This report is based on a survey of 4,678 children aged 6 to 9, examining their exercise habits at school, at home, and in community programs. The survey is the second in a series carried out by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. The first report found that fitness has declined for 10- to 17-year-olds. In an effort to better understand why adolescents' fitness levels have declined, this national study was undertaken to learn the fitness status of younger children. The study shows that young children in America are fatter than children 20 years ago, are not getting the right kinds of exercise, and spend more time watching television than in physical activity. The better performers on the fitness tests participate in more vigorous and organized community-based activities, watch less television, and have a higher activity level. The research process and results are described in articles which include: an introduction (J. M. McGinnis); a summary of findings (James G. Ross and Russell R. Pate); "Study Procedures and Quality Control (James G. Ross, et al.); a sample design (Michael T. Errecart et al.); "The Modified Pull-Up Test" (Russell R. Pate et al.); and "Home and Community in Children's Exercise Habits" (James G. Rose et al.). (JD)