Our Findings

Publications

Click on the images (to view an infographic summary) or titles (to view the original article) below to learn about what Dr. St. Laurent and colleagues have recently published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Characterizing device-measured sleep in observational health research using compositional data analysis: a systematic review

Physical Activity and Sleep, Knowledge and Perceptions of Child Movement Behaviours and Childcare Practices Among Home Providers: A Survey Study

Sleep and Movement Behaviours in Preschool Children: A Cross-Sectional Study With Compositional Data Analysis

Relations between 24-h movement behaviors, declarative memory, and hippocampal volume in early childhood

Associations of activity, sedentary, and sleep behaviors with cognitive and social‑emotional health in early childhood

Influence of naps on movement behaviors in preschoolers infographic

Influence of naps on sedentary time and physical activity in early childhood

Daily Nap Sleep and Activity Levels infographic

Temporal associations between actigraphy-measured daytime movement behaviors and nap sleep in early childhood

Daily links between physical activity and sleep in preschoolers infographic

Temporal relationships between device derived sedentary behavior, physical activity, and sleep in early childhood

Physical activity and sleep in early childhood infographic

A systematic review of the relationships between physical activity and sleep in early childhood

Physical activity, fitness, school readiness, and cognition in early childhood: A systematic review

Cross-sectional associations of 24 hour sedentary time, physical activity, and sleep duration compositions with sleep quality and habits in preschoolers

Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a recess-based fitness intervention in elementary school children

Effect of a school-based physical activity intervention on number and letter recognition in preschoolers

Suspension training for children's fitness infographic

Effect of a suspension-trainer-based movement program on measures of fitness and functional movement in children

Additional Co-Authored Publications

Kiely KP, Brazendale K, Hill M, Burkart S, Beets MW, Adams EL, Armstrong, B, St. Laurent, C, Hogan, A, White, JW, Finnegan, O, Culverhouse, J, Holmes, A, and Weaver, G. (2026). Obesogenic behaviors during structured periods among children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2026 Dec 1;23(1).

Johnson BJ, Chappel SE, Shaw S, Lawlor ER, Barrett S, Wilson K, St. Laurent CW, Caldwell, H, Bruins, BA, Burkart, S, Willmott, TJ, Lee, D, and Verswijveren, SJJM. Contemporary challenges, needs and opportunities for emerging behavioral nutrition and physical activity researchers: a mixed-methods study. (2025). International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 22(94).

Kracht, C. L., Burkart, S., Groves, C. I., Balbim, G. M., Pfledderer, C. D., Porter, C. D., St. Laurent, C. W., Johnson, E. K., & Brown, D. M. Y. (2024). 24-hour movement behavior adherence and associations with health outcomes: an umbrella review. Journal of Activity, Sedentary and Sleep Behaviors, 3(1), 25.

Brown, D. M. Y., Burkart, S., Groves, C. I., Balbim, G. M., Pfledderer, C. D., Porter, C. D., St. Laurent, C., Johnson, E. K., & Kracht, C. L. (2024). A systematic review of research reporting practices in observational studies examining associations between 24-h movement behaviors and indicators of health using compositional data analysis. Journal of Activity, Sedentary and Sleep Behaviors, 3(1), 23.

Burkart, S, Beets, MW, Pfledderer, CD, von Klinggraeff, L, Zhu X, van Hees, VT, Weaver, RG, Armstrong B, St. Laurent, CW, and Adams, EL (2023). Are parent-reported sleep logs essential? A comparison of three approaches to guide open source accelerometry-based nocturnal sleep processing in children. Journal of Sleep Research, e14112.

Wagner, KA, St Laurent CW, Pekow, P, Marcus, B, Rosal, MC, Braun, B, Manson, JE, Whitcomb, BW, Sievert, LL, and Chasan-Taber, L (2023). The impact of a lifestyle intervention on postpartum cardiometabolic risk factors among Hispanic women with abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy: secondary analysis of a randomized trial. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 21(1):40-50.

Alhassan, S, Cox., M, St. Laurent, CW, Burkart, S, Amalbert-Birriel, MA, Sudarsky, LM. (2021). Understanding the perceptions, practices, and barriers of physical activity opportunities in toddler classroom: A qualitative study in toddler childcare provider. International Journal of Early Childhood, 53(3):315-331.

Lokhandwala, S, Holmes, JF, Mason, GM, St Laurent, CW, Delvey, C, Hanron, O, Andre, C, Rodheim, K, Kaur, S, and Spencer RMC. (2021). Sleep and coping in early childhood during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Pediatrics. 9:716608.

Holmes, JF, St. Laurent, CW, and Spencer, RMC. Unhealthy diet is associated with poor sleep in preschool-aged children. (2021). The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 182(5):289-303.

Alhassan, S, St. Laurent, CW, Burkart, C, Greever, C, and Ahmadi, A. (2019). Feasibility of integrating physical activity into early education learning standards on preschooler’s physical activity levels. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 16(2): 101-107.

Alhassan, S, Nwaokelemeh, O, Greever, C, Burkart, S, Ahmadi, A, St. Laurent, CW, and Barr-Anderson, DJ. (2018). Effect of a culturally-tailored mother-daughter physical activity intervention on pre-adolescent African American girls’ physical activity levels. Preventative Medicine Reports, 11: 7-14.

Alhassan, S, St. Laurent, CW, and Burkart, S. (2018). Preschool-based physical activity interventions in African-American and Latino preschoolers: A literature review. Kinesiology Review, 7: 142-150.

Burkart, S, St. Laurent CW, and Alhassan, S. (2017). Process evaluation of a culturally-tailored physical activity intervention in African-American mother-daughter dyads. Preventative Medicine Reports, 8: 88-92.

Ferrara, C, St. Laurent, C, & Wilson, T. (2008). The benefits of a weight loss contest in overweight and obese college students. Recreational Sports Journal, 32: 45-51.

St. Laurent Conference Poster Presentations

St. Laurent, CW, Durant, M, Toole, E, Horger, MN, Woodman, AC, Kiely, K, Fisher, M, and Burkart, S (2025, Nov). Effects of behavioral interventions on sleep and health outcomes in preschool children with developmental delays, disabilities, or disorders: a systematic review. Poster presentation at the Pediatric Sleep Medicine Meeting, Hilton Head, SC.

St Laurent, CW, Balbim, GM, Brown, D, Kracht, CL, Pfledderer, CD, Groves, CI, Holesovsky, CD, Randolph, GAT, Rodheim, K,** and Burkart, S (2025, June). Characterizing Device-Measured Sleep in Observational Health Research Using Compositional Data Analysis: A Systematic Review. Poster presentation at the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Annual Meeting, Auckland, New Zealand.

St. Laurent, CW, Horger, MN, Mooney, L, Riggins, T, and Spencer, RMC (2024, Sept). Influences of physical activity and sleep on brain volume in early childhood. Poster presentation at the Flux Congress, Baltimore, MD.

St. Laurent, CW, Kang, J,* and Tran, C.* (2024, April). Sleep behaviors, perceptions, and practices among home and family childcare providers in western Massachusetts. Poster presentation at the International Pediatric Sleep Medicine Conference, Glasgow, Scotland.

St. Laurent, CW, Riggins, T, Lokhandwala, S, and Spencer, RMC. (2023, November). Relations between sleep compositions and physical activity in early childhood. Poster presentation at the Pediatric Sleep Medicine Conference, Hilton Head, SC.

St. Laurent, CW, Lokhandwala, S, Allard, T, Paluch, A, Riggins, T, and Spencer, RMC. (2023, June). Physical activity and the development of declarative memory and hippocampal volume in early childhood. Poster presentation at the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Annual Meeting, Uppsala, Sweden.

St. Laurent, CW, and Spencer, RMC. (2023, June). Effects of acute physical activity bouts on declarative memory in preschool children. Poster presentation at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Denver, CO.

St. Laurent, CW, Holmes, J F, and Spencer, RMC. (2022, June). Temporal associations between actigraphy-measured daytime movement behaviors and daytime sleep in early childhood. Poster presentation at the SLEEP Annual Meeting, Charlotte, NC.

St. Laurent, CW, Lokhandwala, S, Allard, T, Ji, A, Riggins, T, and Spencer, RMC. (2022, April). Relations between wake behaviors, naps, and movement behaviors in early childhood. Recorded spotlight presentation at the Society of Behavioral Medicine Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD.

St. Laurent, CW, Holmes, J, Andre, C, and Spencer, RMC. (2021, June). Temporal and bidirectional associations between objectively measured physical activity and sleep in preschoolers. Poster presentation at the SLEEP Annual Meeting, Virtual.

St. Laurent, CW and Spencer, RMC. (2021, June). Associations between meeting global 24-hour movement guidelines and temperament and vocabulary development in preschoolers. Poster presentation at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Virtual.

St. Laurent, CW and Spencer, RMC. (2021, April). Compliance with global 24-hour movement behavior guidelines and associations with sleep quality and problems in preschoolers. Poster presentation at the Society of Behavioral Medicine Annual Meeting, Virtual (Meritorious Abstract recipient).

St. Laurent, CW, Lokhandwala, S, Allard, T, Minsun, A, Riggins, T, and Spencer, RMC. (2021, March). Associations between 24-hour behavior compositions, memory and hippocampal volume in preschoolers. Poster presentation at the Society for Research in Child Development Biennial Meeting, Virtual.

St. Laurent, CW, Mason, G, Holmes, J, and Spencer, RMC. (2021, February). Relations between nap habituality and sedentary time, physical activity, and 24-hour behaviors in early childhood. Poster presentation at the International Pediatric Sleep Association Online Meeting, Virtual.

St. Laurent, CW and Spencer, RMC. (2020, October). Associations between meeting global 24-hour movement guidelines and temperament and vocabulary development in preschoolers. Poster presentation at the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine 2020 Fall Meeting, Virtual.

St. Laurent, CW and Spencer, RMC. (2020, August). The association of habitual physical activity with 24-hour sleep outcomes in preschoolers. Poster presentation at the SLEEP Annual Meeting, Virtual.

St. Laurent, CW, Rodheim, K, and Spencer, RMC. (2020, June). A systematic review of the relationships between physical activity and sleep in youth. Poster presentation at the Society of Behavioral Medicine Annual Meeting, Virtual.

St. Laurent, CW, Burkart, S, and Alhassan, S. (2019, May). Efficacy of a recess-based intervention on academic and health outcomes in elementary school children. Poster presentation at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL.

St. Laurent, CW, Burkart, S, and Alhassan, S. (2018, June). Evaluation of the implementation of an academically-integrated intervention targeting obesity-related health behaviors in preschool-age children. Poster presentation at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN.

St. Laurent, CW, Burkart, S, and Alhassan, S. (2017, June). Effect of a physical activity intervention on letter and number recognition in preschoolers. Poster presentation at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Denver, CO

St. Laurent, C, Masteller, R, St. Laurent, T, Bigelow, C, and Sirard, J. (2015, October). Effect of a suspension-trainer based movement program on performance and functional movement in youth. Poster presentation at the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine Fall Conference, Providence, RI.

St. Laurent, C, Greever, C, Nwaokelemeh, O, Burkart, S, Ahmadi, M, and Alhassan, S. (2014, November). Examination of physical activity assessment methods on psychological factors in African-American women. Poster presentation at the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine Fall Conference, Providence, RI.

Student Conference Poster Presentations

Anand, V and St Laurent, CW (April 2026). Do 24-hour Movement Behaviors Differ in 3- to 5-Year-Old Children with Developmental Delays and Typical Development? Poster presentation at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

Amack, A, Fisher, M, and St. Laurent, CW (April 2026). Associations Between Sleep Health, Performance Anxiety, and Mental Burnout in Adolescent Athletes. Poster presentations at the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences 2026 Research Day and the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

Applebaum, JA, Durant, M, Toole, M, Horger, MN, Woodman, AC, Kiely, K, Fisher, M, Burkart, S, and St Laurent, CW (April 2026). Effects of Behavioral Interventions on Sleep and Health Outcomes in Preschool Children with Developmental Delays, Disabilities, or Disorders: A Systematic Review. Poster presentations at the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences 2026 Research Day and at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

Fandy, M, Fisher, M, and St Laurent, CW (April 2026). Feasibility and Acceptability of Assessing Electroencephalography and Cognition Following Acute Bouts of Physical Activity in Preschool Children. Poster presentations at the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences 2026 Research Day and at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

Los, B, Fisher, M, and St Laurent, CW (April 2026). Compliance with the World Health Organization 24-Hr Movement Behavior Guidelines in Preschool Children in Western Massachusetts (SUNRISE STUDY). Poster presentations at the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences 2026 Research Day and at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

Meehan, H and St Laurent, CW (April 2026). Examining associations between sociodemographic factors and 24-hour movement behaviors in preschool-age children. Poster presentation at the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences 2026 Research Day.

Nguyen, J and St Laurent, CW (April 2026). Associations between 24-hour Movement Behaviors and Working Memory in Preschool Children. Poster presentation at the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences 2026 Research Day.

Salvati, G and St Laurent, CW (April 2026). Associations of Socioeconomic Factors and Sedentary Behaviors in Preschool Children. Poster presentation at the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences 2026 Research Day and the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

Fisher, M, St Laurent, CW, and Paluch, A. (2025, Oct). The Effects of Self-Talk Training on Putting Performance in Amateur Golfers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Poster presentation at the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine Fall Meeting, Springfield, MA.

Collins, E and St Laurent CW (April 2025). The Relations between Teacher Movement Promotion Practices and Perceptions on Physical Activity Levels, Perceived Support, and Efficacy in Adolescents. Poster presentation at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

Dave, N, Francis, L, and St Laurent CW (April 2025). The Influence of Athletics and Schedules on Sleep Health and 24-hour Movement Behaviors in Adolescents. Poster presentation at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

Murphy, S and St Laurent CW (April 2025). Impact of Acute Physical Activity and Sleep on Inhibitory Control and Attention in Preschool Children. Poster presentation at the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences 2025 Research Day.

Cacciola, S, Burkart, S, Toole, E, Horger, M, Woodman, A, Kiely, K, Fandy, M, Fisher, M, Freedman, S, Johnson, E, Salvati, G, Rosas, L, and St Laurent CW (April 2025). Exploring 24-Hour Movement Behaviors in Preschool Children with and without Developmental Delays, Disabilities, or Disorders: A Scoping Review. Poster presentations at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference and the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences 2025 Research Day.

Karim, H and St Laurent CW (April 2025). Effects of Physical Activity on Overnight Sleep Quality and Sleep Pressure in Early Childhood. Poster presentations at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference and the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences 2025 Research Day.

Amara Menjivar Porrata, C and St Laurent CW (April 2025). Effects of Enhanced Physical Activity on Declarative Memory in Early Childhood: A Randomized Cross-over Study. Poster presentation at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

Cousins, D, Salvati, G, Cacciola, S, and St Laurent CW (2025, April). Compliance with 24-hour Movement Behavior Guidelines in Preschool Children and Associations with Socio-demographic Factors. Poster presentation at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference and the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences 2025 Research Day.

Salvati, G, Cousins, D, and St Laurent CW (2025, April). Associations of Socioeconomic Factors and Sedentary Behaviors in Preschool Children. Poster presentation at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

Alexandra, E and St Laurent, CW (2025, April). The Associations of Physical Activity Structure on Cognition and 24-Hour Movement Behaviors in Preschool Children: A Cross-Sectional Study. Poster presentation at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

Freedman, S, Spencer, RMC, and St Laurent CW (2025, April), Associations of Consecutive Short Sleep Duration and Physical Activity in Preschool Children. Poster presentation at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

Fandy, M, Holmes, JF, Spencer, MC, and St Laurent, CW (2024, Oct). Socio-demographic and parenting correlates of 24-hour behavior compositions in preschool children. Poster presentation at the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine, Springfield, MA.

Cousins, D, Fandy, M, Spencer, RMC, and St. Laurent, CW (2024, May). Relations between socio-demographic factors and 24-hour movement behavior guideline compliance in preschool children. Poster presentation at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Boston, MA.

Fandy, M, Cousins, D, Spencer, RMC, and St. Laurent, CW (2024, May). Socio-demographic modifiers in relations between 24-hour behavior guideline compliance and receptive vocabulary in preschool children. Poster presentation at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, Boston, MA.

Cousins, D, Fandy, M, Spencer, RMC, and St. Laurent, CW (2024, April). Relations between socio-demographic factors and 24-hour movement behavior guideline compliance in preschool children. Poster presentation at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

Fandy, M, Cousins, D, Spencer, RMC, and St. Laurent, CW (2024, April). Socio-demographic modifiers in relations between 24-hour behavior guideline compliance and receptive vocabulary in preschool children. Poster presentation at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

Tran, C, Kang, J, and St. Laurent, CW (2024, April). Understanding family childcare providers' knowledge and practices relating to children's 24-hour movement behaviors. Poster presentation at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference.

Benny, M, Spencer, RMC, and St. Laurent, CW (2024, April). Associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and sleep in preschool children. Poster presentation at the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences 2024 Research Day.

Karim, H, Spencer, RMC, and St. Laurent, CW (2024, April). Effects of physical activity on episodic memory in young children. Poster presentation at the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences 2024 Research Day.

Teh, O, Spencer, RMC, and St. Laurent, CW (2024, April). Effect of active story time on visuospatial memory in preschool children. Poster presentation at the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences 2024 Research Day.