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University of Southern California

Michael I Goran, PhD
Professor of Preventive Medicine & Physiology and Biophysics
Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California

 

Current Research Studies

  1. ViCTory project: This is a Longitudinal study of how changes in body composition and visceral fat affect changes in insulin sensitivity during growth and maturation. We have been following a cohort of African American and Caucasian children in Birmingham, Alabama since 1994 with annual measures of total body fat, visceral fat and insulin sensitivity.
  2. SOLAR project: SOLAR (Study of Latino Adolescents at Risk of diabetes) is longitudinal study in obese Hispanic children with a positive family history of type 2 diabetes being conducted in Los Angeles. We are following a cohort of 200 children during growth to examine the natural history and etiology of the development of type 2 diabetes.
  3. IMPACT project: This is a school based intervention study. We have developed an interactive learning game called IMPACT (Interactive Media Promoting ACTivity) for promoting physical activity in 4th grade children. IMPACT is a CD-ROM adventure learning game that has been developed in conjunction with a group of writers, animators and programmers. We are currently testing the effects of this new learning game on increasing physical activity in a school based study. Click here to view samples of IMPACT.
  4. STEALTH project: STEALTH (Strength Training Exercise in Adolescent Latino to improve Health) is a 4-month intervention study in overweight Latino boys. We are examining the effects of 4-months of strength training on improvements in body composition, visceral fat, intramyocellular lipid and glucose regulation. This study is being conducted in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club of Los Angeles. To see pictures of the official opening of the new weight training facility click here.
  5. ALAS project: ALAS (Adolescent Latinos Adjusting Sugar) is a 12-wwek intervention study in overweight Latino girls. We have developed a novel educational program aimed at healthy dietary exchanges to promote reduced sugar intake and higher fiber and complex carbohydrate intake in overweight Hispanic girls. We are comparing the effects of this 12 week program being delivered in a group class setting versus in the home environment. This project is funded by the Dr Robert C Atkins Foundation