Results indicated that the intervention package--including instructions, feedback from an electronic device that measures motor activity, and contingent reinforcement--was successful in reducing activity in the classroom for 8 of the 11 emotionally disturbed Ss (ages 9 to 13 years). (Author/DLS)

Used data from the 1995 National College Health Risk Behavior Survey to evaluate the relationship between physical activity, sports participation, and suicide among college students. Overall, selected physical activity patterns were associated in a non-systematic manner with decreased or increased odds of suicidal behavior among male and female…

Examined a program to recruit volunteer physical activity providers in middle schools. Twenty-one community volunteers provided 850 physical activity hours at seven schools. Volunteers who received incentives offered more minutes of activity, conducted more activity sessions, reached more students, and logged more student-minutes of physical…

Describes the relationship of self-determination theory to elective physical activity motivation, offering the following recommendations for physical activity practitioners: give positive feedback, promote moderately difficult goals, provide choice of activities, provide a rational for activities, promote the development of social relationships,…

Investigated the physical activities of certified athletic trainers (ATCs), both at work and at leisure. Survey data indicated that those who worked in clinical versus school settings had the highest mean total activity score. Females scored significantly higher than males. The mean total index activity of the over-36-years-old group was…

Physical education should primarily promote health-related physical fitness, characterized by an ability to perform daily activities with vigor, and demonstration of traits and capacities associated with low risk of premature development of inactivity-related diseases. (Author/CB)

In terms of physical impact, recent studies suggest that many benefits previously attributed to exercise as a factor in weight loss do not exist. Researchers do seem to agree that exercise does have a positive effect on body composition during weight loss. (IAH)

Perceived exertion scales, based on subjective perception of energy output, are gaining respect as prescribing and monitoring tools for individual exercise programs. A review of recent literature indicates growing research interest in applications for individuals who are elderly, inactive, or subject to medical conditions such as angina. (IAH)

The process of a 1992 consensus conference that examined relationships among physical activity, fitness, and health variables is described. The conference involved internationally known scientists with relevant expertise. The paper discusses potential sources of physical activity, the benefits of physical activity, the possible harmful effects of…

Data on the dose-response gradient for the relation of physical activity or physical fitness to health and function are reviewed, refuting the idea that physical activity programs are either exercise for health or for fitness and suggesting that the key factor is the total energy expenditure of the activity. (SM)

Examines the effects of physical activity on depression and anxiety, discussing the scientific strength of studies on physical activity, depression, and anxiety against the standards of science accepted in epidemiology with a focus on the independence, consistency, dose-response gradient, and biological plausibility of the evidence. (Author/SM)

Discusses the implications for professional practice and society of physical activity and stress, looking at the views of a series of papers that examined the issue of stress and exercise. The article focuses on what is missing in current research on stress and physical activity. (SM)

Review considers problems encountered in relating women's physical activity to increases in bone mass, noting the implications of recommending exercise to help prevent osteoporosis based on that information. Research indicates that for the full benefit of exercise on skeletal health, there must be adequate gonadal hormone levels. (SM)

Study examined factors that influenced intrinsic motivation toward physical activity in 60 adult males who completed questionnaires and physical fitness tests. Results showed that performance information given immediately after task performance increased perceived competence and intrinsic motivation levels toward exercise of individuals with…

Examines the results of a 1991 pilot study of the characteristics of the menopausal experience for women between the ages of 45 and 55. Specific items reported are physical health data and perceptions of factors affecting health status (diet, health characteristics, stress factors, and life changes). (GLR)