In response to chronic physical training, the human neuromuscular system undergoes significant and specific adaptations. More importantly, these influences are the result of the type and quantity of physical activity. One of the simplest neuromuscular mechanisms is the spinal stretch reflex. The reflex system was previously viewed as inflexible,…

The health benefits of engaging in regular physical activity are widely known: enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness, increased muscular strength and endurance, and favorable cholesterol and other profiles. Nevertheless, particularly in youth sports programs run by volunteer, and perhaps inadequately trained, coaches, many youth may not realize the…

This fact sheet uses a question-and-answer format to summarize issues related to physical fitness in people with mental retardation. Questions and answers address the following topics: a definition of "physical fitness"; the components of physical fitness (muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, body composition, and cardiovascular endurance);…

Describes a study involving 99 boys who were tested annually over a 7-year period from 10 through 16 years on seven strength tests. (CS)

The purpose of this investigation was to describe and explain the social dynamics of America's second most popular recreational sport, weight lifting, as performed on a university campus. Data were collected and analyzed using the participant observation approach to grounded theory research. Several hypotheses evolved from this analysis: (1) it is…

This booklet is geared specifically towards the classroom teacher who may supplement the regular physical education classes using daily activity sessions with a fitness emphasis, minimal equipment, and limited space. Information is included on: (1) fitness components; (2) sample activities related to fitness components; (3) possible teaching…

Twenty female gymnasts between the ages of twelve and fourteen were tested to determine possible difference in strength and flexibility before and after the development of an active menstrual cycle. Results indicate that females participating in gymnastics on a seriously competitive level tend to be short and light for their ages, as well as to…

The physical development of the child from 4 to 6 years old is discussed. Activities and games that will increase the child's dexterity, balance, and ability to play with others are described and illustrated. (JD)

A program of cardiovascular endurance activities for children in grades four through six was developed to emphasize success and improvement and establish lifelong patterns of concern for and enjoyment of activities that contribute to physical fitness and optimum health. The activities in the program require more teacher preparation than the…

This study focuses on changes occurring in selected mechanical components of high school girls performing the standing broad jump, and collects data pertaining to the effects of monetary reward and videotape feedback upon the following components: (a) distance jumped, (b) maximum angle of knee flexion, (c) maximum angle of hip flexion, (d) hip…

Punting characteristics of a subject were studied over an 8-year period. Performances were recorded from the age of 2 years 9 months through 11 years 4 months. Fifteen film records were made at 3-month intervals through ages 3 and 4, at 6-month intervals through ages 6 and 7, and at 1-year intervals through ages 8 to 11. Movement characteristics…

In order to construct a scientifically designed evaluative instrument to assess the motor fitness of boys in the primary grades, 30 test items purported to measure muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, power, speed, agility, flexibility, and balance were administered to an incidental sample of 238 boys ages 6 to 9 years.…

The purposes of this study were a) to investigate the relationship between grip strength and the measures of age, height, weight, and the personality traits revealed by the Comrey Personality and Attitude Factor Scales and b) to assess the influence of heredity on height, weight, and grip strength. Fifty-eight pairs of twins (MZ, 30 and DZ, 28)…

This study investigated the use of the "LEGG" Shoe as a supplemental conditioner for leg strength, flexibility, and sprint speed of college varisity football players. The investigation concluded that a program using the "LEGG" Shoe was significantly superior to the regular conditioning program. (RC)

Part 1 of this study demonstrated that a test battery using football skills and motor ability test items had discriminatory power and indicated that football potential may be predicted; part 2 evaluated three different football teams from three strata of competition using the battery tested in Part 1. (MM)