This article includes an historical review of research on physical activity and health, and how the findings have contributed to physical activity participation and promotion today. In the 20th century, research began to accumulate on the effects of exercise on physiological functions, and later on the relation between regular activity and various…

The number of aging American continues to grow, which makes it essential for us to understand the unique gerontological health risks and concerns that exist for the aging population. In view of the staggering and increasing costs of Medicare and Medicaid--much of which is directed toward seniors--older adults would do well to look for ways to curb…

This article introduces the physical education, recreation, and health practitioner to the relevant practical and theoretical information pertaining to sportsmanship in youth sports. It discusses four key areas related to sportsmanship: (1) constructs, (2) underlying theories, (3) empirical evidence, and (4) application and education. It also…

In Japan, pedometers are so popular that most households there now have several. While pedometers have not yet reached this level of popularity in the United States, the media commonly discuss monitoring physical activity with pedometers. This discussion has focused both on its use as a monitoring device and as a means of physical activity…

A fundamental characteristic of a successful physical education program is that the students are interested and motivated to learn the intended objectives. Unfortunately, in many cases, students begin losing interest in physical education as they progress through school. In order to better understand this phenomenon, the authors explored the…

This article is a follow-up to an article by the author published in the November/December 2003 issue of JOPERD, that examined the research supporting the idea that movement enhances cognitive learning. In this follow-up article the author shows how physical educators can apply this information, in a variety of ways. The following outlines some of…

Issues that should be debated by physical educators to provide vision and direction for the field include: (1) how to respond to social and technological change; (2) defining objectives; and (3) fragmentation and specialization within the profession. A plan for a new professional synthesis is proposed. (PP)

A major reason for violent behavior and poor sportsmanship is that aggressors rationalize their actions by concocting self-justifying excuses. Increased self-awareness can help coaches and team members control their immature behavior. (PP)

Research pertaining to female athletes' problems with secondary amenorrhea is reviewed. Studies point to stress, weight loss, anorexia nervosa, obesity, arduous athletic training, and age of onset of training as factors which may contribute to this disorder. (PP)

Recent research on fitness levels and physical education are reviewed. Six curriculum models are briefly noted, and a personal fitness model is proposed. The primary objective of the personal fitness model is lifetime fitness. (MT)

Situational leadership theory suggests that to reach maximum leadership effectiveness, the leader must adapt his/her behavior to different situations. For athletic coaches, this means that the amount of direction provided for students should increase or decrease according to the students' maturity levels. Applications of the theory are discussed.…

Sources of bias in students' ratings of college faculty raise questions about the use of these ratings in making personnel decisions that affect the teacher's professional career. Student ratings should be only one component of the evidence collected to evaluate the effectiveness of college faculty. (PP)

Physical educators must teach preadolescents about safe and realistic strength-training methods commensurate with their needs and physical capabilities. The risk of injuries can be reduced by setting prudent goals, using equipment tailored to the age level, and educating students about their unique growth state. (PP)

This article reviews research showing that physical educators are not successfully helping students acquire motor skills and suggests ways of teaching more effectively. (MT)

A major problem of physical education programs is the assessment of outcomes. Research makes it clear that physical education programs can affect motor performance positively. Outcomes regarding motor performance, metabolic performance, psychosocial factors, body structure, and cognitive/academic development are reviewed. (MT)