Emphasizing cardiovascular fitness may be a barrier to mobilizing the sedentary individual. Instead, encouraging low-level physical activity may be an effective first step. Beliefs held toward cardiovascular fitness are presented, and ways in which these beliefs may present barriers to adoption of any level of physical activity are discussed. (IAH)

Eleven photographs confirm that permitting ergonomic options of foot placement and body posture pays off in improved student attention. (MLF)

Provides practical guidelines for a strength training program for cardiac patients which may be modified to fit a particular program. The recommendations include criteria for admission, procedures for orientation and instruction, and techniques for supervision. (SM)

Examined body image satisfaction in Turkish adolescents. Findings from 269 female and 286 male secondary school students revealed that males were more satisfied with their bodies than were females, early-maturing males and late-maturing females had higher levels of body image satisfaction, and participants in physical activities were more…

Studied 7,018 children between birth and 7 years and 81 children of 5-8 years to test the hypothesis that birth order is negatively related to motor activity level. Activity level declined linearly across birth position, so that early-borns were rated as more active than later-borns. (RJC)

A case study of a primary school principal in New South Wales (Australia) was conducted using a physiological device, the Stephens Tissue Perfusion Monitor, to measure the levels of stress associated with various situations encountered by the principal. Study identified 14 categories of "uplifts" that assist principals in lowering stress…

Reports on a study of the physical effects of fear on 236 college-age students. Compares pulse rates and the ability to perform physical exercise while viewing a video on a nuclear war or a nonfrightening incident. Finds that fear was effective at moderate levels of arousal, but high levels of arousal eliminated or reversed the effects. (CFR)

Examines current guidelines for physical fitness, noting issues that may influence the updating of the American College of Sports Medicine exercise statement. Differences between exercise prescription for fitness and physical activity for health are discussed, noting the importance of designing individualized programs with appropriate levels of…

Basic instruction programs have existed for over 130 years. The article discusses the importance of physical education in basic instruction programs and suggests five areas that must be improved if basic programs are to survive (better teaching, curriculum stimulation, administrative commitment, faculty stewardship, and research domain). (SM)

Exercise-induced bronchospasm commonly strikes young people, keeping many away from activity. The exercise challenge test (a powerful tool in diagnosing the condition, fine-tuning treatment, and improving patient compliance) can help get patients back in action. Knowing how to interpret and use test results helps physicians expedite effective…

Examined preschoolers' physical activity levels during participation in an 8-week developmental movement program. Found that preschoolers maintained moderate to vigorous physical activity over a period of time. Physical activity patterns remained consistent throughout the program. Preschoolers' heart rates were significantly elevated from resting…

This study, involving 904 adolescents, examined the influence from parents and friends on adolescents' self-reported level of leisure-time physical activity. Survey responses revealed that, although no one type of parental/friend influence was greater than another, parental and peer physical activity and support did influence adolescent physical…

Discusses a study of systematic observation instruments designed to assess characteristics of children's physical activity related to health. The article identifies 8 instruments designed for children from 20 months to sixth grade and examines the advantages of direct, naturalistic observation. Recommendations for improving the current…

Examines measures of children's perspectives on physical activity, focusing on the Children's Attitudes toward Physical Activity Scale and other measurement approaches. The article identifies current measurement issues and makes five recommendations for assisting in the development of useful research instruments. (SM)

This study explored the impact of socioeconomic status on 32,852 females' sedentary behavior. Survey data indicated the prevalence of sedentary behavior was 30% among white women and 45% among black women, decreasing for both groups as socioeconomic status increased; leisure time sedentary behavior increased with age. (SM)