This book contains a selection of research reports on the subject of women athletes. The participation of women in sports is examined from different points of emphasis, including (1) endurance and bodily strength; (2) sociological perspective of women in sports; (3) women cooperating in teams; (4) cross-cultural comparisons of women in different…

From its initial development, the AAHPER Youth Fitness Test has been criticized for (a) not measuring only physical fitness components; (b) forcing performances that may be injurious to students; and (c) not accurately measuring aerobic endurance, a major goal of the tests. The focus of this study is to approach these criticisms and through…

Tests are described that were given to 1,000 students randomly selected at grade 7-9 levels with an equal representation from both sexes. Participants were selected from two junior high schools in North York for a study comparing students in a regular physical education program to those in a program to develop cardiovascular endurance. The first…

The relative effectiveness of a structured physical fitness program for fifth-grade students was compared with the effectiveness of the customary physical education activities. Students in the structured exercise program showed significant improvement in flexibility, strength, and endurance, and maintained gains during the summer. (Author/PP)

Physical fitness is not simply a performance oriented discipline but also, and more importantly, a health oriented discipline. The new American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) Health Related Physical Fitness Test battery reflects this idea in its four components: cardiovascular function, body composition,…

Interviewed about favorite TV characters, 91% of boys and 53% of girls ages 7-12 chose same-sex favorites. For male characters, wishful identification was predicted by intelligence and (for girls only) humor; parasocial interaction was predicted by intelligence, attractiveness, and (for boys only) strength. For female characters (chosen only by…

Describes how to assess and implement aerobic circuit training, which involves multistation weight training apparatus, handweights, and aerobic activity equipment to increase cardiovascular fitness and strength. Designed for high school and college students, the circuit requires 25 minutes to complete. (SM)

Investigated the drive for muscularity among high school adolescents using the Drive for Muscularity Scale. Results indicated that the scale was reliable. High-drive students were mainly boys trying to gain weight and muscle mass. Drive related to poor self-esteem and higher depression levels among boys, but not girls. Drive for muscularity was…

The majority of physical activity initiatives have been directed toward promoting cardiorespiratory fitness and general health. Far less attention has been devoted to encouraging or understanding muscular fitness-promoting behaviors. The purpose of this study was to determine if constructs from the Transtheoretical Model, a contemporary behavior…

This Maryland State Department of Education document is a guide for the assessment and development of comprehensive K-12 physical education programs in Maryland schools. The first section defines the nature of physical education and describes its relationship to society, the learner, and the school curriculum. The second section presents broad…

This book is designed to aid and to encourage physical education teachers to incorporate the concepts of physical fitness into the physical education curriculum. The activities are written in an outline format using the following headings: (1) concept; (2) activity and/or knowledge level; (3) location (school or home); (4) time needed; (5)…

The primary purpose of this study was to determine if a specific daily indoor exercise program of a short duration improved the aerobic fitness level of junior high school students between the ages of 12 and 14. A secondary purpose was to compare the performance of participating students with Canadian norms for working capacity and fitness. Also…

This initial phase of the comprehensive Missouri Physical Assessment Program consisted of the selection of test items to measure the components of perceptual-motor and motor performance for pre-school through grade six children. These components were identified as Balance, Rhythm and Coordination, Movement Patterns, Strength, and…

This packet of instructional materials, intended for intermediate and advanced German students, contains a student's section and a teacher's guide focusing on calisthenics. The student section contains three illustrated transcriptions of radio programs on calisthenics for early morning listeners of "Der bayrische Rundfunk" in West Germany.…

Several simple performance tests are described for assessing an athlete's major energy-producing capabilities. The tests are suitable for mass screening because they are easy to administer, require no sophisticated equipment, and can be done quickly. Information for evaluating test results is included. (PP)