Presents results of an assessment study of continuities in triceps skinfold thickness (TRSF) and Rohrer index (weight/height) in a biracial (black/white) cohort of 1,490 children and adolescents over an eight-year period. Reports that moderate, juvenile-onset obesity is malleable, but that the persistently obese youth is likely to become an obese…

Describes the President's Challenge, a program of fitness testing for 6- to 17-year-olds from the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Identifies requirements for the Presidential Physical Fitness Award for exercises and running, by age level and sex. Includes information on the validity of the award standards. (KB)

By carefully planning for outdoor play, adults can help ensure that outdoor experiences are challenging and safe for young children. Creative outdoor play should encourage healthy risk taking; offer graduated challenges; include variety in types of play; focus on child-centered and child-planned activities; and include the use of moveable…

Exercise is generally held to be a significant factor in the growth, development, and health of children and adolescents. The effects of physical activity regimens on general growth, as well as quantitative and qualitative changes, in animal muscle and bone tissue have been clearly demonstrated. Less is known about the role of exercise and related…

The paper reports on a study in which it was shown that the sensori-motor capacities of 10-year-old intellectually handicapped children (n equals 18) are more correlated to mental development than to physical growth and development. (Author/SBH)

The facts about nine physical exercise myths are presented. (SB)

Morphometric analysis of magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed that, compared to nondisabled controls, the seven children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had a smaller corpus callosum. Results suggest that subtle differences may exist in the brains of these children and that deviations in normal corticogenesis may underlie the…

Asserts that movement and physical activity are essential for intellectual growth of Montessori students. Outlines important concepts and procedures for developing a physical education program. Advocates "Fit for Life" approach, involving daily aerobic activities and muscular development routines. Describes how one teacher prepared his…

The purpose of this study was to compare measures of body size in two samples of youth baseball players with normative data from the United States National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) growth charts. One sample of youth baseball players participated in a local little league. The second sample of youth baseball players were members of eight…

This pamphlet describes the process of human growth from conception to adolescence and is designed for use in grades four through six. Chapter One discusses growth and Chapter Two discusses the beginning of life. Chapter Three is concerned with growth from conception on to birth. The birth of the babies, both human and other mammals, and helping…

Although research indicates that the growth and development of young athletes is not adversely affected by continuous rigorous physical activity, there is evidence to support the fact that inclusion of certain nutritional programs may deplete the physically active child. Cardiovascular involvement should be monitored and proper safeguards taken to…

Critical factors in the selection of calipers for skinfold measurements to assess body fat percentage in children and considerations for the training of testers in their proper use are highlighted. (JMF)