Those growing up in the 1950s, 60s or 70s are familiar with how physically active children were before computers and video games were introduced. Each neighborhood had its own version of the various games that were played. Many of these games involved a pink rubber ball called a Spaldeen. They were everywhere and almost everyone had one. These…

This study was designed to analyze the significance of the recess period and "the effect of its duration" on children's daily physical activity. Thirteen pupils attending school in a rural area were monitored with accelerometers during the study weeks. The intervention consisted of modifying regularly scheduled recess period for a month.…

This article describes the efforts made by various schools in the U.S. to fight off the obesity problems of students. The intensive media coverage of the country's childhood-obesity problem sparked by the release of alarming statistics, created a junk food backlash. The Montgomery County school system and the many districts nationwide has…

Alberta Education has prepared this school handbook to help teachers and administrators select age-appropriate activities that can be done almost anytime and anywhere. The Daily Physical Activity (DPA) school handbook is designed to provide information, ideas and inspiration for developing a successful DPA plan. The handbook is divided into four…

Overweight children would not be the first thing a visitor to Grafton, West Virginia, would think of when seeing the small farms that cling to steep hillsides and cultivate the bottomland along the Tygart River as one drives into town. Like most of the state, the landscape around this village nods to pastoral enterprise, suggesting a place where…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical activity (PA) patterns of children. Forty-four 7th-grade students (19 boys, 25 girls) recorded pedometer data for 2 consecutive weeks. Separate 2 x 3 repeated measures analyses of variance were used to examine differences in total steps/day between boys and girls and between after-school…

This study assessed the strengths, weaknesses, and degree of implementation of the Manitoba (Canada) Physical Education curriculum in grades 4, 8, and 11. This report presents the conclusions and recommendations resulting from a review and interpretation of the findings by the Physical Education Educators on the grade level Technical Advisory…

Learning about the relationship between heart rate and physical activity is an important aspect of fitness education. Use of a heart rate monitor (HRM) helps a student to understand how stretching and large muscle movements gradually increase the heart rate and blood flow, and enables students to measure their exercise heart rates and set goals…

This supplement to the "K-12 Physical Education Curriculum Guide," developed by the Department of Education in Manitoba, Canada is composed of four sections. The first section briefly discusses the concept of physical fitness and the purposes and objectives of a physical education program directed toward developing physical well being. The…

Methods and techniques for implementing an adapted physical education program are provided in this guide for elementary physical education teachers. The recommended screening test, "Revised Motor Activity Scale," consists of observable items which are not scored and performance items in three categories which are scored: (1) body awareness and…

Results of a study to evaluate attitudes, knowledge, and activity behaviors of college graduates who completed a lecture laboratory course in physical education suggest that conceptual physical education classes can have positive long-term effects. (Author/DF)

Physical educators must teach preadolescents about safe and realistic strength-training methods commensurate with their needs and physical capabilities. The risk of injuries can be reduced by setting prudent goals, using equipment tailored to the age level, and educating students about their unique growth state. (PP)

Data regarding various lifestyle and health habits were collected from physical education and health faculty in higher education. The majority of those responding to a questionnaire systematically engaged in some type of physical activity each week. (PP)

Reports a study that examined the attitudes of high school students and their parents toward their physical education (PE) programs. Questionnaire data indicated students were not overwhelmingly supportive of PE. Most parents were not active, and they did not perceive PE to be as critical as traditional academic subjects. (SM)

Analyzes contributions physical education makes to child and adult health. Topics discussed are current levels of U.S. children's physical activity; status of elementary physical education programs; health-related physical activity interventions; public health analysis of elementary physical education; and public health role and goal for physical…