Talent identification and development processes are important components of many dance programmes, yet talent is notoriously difficult to define and its identification may rely on intuitive judgements. Taking a systematic approach to the study of dance talent could enable researchers and educators to better determine what talent actually "is," the…

A common procedure in administering muscular endurance tests is to have several individuals perform the same task at the same time. A very old psychological concept known as social facilitation suggests that an individual's performance may be affected by the presence of others. (CK)

Discusses warm-up before physical activity, focusing on recent research that questions the traditional use of static stretching in a warm-up before strength and power activities. (SM)

The straight-arm hang as a reliable testing instrument for young children is investigated with results indicating that it is a reliable indicator for four- and five-year-old children. Questionable results may occur if utilized for younger subjects and further investigation is recommended for six-to-nine-year-old subjects. (JD)

Evaluated the safety and efficacy of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) strength testing in healthy children age 6-12 years. Data were collected on 96 children who performed a 1RM test on one upper body and one lower body exercise using child-sized weight machines. Findings indicated that children could safely perform 1RM strength tests provided…

Examined the effects of unilateral concentric isokinetic leg extension training on peak torque and electromyographic (EMG) responses in trained and untrained limbs. Adult men participated in training and control groups. Overall, unilateral concentric isokinetic strength training induced strength increases in trained as well as untrained limbs.…

This investigation was conducted to study whether warming up decreases myotonia (muscle stiffness) during speech production or causes adverse effects due to fatigue or exhaustion caused by intensive speech activity in patients with adult onset myotonic dystrophy. Thirty patients with adult onset myotonic dystrophy (MD) and ten healthy controls…

Approximately 100 years ago, Clark Hetherington articulated the primary aims of physical education by identifying four separate areas: (1) psychomotor, which refers to motor skills; (2) organic, the fitness factor; (3) intellectual, or the cognitive component; and (4) character which refers to the affective domain. These categories can be used to…

Healthy child development relies on physical activity. New curriculum models are effectively integrating physical activity in education programs. The authors describe three such models: S.M.A.R.T. (Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training); Kids in Action, incorporating cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength and endurance,…

Forty-eight men and women were tested in grip strength and hand steadiness. There were no significant interaction effects between the sex of the experimenter and the sex of the subject on either task. (Author)

This study examined the progressive effects of performing a fatiguing task on the static strength of two muscle groups involved in the performance of the task. (Author/JA)

This study focuses on differences between mechanical and electrical systems used to measure static muscle strength. (JS)

Appropriate techniques for assessing maximal isotonic strength are explained. Problems of evaluating individual differences in strength because of differences in body weight are discussed, and procedures to adjust for differences are presented. (MT)

This investigation examined gender differences of 103 physically active men and women in upper and lower body strength as a function of lean body weight and the distribution of muscle and subcutaneous fat in the upper and lower limbs. Results are discussed. (Author/MT)