Background and attitudes of racquetball players and runners were studied in an attempt to isolate factors that predispose adults to physical activity as a form of leisure. Subjects were also asked about their interests in sports, self-perception of athletic ability, and work-leisure orientation. (PP)

This study investigated whether a pattern for the development of motor ability could be discerned, using the same range of motor performance tests with boys and girls at 10 different age levels. Researchers did not find a pattern as clear as has emerged in personality and intelligence development. (PP)

Dance programs for older adults that encourage exercise and socializing are described in six articles. Program guidelines of the American Alliance Committee on Aging are explained, and other articles emphasize a movement education approach that may involve intergenerational contact. A dance program held in a worship setting is also discussed. (PP)

This study investigated reactions of 51 children to entry into nursery school, based on observational data, a test of conceptual ability, and assessment of adjustment. Four styles of entry behavior were identified, and connections drawn between entry behavior and early experience, especially in the home. (SK)

Data regarding various lifestyle and health habits were collected from physical education and health faculty in higher education. The majority of those responding to a questionnaire systematically engaged in some type of physical activity each week. (PP)

Study I examined activity spans in four types of preschool establishments. Overall span was greatest in the nursery school and lowest in the day nursery. Study II examined attention spans in a primary school. Both studies demonstrated the influence of adults in increasing children's attention. (Author/SJL)

Mitral valve prolapse is the most common heart disease seen in college and university health services. It underlies most arrhythmia and many chest complaints. Activity and exercise restrictions are usually unnecessary. (Author/CJ)

A study identified 145 adults with mild mental retardation and hyperinsulinemia, borderline high triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hypertension, and abdominal obesity. Those who participated in more frequent bouts of physical activity or who consumed lower dietary fat intakes were one-third as likely to have hyperinsulinemia…

Focus group interviews assessed African American teens' and adults' (ages 13 to 65-plus) perceptions and beliefs about exercise. Many subjects believed that African Americans performed physical labor at work and needed rest rather than exercise during free time. Many considered exercise a physical stressor and believed friends had the greatest…

Reports a study that examined the attitudes of high school students and their parents toward their physical education (PE) programs. Questionnaire data indicated students were not overwhelmingly supportive of PE. Most parents were not active, and they did not perceive PE to be as critical as traditional academic subjects. (SM)

Two studies: evaluated the consistency of toddlers' motor activity level over time and across situations; and examined the relations between several measures of activity level and ratings of problem behavior in toddlers. Found that activity level was stable when measured by the same methods in the same situation but not across methods or across…

Describes a study of 8,885 adults to determine whether the amount of time spent watching television was associated with cardiovascular fitness, considering confounding effects like age, gender, smoking, work week, exercise time, and obesity. Results indicate the duration of daily television watching is strongly and inversely associated with…

Analyzes contributions physical education makes to child and adult health. Topics discussed are current levels of U.S. children's physical activity; status of elementary physical education programs; health-related physical activity interventions; public health analysis of elementary physical education; and public health role and goal for physical…

The Behaviors of Eating and Activity for Children's Health Evaluation System (BEACHES) codes direct observations of children's dietary and physical activity behaviors and associated environmental events, including physical location, antecedents, and consequences. The system's reliability and validity was assessed in a study of 42 children (ages…

Discusses the enhancement of student motivation within secondary school physical education classes, focusing on the impact of student perceptions of learning environment upon motivation levels, perceptions students hold regarding their own abilities, meanings they attach to the concept of achievement, and strategies to enhance motivation. (SM)