Determined the extent and integration of osteoporosis knowledge in three age groups of women, comparing knowledge to calcium intake and weight bearing physical activity (WBPA). Overall calcium intake was relatively high. There were no differences in knowledge, calcium intake, or WBPA by age, nor did knowledge predict calcium intake and WBPA. None…

Examined relations between behavior, intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, self-efficacy, and past behaviors using the Theories of Reasoned Action (TRA) and Planned Behavior (TPB) in physical activity. This quantitative integration of the physical activity literature supported the major relationships of the…

Presents a series of contemporary theoretical models to facilitate the identification of strategies to increase opportunities for and motivation toward physical activity among people with disabilities. They include achievement goal and competence motivation theories, socialization model, movement confidence, social cognitive theory, and the…

Used a three-phase ethnographic approach to examine the range of factors that affected people's decisions about physical activity and diet. Data from interviews with diverse, low-income families with children highlighted barriers to and facilitators of healthy behavior. Results indicated that families were embedded in a multicomponent "web" of…

Evaluated the meaningfulness of exercise training responses in patients with end stage renal disease. Data were collected on 18 patients who completed a stationary cycling training regime. Although conventional statistical analyses indicated that exercise training favorably altered participants' peak and sub-maximal exercise capacity, there was…

Examined whether change in physical activity would relate to compliance with changes in dietary intake and eating behaviors in an 18-month behavioral weight loss program, also noting the contribution of exercise to weight loss. Data on 104 women indicated that physical activity related to long-term weight loss and was part of a constellation of…

This paper reviews research describing developmentally typical and atypical repetitive motor movements of children with and without disabilities. It then reports findings of a study of nine preschool-aged children with developmental delay and atypical stereotypies. Predictors of repetitive movements included level of functioning, age, ambulation,…

Examined effects of a 10-week physical activity program on activity level and self-esteem of 8- to 11-year olds. Conducted activities three times weekly for one hour per day. Found that mile-run, timed sit-ups, and sit-reach performances improved significantly from pre- to posttests. Mile-run average heart rates, recovery heart rates, and…

Examined the association of TriTrac-recorded activity among older women with commonly-used measures of activity and associated constructs. A moderate correlation was found between TriTrac and the main criterion measure, the Physical Activity Index. Respondents wore the TriTrac units only 78 percent of the requested days and underreported time not…

Uses philosophical writings, a novel about baseball, and a nonfiction work on rowing to analyze levels of meaning in physical activity, showing why three popular methods for enhancing meaning have not succeeded and may have moved some students away from deeper levels of meaning. The paper suggests that using hints taken from the three books could…

Assessed the psychometric properties of the Physical Activity and Disability Survey (PADS), which measures physical activity for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Cross-sectional and pre-post designs were employed with 103 people who had disabilities and chronic health conditions. Results supported the PADS' reliability and…

Investigated the level and pattern of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in obese children, examining predictors of their activity. Children and their parents wore accelerometers for several days and provided demographic data. Parental activity levels significantly and independently predicted and improved the prediction of children's…

This study explored male adolescents' reasons for participating in moderate and vigorous physical activity, perceived barriers to moderate and vigorous physical activity, and suggestions as to what can be done to increase participation in physical activity. A total of 26 male 15- and 16-year-old adolescents participated in focus group sessions,…

The student recreation center (SRC) at many colleges and universities has evolved from being a place to lift weights and take aerobics classes to becoming a high-powered recruitment tool (Colleges use recreation, 2002). The present study included the development of an instrument to assess the use and impact of SRCs. Students (N = 655; users = 537,…

The purpose of this study was to identify the psychosocial, environmental and behavioral factors associated with calcium intake, physical activity and bone health in a cohort of adolescent girls. Baseline data (N = 718 girls, mean age: 11.6 plus or minus 0.4 years) from the Incorporating More Physical Activity and Calcium in Teens (IMPACT) study…