Researchers studied the reliability of the modified push-up test in measuring upper body strength and endurance in elementary through college students. It also examined the accuracy of partner scoring. The test proved much easier to administer than the regular floor push-up. It was valid and reliable for all students and suitable for partner…

Examined the validity of field tests of elementary students' upper body muscular strength and endurance. Field tests were found to be moderately valid measures of weight-relative muscular strength but not of absolute strength and muscular endurance. (SM)

Researchers described the planning and interactive thoughts and decisions of less and more experienced preservice physical educators. Subjects planned, taught, and reviewed two lessons. Students thought aloud while planning, viewed tapes of their teaching, and completed interviews. Results indicated the subjects differed in decision-making…

This study, involving 904 adolescents, examined the influence from parents and friends on adolescents' self-reported level of leisure-time physical activity. Survey responses revealed that, although no one type of parental/friend influence was greater than another, parental and peer physical activity and support did influence adolescent physical…

This study investigated what undergraduate physical education majors learned while conducting some lessons in a secondary physical education methods course. Results showed that pupil learning, quality lesson planning, and efficient lesson management were characteristics of successful lessons for the trainees. (GLR)

A 1992 study examined responses from 478 intermediate grades students to determine the activities they prefer and their attitudes toward the role of sports in determining social status. Results showed that academic achievement rated below appearance (girls) and sports (boys) in determining personal popularity. (GLR)

Youth fitness levels in the United Kingdom are discussed, including a comparative analysis of Scandinavian children vs American youth concerning fitness levels. Two recommendations are offered: (1) increase the number and types of physical activities in earlier school years; and (2) do not decrease standards, but expect higher fitness performance.…

Differences between male and female coaches of female high school basketball teams in five areas of coaching philosophy were examined. The coaches shared a similar philosophy on most issues, regardless of gender. Female coaches were somewhat more conventional than male coaches of female teams. (JD)

An examination of the gender of authors and author teams among physical educators in higher education sought to determine patterns of collegiality among them. Although men and women published the same number of articles, women tended to publish alone, and men tended to publish in groups. (JD)

Effects of age, physical activity, physical fitness, and body mass index (BMI) on the occurrence of orthopedic problems were examined. For men, physical fitness, BMI, and physical activity were associated with orthopedic problems; for women, physical activity was the main predictor. Age was not a factor for either gender. (JD)

Eleven male triathletes were studied to determine the relationships between selected metabolic measurements and triathalon performance. Oxygen uptake, pulmonary ventilation, and heart rate were measured during freestyle swimming, cycling, and treadmill running. Economy of effort was an important determinant of performance. (JD)

Stress and burnout in collegiate coaches were examined. Surveys of the coaches indicated significant main effects for gender and time of season. Coaching issues and hardiness predicted perceived stress for males and females. Social support satisfaction was predictive only for males. Stress and burnout were problematic issues for collegiate…

Literature analysis compared training gains in elementary girls' and boys' throwing performance to evaluate whether catchup effects were present. There was a lack of significant interaction between gender and training, supporting the hypothesis that training produces significant improvements in performance for both sexes. There was no catchup…

Researchers assessed the ability of third and fifth graders to recall and report types and amounts of physical activity from the previous day. The study assessed the validity of the Caltrac electronic accelerometer as a field measure of physical activity. Children's reported physical activity minutes were higher than monitored minutes. (SM)

Examines recent evidence on the relations between physical activity, physical fitness, and health, noting the possible causal nature of the associations. The article evaluates the public health burden of sedentary lifestyles in the United States and provides suggestions for increasing participation in physical activity. (SM)