Tony Gryffin, PhD

Education

  • BSc, Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Technion
  • BS, Recreation Administration, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
  • MS, Kinesiology, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
  • PhD, Health and Human Performance, University of Florida

Research Interest

Dr. Gryffin’s research is in the area of health behavior and motivation at the community and individual level. His interests also include the applications of mindfulness theory and practice to community medicine. Specific areas of research include the development of a blinded fishbone focus-group process and health belief model equation, for a qualitative and quantitative approach to motivating health behavior; an experiential and dimensional approach to individual and community wellness using a story-telling narrative approach; and investigations into a novel metabolic understanding underlying the benefits of non-aerobic/anaerobic exercises such as slower paces of walking, tai chi, qigong, and yoga.

Selected Publications

  • Carbone G, Nelson K, Baumgartner C, Bode AM, Takahashi A, Chefetz I. Endometriosis: Cell Death and Cell Signaling Machinery. Endocrinology. 2023 May 22:bqad057. doi: 10.1210/endocr/bqad057. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37216932
  • Gryffin PA. Using Fishbone Diagrams and Health Behavior Theory for Worker Health and Safety Communication and Motivation. In: Haas EJ. Mine Safety and Health: Approaches from the Field. In Press.
  • Gryffin PA, Maglinao RL, Romo S, McDonald T. Mineworker commitment to renewable energy as a moderating effect on worksite health and safety. In Process.
  • Gryffin PA, Diaz R. Effects of Tai Chi and Running on Blood Oxygen Saturation. Complement Integr Med 2021; aop. doi:10.1515/jcim-2020-0306
  • Gryffin PA. Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi. YMAA Publications, August 2018. Eric Hoffer Award Winner.
  • Gryffin PA, Chen WC, Erenguc N. Survey of tai chi programs in the United States: Barriers and opportunities for older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. Accepted June 2018.
  • Gryffin PA, Chen WW, Chaney BH, et al. Facilitators and barriers to tai chi in the older adult population. American Journal of Health Education, 2015; 46(2): 109-118. doi: 10.1080/19325037.2014.999964
  • Gryffin PA, Erenguc N, Chen WC. Meditation for college success: barriers and opportunities. American Journal of College Education, 2014; 2(3): 183-192. doi: 10.12691/education-2-4-2
  • Gryffin PA, Chen WW. Implications of tai chi for smoking cessation. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2012; 18(6): 1-5. doi: 10.1089/acm.2011.0094

Grants

  • NIH IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Grant (Co-Investigator) 06/01/22 – 05/31/23. $60,000. Project targeted reducing mine worker’s exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM), which is known to cause adverse health problems related to the challenges of handling biodiesel and alternative fuels such as renewable diesel. As co-pi, my task related to enhancing the adoption of recommended procedures through application of a blinded fishbone focus-group protocol, using the health belief model equation (HBME) for developing measurable targeted messages and communication tools.

Professional Involvement

  • American Public Health Association (APHA)
  • Northcentral Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) advisory board
  • North Montana Tobacco-Free Coalition of Hill County

Contact Dr. Tony Gryffin


gryffin_pa@mercer.edu