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…

Epidemiologic data suggest that regular moderate exercise boosts immunity, but intense training may reduce it. Objective data do not clearly show a J-shaped relationship between exercise and immune function. Nutritional, hygienic, exercise, environmental, and pharmacologic strategies can minimize risks of infection. Practical measures to reduce…

Some commonly misused or abused exercises which are potentially harmful are identified. Each questionable exercise is illustrated, its potential for harm discussed, and an alternative suggested. Ten general rules are offered to help teachers, coaches, exercise leaders, and individuals avoid exercise-related injuries. (IAH)

Facts about growth hormone abuse should be incorporated into substance abuse components of health education curriculums. Sources, uses, and dangers associated with human growth hormones are discussed. A sample lesson plan is included. (IAH)

The training phase of a rehabilitation program for football players who have sustained lower back injuries proceeds after the pain-control phase, and seeks to minimize risk of reinjury. This phase emphasizes movement training and exercise for strengthening abdominal muscles to stabilize the lumbar spine. A removable exercise guide is included.…

Alcohol consumption affects virtually every organ and system of the body. The article examines the negative physiological and psychomotor effects of short-term alcohol consumption relevant to physical fitness and athletic performance. Educators must be responsible for reaching students and discussing the issue. (SM)

This document presents texts in the field of sports and doping that were adopted by various committees of the Council of Europe. The seven sections present: (1) "Texts Adopted by the Committee of Ministers, 1996-1988"; (2) "Texts Adopted at the Conferences of European Ministers Responsible for Sport Since 1978" and…

Exercise has important benefits for people with epilepsy, but several factors must be considered when making activity recommendations. Seizures during sports activity are rare, but physicians, coaches, and parents should know what to do if a seizure occurs. Some antiepileptic drugs may adversely affect sports performance, and exertion may reduce…

Summarizes what current research on head and spinal cord injuries sustained during participation in recreation has to offer practitioners in terms of awareness and possible preventive strategies. It noted that by addressing injury prevention through the health-belief model paradigm, recreation practitioners move a step beyond simply providing…

The American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on participation of athletes with human immunodeficiency virus suggests they be allowed to participate in competitive sports until disease transmission is found to occur in sport settings. The article discusses physician and coach roles and recommends precautions regarding body fluids and…

Reviews factors concerning fitness screening in teacher education programs and examines screening requirements in selected institutions in the United States, Canada, and in three Scandinavian countries--Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The purpose is to provide cross-cultural perspectives on the issue. (SM)

This compilation provides 256 abstracts of research completed in the areas of health, physical education, recreation, dance, and allied areas during 1989. Master's theses and doctoral dissertations are abstracted from institutions offering graduate programs in those fields. The volume includes an index to the abstracts in which references are…

This magazine feature presents seven articles whose authors reflect on the legacy of past female leaders in sport, define current challenges, and envision how women are changing sport for tomorrow. (GLR)

This report presents texts adopted in the field of sport by the Council of Europe, focusing on legal and political texts. There are four parts: (1) "Texts Adopted by the Committee of Ministers" (Second Summit Final Declaration, Conventions, Resolutions, and Recommendations); (2) "Texts Adopted at Conferences, Working Parties, and…

This document summarizes seminars and papers of the Council of Europe's Committee for the Development of Sport. Section 1, "Sport and Physical Education for Children and Young People," discusses such topics as training physical educators, introduction to sport at school, sport for children, testing physical fitness, education against…