Reports a study that tracked the fatness of elementary students over two years using current fitness test standards, assessing the athletic competence of obese and nonobese children. Children who were obese at the beginning of the study were likely to remain so. The study's findings regarding athletic competence were equivocal. (SM)

Study examined the perceptions and coping behaviors of low-skilled sixth graders in physical education. Interview and field observation data indicated that students used several strategies to cope with repeated failure (avoiding the task, remaining silent, acting out, and trying to execute skills in the face of classmate criticism). (SM)

Reports a study of the effects of short-term fitness education on low-fit female college students' knowledge and attitudes. Group A received handouts and lectures. Group B received handouts only. Pre- and posttesting indicated lectures were more effective than handouts. Both groups demonstrated significantly higher knowledge about health and…

Investigated whether being a good model of physical activity and fitness would influence employability within the physical education (PE) profession. Surveys of individuals who hired PE teachers indicated that being 10-20 pounds overweight was detrimental when seeking employment as a public school PE teacher during both initial screening and final…

Examined whether brief, take-home fitness and wellness lessons given to college physical education activity classes could teach students lifetime fitness concepts. Pre- and post-intervention surveys found that intervention students showed significant cognitive improvements compared to controls. They engaged in regular physical activity and…

The effects of the menstrual cycle on the performance, heart rate, and body temperature of female athletes are discussed. Biological causes of menstrual problems such as dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea are explained. Research indicates that the higher the level of training achieved, the less effect each cycle phase has on physical performance. (PP)

This paper describes the short form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 14 items that measure motor skill development. The results of a standardization study of nonhandicapped students (5-14 years old) are presented. Uses of the test for evaluating students in need of special education are discussed. (PP)

School physical education programs can be an invaluable source of information, support, and help for overweight children and adolescents. Such programs can stress the value of exercise and individually designed fitness plans and emphasize nutrition in weight control. Basic elements for designing such programs are discussed. (PP)

The Cardiovascular Appraisal and Prescription Program is designed to provide safe initiating procedures for the beginning jogger. By using this procedure, the participant learns how to pace the amount of jogging according to the present level of fitness. A self-administered stress monitor worksheet and a sample exercise workout are included. (JN)

A theoretical framework for incorporating relaxation instruction in the physical education curriculum is presented based on the assumption that relaxation is a muscular-skeletal skill benefitting general motor skill acquisition. Theoretical principles, a definition of relaxation, and an analysis of stages of skill development are also used in the…

Findings are reported from a survey of 33 disabled university students which sought to identify perceptions of these students about their fitness levels. Implications of these findings for implementation of curriculum modifications, mainstreaming, and practicum experiences for preservice physical educators are discussed. (IAH)

Most colleges and universities provide physical fitness classes plus courses teaching basic concepts of healthy living. Such courses empower students to learn physical fitness assessment, make wise lifetime physical fitness decisions, and design customized exercise programs. The paper examines types of cardiorespiratory fitness testing, explaining…

This study examined attitudes toward physical fitness of parents who home school their children, noting the relationship with children's physical activity levels. Questionnaires (11% returned) indicated parents felt positively about fitness, but children were not physically active. A low correlation existed between mothers' attitudes and…

Researchers compared undergraduate physical education (PE) majors' and non-PE majors' knowledge of physical fitness. Surveys indicated a progressive increase in knowledge of physical fitness among PE majors that was not found among non-PE majors. Among PE majors, no significant difference was noted between the junior and senior years. (SM)

The standing long jump was taught to 47 elementary children in one of three conditions; C1) practice only, C2) demonstration, cueing, and practice, and C3) direct instruction, which included all elements of the first two conditions + checks for understanding (CFU), corrective feedback, and closure. All children performed four jumping tasks 10…