This document presents baseline data on physical fitness that provides an outline for assessing the physical fitness of students. It consists of 4 tasks and a 13-item questionnaire on fitness-related behaviors. The fitness test evaluates cardiorespiratory endurance by a steady state jog; muscular strength and endurance with a two-minute bent-knee…

This manual outlines physical fitness tests that may be used in the schools. The tests are based on criterion standards which indicate the levels of achievement at which health risk factors may be reduced. Test theory, protocols, and criterion charts are presented for: (1) muscle strength and endurance, (2) body composition, (3) flexibility, and…

This newsletter highlights the importance of strength training in keeping older adults healthy and fit, explaining how it can forestall declines in strength and muscle mass, along with their attendant negative impact upon other metabolic functions and activities of daily living. Physical inactivity is common throughout the nation. Approximately 11…

Evaluation of a 10-week aerobic exercise program on 14 community-based adults with mental retardation found a 91.3% attendance rate and significant increases in maximal oxygen consumption, oxygen pulse, maximum ventilation, exercise stress test duration, and flexibility. However, no significant changes were observed in weight or body composition.…

Used FITNESSGRAM fitness standards to compare passing rates of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) students with passing rates of National Children and Youth Fitness Study participants, examining body mass index (BMI) and 1-mile run (OMR) rates. The groups had similar BMI but differing OMR passing rates. There were gender- and age-related BMI and OMR…

A longitudinal study was used to examine age differences in the role of body mass index (BMI) and sociocultural pressures in predicting changes in body image and strategies to both lose weight and increase muscles among 443 children aged between 8 and 12 years (207 boys, 236 girls) over a 16-month period. The strongest predictors of body image and…

Studies show that childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Today, more than 23 million American children--or nearly one in every three--are overweight or obese. If childhood obesity is left unaddressed, a generation of individuals could face health, social, and economic challenges that promise to stress government…

This module includes seven lessons designed to help students in grades 9-12 enhance their present and future levels of fitness. It begins with an exploration of the meaning and benefits of fitness. In lesson 1, students complete an inventory to assess their present level of physical activity. Lesson 2 deals with students' feelings about their…

This teacher's guide and student workbook are part of a series of supplementary curriculum packages of alternative methods and activities designed to meet the needs of Florida secondary students with mild disabilities or other special learning needs. Content is based on the Florida Curriculum Frameworks and correlates to the Sunshine State…

Research data on American youth physical fitness is inconclusive and insufficient to effectively compare past and present levels of activity (a component of fitness), although conclusive evidence does show more body fat. Intervention strategies for creating lifelong patterns of activity are discussed and positions of major medical associations are…

This article discusses two major functions of fitness tests and the standards used to evaluate test results: measurement of individual differences (evaluated by norm-referenced standards), and assessment of student mastery of a predetermined standard (evaluated by criterion-referenced standards). Two sample letters to parents regarding student…

Study examined whether body fatness and weight control knowledge could be learned by students while they completed skinfold testing. Students received information on the subject in different manners while undergoing skinfold testing, then completed a knowledge test. Students who received instruction during measurement scored higher than control…

The presence of older Olympians suggests aging itself may not be the primary obstacle to long-term athletic performance. For older athletes, scheduling sufficient training and recovery time becomes increasingly difficult, but physical and financial rewards entice them to try. No studies have directly addressed the true potential of aging athletes.…

Presents information about body composition assessment, including how useful the measurement is, how to conduct assessment, accurate skinfold measurement, body mass index versus skinfold results, interpreting results, standards for score interpretation, other types of measurement, how to approach skinfold assessment, and handling sensitivity and…

Though leanness in athletes is often a natural state, it can pose long-term liability to some athletes' performance and/or health. The physician must determine when leanness is reason for clinical concern. Athletes who do not eat enough to sustain training must either reduce the exercise load or increase nutritional intake. (Author/SM)