Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of cardiorespiratory and pelvic kinematic responses to simulated horseback riding (SHBR) and to characterize responses to SHBR relative to walking in apparently healthy children. Method: Fifteen healthy children (Mage = 9.5 ± 2.6 years) completed SHBR on a commercially available…

There is a lack of valid and reliable low cost observational instruments to measure moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in school physical education (PE). The participants in this study were third to tenth grade boys and girls from a south Texas school district. The SAM (Simple Activity Measurement) activity levels were compared with…

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)