Investigated how well the theory of planned behavior could predict students' physical activity intention. Surveys indicated that direct measures of the theory of planned behavior explained 47 percent of variability in the measure of physical activity intention. Differences surfaced in the relative contributions of three predictors (attitude,…

A study of 204 patients operated on for idiopathic scoliosis by the Harrington method between 1970 and 1975 found that patients were content with their lives, tended to form families later in life, and had fewer sexual relationships. The patients felt their illness had mostly influenced their participation in work and in physical activities.…

Examined the relationship between physical activity and other health-related behaviors of U.S. college students. Data from the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey indicated that cigarette smoking, inconsistent seatbelt use, and inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables significantly related to low levels of physical activity after…

Discusses how movement programs can help young children develop fundamental movement patterns and healthy, active lifestyles while learning cognitive and psychosocial concepts, noting misconceptions about early physical activity and motor skill development, describing specific approaches for promoting physical activity, and explaining that…

Examines an ecological approach for promoting physical activity in middle school, reviewing data collected in physical education classes, leisure settings, and structured extracurricular programs during the 4-year Middle School Physical Activity and Nutrition Project. The paper makes recommendations for improving physical activity in middle school…

One goal of physical education is to help children carry a physically active lifestyle over from childhood to adulthood. To motivate children in this direction, activity must be fun. This article discusses what makes games fun and describes how one elementary school developed low-organization games, evaluated student enjoyment levels, and…

Individuals are bombarded every day with data on obesity and its health consequences, with information on weight loss treatments and their successes and failures, and with tips on how to reduce caloric intake and increase physical activity. Obesity has become a global epidemic, termed globesity (World Health Organization, 2003), and seen by many…

The priorities in education continue to be on the development of the mind, often to the detriment of the body. A balance between both entities appears to be a logical goal since both are needed and used throughout one's lifetime. This article discusses the use of GEAR (Getting Energized and Recharged) activities at one school. These are physical…

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and some cancers. Approximately 950,000 Americans die annually from cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine whether American adults know which traditional and lifestyle physical activities affect…

Electrocortical and behavioral responses of low, moderate, and high physically active older adults where compared with a younger control group on neutral and incompatible conditions of a flankers task. Compared to younger adults, high and moderate active older adults exhibited increased event-related potentials component P3 amplitude for the…

Pedometers are quickly becoming a common and valuable tool for physical educators. These small devices offer a valid, reliable, and feasible method to assess children's step counts. Pedometers also provide teachers and students with immediate, concrete feedback about their physical activity levels. There are three primary uses of pedometers for…

Those growing up in the 1950s, 60s or 70s are familiar with how physically active children were before computers and video games were introduced. Each neighborhood had its own version of the various games that were played. Many of these games involved a pink rubber ball called a Spaldeen. They were everywhere and almost everyone had one. These…

This study was designed to analyze the significance of the recess period and "the effect of its duration" on children's daily physical activity. Thirteen pupils attending school in a rural area were monitored with accelerometers during the study weeks. The intervention consisted of modifying regularly scheduled recess period for a month.…

The aims of this study were to characterize the spontaneous physical activity of children during school recess, and to estimate variation in physical activity associated with gender and age. A MTI actigraph (Model 7164) was used with a sample of 140 boys and 131 girls, 6 to 10 years of age. MTI counts were converted to METs using a regression…

This article describes the efforts made by various schools in the U.S. to fight off the obesity problems of students. The intensive media coverage of the country's childhood-obesity problem sparked by the release of alarming statistics, created a junk food backlash. The Montgomery County school system and the many districts nationwide has…