Nathalie Barth

Nathalie Barth is an Associate Researcher and Higher Education Assistant at Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, where she earned both her doctorate (2012) and master's degree (2007) in STAPS. Her academic career includes positions as a research officer for the ANR 'Timsa' project on mountain accidentology, and teaching roles at multiple universities including Avignon and Lyon 1. She currently teaches sociology of sport, disability, health, APA, and history of bodily practices.

Barth's research focuses on the sociology of commitment through an interactionist lens, examining how patients with chronic conditions (diabetes, obesity, cancer, aging) develop and maintain physical activity practices. Her work explores the intersection of illness trajectories and APA practitioner careers, with emphasis on patient autonomy beyond clinical settings. Key research themes include:

• Sociological analysis of APA adherence in chronic disease management
• Patient education frameworks and sports associations
• Construction of physical activity 'careers' in vulnerable populations

Her publications consistently address the implementation gap between physical activity recommendations and real-world practice, particularly in elderly populations and chronic disease contexts. Recent work examines how therapeutic intentions translate to sustainable behavioral change.

Barth has supervised Master's students in APA and research methodology, and contributes to societal impact through health system organization research and prevention initiatives targeting sedentary populations.