This study aims the evaluation of the level, dynamics and direction of changes in the development of motor skills among early-school aged girls under the influence of a regularly practiced dance. The study involved 357 girls aged 7-10. The experimental group consisted of 192 girls attending dance classes at schools and children's dance groups. The…

Background: Strength training (ST) is an important health behavior for aging women; it helps maintain strength and function and reduces risk for chronic diseases. This study assessed change in physical fitness following participation in a ST program implemented and evaluated by community leaders. Method: The StrongWomen Program is a nationally…

The "March for Fitness" community recreation program, developed and implemented for Long Beach, California, is described. The program stressed the importance of physical fitness to health and well-being. (CJ)

This study analyzes the Soviet award system, in particular the Prepared for Word and Defense (PWD) program. The PWD program is composed of five stages and embraces people from ages 10 to 60. Each stage has a section of requirements and a section of norms, which take into consideration age variations. The norms section, which is the most important…

A recent trend in community recreation programing is to implement special fitness programs for the disabled. However, physical fitness programing should present the opportunity for the disabled individual to move toward his optimal level of functioning and to return to a normal healthful lifestyle. (JN)

Too many U.S. children are out of shape. Parents must help them learn to improve their fitness by exercising with them. The U.S. Conference of Mayors recently made physical fitness of the nation's children a primary emphasis. A sidebar presents information on how to contact local mayors to start up programs to help children improve their fitness.…

Competency in athletic coaching has been a professional concern for many years. In the future, the coach in training will be held accountable for demonstrating a measure of proficiency in performing essential competencies. Athletics may be restructured to achieve more cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning. (JN)

This article reports on the scope of activities and the effectiveness of a Colorado program that trained community park and recreation personnel to carry out local cardiac wellness services. Participants were trained to provide rehabilitation and fitness activities for those recovering from heart attacks or surgery and for other high-risk persons.…

The development of an instrument to measure the satisfaction of those participating in community recreation programs is described. The resulting instrument investigates seven dimensions of participant satisfaction: achievement, family escape, environment, risk, autonomy, physical fitness, and social enjoyment. Suggestions for use of the instrument…

Fitness is defined as both freedom from disease and as a state of physical and emotional well being. In 1977, the City of New Rochelle launched City Fit, its own approach to fitness. City Fit was developed to take fitness programs and demonstrations to the general population. (JN)

Playgrounds should be diverse and flexible so that children have many different opportunities for natural, creative play. Equipment should encourage group activities, challenge children at different levels of development, and enhance physical fitness. Such playgrounds could receive enthusiastic public support. (PP)

An analysis is presented of data on participation in leisure time and physical activities by such groups as the general population, employees, and students. Studies were made of community sponsored programs, employee fitness programs, and student physical activities. Leisure time physical activity findings are described within the categories of:…

This article states findings on the fitness and physcial activity patterns of youth as determined from the National Children and Youth Fitness Study. The role and effectiveness of schools and parks and recreation programs in improving the fitness of youth is explored, and suggestions for parents and citizens are offered. (DG)

Project CREOLE (Community Recreation Education on Leisure Education) was designed to develop and implement a functional leisure/recreation training program as an integral aspect of special education services, and to promote the integration of individuals with handicaps into the programs of existing community recreation agencies. The use of…

This book is designed for those wishing to acquire a specific and comprehensive knowledge of the recreational sports program and an understanding of its place and value in education and society. Part one describes the recreational sports program in education with stress on its historical evolution and philosophical foundations. Special attention…