Nine articles discuss persistent physical education practices that are not in the best interest of children, suggesting developmentally appropriate alternatives. Some topics discussed are sequence of instruction in games, developmentally appropriate dance and gymnastics, social-emotional components, and activities with questionable value. (SM)

Study examined relationships between self-esteem, health values, specific health behaviors, and general practice of wellness behaviors in Navy personnel. Lifestyle surveys indicated health values predicted specific health behaviors and general practice of wellness behaviors. After controlling for health values, self-esteem predicted general…

Lists several common physical fitness exercises that may cause more harm than good (both physically and emotionally). Physical educators must be aware of the dangers of certain exercises and activities. The article examines problems with inappropriate warmups, peer team selection, exercise as punishment, elimination games, and standing in line.…

Reviews current thinking about middle school physical education and raises questions about its place in middle schools. It is suggested that physical education be integrated into the core curriculum of middle schools, and five conceptions of middle school physical education are offered. (GLR)

This study examined the relationship between selection of internal attributional statements and perceived physical competence in 86 children with mental retardation. Although internal attributions increased with age, in general, the children tended to select a large proportion of external rationales of competent outcomes that may impact negatively…

This collection of papers brings together two lines of research about children's knowledge in physical education, one from the University of Massachusetts and the other from the University of Alabama. Both sets of research studies are grounded in a learning orientation, with researchers believing in the importance of studying children's knowledge…

Suggests that exercise should be the first-line therapy for preventing and treating many common diseases; however, physicians need more training in how best to use exercise therapy. The paper explains the power of exercise and discusses how to motivate individuals to start safe, enjoyable, and life-saving exercise routines. (SM)

The majority of physical activity initiatives have been directed toward promoting cardiorespiratory fitness and general health. Far less attention has been devoted to encouraging or understanding muscular fitness-promoting behaviors. The purpose of this study was to determine if constructs from the Transtheoretical Model, a contemporary behavior…

To date, studies examining the Sport Education (SE) model have largely focused on gains in sporting performance and/or psychosocial development. The purpose of this study was to compare the health-related fitness benefits for pupils participating in SE and traditional multi-activity (MA) units of instruction. Participants were two preservice…

A comparison and contrast is made between different notions and occurrences of play in daily life to highlight the sense of the importance of play in a physical education lesson. The meaning and definition of play are detailed, and its impact in and as part of actual learning is discussed. Two stories of real-life situations are described in which…

The Blacksburg (Virginia) municipal government's worksite exercise program, developed in response to rising health insurance premiums, was evaluated to determine its effect on health care costs and employee absenteeism. Thirty-two employees who participated in the program for 4.5 years were compared to 32 nonparticipating employees. The program…

This annotated bibliography focuses on issues in sports and athletics for adolescents and young adults with chronic illnesses and disabilities. The listings are drawn from the National Resource Library of the National Center for Youth with Disabilities, which includes journals, books, and non-published materials. The section on bibliographic…

This publication, designed to communicate the history and research activities of the Central District of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, presents summaries of 20 papers. The papers focus on elementary physical education specialists; physical education instruction of classroom teachers; child care…

This Maryland State Department of Education document is a guide for the assessment and development of comprehensive K-12 physical education programs in Maryland schools. The first section defines the nature of physical education and describes its relationship to society, the learner, and the school curriculum. The second section presents broad…

A study examined cognitive and behavioral consequences of continuous success or failure in a competitive situation involving 40 undergraduate males. Three performance variables were selected for examination: expectancies for success, amount of self-motivated practice, and performance quality. Subjects were informed that they would be competing…