Contrasted the effect of a group-mediated cognitive- behavioral intervention (GMCB) versus traditional cardiac rehabilitation (CRP) upon changes in objective and self-reported physical function of older adults after 3 months of exercise therapy. Both groups improved significantly. Adults with lower function at the outset of the intervention…

Describes using self-reflective synesthetic writing exercises (which prompt students to think metaphorically about crossed senses--taste of clouds, smell of anger, etc.) in creative writing with high school students. Notes how such writing allows a reader/teacher insights into students' lives and personalities. Includes student sample poems. (SR)

Examined the utility of System Dynamics modeling as a vehicle for controlled experimentation to study and gain insight into the impacts of physical activity and diet on body weight and composition. Results underscored the significant interaction effects between physical activity, diet, and body composition and demonstrated the utility of…

Developed a cardiorespiratory endurance test that retained the inherent advantages of submaximal testing while eliminating reliance on heart rate measurement in predicting maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). College students completed three exercise tests. The 1.5-mile endurance test predicted VO2max from submaximal exercise without requiring heart…

Discusses how to choose physical activities with psychosocial objectives in mind in order to create avenues for practice and support for new behaviors, highlighting seven psychosocial dimensions of change (socialibility, spontaneity, self-motivation, aggressiveness, competitiveness, mental focus, and adventurousness). The paper examines the…

When patients experience fatigue and muscle cramps beyond exercise adaptation, physicians should consider metabolic myopathies. The most common conditions seen in active patients are myoadenylate deaminase deficiency and disorders such as McArdle's disease. Targeted family histories and basic laboratory studies help rule out conditions mimicking…

Examined personal characteristics and expanded health belief model (EHBM) constructs associated with osteoporosis- protective behaviors among college women. Survey results indicated that the EHBM was useful in evaluating osteoporosis- protective behavior. High numbers of women did not meet current exercise and calcium guidelines. Exercise…

Describes a "quick-write" as a 1-3 minute written response to a short piece of writing in which students either write as quickly as they can all that comes to mind in response to the work, or borrow a line from the work and write off that line. (SG)

Evaluated the meaningfulness of exercise training responses in patients with end stage renal disease. Data were collected on 18 patients who completed a stationary cycling training regime. Although conventional statistical analyses indicated that exercise training favorably altered participants' peak and sub-maximal exercise capacity, there was…

Menopause is associated with many different health effects and symptoms. This paper explains that regular exercise can play a critical role in protecting health and battling the increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, pelvic floor atrophy, and joint stiffness associated with menopause. Exercise programs for menopausal women should…

Investigated the effect of intense exercise training on physical fitness, coronary heart disease, bone mineral density (BMD), and parameters related to quality of life in early postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Data on woman in control and exercise training groups indicated that the intense exercise training program was effective in improving…

Debate continues as to whether exercise training accelerates the growth of coronary collateral vessels. Animal research has produced positive results, but human studies have been disappointing, largely because of problems in experimental design and methodology. (IAH)

Describes an advanced composition course for liberal arts students based on the connections between private and public writing. Argues that knowledge is socially constructed and that writing can forge both personal and professional identities within academic communities. (RS)

Results from a study of 85 college students indicate that self-efficacy is a moderately strong predictor of self-monitored performance of dietary and exercise behaviors when measured following a self-monitored performance attempt. (IAH)

Describes a writing activity in which students compose their own versions of the yellow, diamond-shaped signs which frequent the rear windows of automobiles. Notes that such "environmental writing" became a personal challenge for the students to represent in a few words the essential concepts and ideas about reading and responding. (RS)