The relative effectiveness of a structured physical fitness program for fifth-grade students was compared with the effectiveness of the customary physical education activities. Students in the structured exercise program showed significant improvement in flexibility, strength, and endurance, and maintained gains during the summer. (Author/PP)

A course at Northern Illinois University trains college students for running marathons. The course offers information about conditioning, injury prevention, and diet requirements, as well as instruction in long-distance running. Techniques for motivating students are discussed. (PP)

Because team physicians generally establish athletes' medical eligibility requirements, they must understand the legal implications of recommending against sports participation. The paper presents recent court cases reflecting a split decision regarding the legality of excluding athletes whose conditions, in the physicians' opinions, expose them…

Reviews evidence from research, attempting to reconcile the reports into a unified recommendation for the type and amount of physical activity necessary for health and function. The paper focuses on moderate intensity and moderate amounts of physical activity, accumulation of physical activity, and exercise training intensity. (SM)

In a culturally competent diabetes self-management intervention in Starr County, Texas, bilingual Mexican American nurses, dieticians, and community workers provided weekly instruction on nutrition, self-monitoring, exercise and other self-care topics. A biweekly support group promoted behavior change. Interviews and examinations with 256 Mexican…

This study used pedometry and the Children Activity Rating Scale (CARS) to investigate physical activity among 3- to 5-year-olds in Hong Kong preschools. Findings indicated that older children were more active than younger ones; boys were more active than girls. Older children in the rural school with larger outdoor play space were more active…

Experts believe that child obesity is a serious medical problem that affects people in all socioeconomic groups. Suggests that there is a relationship between absentee parents, particularly mothers, and obese children, focusing on working/absentee mothers, television watching habits, the prophylactic effect of breastfeeding, and poor exercise…

Health professionals can work to correct common misconceptions through nutrition and fitness education and sharing information and resources to provide consistent public messages. The article discusses the impact of the media, food labels, and the Fuel for Fitness program, encouraging teamwork to ensure proper communication of diet and exercise…

Examines conceptual issues related to using exercise as a stress-management technique. The paper considers stress a complex process that involves the body and the mind. Coping strategies other than exercise include cognitive, somatic, and behavioral techniques. Research indicates exercise is as effective as other stress-management techniques. (SM)

Presents a foundation for establishing measurable physical education outcomes, demonstrating how heart rate telemetry can help measure and achieve such outcomes. After explaining heart rate telemetry function, the article examines student and teacher outcomes that could be included in school physical education outcomes and achieved using heart…

This study examined fourth graders' extracurricular physical activity levels and choices. Self-reported activities were classified as low, medium, or high intensity and as individual or team. Results indicated significant relationships between gender and activity choices, although overall activity levels and most frequently selected activities did…

A Purdue University study looked for significant differences between adherers and nonadherers to exercise. A questionnaire explored self-motivation, attitude toward physical activity and exercise, and lifestyle habits in 293 people. Results showed no difference between the groups for lifestyle and self-motivation but a significant difference in…

Study explored possible correlates of both vigorous physical activity and walking for exercise in 127 middle-class, healthy adult Latinos. Questionnaire results indicate correlates of physical activity are different for Latinos than for Anglos. Important variables associated with vigorous activity are self-efficacy, friends' support, childhood…

Compared determinants of physical activity in active and low-active African-American sixth graders, surveying students and making objective assessments of physical activity over seven days. Results indicated that physical activity self-efficacy, beliefs about physical activity outcomes, involvement in community-based physical activity, perception…

This special training section includes four articles on the importance of movement and action to children's development. The articles are "From Cartwheels to Caterpillars: Children's Need to Move Indoors and Out"; "Kids Gotta Move: Adapting Movement Experiences for Children with Differing Abilities"; "Roughhousing as a…