Weiyun Chen, PhD

Dr. Weiyun Chen is associate professor of Applied Exercise Science and director of the Physical Activity and Health Laboratory at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology.

Dr. Chen’s research focuses on developing, implementing, and evaluating technology-enhanced physical activity interventions to promote physical activity behaviors, cognition, mental health, and psychological well-being across the lifespan. As a principal investigator (PI), Dr. Chen has secured extramural funding from sources such as U.S. Department of Education, and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Dr. Chen and her research team have conducted research studies, including:

• Investigating the effects of school-based physical activity interventions on improving students’ motor skill competency, physical fitness, physical activity behaviors, and mental well-being.
• Examining the impact of different types of physical activities on improving the cardiometabolic health, physical fitness, mental health and psychological well-being in college students and middle-aged adults.
• Assessing the effectiveness of technology-enhanced physical activity interventions in promoting cognitive functions, physical function, physical activity behaviors, and psychological well-being in older adults.

Dr. Chen has conducted over 120 research presentations at international and national conferences, delivered 68 invited presentation and keynote speaking both nationally and internationally, and led 43 teacher training workshops. She has authored one book, three book chapters, and 107 peer-reviewed research articles in journals such as BMC Geriatrics, BMC Public Health, Journal of Affective Disorders, Journal of American College Health, and Journal of Sports and Health Science.

Dr. Chen is associate editor for Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (since 2013) and served as guest editors for several peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Chen is currently serving as article collection guest advisor on Healthy Lifestyle Interventions: Impacts on Health, Cognition, Epigenetics, and Physical and Psycho-Social Functioning for the journal: Annals of Medicine. Submission deadline is July 1, 2027. See details for more information.