This study examines the level and variability of cardiac response during complex problem-solving and interposed rest periods and their differing relationships to estimates of personality integration on the Rorschach. Findings suggest cardiac variability may be a more differentiated measure than level of cardiac response. (Author)

Presents questions and answers about the effect of metabolism on substances in the human body. (MLH)

Two potential strategies for coping with stress are "situation redefinition" (i.e., reappraising a stressful situation as nonstressful) and "attentional diversion" (i.e., focusing attention on a neutral or pleasant stimulus rather than on a stressful stimulus). Although these strategies have been discussed frequently by personality theorists,…

Discusses self-learning exercises (SLEs) incorporated into the Medical Physiology course for first-year students at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. Twenty to thirty percent of course material is presented in these exercises instead of in lectures. The exercises develop active learning and problem-solving skills. Formal analysis…

Describes four exercises designed to help students form appropriate course expectations, recognize the need for seeking clarification when communicating, recognize the role of personal experience in building mental models, and become familiar with study aids for building formal models. Directs students' attention to a number of issues that impact…

Addresses the theory that there is an oversupply of Ph.D. scientists in the United States. Suggests that the physiology field assess graduate training and make proposals for curriculum change. Develops viewpoint that universities probably should not significantly decrease the overall training effort but rather change curriculum to prepare students…

Examines the perceived conflict some scientists feel about the philosophy of science becoming a part of the education of scientists worldwide, including physiologists. Contends that the perceived conflict is due mainly to misunderstanding and some flawed reasoning in a few constructivist approaches, and that there is no fundamental conflict that…

Describes how school nurses can advocate for adolescent female students and help them avoid the female athlete triad that includes disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. The article focuses on consequences of the triad, how to uncover the symptoms, working to improve public support, and creating a successful program through partnership.…

Evaluated college women enrolled in a strength training class before and after completion of the class, using a combination of physical fitness measures, to determine the relationship between strength training and body image. Strength training generally did not substantially change participants' weight, percentage of fat, or circumferences. Most…

Reports on meta-analysis of 183 experiments comparing the effect sizes (average amount of change observed) of measurement techniques for assessing the effectiveness of public speaking anxiety treatments. Shows differences between self-report, observer, and physiological measurement techniques. Finds no interaction between type of therapy and type…

A study of 80 children, aged 7, 10, 13, and 16, found that gender was not an important variable in speech breathing, but age was. The youngest group exhibited such things as larger lung, rib cage, and abdominal volume initiations and terminations for breath groups and fewer syllables per breath group. (Author/JDD)

Adults (N=142) who engaged in a 12-week moderate exercise program requiring the maintenance of training state exercise heart rates for a minimum of 20 minutes, 3 times a week, experienced an improvement in cardiovascular functioning regardless of age and/or sex. (Author/IAH)

In terms of physical impact, recent studies suggest that many benefits previously attributed to exercise as a factor in weight loss do not exist. Researchers do seem to agree that exercise does have a positive effect on body composition during weight loss. (IAH)

Presented is a simulation program for Apple II computer which assays the effects of a series of variables on bacterial growth and interactions between microbial populations. Results of evaluation of the program with students are summarized. (CW)

Perceived exertion scales, based on subjective perception of energy output, are gaining respect as prescribing and monitoring tools for individual exercise programs. A review of recent literature indicates growing research interest in applications for individuals who are elderly, inactive, or subject to medical conditions such as angina. (IAH)