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)

Presents current information on exercise, immunity, and infection in athletes and active people, focusing on well-established immunologic changes and practical clinical aspects of common infections. The article also guides physicians on what to advise active and athletic patients. (SM)

Discusses management of common overuse disorders, which are often a result of repetitive stress. Reducing inflammation through icing, rest, and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents is the primary treatment goal. Patients taking anti-inflammatories must be cautioned against returning to activity too soon because the medication's analgesic…

This study found that the physical activity levels of 10 children with Prader-Willi syndrome were significantly reduced in comparison to children without the syndrome. Increasing activity levels in children with Prader-Willi syndrome is suggested as a way to raise total energy expenditure and control weight gain. (Author/JDD)

Evaluated health-related quality of life in relation to endurance exercise over prior year for 194 previously sedentary, healthy men and women aged 50 to 65. In three exercise regimens studied, subjects who participated more had better physical health; no differences were observed in general psychological well-being. Extent of participation was…

Examines motivational foundations of exercise behavior, presenting a theoretical model in which motivation is the proximal precursor of exercise, which is determined by perceived constraints and situational facilitators. The paper explores the role of cognition versus automaticity in exercise behavior and examines habit versus routine, presenting…