Areas of Expertise
Physical Activity Epidemiology and Population Health
Metabolic Syndrome
Clinical Exercise Physiology
Secondary Data Analysis
Education
Towson State University - B.S. Physical Education 1989
Florida International University - M.S. Exercise Physiology 1998
Florida International University - MPH Epidemiology 2003
University of Tennessee - Ph.D. Exercise Physiology / Physical Activity Epidemiology 2007
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention /University of South Carolina - Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Physical Activity and Public Health - 2008
American Heart Association / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology - 2010
Biography
James R. Churilla, Ph.D., MPH, M.S., RCEP, CSCS, FACSM is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology and Physical Activity Epidemiology in the Brooks College of Health at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL. Dr. Churilla is the Graduate Program Director for the MSH in Exercise Science and Chronic Disease. His research focuses on physical activity, metabolic syndrome, and population health. Dr. Churilla is a Fellow and Program Director Certified with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and is currently serving as an At-Large Member for the Clinical Exercise Physiology Association (CEPA) Dr. Churilla is a member of the ACSM, the American Heart Associations Council on Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism, the American College of Epidemiology, the American Physiological Association, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Dr. Churilla and his wife Mirtha have two boys, Cameron and Tyler.
Curriculum Vitae
Awards
Award for Research Excellence - UNF Office of Sponsored Research Award for Funded Research - 2009
Affiliations
American College of Epidemiology
American College of Sports Medicine
Southeast American College of Sports Medicine
American Heart Association
National Strength and Conditioning Association
Fellow - CDC / USC - Physical Activity and Public Health
Fellow - AHA / CDC - Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology
Grants and Contracts Awarded
(2012) - Brooks College of Health Dean’s Research Professorship. Constructing a
Proxy Measure for Metabolic Syndrome Using Cross-Sectional, Population-Based
Survey Data. University of North Florida. (Co-Principal Investigator). $54,000 (Funded).
(2009) - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Behavioral Risk Branch - Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) - Contract. Conducted epidemiological research examining the associations between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and metabolic health utilizing both the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). Three papers were published stemming from this work: 1) Comparing Physical Activity Patterns of Hypertensive and Nonhypertensive U.S. Adults; 2) Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity and Insulin Concentrations in U.S. Adults; and 3) Muscular Strengthening Activity Patterns and Metabolic Health Risk Among U.S. Adults. $15,188.00.
Role: Epidemiologist and Team Leader Ford, E.S. Epidemiologist / Churilla, J.R. (Funded)
Publications & Presentations
REFEREED PUBLICATIONS
Churilla, J.R., Johnson, T.M., Zippel, E.A. Association of Physical Activity Volume and Hypercholesterolemia in U.S. Adults. QJM. doi:10.1093/qjmed/hcs231
Fletcher, B., Magyari, P., Prussak, K., Churilla, J. Physical Training in Patients with Heart Failure. Revista Medica Clinica Las Condes. 23:748-755, 2012
Churilla, J.R., Johnson, T.M., Magyari, P.M., Crouter, S.E. Descriptive Analysis of Resistance Exercise and Metabolic Syndrome. Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical and Research Reviews. 6:42-47, 2012
Magyari, P.M., Churilla, J.R. Association Between Lifting Weights and Metabolic Syndrome: 1999-2004 NHANES. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 26:3113-3117, 2012
Churilla, J.R. An Evidence-Based Review of Exercise and Metabolic Syndrome. Journal of Clinical Exercise Physiology. 1:21-29, 2012
Churilla, J.R., Magyari, P.M., Ford, E.S., Fitzhugh, E.C. Muscular Strengthening Activity Patterns and Metabolic Health Risk Among U.S. Adults: 1999-2004 NHANES. Journal of Diabetes. 4:77-84, 2012
Churilla, J.R., Fitzhugh, E.C. Total Physical Activity Volume, Physical Activity Intensity, and Metabolic Syndrome: 1999-2004 NHANES. Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders. 10:70-76, 2012
Sorace, P., Churilla, J.R., Magyari, P.M. Resistance Training and Hypertension. ACSM Health & Fitness Journal. 16(1), 2012
Churilla, J.R., Ford, E.S. Comparing Physical Activity Patterns of Hypertensive and Nonhypertensive U.S. Adults. American Journal of Hypertension. 9:987-93, 2010
Ford, E., Li, C, Zhao, G., Pearson, W., Tsai, J., Churilla, J.R. Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity, and Concentrations of Insulin Among U.S. adults. Metabolism. 9:1268-75, 2010
Sorace, P., Ronai, P., Churilla, J.R. Peripheral Artery Disease: Exercise is Medicine. ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal. 14(1)23-29, 2010
Churilla, J.R., Fitzhugh, E.C. Relationship Between Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Metabolic Syndrome Using Varying Definitions: 1999-2004 NHANES. Diabetes and Vascular Disease Research. 6:100-109, 2009
Churilla, J.R. The Metabolic Syndrome: The Crucial Role of Exercise Prescription and Diet. ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal. 13:(1)20-26, 2009. Erratum printed in ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal. 13:(2)1-2, 2009
Sorace, P., Ronai, P., Churilla, J.R. Resistance Training for Cardiac Patients: Maximizing Rehabilitation. ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal. 12:22-28, 2008
Churilla, J.R., Zoeller, R.F. Jr. Physical Activity and the Metabolic Syndrome: A Review of the Evidence. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2:118-125, 2008
Crouter, S.E., Churilla, J.R., Bassett, D.R., Jr. Accuracy of the Actiheart for the Measurement of Energy Expenditure. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 62:704- 711, 2008
Churilla, J.R., Fitzhugh, E.C., Thompson, D.L. The Metabolic Syndrome: How Definition Impacts Prevalence and Risk Among U.S. Adults, NHANES 1999-2004. Metabolic Syndrome And Related Disorders. 5:331-341, 2007
Crouter, S.E., Churilla, J.R., Bassett, D.R., Jr. Estimating Energy Expenditure Using Accelerometers. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 98:601-612, 2006
PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS
Snyder, W., Chau, C., Makosch, S., Churilla, J.R. Lipids and Health: A Guide for the Fitness Professional. ACSM’s Certified News. April-June. 21:(2) 2011. PDF
Cassato, N., Churilla, J.R. HIV and Exercise. ACSM’s Certified News. April-June. 19:(2), 2009. PDF
Churilla, J.R. Starting a Personal Training Business. ACSM’s Certified News. April- June. 18:(2), 2008. PDF
MANUSCRIPTS IN REVIEW
Churilla, J.R., Johnson, T.M., Curls, R. Richardson, M.R., Boyer, W.R. Alcohol Consumption Patterns and Metabolic Health Risks in U.S. Adults.
Churilla. J.R., Boyer, W.R., Richardson, M.R., Johnson, T.M. Muscle Strengthening Activity and Insulin Sensitivity in U.S. Adults.
Wolff, D.L., Fitzhugh, E.C., Bassett, D.R., Churilla, J.R. Objectively Measured Total Accelerometer Counts and MVPA: The Relationship with Biomarkers Using 2003 - 2006 NHANES.
Churilla. J.R., Richardson, M.R., Boyer, W.R., Johnson, T.M. Association between C-Reactive Protein and Screen Time in U.S. Adults.
MANUSCRIPTS IN PREPARATION
Johnson, T.M., Richards, J., Churilla, J.R. Measuring Diabetes Self-management Education Duration among Adults: Results from the 2008 Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
Churilla, J.R., Richardson, M.R., Boyer, W.R., Johnson, T.M. Gender Differences in High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein and Muscular Strengthening Activity in U.S. Adults.
Lim, M.T., Richardson, M.R., Johnson, T.M., Churilla, J.R. Association between Body Mass Index and Vigorous Physical Activity in U.S. Adults.
Boyer, W.R., Richardson, M.R., Johnson, T.M., Churilla, J.R. Association of Muscular Strengthening Activities and Glycosylated Hemoglobin: 1999-2004 NHANES.
ABSTRACTS IN REVIEW
ABSTRACT / PRESENTATIONS AT SCHOLARLY MEETINGS
Churilla, J.R., Johnson, T.M., Lim, M. Body Mass Index Classification and No Physical Activity or Exercise in U.S. Adults. ACSM Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, 2013
Lim, M.T., Richardson, M.R., Johnson, T.M., Churilla, J.R. Association between Body Mass Index and Vigorous Physical Activity in U.S. Adults. ACSM Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, 2013
Wolff, D.L., Fitzhugh, E.C., Bassett, D.R., Churilla, J.R. Objectively Measured Total Accelerometer Counts and MVPA: The Relationship with Biomarkers Using 2003 - 2006 NHANES. SEACSM Annual Meeting 2013, Greenville, SC and ACSM Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, 2013. (Graduate student research)
Richardson, M.R., Boyer, W.R., Johnson, T.M., Churilla, J.R. Gender Differences in High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein and Muscular Strengthening Activity in U.S. Adults. SEACSM Annual Meeting 2013, Greenville, SC and ACSM Annual Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, 2013. (Graduate student research)
Churilla, J.R. Exercise and Cardiometabolic Health: Separating Yourself by Utilizing the Evidence. Special Populations / Oral Presentation. 17th Annual ACSM Health and Fitness Summit, Las Vegas, NV, 2013.
Richardson, M.R., Boyer, W.R., Johnson, T.M., Churilla, J.R. Association of Muscular Strengthening Activities with Glycosylated Hemoglobin. 10th Annual World Congress on Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease, Los Angeles, California, 2012. (Abstract published in Endocrine).
Richardson, M.R., Boyer, W.R., Johnson, T.M., Churilla, J.R. Association between C-Reactive Protein and Screen Time in U.S. Adults. 10th Annual World Congress on Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease, Los Angeles, California, 2012. (Abstract published in Endocrine).
Johnson, T.M., Churilla, J.R. Measuring diabetes self-management education duration among adults: Results from the 2008 Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. 140th APHA Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA, 2012. (Oral presentation).
Churilla, J.R., Johnson, T.M., Curls, R. Alcohol Consumption Patterns and Metabolic Syndrome Criteria: 1999-2004 NHANES. ACSM Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA. (Abstract) Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 44:2012.
Churilla, J.R. Tutorial/ Oral Presentation. Secondary Data Analysis: The Cross-Sectional Study. SEACSM Annual Meeting 2012, Jacksonville, FL.
Churilla, J.R., Magyari, P.M. Association of Physical Activity Volume and Hypercholesterolemia in U.S. Adults: 2009 BRFSS. ACSM Annual Meeting 2011, Denver, CO. Poster Presentation. ACSM Annual Meeting, 2613: Board #221 June 3, 9:00 PM - 10:30 AM. (Abstract) Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 43:S499, 2011.
Magyari, P.M., Churilla, J.R. Incidence of Acute Injury Related to Mandatory Fitness Testing of Firefighters. Poster Presentation. ACSM Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, 2011. Poster Presentation. ACSM Annual Meeting, 2817: Board #116 June 3, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. (Abstract) Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 43:S550, 2011.


Fitzhugh, E.C., Hall, S., Churilla, J.R., Wolff, D.L. Protective Association of Physical Activity by Domain for Major Depressive Disorder: 1999-2004 NHANES. Oral presentation, June 3, 3:15 PM – 5:15 PM. ACSM Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, May 2011. (Abstract) Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 43:S14, 2011.
Churilla, J.R., Magyari, P.M., Fitzhugh, E.C. Association of Congestive Heart Failure and Total Physical Activity with Metabolic Syndrome: 1999-2004 NHANES. American Heart Association Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism / Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, Scientific Sessions 2011, Atlanta, GA. Poster Presentation: Board #94 March 22, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
Churilla, J.R., Magyari, P.M. Association of Congestive Heart Failure and Body Mass Index with Metabolic Syndromes: 1999-2004 NHANES. Poster Presentation. 8th Annual World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome, Los Angeles, California, 2010. (Abstract) Diabetes and Vascular Disease Research. 8:224, 2011.
Churilla, J.R., Magyari, P.M., Ford, E.S., Fitzhugh, E.C. Muscular Strengthening Activity Patterns and Metabolic Health Among U.S. Adults: 1999-2004 NHANES. ACSM Annual Meeting 2010, Baltimore, MD. Poster Presentation. 2385: Board #264 June 3rd 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. (Abstract) Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 42:S429, 2010.
Churilla, J.R., Ford, E.S. Physical Activity Patterns Among Hypertensive U.S. Adults. Poster presentation. American Society of Hypertension Meeting 2010, New York, NY. Journal of Clinical Hypertension. 12(Suppl 1) A127, 2010.
Churilla, J.R. Special Populations / Oral Presentation. Prescribing Exercise for Special Populations: Translating Research into Practice.14th Annual ACSM Health and Fitness Summit, Austin, TX, 2010.
Magyari, P.M., Churilla, J.R. Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Resistance Training Among U.S. Adults: 1999-2004 NHANES. Poster Presentation. SEACSM Annual Meeting 2010, Greenville, SC.
Churilla, J.R. Metabolic Syndrome: Physical Activity, Fitness and Metabolic Syndrome in Adults. Florida Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (FACVPR) 2009. Sports Medicine/Medical Oral Presentation. Florida Hospital, Orlando, Florida.
Sorace, P., Churilla, J.R., Ronai, P.J. Sports Medicine/Medical Oral Presentation. Resistance Training and Heart Disease.13th Annual ACSM Health and Fitness Summit, Atlanta, GA, 2009.
Churilla, J.R. Tutorial/ Oral Presentation. Metabolic Syndrome: Prevalence, Risk, and the Effects of Physical Activity in Adults. SEACSM Annual Meeting 2009, Birmingham, AL.
Churilla, J.R., Fitzhugh, E.C. The Association of Total Physical Activity with the Metabolic Syndrome Among U.S. Adults: 1999-2004 NHANES. Poster Presentation. 6th Annual World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome, Los Angeles, California, 2008. (Abstract) Diabetes and Vascular Disease Research. 5:224, 2008.
Magyari, P.M., Churilla, J.R., Laurent, T, Smith, S. Poster presentation. Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Active Duty Firefighters. ACSM Annual Meeting 2008, Indianapolis, IN.
Magyari, P.M., Churilla, J.R., Laurent, T, Smith, S. Oral Communication. The Effect of BMI Classification on Pass/Fail Rate of Fitness Tests Among Active Duty Firefighters. SEACSM Annual Meeting 2008, Birmingham, AL.
Churilla, J.R., Fitzhugh, E.C. The Relationship Between Leisure-Time Physical Activity and the Metabolic Syndrome Among U.S. Adults: 1999-2004 NHANES. Poster Presentation. 5th Annual World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome, Boston, Massachusetts, 2007. (Abstract) Diabetes and Vascular Disease Research. 4:273, 2007.
Churilla, J.R., Fitzhugh, E.C. The Metabolic Syndrome: How Definition Impacts Prevalence Among U.S. Adults: NHANES 1999-2002. Poster Presentation. ACSM Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, 1548: Board #38 May 30 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. (Abstract) Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 39:S238, 2007.
Churilla, J.R., Thompson, D.L., Fitzhugh, E.C. Poster Presentation. The Metabolic Syndrome: How Definition Impacts Prevalence Among U.S. Adults: NHANES 1999- 2002. SEACSM Annual Meeting 2007, Charlotte, NC.
Churilla, J.R., Fitzhugh, E.C. Metabolic Syndrome and its Relationship to Total Physical Activity: NHANES 1999-2002. Poster presentation. ACSM Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, May 2006. (Abstract) Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 38: S202, 2006.
Fitzhugh, E.C., Churilla, J.R. Contributions of Physical Activity Domains to National Estimates of ACSM/CDC Physical Activity Recommendations: 1999-2002 NHANES. Poster presentation. ACSM Annual Meeting, Denver, CO, May 2006. (Abstract) Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 38:S378, 2006.
Crouter, S.E., Churilla, J. R., Bassett, D.R., Jr. Accuracy of the Actiheart to Estimate Energy Expenditure During Field Activities. Poster presentation: Walking for Health: Measurement and Research Issues and Challenges, Urbana-Champaign, IL, October 2005.
Crouter, S.E., Churilla, J. R., Bassett, D.R., Jr. Measurement of Energy Expenditure During Field Activities With Accelerometers. Poster presentation: Walking for Health: Measurement and Research Issues and Challenges, Urbana-Champaign, IL, October 2005.
Churilla, J.R. The Metabolic Syndrome: Epidemiology, Assessment, and Recommendations. Center for Exercise and Health Education (CEHE) 2004. Clinical Populations Symposium, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida.
INVITED PRESENTATIONS
Churilla, J.R. Developing Training Programs for Cyclists. Presented to the North Florida Bicycle Club. The Loop Restaurant, Jacksonville, FL. February 16, 2010.
Dr. James Churilla, physical activity epidemiologist, appeared on WJXT Ch. 4's "Ask the UNF Expert" to discuss the metabolic syndrome. January 14, 2008: http://www.unf.edu/brooks/faculty/bchfacnews.html
Churilla, J.R. The New Activity and Exercise Guidelines. Presenter for the 20th Annual Michael L. Pollock Cardiopulmonary ehabilitation Symposium: Florida Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (FACVPR) 2003. The Walt Disney World Hilton, Orlando Florida.
Churilla, J.R. Current Guidelines for the Treatment of Obesity: America’s Growing the Wrong Way. Presenter for the 20th Annual Michael L. Pollock Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Symposium: Florida Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (FACVPR) 2003. The Walt Disney World Hilton, Orlando Florida.
Churilla, J.R. Diabetes and Exercise. Keynote speaker for the 19th Annual Michael L. Pollock Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Symposium: Florida Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (FACVPR) 2002. The Plaza Resort and Spa, Daytona Beach, Florida.
Churilla, J.R. Physical Activity and Obesity. State of Florida Department of Health – Inservice for physicians, nurses, and dietitians. Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, November 21st 2003.
Churilla, J.R. Physiology of Exercise: The Benefits of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation. Presented for Nurse Practice Council as part Nursing Grand Rounds. The Heart Center of Excellence at Broward General Medical Center, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, April 2002.
Churilla, J.R. Health and Fitness in America. Presented for the City of Ft. Lauderdale retiring employees. Ft. Lauderdale City Hall, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 2001.
Churilla, J.R. Men's Health Issues. Presented for HIP of Florida. The Governmental Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 2001.
Churilla, J.R. Metabolism and Weight Loss. Presented as part of the training program for INTERVENT USA employees. Broward General Medical Center, Ft. Lauderdale FL, 2000.
Churilla, J.R. Exercise Prescriptions for Special Populations. Oral presentation at 1999 East Coast Alliance (ECA) Fitness Conference, Miami, Florida.
Churilla, J.R. Strength Training for the Cardiac Patient. Continuing education credit (CEC) presentation, for the cardiopulmonary division of the Broward General Medical Center, Ft. Lauderdale FL, 1999.
Churilla, J.R. The Benefits of Exercise and Risk Factor Reduction. Oral presentation at the 1999 Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Employee Retirement Workshop, Ft. Lauderdale FL.
Churilla, J.R. Metabolism and Weight Loss. Ft. Lauderdale Certified Vacations Corporation. Lunch and Learn Activity Series, Ft. Lauderdale FL, 1999.
