Karate and the martial arts help to develop endurance, flexibility, speed, coordination, and strength. Karate is an intellectual discipline which has a strong foundation in art and philosophy. The black belt system and the various schools of karate are discussed. (JN)

Strength training is an effective method of developing musculoskeletal strength and is often prescribed for fitness, health, and for prevention and rehabilitation of orthopedic injuries. This paper describes and presents a rationale for the population-specific strength training guidelines established by major health organizations. (SM)

This article reports results of a study to determine effects of a supplemental physical education program based on health-related fitness factors taught and monitored by classroom teachers. Subjects were 130 students, grades four-six. Findings indicate the treatment group showed improvements in cardiorespiratory endurance, abdominal strength, and…

Entering college students were evaluated for performance on maximal oxygen consumption, body composition, muscle endurance, muscle strength, and joint flexibility tests to determine the relationship of physical activity patterns to fitness levels. Results supported previous research indicating reduced fitness levels in young adults. (SM)

Strength training is considered a male activity, but physicians are recommending it to women who want to keep their musculoskeletal systems strong and flexible as they age. This article discusses goals and problems of strength training for women and suggests it as an adjunct to cardiovascular fitness exercises. (SM)

The isokinetic strength of the knee extensor muscles of both limbs was evaluated in 25 children and adolescents with Down's syndrome. The Down's syndrome subjects were significantly weaker than control groups with average intelligence and with non-Down's syndrome mental retardation. Results suggested a dysfunction of the neuromuscular system,…

Examined changes in physical fitness of middle-aged adults with mental retardation over 13 years. The subjects had participated in a physical fitness study in 1983. They were re-evaluated for cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Fitness levels declined over the 13 years and were low…

Consequences of nonconformity to hegemonic femininity in sport often include sexist and heterosexist discrimination. This leads many sportswomen to emphasize feminine characteristics to avoid prejudice and discrimination. Females perceived as too feminine are sexualized and trivialized, leaving women to carefully balance athleticism with hegemonic…

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively combine and examine the results of studies examining the effectiveness of periodized (PER) compared to nonperiodized (Non-PER) training programs for strength and/or power development. Two analyses were conducted to (a) examine the magnitude of treatment effect elicited by PER strength training…

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a marathon run on serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations and serum muscle enzyme activities and follow their recovery after the run. These blood concentrations were measured before, immediately after, and serially after a marathon run in 15 male recreational runners. The triglyceride…

This research evaluated a dual pathway model for body dissatisfaction among adolescent boys. The study provides empirical support for the importance of distinguishing between weight and muscularity concerns in understanding male body image. A total of 128 boys from grades 8 and 11 completed a self-report questionnaire. Results indicated that…

One of the primary roles of physical education teachers is to incorporate health-related fitness and lifetime physical activity into their programs. It is also important for physical educators to stay current on evolving fitness trends that may benefit their students. For example, strength training, once thought to be detrimental to children, has…

We use panel data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to investigate on-the-job exercise and weight. For male workers, job-related exercise has causal effects on weight, but for female workers, the effects seem primarily selective. A man who spends 18 years in the most physical fitness-demanding occupation is about 25 pounds (14…