Excessive physical loading may disrupt normal osseous development and inflict injury. This is particularly applicable to young female gymnasts, for whom the injury rate is astonishingly high at advanced levels of competition. There is a need for a more extensive database using a longitudinal approach. (MT)

The Health Belief Model was utilized to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of individuals regarding regular jogging. Results suggest that behavior of sedentary individuals may be changed by using strategies which address perceived obstacles to jogging. (Author/DF)

Examined stability of activity and attention in 48 boys, originally evaluated as outpatients in a child psychiatry clinic. Measures of gross and fine motor activity, sustained attention, and self-vocalization showed significant stability over the two years for both free play and restricted academic settings. (Author/BL)

A total of 14 women recorded fetal movements during one week of their pregnancies, and Brazelton Neonatal Behavorial Assessment Scale exams were performed on the infants during their first week of life. Correlations were computed between fetal activity and neonatal behavior. (Author/RH)

This document provides an overview for the Media-Smart Youth Program, which is an education program that helps young people ages 11 to 13 understand the complex media world around them, and how it can influence their health--especially in regard to nutrition and physical activity. The following questions are answered in this document: (1) Why is…

This report explores the potential of a simple pedometer for physical activity measurement and motivation, explaining that physical inactivity is one factor that has contributed to the recent obesity epidemic. After a brief history of the pedometer, the report discusses measurement, focusing on how to measure physical activity in free-living…

In this interview, Council member William Greenough discusses the need for rich, complex experiences combined with physical activity in early childhood to help build a strong foundation for learning. He explains how rich, complex experiences are necessary for the development of sound brain architecture, particularly during early childhood, but…

Examines the effect of three years of structural therapy on inpatient cases of early childhood autism (ECA). Treatment resulted in the discharge of 12 patients. Results indicate that high stimulation, physically intrusive, gamelike, novelty filled, and developmentally oriented treatment of structural therapy can produce significant improvement in…

Activity level was measured by two independent methods, a mechanical recording device and teacher descriptions, in a sample of 129 children (65 boys and 64 girls), participating in an ongoing longitudinal study. (Author/MP)

The Parcourse Fitness Circuit is a walking, jogging, or running course with 18 exercise stations. The course's popularity stems from its diversity and its ability to be used by people at various levels of physical fitness. Physically disabled persons can use various exercise stations, depending on the specific disability. (CJ)

Determined the extent and integration of osteoporosis knowledge in three age groups of women, comparing knowledge to calcium intake and weight bearing physical activity (WBPA). Overall calcium intake was relatively high. There were no differences in knowledge, calcium intake, or WBPA by age, nor did knowledge predict calcium intake and WBPA. None…

Examined relations between behavior, intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, self-efficacy, and past behaviors using the Theories of Reasoned Action (TRA) and Planned Behavior (TPB) in physical activity. This quantitative integration of the physical activity literature supported the major relationships of the…

Presents a series of contemporary theoretical models to facilitate the identification of strategies to increase opportunities for and motivation toward physical activity among people with disabilities. They include achievement goal and competence motivation theories, socialization model, movement confidence, social cognitive theory, and the…

Used a three-phase ethnographic approach to examine the range of factors that affected people's decisions about physical activity and diet. Data from interviews with diverse, low-income families with children highlighted barriers to and facilitators of healthy behavior. Results indicated that families were embedded in a multicomponent "web" of…

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…