Reviews factors that led to the issuance of official pronouncements on the health implications of physical activity by various prestigious scientific and medical societies, summarizing several statements. Emphasis has shifted from endorsing structured exercise to supporting public health interventions to promote physical activity through…

Describes Project PACE (Physician-based Assessment and Counseling for Exercise), a system of matching physician counseling with patient readiness for physical activity. It targets known, modifiable determinants of physical activity such as self-efficacy, social support, and perceived barriers to action. (SM)

This study investigated the effect of regular physical activity on body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat of Chinese girls grouped by age and physical activity patterns. Measurements of skinfold, height, and weight, and BMI calculations, found differences in BMI and percent body fat between active and inactive girls. (SM)

Describes a high school circuit weight training (CWT) program which promotes physical fitness and helps students understand relationships between health and physical activity. It consists of upper- and lower-body weight lifts and cardiorespiratory exercises. Research indicates that CWT improves even difficult to improve health-related components.…

Entering college students were evaluated for performance on maximal oxygen consumption, body composition, muscle endurance, muscle strength, and joint flexibility tests to determine the relationship of physical activity patterns to fitness levels. Results supported previous research indicating reduced fitness levels in young adults. (SM)

Study investigated whether high-fat food consumption and low physical activity were risk factors for obesity in third graders. Tests revealed a greater prevalence of childhood obesity in 1985 than in 1976-80. Neither intake nor activity level were independent risk factors, but there may be synergistic effects with both present. (SM)

Examined the relationship between elementary students' television viewing and their physical fitness. Data from parent and student questionnaires and measures of body fat, cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength/endurance, and muscular flexibility indicated that television viewing weakly and inconsistently related to various components of…

This study evaluated differences in the physical activity of 104 French and Norwegian youths (ages 13-16), 20 of whom were blind. No significant differences were found between the French students who attended a special school and the integrated Norwegian students on physical activity, skills and competence, self-concept, and global self-worth.…

Establishes whether students in a variety of educational environments differ in their attitudes toward nature and the environment. Identifies students' nature and environment-related activities and knowledge. (Author/CCM)

Clarifies some recent recommendations about how much physical activity is enough, and answers common questions such as what the recommendations are and what they are based on, what is meant by moderate intensity physical activity, who is responsible for the recommendations, and when to use the different guidelines. (SM)

Examined whether elementary students would compensate for restricted physical activity during school hours by increasing activity levels after school. Students wore an accelerometer monitor for 4 consecutive days. Overall, students did not compensate for sedentary school days by increasing their physical activity levels after school. Activity…

American cultural diversity makes it difficult to promote one single fitness and health program. Health disparities exist between racial and ethnic groups. Healthy People 2000 and 2010 are designed to encourage physical activity for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic status. Physicians need to understand these inequities and consider…

Discusses physical activity and exercise adherence, describing five conundrums that retard advances in knowledge about causal determinants of physical activity and successful interventions that increase physical activity and exercise adherence: adoption versus maintenance; social marketing versus product marketing; mediators of physical activity;…

Examined relationship between shyness and physical activity among Philippine high schoolers. Found that Philippine students reported less physical activity than U.S. students on the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Highly shy Filipino students participated in vigorous physical activity significantly less often than those with average or low shyness and…

Examines data on 1,759 adolescents to assess the effect of low socioeconomic status on their health. Results confirm the relationship between income and health. Explains how the pathway to poor health care operates through the social environment, lifestyle differences, access to care, and self-esteem problems. Findings do suggest that physical…