The effectiveness of a demonstration-data interpretation exercise was evaluated with first year medical students (N=124) at the University of Malaya. Results suggested that the exercise achieved more effective short-term learning than conventional laboratory exercises, but a need was found for materials to help students link theory to practical…

Presented is a committee report which gives background information about the science of physiology and discusses the roles of academic physiology departments and the American Physiological Society. Recommendations for the future of the discipline in its various dimensions are provided. (CW)

The construction of a wooden model of the musculoskeletal system which can be used to investigate the physical properties of muscles without sacrificing laboratory animals is presented. Six activities are included with answers. Additional activities are suggested. (CW)

Explains an activity which can be used to compare the effect of temperature on the rate of chemical reactions to the metabolic reactions that take place within the body. Outlines directions and materials needed to perform the experiment. Lists a number of the body's defenses against extremely low temperatures. (RT)

Reviews research on the use of analogies to teach difficult concepts to students in biology classes. Presents an analogy used in a class for liberal arts students in a community college setting to teach protein synthesis. (CW)

Presents the mathematics of body size and surface area to volume. Examines arguments used related to the topic. Concludes that while some of the traditional arguments are valid, most are not. One analysis for an organism is provided in an appendix. (YP)

Researchers evaluated results from five years of preseason examinations on student athletes to determine which conditions limited sports participation. Hypertension, ophthalmologic and genitourinary abnormalities, and musculoskeletal problems were the most common limiting conditions. Preseason examinations need to follow guidelines based on…

To give definitive feedback, physical education teachers must be able to teach basic kinesiological and mechanical principles of movement and how they apply to specific sports skills. The article includes a chart with common kinesiological and mechanical principles applied to particular movements. Appropriate teaching cues are noted. (SM)

Study examined self-motivation and selected physiological characteristics as predictors of whether employees would complete a structured corporate exercise/fitness program. Researchers surveyed employees regarding physiological health, self-motivation, and adherence. They found no significant positive relationship between self-motivation scores…

The area of adult learning disabilities is reviewed from a neurobiological and neuropsychological perspective. The paper covers possible pathophysiologic bases in dyslexia, neurobehavioral disorders that may coexist with learning disorders, neuropsychological assessment methods, treatment in the context of brain plasticity and recovery of…

Describes a study investigating the effects of age and sports participation on functional loss. Data on 756 adults who underwent maximal exercise testing during the 1985 World Masters Games indicate even moderate sports participation may enhance functional capacity. Older people may maintain independence in later life by increasing physical…

Notes the difficulty caregivers sometimes have identifying communication disorders in bilingual children. Offers advice on identification of such problems, bilingual development, effective observation of children in seven areas of communication, ways to encourage bilingualism in preschool children, and experts who can help diagnose speech-language…

Presents a case report of a 15-year-old boy with severe hemophilia who played soccer 1 school year but was denied continued participation following another screening examination. Before deciding about participation, physicians must assess the type and severity of hemophilia and risk factors for injury. Appropriate sports for hemophiliacs are…

International Society of Sport Psychology clarifies the psychological benefits of physical activity, noting the positive relationship between physical activity level and mental health. Exercise can reduce anxiety, decrease depression levels, reduce neuroticism and anxiety, reduce stress, and have beneficial emotional effects for both sexes across…

Presents subset findings of a survey monitoring the flow of students from graduate studies through postdoctoral positions and into permanent professional positions. Findings indicate that the traditional career path continues to describe the first professional position for most physiology Ph.D. recipients but does not match the activities of a…