Demonstrates the use of heart rate monitors (HRMs) in fitness research and examines heart rate intensity levels of middle school students while they participated in a variety of physical education activities throughout a school year. Research shows the HRM has considerable potential in assessing fitness achievements in school-age children. (GLR)

Four children without disabilities and 2 adult trainers interacted with 2 children (ages 11 and 12) with severe and multiple disabilities to determine effect on target motor behaviors. Both the adult instruction and peer social interactions increased motor responses. No differences were noted between adult instruction and peer social interaction.…

Observations of 157 fifth graders in 20 elementary schools in Texas during physical education indicate that only 8.5% of class time was spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity, with 68.1% in sedentary activity. Observed activity is substantially lower than that recommended in national health objectives. (SLD)

What individuals do during leisure time significantly affects illness, disease, and longevity. Leisure studies and services can offer much to the understanding of health and the provision of health services. The article notes that the tendency to separate leisure and health within the physical education and recreation curricula is dysfunctional.…

Minnesota Heart Health Program involved a project to reduce cardiovascular disease via school-based physical activity and health promotion. Researchers took seven annual waves of measurements from sixth graders in intervention and control communities. Results indicate school behavioral education together with community strategies can produce…

Describes a conceptual model of physical activity promotion based on the unique developmental, psychological, and behavioral characteristics of children. The model adopts a social-ecological framework by acknowledging the input of various personal, social, and environmental influences on children's physical activity. It also unites constructs from…

Describes basic counseling skills for use in patient education. A study involving activity levels in back patients is described. Variability in patient activity due to random influences in the patient's life is contrasted with maintenance of basics over time. The single-case method is used for evaluating counseling skills. (Author/EMK)

Defines basic group processes such as norms, roles, social support, and the developmental phases of a group, and applies them to physical activity groups. Three kinds of groups are differentiated: (1) on-the-spot information; (2) physical activity; (3) interactive promotional groups. Interactive promotional groups help people adopt health-related…

Examined the extent to which fifth- and seventh-grade girls participated in physical activity and why, and identified their knowledge about its benefits. Found that girls participated primarily for fun; parents who participated in regular physical activity were more likely to have daughters who also participated. Nonparticipating girls had much…

Examines differences in self-concept and body image satisfaction and the relation between self-concept and body image among high school athletes (n=174) and nonathletes (n=174). Results suggest that those exhibiting a positive body image were more confident in school, athletic events, and general life than those with a negative body image. (RJM)

A school-based walking program is an inexpensive and amusing way to get young students physically active. The article presents a program that can be adapted for students of any age and implemented as a physical education class unit, after school activity, or recess program. (SM)

Examined high school and college students' physical activity levels and affinity for food. Surveys on physical activity, eating frequency, weight status, and psychological affinity for food indicated that many students were discontent with their weight, attempted to avoid food, viewed food as a temptation, and occasionally splurged to produce…

In discussing the myth that technology has no benefit to the world of play, there seems to be little doubt that technology has made the task of assessing children's activity levels and identifying types of behaviors a simpler and more reliable process. There are three major approaches currently used to measure the amount of physical activity…

The authors evaluate the validity of the Social Provisions Scale for physical activity among adolescent Black (n = 896) and White (n = 823) girls. The girls completed the scale and measures of subjective norms and physical activity in the eighth and ninth grades. Within the sample of White girls, the Social Provisions Scale contained 24 items that…

The purpose of this article is to emphasize the need to develop unique physical activity and sport programs that specifically target the participation of nonathletic and nonactive girls. In addition, the authors provide an overview of an example of one such program, Project Destiny. A description of Project Destiny is provided in terms of its…