Kimberlee A. Gretebeck
Kimberlee A. Gretebeck, PhD, RN
University of Michigan School of Nursing
400 North Ingalls Building
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5482
Scholarly Expertise / Activity
Interests:
- Exercise and physical activity in older adults with type 2 diabetes
- Theory-based interventions to promote behavior change
- Functional status in older adults
The overarching focus of Dr. Gretebeck’s research program is to promote the health and independence of individuals through theory-based interventions that promote behavior change. Most of her research focuses on the development and testing of behavioral strategies that promote physical activity adoption and adherence to improve the functional status of older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Through a series of studies, Dr. Gretebeck has examined the modifiable factors that influence physical activity. Most recently, Dr. Gretebeck completed a randomized controlled trial of functional circuit training and lifestyle physical activity with a theory-based behavior change component to improve functional status and promote physical activity adherence in older adults with type 2 diabetes (American Diabetes Association). She is currently conducting studies to further refine the physical activity and behavioral components of the intervention.
Current Research Grants and Programs:
- Type of Self-regulation Used by Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in Physical Activity Adoption and Maintenance (Gretebeck, KA, PI)
- Lifestyle Physical Activity Intervention for People with COPD (Larson, JL, PI; Gretebeck, KA, Co-I; Han, ML, Co-I)
- Psychosocial Factors of Worksite and Leisure-time Physical Activity of Registered Nurses (Gretebeck, KA, PI)
Teaching
Dr. Gretebeck has mentored students in a variety of disciplines (nursing and kinesiology), universities (within the U.S. and internationally) and levels of education (undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral). Building on her areas of expertise, Dr. Gretebeck teaches courses in health behavior theory, physical activity, Honors research, and health promotion. Dr. Gretebeck often provides guest lectures and seminars related to conducting physical activity research in older adults with type 2 diabetes, aging, and theory. Dr. Gretebeck uses multiple teaching methods that promote critical thinking such as developing a research proposal, critiquing research articles, and using case studies.
Affiliations / Service
- Co-convener, Gerontological Society of America Nursing Interest Group, 2009-present (Member 2004-present)
- Member, Midwest Nursing Research Society, 2000-present (Research Section Advisory Board 2009-2011, Gerontological and Health Seeking Behaviors Research Section Chair)
- Member, American College of Sports Medicine, 1998-present
- Member, Sigma Theta Tau International Society, 1996-present
Notable Awards / Honors
- Featured Researcher, "A Good Test Run: Motivating Older Adults to Exercise," Diabetes Forecast, 2009
- Featured Program of Diabetes Research, "Encouraging Physical Activity in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes," Forefront Research Magazine, 2007
- Nominee, Brilliant New Investigator Award, Council for Advancement of Nursing Science, 2006
- Rising Star Award, Sigma Theta Tau International Society, Rho Chapter, 2006
- Excellence in Teaching Award, Purdue University, 1999
Education
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 2002
- PhD, Health Promotion and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 2000
- MSN, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 1995
- BSN, Edgewood College, Madison, WI, 1983


