton et al., 2015).
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  • Hooper, L.M., Richardson, M., Knol, L.L., White-Chapman, N., Qu, L., Hannah, N.J. (2010). Associations Among Health Factors, Sociodemographic Characteristics, and Body Mass Index Across Two Generations. Contemporary Family Therapy 32:320–334.
  • Geary, C.L., Richardson, M.T., Jacobson, S., Leeper, J., Laurent, M. (2011). BMI and steps taken in women with at least one component of the metabolic syndrome. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 43:5 Suppl.: S546 (Abstract).
  • Gendle, S.C., Richardson, M.T., Leeper, J., Bishop, P.A., Hardin, L.B., Green, M. (2012). Wheelchair-Mounted Accelerometers for Measurement of Physical Activity. Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation:  Assistive Technology 7(2):139-48.
  • Fowler, R.C., Richardson, M.T., Hodges, C.J., Wingo, J.E. (2013). A Description of Physical Activity Levels within the Amish Community. Presented at the 141st American Public Health Association annual  meeting, November, Boston, MA.
  • Hamilton, K.C., Richardson, M., Wingo, J.,FACSM, Bishop, P. Bissell, T. Owens,T., Higginbotham, J.C. (2015). Community Based Participatory Research: An Innovative Approach to Designing a Physical Activity Intervention for Underserved Children. Proceedings of the forty-third annual meeting of the Southeast Regional Chapter of American College of Sports Medicine (SEACSM), #P62, pg. 62.

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Selected Recent Research Pursuits:

Publications

Zagdsuren, B., Barefoot, N., Aguiar, E.J., Gable, P., Wind, S., Richardson, M.T., Macdonald, H.V. (2025). Interaction between automatic evaluation, reflective processes, and inhibition control in predicting physical activity behavior. Acta Psyhologica (In Review).

Metoyer, C. J., Sullivan, K., Winchester, L. J., Richardson, M.T., Esco, M. R., Fedewa, M. V. (2025). Agreement between body composition estimates using a 2D imaging system across different body positions and days. Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, Published Online:12/07/2024, https://doi.org/10.1080/1091367X.2024.2434232.

Sanders, R.M., MacDonald, H.V., Higginbotham, J.C., Richardson, M.T., Lerma, N.L., Fedewa, M.V. (2025). Reallocating sedentary time to sleep or physical activity: associations with BMI in college students. Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, 10(1):1-8.

Stone, T., Burnash, S.G., Earley, R.L., Mulholland, A.M., Yoder, H., MacDonald, H.V., Richardson, M.T., Wingo, J.E. (2025). Metabolic heat production modulates cardiovascular drift and maximal oxygen uptake independent of cardiorespiratory fitness. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise 57(1):181-191

Aldrich, E.K., Sullivan,K., Wingo, J.E., Esco, M.R., Leeper, J., Richardson, M.T., Winchester, L.J., Fedewa, M.V. (2024). The effect of resisted sprint training on initial sprint speed: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Exercise Science, 17(6):986–1002.

Zheng, P., MacDonald, H.V., Richardson, M.T., Man, K., McDonough, I., Aguiar, E.J. (2024). Acute effects of cadence-controlled walking on cognition and vascular function in physically inactive older adults: a randomized cross-over study. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 32:751-760.

Metoyer, C. J., Sullivan, K., Winchester, L. J., Richardson, M.T., Esco, M. R., Fedewa, M. V. (2024). Body composition estimates using a 2D image analysis system across different environmental conditions: An agreement study Journal of Biophotonics 17(4).

​Threadgill, H., Zagdsuren, B., MacDonald, H.V., Richardson, M.T., Gable, P. (2020). Frontal Asymmetry: A Novel Biomarker for Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Psychophysiology 57(10) e13633.

​Hamilton, K.C., Richardson, M.T., McGraw, S., Owens, T., Higginbotham, J.C. (2019). A controlled evaluation of a CBPR intervention’s effects on physical activity and the related psychosocial constructs among minority children in an underserved community J Phys Act Health. 2019 Nov 6:1-8. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2019-0135. [Epub ahead of print].

​Hamilton K.C., Richardson, M., Owens, T., Morris, T., Hathaway, E.D., Higginbotham, J.C. (2017). A community-based participatory research intervention to promote physical activity among rural children: theory and design. Family and Community Health. 40(1):3-10.

​Mitchell, J. B., Wingo, J. E., Richardson, M. T., Herron, R. L., Bishop, P. A. (2017). Acute metabolic and enjoyment responses of three walking protocols. Journal of Physical Activity Research, 2(1):25-31.

​Hamilton, K.C., Richardson, M., Owens, T, Yerby, L.G., Lucky, F., Higginbotham, J.C. (2017). Using Photovoice to Identify the Physical Activity Practices of Children Residing in Alabama’s Black Belt Region Journal of Community Practice. 25(3-4):488-503.

Abstracts/Presentations

​Sato, M., Chatham, S.A., Aguiar, E.J., Fedewa, M.V., MacDonald, H.V., Richardson, M.T., Wingo, J.E., Crombie, K.M.(2024). Relationships Between Anhedonia-Related Symptom Severity, PTSD Symptom Severity, and Physical Activity Levels in Trauma-Exposed Adults. Accepted for presentation at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, May 27 – 30, Atlanta, GA.

Zagdsuren, B., Barefoot, N.T., Richardson, M.T., MacDonald, H.V. (2024). Automatic Behavioral Tendencies to Conserve Energy. Accepted for presentation at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, May 27 – 30, Atlanta, GA.

Reuben, G. Winchester, L.J., Aguiar, E.J., Saenz, C., Richardson, M.T., Lee, J., MacDonald,  H.V. (2024). The Influence of Chronotype on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health Profiles in Young Adults. Accepted for presentation at the Southeast Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, February 2024, Greenville, SC.

Sato, M., Chatham, S.A., Aguiar, E.J., Fedewa, M.V., MacDonald, H.V., Richardson, M.T., Wingo, J.E., Crombie, K.M.(2024). Relationships Between Anhedonia-Related Symptom Severity, PTSD Symptom Severity, and Physical Activity Levels in Trauma-Exposed Adults. Accepted for presentation at the Southeast Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, February 2024, Greenville,

Zagdsuren, B., Barefoot, N.T., Richardson, M.T., MacDonald, H.V. (2022). Interaction Between Automatic and Reflective Processes in the Prediction of Accelerometer-Derived PA Behaviors. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. Submitted 11/2021. Accepted 02/2022. Presented at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, 5/31–6/4, San Diego, CA.

Barefoot, N.T., Zagdsuren, B., Richardson, M.T., MacDonald, H.V. (2022). Associations Between Cardiovascular Reactivity and Automatic Evaluation of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. Submitted 11/2021. Accepted 02/2022. Presented at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, 5/31–6/4, San Diego, CA.

Zagdsuren, B., Barefoot, N.T., Richardson, M.T., MacDonald, H.V. (2022). Interaction Between Automatic and Reflective Processes in the Prediction of Accelerometer-Derived PA Behaviors. Presented at the Southeast Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, February 2022, Greenville, SC.

Barefoot, N.T., Zagdsuren, B., Richardson, M.T., MacDonald, H.V. (2022). Associations Between Cardiovascular Reactivity and Automatic Evaluation of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors. Presented at the Southeast Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, February 2022, Greenville, SC.

Zagdsuren, B., Clark, M., MacDonald, H.V., Richardson, M.T., (2021). Automatic Evaluation of Exercise, Non-Leisure Time Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. Presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, May, 2021, Virtual.

Zagdsuren, B., Threadgill, H., MacDonald, H.V., Richardson, M.T., Gable, P. (2020). Frontal asymmetry: a potentially novel biomarker for sedentary behavior. Submitted for presentation at the annual meeting of the Southeast American College of Sports Medicine, February, 2020, Jacksonville, FL. (Accepted and Presented).

Zagdsuren, B., Threadgill, H., MacDonald, H.V., Richardson, M.T., Gable, P. (2020). Frontal asymmetry: a potentially novel biomarker for sedentary behavior Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (Accepted). Presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, May, 2020, San Francisco, CA.

Zheng, P., Richardson, M.T., MacDonald, H.V., Zhang, L., Shi, F. (2020). Long term participation in four different sports (Aerobics, Tai-chi, Track and Field and Diabolo): A comparison of fitness measures. Submitted for presentation at the annual meeting of the Southeast American College of Sports Medicine, February, 2020, Jacksonville, FL. (Accepted and Presented).

Zheng, P., Richardson, M.T., MacDonald, H.V., Zhang, L., Shi, F. (2020). Long term participation in four different sports (Aerobics, Tai-chi, Track and Field and Diabolo): A comparison of fitness measures. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (Accepted). Presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, May, 2020, San Francisco, CA.

Sanders, R.M., Fedewa, M.V., MacDonald, H.V., Richardson, M.T., Higginbotham, J.C. (2019). Reallocating Sedentary Time to Sleep or Physically Active Behaviors: Associations with BMI in College Students. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (Abstract). Presented at the annual meeting of the  American College of Sports Medicine, May, 2019, Orlando, FL.

​Zagdsuren, B., Geary, C.L., MacDonald, H.V., Richardson, M.T., Wingo, J.E., FACSM, Bishop, P.A., Leeper, J.D., Conners. F.A. (2018). Relationship between Affective State and Enjoyment of Acute Exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (Abstract). Presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, May, 2018, Minneapolis, MN.

​MacDonald, H.V., Zagdsuren, B., Richardson, M.T., Wingo, J.E., FACSM, Shah, A. (2018). Efficacy of a Newly Developed Phase II Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program in the Rural Southeastern United States. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (Abstract). Presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, May, 2018, Minneapolis, MN.

​Hamilton, K.C., Richardson, M., Wingo, J., Higginbotham J.C. (2017). Effects of a School-Based Intervention on Daily Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity in Rural Children.. Proceedings of the forty-fifth annual meeting of the Southeast Regional Chapter of American College of Sports Medicine (SEACSM), #P238. Presented at the annual meeting of the Southeast American College of Sports Medicine, Greenville, South Carolina, February, 2017.

​Richardson, M.T. (2017). Physical Activity, Obesity, Type II Diabetes, and Exercise Promotion from an Evolutionary Perspective: a Literature Review. Presented at the Southeastern Evolutionary Perspectives Society annual meeting, February 9-11, 2017, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa AL.

​Geary, C., Leeper, J., Wingo, J., Bishop, P., Connors, F., McCombs, K., Richardson, M. (2016). Anxiety and Affective Responses to Acute Moderate Intensity Walking: Effects of Varying Durations. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 30:S1-S210 (Abstract). Presented at the National Strength and Conditioning Association National Conference, July, New Orleans, Louisiana (Nominated for Award).

Cox, M., Richardson, M., (2016). Barriers to exercise/physical activity for adolescents in rural West Alabama. Presented at the 17th Annual Rural Health Conference, Complementary and Integrative medicine: A Whole Person Approach to Healthcare, University of Alabama’s Institute for Rural Health Research, April 27-28, 2016

​Richardson, M.T. (2016). The Physical Activity/Health Relationship from an Evolutionary Perspective: a Literature Review. Presented at the inaugural Southeastern Evolutionary Perspectives Society meeting, February 12-14, 2016, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa AL.

Professional Experience

  • Professor, Department of Kinesiology, The College of Education, The University of Alabama, 2012 – Present.
  • Associate Professor, Human Performance Department, The College of Education, The University of Alabama, 1997-2012.
  • Assistant Professor, Human Performance Department, The College of Education, The University of Alabama, 1991-1997.

Education

  • Ph.D. University of Minnesota,1991, Kinesiology (specialization in Exercise Physiology)
  • M.A. University of California, Davis, 1986, Physical Education (specialization in Exercise Physiology)
  • B.A. California State University, Chico, 1979, Biology; minor in Chemistry

Recognition

  • 2011     W. Ross Palmer Service to Students Award, College of Education, University of Alabama
  • 2016    Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award, University of Alabama Alumni Association
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