Childhood obesity may be an epidemic for American children in general, but experts say that for severely disabled youth, it is even worse. This article describes how in the spring of 2005, national leaders addressed the issue of childhood obesity particularly as it relates to disabled children. It was at this time that Secretary Tommy Thompson of…

Describes physical and motor development characteristics of children from early childhood to adolescence, and discusses theories of motor skill development with practical applications for parents and teachers. The final section discusses declining fitness levels in children and ways to improve fitness in school-age children. (SLD)

Agility ladders can be effective fitness tools for elementary and middle school physical education students. Agility ladder activities have students perform various locomotor movements over ladders placed flat on the ground. The paper describes how to conduct agility ladder activities, acquire an agility ladder, and adapt activities to specific…

Reports a study that examined the utility of health and exercise locus of control and health and exercise value in predicting exercise behavior in 86 adults. Survey results indicated that exercise locus of control was a better predictor of exercise behavior than a more general measure of health locus of control. (Author/SM)

Defines basic group processes such as norms, roles, social support, and the developmental phases of a group, and applies them to physical activity groups. Three kinds of groups are differentiated: (1) on-the-spot information; (2) physical activity; (3) interactive promotional groups. Interactive promotional groups help people adopt health-related…

Explains embodied fieldwork as learning to act and think like a geographer. Examines how students are assumed to be able-bodied (ability to walk/climb) and what occurs when they are not. Demonstrates how the selection of rugged outdoor environments for fieldwork reinforces assumptions about students and staff as able-bodied. (CMK)

The purpose of this monograph was to present evidence for determining whether school-aged children were progressing toward attainment of the national physical education standards. Developed by a team of experts, the standards describe what students should know and be able to accomplish as a result of quality physical education (National…

This paper describes a method for designing, implementing, and evaluating a work-site physical activity campaign aimed at employees who are currently sedentary in their leisure time. Inactivity is a major but modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease. Increasing the activity levels of underactive adults would have a positive impact on…

This report details a national survey study of parents, age 54 or younger, living with children under age 18. The study examined parents' physical health status, stress levels and negative feelings, health habits, and access to health care. Findings indicated that one in eight parents reported health problems, with health related to education,…

Reviews evidence from research, attempting to reconcile the reports into a unified recommendation for the type and amount of physical activity necessary for health and function. The paper focuses on moderate intensity and moderate amounts of physical activity, accumulation of physical activity, and exercise training intensity. (SM)

Health professionals can work to correct common misconceptions through nutrition and fitness education and sharing information and resources to provide consistent public messages. The article discusses the impact of the media, food labels, and the Fuel for Fitness program, encouraging teamwork to ensure proper communication of diet and exercise…

Physical educators can help students set goals to achieve maximum physical fitness. Educators should continually assess students' progress toward their goals, repeatedly updating goals and activities for reaching the goals. The article explains how to determine students' fitness levels and includes a fitness components activity sheet and class…

This study examined fourth graders' extracurricular physical activity levels and choices. Self-reported activities were classified as low, medium, or high intensity and as individual or team. Results indicated significant relationships between gender and activity choices, although overall activity levels and most frequently selected activities did…

Describes effective methods for identifying and recruiting high risk African American ninth-grade girls to measure their fitness and assess the impact of fitness training on blood pressure. A multistage step test for fitness assessment in such girls is presented. The "Project Heart" aerobics class and control groups are described. (SM)

Educating children in the development of positive attitudes toward health related fitness so that they are motivated to engage in lifetime fitness activities both inside and outside of the physical education class is an ongoing challenge for physical education teachers. This article presents several lesson ideas which have been developed to…