Simon Marshall, PhD

Dr. Marshall is an Associate Professor of Exercise and Nutritional Science at San Diego State University. He also serves as a senior research scientist in the center for Behavioral and Community Health Studies, and is adjunct research faculty at the San Diego Prevention Research Center, both in the Graduate School of Public Health at SDSU.

Dr. Marshall has a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Exercise Science, and a Ph.D. in Exercise Psychology. He completed his post-doctoral training in physical activity and public health at the British Heart Foundation National Research Center at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom. Dr. Marshall has over 14 years of experience in designing and implementing physical activity measurement and intervention research. He has served as a measurement specialist on multiple NIH-funded projects, including projects SPARK (Sport, Play and Active Recreation for Kids), M-SPAN (Middle School Physical Activity & Nutrition), and GRAD (Graduate Ready for Activity Daily). Most recently, he served as PI on a CDC-funded physical activity measurement and intervention program involving pedometers to increase levels of physical activity among Latino adults.

Using a community-based participatory research model, Dr. Marshall and his team of 25 Promotores and bilingual SDSU students developed a Spanish language physical activity program, PASOS ADELANTE! ("Step Ahead!"). PASOS ADELANTE! is a culturally sensitive physical activity program run entirely by community members in schools and local libraries that donate space and resources for groups to meet. Instead of structured exercise classes, PASOS ADELANTE! focuses first on developing social connectedness and group identity through which physical activity then becomes an integral component. The effectiveness of the PASOS ADELANTE! program for reducing risk of cardiovascular disease among Latinos is now being tested in a randomized controlled trial.

Pasos Adelante! Project Press Coverage:

• Really?: Exercise: A Pace for Fitness: 100 Steps a Minute
• 100 Steps a Minute Equals Moderate Exercise
• Researchers define 'moderate' exercise
• How much exercise is 'moderate'?
• Walkers should aim for 100 steps per minute