Lauren von Klinggraeff, PhD
Assistant Professor Augusta University
- Augusta GA
Dr. von Klinggraeff's research focuses on improving children’s cardiovascular health.
Multimedia
Social
Biography
Areas of Expertise
Education
University of South Carolina
Ph.D.
Exercise Science
2023
University of Colorado Health
MPH
Public Health
2019
Bethany College
B.A.
Biology/Biological Sciences
2013
Affiliations
- International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity Implementation and Scalability Special Intrest Group : Committee Member
Media Appearances
School of Public Health assistant professor addressing childhood obesity
Augusta University News online
2025-04-08
“What’s unique about the Career Development Award is that it’s not only an opportunity to move my science forward and support children’s health, but it’s a vote of confidence in my future potential as a researcher,” said von Klinggraeff, an assistant professor in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health Sciences of Augusta University’s School of Public Health. “It’s incredibly validating but also incredibly intimidating. I keep thinking, ‘I can’t believe this is really happening.’ To receive my first grant as faculty is such a big milestone.”
Articles
Examining predictors of scale-up penalty in preliminary studies of health behavior interventions and subsequent larger trials: a meta-epidemiological review of diverse fields
Pilot and Feasibility Studies2026
Scale-up penalty, a common phenomenon in which the promising effects found in early preliminary studies are substantially reduced when evaluated in a subsequent larger trial, can stall the advancement of health behavior interventions. In obesity-related behavioral interventions, changes to key features between a preliminary study and subsequent larger trials inflate scale-up penalty. The purpose of this study is to examine whether changes in intervention features occur in other behavioral disciplines that utilize a similar developmental continuum wherein smaller-scale preliminary studies inform larger-scale trials, and whether changes in key features inflate scale-up penalty.
Ending publication bias: A values-based approach to surface null and negative results
PLoS Biology2025
Sharing knowledge is a basic tenet of the scientific community, yet publication bias arising from the reluctance or inability to publish negative or null results remains a long-standing and deep-seated problem, albeit one that varies in severity between disciplines and study types. Recognizing that previous endeavors to address the issue have been fragmentary and largely unsuccessful, this Consensus View proposes concrete and concerted measures that major stakeholders can take to create and incentivize new pathways for publishing negative results. Funders, research institutions, publishers, learned societies, and the research community all have a role in making this an achievable norm that will buttress public trust in science.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of combined cognitive-behavioral therapy and physical activity and exercise interventions for pediatric chronic disease
Journal of Pediatric Psychology2025
Cognitive-behavioral (CBT) interventions combined with either a physical activity (CBT+PA) or exercise intervention (CBT+Ex) are becoming more common in pediatric populations. Considering the independent effects of PA and exercise on health and psychological outcomes, it is unclear whether CBT alone differs from CBT+PA or CBT+Ex in efficacy. The main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was to assess the efficacy of CBT+PA and CBT+Ex interventions in pediatric chronic disease.
Family and home environment predictors of children’s 24-hour movement guideline adherence: a mixed-methods study
Childhood Obesity2025
During summer, children may meet fewer 24 hours Movement Guidelines (24 hr-MGs) [moderate-vigorous physical activity (PA): ≥60 minutes/day, screen time: ≤2 hours/day, sleep: 9–11 hours/day) compared with the school year. Structured environments within community settings (e.g., summer programs) support guideline adherence. Information about the relationship between structured home environments and 24 hr-MGs is needed. This mixed-methods study examined which features of the family, home, and community environment supported children in meeting 24 hr-MGs during the school year and summer.
Are Sports The Catalyst For MVPA Benefits In Out Of School Programs? A Moderation Analysis In Elementary-aged Children: 2140
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise2024
The structured days hypothesis (SDH) suggests when children are in structured environments, they have healthier movement behaviors, including more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Out of school programs (OSPs) are a popular form of structured environments, and there is evidence that participation in these OSPs is associated with higher MVPA in elementary-aged children; however, it is not clear if sports are the primary driver of the association between OSPs and MVPA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether attending sports programs moderates the effect between OSPs and MVPA in elementary-aged children.
