In this study, researchers observed third graders' physical activity levels and associated variables in physical education classes in four Child and Adolescent Trial for Cardiovascular Health centers nationwide. Results found significant differences among centers for physical activity and lesson context variables. During free play, boys were more…

Reports a study that examined the utility of health and exercise locus of control and health and exercise value in predicting exercise behavior in 86 adults. Survey results indicated that exercise locus of control was a better predictor of exercise behavior than a more general measure of health locus of control. (Author/SM)

Discusses exercise-induced stress that results from motor unit recruitment, the impact of recruitment on selected systemic support systems, and some of the environmental overlays that affect the degree of physiological stress. Adaptations to sustained changes in physical activity and muscle and myotendinous injury induced by stress are examined.…

Examined linkages between the family and school social systems as children make the transition to school. Recorded parent-child interactions in a physical play session prior to children's entrance into school. Found that the length of time in physical play was related to social adjustment in school. (MM)

Essential hypertension is diagnosed with increasing frequency in children and adolescents. Studies indicate exercise can be a clinically useful treatment, though strenuous exercise may be contraindicated for some. The article discusses the physician's role in diagnosis, nonpharmacologic interventions, exercise safety and effectiveness, and…

Early exploratory activities enable children to develop motor skills. Boys and girls must be provided similar experiences in movement. Teachers should provide experiences in which children can be successful. Situations in which children initially fail, but later learn to persist and try alternative solutions, are valuable. (BC)

Demonstrates the use of heart rate monitors (HRMs) in fitness research and examines heart rate intensity levels of middle school students while they participated in a variety of physical education activities throughout a school year. Research shows the HRM has considerable potential in assessing fitness achievements in school-age children. (GLR)

Four children without disabilities and 2 adult trainers interacted with 2 children (ages 11 and 12) with severe and multiple disabilities to determine effect on target motor behaviors. Both the adult instruction and peer social interactions increased motor responses. No differences were noted between adult instruction and peer social interaction.…

Examines research on sport and physical activity for individuals with physical disabilities, focusing on psychosocial characteristics of participants, physiological impacts of participation, and performance enhancement. With the advent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990), such research has relevance for all recreation professionals. (SM)

Observations of 157 fifth graders in 20 elementary schools in Texas during physical education indicate that only 8.5% of class time was spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity, with 68.1% in sedentary activity. Observed activity is substantially lower than that recommended in national health objectives. (SLD)

Study examined college students' perceptions of the teaching effectiveness of coaches and full-time faculty teaching physical education (PE) activity classes. Surveys comparing five variables indicated full-time faculty were more effective in their instruction than coaches. The study found that both coaches and full-time faculty made good PE…

What individuals do during leisure time significantly affects illness, disease, and longevity. Leisure studies and services can offer much to the understanding of health and the provision of health services. The article notes that the tendency to separate leisure and health within the physical education and recreation curricula is dysfunctional.…

Minnesota Heart Health Program involved a project to reduce cardiovascular disease via school-based physical activity and health promotion. Researchers took seven annual waves of measurements from sixth graders in intervention and control communities. Results indicate school behavioral education together with community strategies can produce…

Discusses a method of teaching a concepts-based fitness course to preservice physical educators, describing five themes that form the course's conceptual framework: what fitness education is and why it is needed, developing a concepts-based fitness course, teaching cognitive aspects of fitness education, teaching physical aspects of fitness…

Research emphasizes the importance of university researchers from different disciplines collaborating with teacher educators and practitioners in schools. This paper outlines the collaborative procedures and outcomes associated with three long-term, multidisciplinary, physical activity and physical education interventions in schools, suggesting…