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…

This study examined predictors of current level of physical activity among 577 college graduates with locomotor disabilities. Surveys of college alumni indicated that perceived level of physical activity during college and perceived disability severity, respectively, were the most significant predictors of current physical activity, with variance…

Uses data from current research and two older adult focus groups to develop a conceptual model of exercise self-efficacy and its predictors among older adults. Specifically addresses the issue of low socioeconomic status among older adults and how to improve their health and activity level. (SNR)

Investigated specific aspects of urban Hong Kong children's lifestyles that influenced their eating and physical activity behaviors. Data from observations at home and at school during recess indicated that children did not participate at levels of physical activity of sufficient intensity to have any effects on fitness and health. Children tended…

Communication is a barrier to accessing physical activity and recreation for many people who are deafblind (Lieberman & MacVicar, 2003; Lieberman & Stuart, 2002). The purpose of this study was to observe effective communication strategies used during four physical activities for youth who are deafblind. Communication during physical activity was…

The objective of this paper is to analyze the relationship between income and living conditions and well-being of elderly. The best from two worlds is used for this purpose: a Danish survey covering 1440 elderly aged 72 and 77 from 1997, connected to reliable register information on income, 1988-1996. Indicators of physical activity, social and…