Biography
Dr. Tassitano is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research program, built on 15 years of experience in physical activity epidemiology research, focuses on reducing disparities among low-income populations in Brazil. Ongoing projects include a mixed-methods approach to identify, test, and implement feasible and sustainable solutions that promote physical activity opportunities in structured settings, such as childcare and schools. Dr. Tassitano is a founding member of the Brazilian Society of Physical Activity and Health (SBAFS) and a member of the South American Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Network (SAPASEN). He also serves as a senior editor at the Journal of Physical Activity and Health.
Additional Campus Affiliations
Assistant Professor, Health and Kinesiology
External Links
Recent Publications
Bakare, J. O., Raj, M., Tassitano, R., & Sebastião, E. (2026). Sex and Age Differences in Physical Activity and Dietary Patterns Among Brazilian Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Evidence From ELSI-Brazil. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/15598276261479608
Bazan, C. N., Hallal, P. C., Hoopsick, R. A., Martenies, S., Schwingel, A., & Tassitano, R. M. (2026). Principles of Epidemiology: A Primer. (OPN Textbooks). Windsor & Downs Press. https://doi.org/10.21900/wd.32
da Silva, J. F., Sebastião, E., de Barros, M. V. G., Aguiñaga, S., & Tassitano, R. (2026). Do the factors associated with depressive symptoms differ among patterns of 24-hour movement behavior in older adults with chronic diseases? Geriatric Nursing, 73, Article 104270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.104270
da Silva, J. F., Germano-Soares, A. H., de Oliveira, T. V., Barbosa Silva, L. C., Barbosa Filho, V. C., de Aguiar Silva, T. C., & Tassitano, R. M. (2026). Research using smartwatches for the measurement of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep: A scoping review. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 214, Article 106370. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2026.106370
Kpene, G. E., Fewu, E., Darfour-Oduro, S. A., Sarbah, R., Tassitano, R. M., & Tenorio, M. C. M. (2026). The Impact of Physical Activity on HbA1c Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in African Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Advances in Public Health, 2026(1), Article 8409497. https://doi.org/10.1155/adph/8409497