Studied effects on nutritional supplementation, with or without psychosocial stimulation, on the development and growth of 129 stunted children compared with 32 nonstunted children. Found that after six months, initially low activity levels of stunted children matched those of nonstunted children, regardless of treatment. Supplementation improved…

This paper presents epidemiologic evidence on the contributions of physical inactivity and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness to risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The types and dose of physical activity to reduce risk of CHD and plausible biologic mechanisms for the partial protective effect are reviewed. (Author/SM)

The effect of exercise on total and regional bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women is reviewed. Studies on non-estrogen-replete postmenopausal women show 1-2% changes in regional BMD with 1 year of weight-bearing exercises. Studies of exercise training in the estrogen-replete postmenopausal population suggest large BMD changes.…

Reviews age-related declines in motor performance, examining the known types of sensorimotor deficits in the elderly. The article highlights recent data that show changes in kinematics of arm movements, prehension tasks, and handwriting that reveal why movement becomes slower and less accurate in older adults. (SM)

The Infant Behavior Record (IBR) assessed the temperament of 95 nonadoptive and 80 adoptive sibling pairs at 1 and 2 years of age. Data from this and an earlier similar study of identical and fraternal twins yielded evidence for genetic influence for IBR factors of extraversion, activity, and task orientation. (BC)

Youth fitness levels in the United Kingdom are discussed, including a comparative analysis of Scandinavian children vs American youth concerning fitness levels. Two recommendations are offered: (1) increase the number and types of physical activities in earlier school years; and (2) do not decrease standards, but expect higher fitness performance.…

Literature review examined studies of validity and reliability of children's physical activity self-reports and measures based on others' reports of the child's activity. The study identified 18 self-report or proxy-report measures of children's physical activity with some data on their reliability or validity. (SM)

Reviews several mechanical and electronic techniques for monitoring physical activity in children. The paper focuses on motion sensors (Large Scale Integrated Sensor and Caltrac Accelerometer) and heart rate, and it presents recommendations for establishing general guidelines for appropriate use of such monitoring devices with children. (SM)

A three-year study examined adult physical activity preferences, comparing data to past surveys on the subject. Data from health assessment surveys indicate that the most popular activities are walking, swimming, dance, and bicycling. Data tables and indications on cautious interpretation of the data are included. (SM)

Examines recent evidence on the relations between physical activity, physical fitness, and health, noting the possible causal nature of the associations. The article evaluates the public health burden of sedentary lifestyles in the United States and provides suggestions for increasing participation in physical activity. (SM)

In a roundtable discussion, a panel of experts address how physicians can identify active patients for whom exercise poses the risk of serious heart complications, how useful stress tests are, what exercise intensity is best, and what physicians can tell patients about the risks of exercise versus its benefits. (SM)

Examined associations between the activity level and adaptability of same-sex siblings and qualitative aspects of their relationship. Found high levels of conflict when both siblings were high in activity and the older sibling was rated more active than the younger. Conflict was lowest when siblings were low in activity. Warmth was greatest when…

This study examined the effect of parental attitudes and exercise habits on child fitness and activity levels. Parents and children completed surveys on exercise, activity, and attitude. Results indicated that parental attitudes and practices had minimal effect on child fitness. Findings indicate the need to examine other factors in the child's…

Summarizes the central findings of the MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Successful Aging. Proposes a conceptual framework for successful aging and considers some pathways or mechanisms that make for successful aging. Focuses on health, risk factors, cognitive functioning, physical functioning, social relations, productive activities, and…

Analyzed data on physical education (PE) enrollment, daily PE attendance, and being physically active in PE among high school students, using 1991-97 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data. Although PE enrollment did not change over time, the prevalence of students who attended PE daily and who were physically active more than 20 minutes per class…