Regular exercise training results in a variety of cardiovascular adaptations including increases in left ventricular chamber size and wall thickness, and in resting vagal tone. Research has demonstrated that the changes are physiologic and are associated with preserved or enhanced cardiovascular function. (Author/JD)

Several physicians discuss the tests they use to diagnose exercise-induced asthma (EIA), the medications they typically prescribe and why, and the importance of properly educating athletes about EIA. (JD)

Asthma patients can benefit from 20 to 30 minutes of exercise at 60 to 85% of maximum heart rate several times a week. Improved fitness can reduce airway reactivity and medication use. The capacity to exercise requires good general control of asthma. Patients must learn to prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction by using inhaled medications…

Advances in the chemical and materials sciences have had dramatic impact on sporting events. Discusses some of the chemicals and materials involved in these advances with the intention of providing a mechanism to interest students in chemistry. Presents structures and properties of some materials that led to their adoption in sports and ideas for…

Discusses how purposeful heading of soccer balls and head injuries affect soccer players' cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive deficits may occur for many reasons. Heading cannot be blamed when details of the actual event and impact are unknown. Concussions are the most common head injury in soccer and a factor in cognitive deficits and are probably…

Sports-related concussions can happen to any athlete in any sport. Each year in the United States, an estimated 1.6-3.8 million sports and recreation-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur, most of which can be classified as concussions. To help coaches prevent, recognize, and better manage sports-related concussions, the Centers for…

The results of a five-year project that documented the problem of eye injuries in sports are reported; this project included a descriptive study. The article also reports the types and mechanisms of eye injuries which occurred and possible preventive measures. (JL)

Discusses the use of performance-enhancing substances in athletics, focusing on the use-detection race, burgeoning new products and off-label uses, and ways to combat the problem. The article suggests drug education programs, particularly those for adolescent athletes, have the potential to change behavior and be more cost-effective than further…

Preventing infectious disease in sports is fundamental to maintaining team effectiveness and helping athletes avoid the adverse effects of illness. Good hygiene, immunization, minimal exposure to specific diseases, and certain prophylactic measures are essential. Teammates, coaches, trainers, officials, healthcare providers, and community public…

This article reviews the medical literature on head injuries in soccer and concludes that protective headgear to reduce these injuries may not be as effective as rule changes and other measures, such as padding goal posts. (IAH)

The composition, ojbectives, and perceptions of the medical care team which has evolved over the last 10 years to provide acute care for injured persons at the finish line of the Boston Marathon are described, as well as as an ancillary group which maintains medical records and defines injury patterns. (Author/CB)

This study examined the effects of resistance exercise and anabolic steroids on lipoprotein profiles of female weightlifters. The study found that women who participate in resistance training have better lipoprotein profiles than their sedentary counterparts, but these changes do not offset the deleterious effects of steroid use. (SM)

In an effort to reduce deaths and serious injuries among bicyclists, physicians and bicycling organizations are promoting safety skill classes. Children are at especially high risk of accidents and need proper training and education. Helmets and other protective gear are considered crucial equipment, and common sense and alertness are important.…

In order to find the right combination to construct a cold pack for athletic injuries, students mix liquids and solids in a calorimeter, and use a thermometer to ascertain whether the chemical reaction is hot or cold. Many formulae for chemical reactions are given, the first of which is used for commercial cold packs.

This paper summarizes recent events concerning the evaluation of doctoral programs in kinesiology and physical education. An overview is provided of issues related to the evaluation process used by the National Research Council (NRC). The American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education (AAKPE) has developed a proposal to have our field…