Educating the Student Body

Educating the Student Body
Author: Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 503
Release: 2013-11-13
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309283140

Physical inactivity is a key determinant of health across the lifespan. A lack of activity increases the risk of heart disease, colon and breast cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression and others diseases. Emerging literature has suggested that in terms of mortality, the global population health burden of physical inactivity approaches that of cigarette smoking. The prevalence and substantial disease risk associated with physical inactivity has been described as a pandemic. The prevalence, health impact, and evidence of changeability all have resulted in calls for action to increase physical activity across the lifespan. In response to the need to find ways to make physical activity a health priority for youth, the Institute of Medicine's Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment was formed. Its purpose was to review the current status of physical activity and physical education in the school environment, including before, during, and after school, and examine the influences of physical activity and physical education on the short and long term physical, cognitive and brain, and psychosocial health and development of children and adolescents. Educating the Student Body makes recommendations about approaches for strengthening and improving programs and policies for physical activity and physical education in the school environment. This report lays out a set of guiding principles to guide its work on these tasks. These included: recognizing the benefits of instilling life-long physical activity habits in children; the value of using systems thinking in improving physical activity and physical education in the school environment; the recognition of current disparities in opportunities and the need to achieve equity in physical activity and physical education; the importance of considering all types of school environments; the need to take into consideration the diversity of students as recommendations are developed. This report will be of interest to local and national policymakers, school officials, teachers, and the education community, researchers, professional organizations, and parents interested in physical activity, physical education, and health for school-aged children and adolescents.

Sedentary Behavior and Health

Sedentary Behavior and Health
Author: Weimo Zhu
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Total Pages: 456
Release: 2017-03-03
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1492586463

From office jobs and long commutes to passive entertainment like television and video games, humans are sitting more than ever. Though lack of exercise has major health consequences, researchers are now examining the additional and widespread health risk of the simple act of sitting for extended periods. With research from leading scientists, Sedentary Behavior and Health: Concepts, Assessments, and Interventions presents evidence on sedentary behavior, its apparent health risks, and suggestions on measuring and altering this behavior. The highly respected international author team provides an interdisciplinary review of current research, examining scientific, public health, and broader social questions about the implications of sedentary behavior. These topics include humans’ physiological predispositions, exacerbation of current health conditions like obesity and diabetes, and the design and ergonomics of offices and chairs. To examine the many facets of this developing area of study, Sedentary Behavior and Health is divided into five parts: • “Sedentary Behavior Concepts and Context” reviews the physiology of sedentary behavior, investigating current habits from the perspectives of evolution, industrial engineering, and design. • “Sedentary Behavior and Health” explores the relationship between sedentary behavior and several major chronic diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and low-back pain. • “Measuring and Analyzing Sedentary Behavior” explains research methods for understanding and measuring sedentary behavior in order to recognize patterns and design interventions. • “Sedentary Behavior and Subpopulations” covers issues, risks, and behaviors in groups such as children, working adults, older adults, and minorities. • “Changing Sedentary Behavior” provides methods and recommendations for improvement with environmental, social, community, worksite, and technology-based interventions. Included in this groundbreaking text are learning objectives, key concepts, and study questions to focus attention on key issues and reinforce concepts. Reviews of the literature in the field are presented, many with comparisons in table form, to provide the full scope of research. Sidebars throughout the text apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios. Inactivity is mismatched with many aspects of humans’ genetic makeup. While it is becoming the new norm, the consequences of this behavior are emerging as a public health threat. Sedentary Behavior and Health will serve as a key reference for the rapidly emerging research area of sedentary behavior.

Exploring the Physical Activity Levels of Students with Mental Retardation and Students Without Disabilities in Both School and After-school Environments

Exploring the Physical Activity Levels of Students with Mental Retardation and Students Without Disabilities in Both School and After-school Environments
Author: John Thomas Foley
Publisher:
Total Pages: 216
Release: 2005
Genre: Children with mental disabilities
ISBN:

The focus of this research was to gain an understanding of physical activity in elementary school-aged children with mental retardation (MR). The primary purpose of the first study was to investigate physical activity levels of children with and without MR in both school and out of school environments. The secondary purpose of the first study was to determine if there is a relationship between physical activity and motor skills in children with MR. Physical activity levels of 9 children with MR and 37 without were recorded over 7 days using an accelerometer. Motor skills were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children. Physical activity levels for children with MR were significantly lower during the school day. Children without MR were 53% more active during recess and 133% more active during physical education than children with MR. The disparity in physical activity continued outside of school where children without MR were 52% more active after school and 33% more active on the weekend than children with MR. There were no significant correlations between physical activity times and motor skills in either group. These findings indicate that interventions to increase physical activity in individuals with MR should to begin in the elementary school years. The primary purpose of the second study was to investigate if children with MR spend more time watching TV or on the computer than children without disabilities. The secondary purpose of study was to determine if total screen time correlates with physical activity levels. Parents of the participants recorded TV time and computer time over four days. Physical activity levels of the children were recorded with accelerometers. There was no difference in TV time or computer time in children with MR and children without MR. The correlation between after school physical activity and screen time was moderate in children with MR (r=.69 and low for children without MR (r=-.32). These results of this research suggest that there might be different patterns in the development of sedentary behaviors between children with and without MR, indicating that unique interventions may be needed for individuals with MR.

Researching Difference in Sport and Physical Activity

Researching Difference in Sport and Physical Activity
Author: Richard Medcalf
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 325
Release: 2018-07-11
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1351971018

Researching Difference in Sport and Physical Activity goes beyond the content of introductory research methods texts to provide an insight into the methodological hurdles that are experienced when researching ‘difference’ in Sport and Physical Activity. Contributors reflect upon how the rhetoric of research methodology transfers into the reality of data collection across ‘difference’. Presenting case studies of real research projects, the book covers a range of topics, such as: disability in sport and physical activity vulnerable children in sport and physical activity visual research tools when working with children in a primary school setting physical activity, sedentary behaviour and obesity through childhood diverse ethnic groups in sport and physical activity settings. Each chapter contends with practical issues of power and representation within the research process, to recognise how a researcher–participant relationship that considers those who are ‘othered’ serves to change the dynamics and processes of research. This is an important resource for students of all sports related subjects and essential reading for anyone interested in the study of marginalised populations in sport and physical activity.

Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030

Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030
Author: World Health Organization
Publisher: World Health Organization
Total Pages: 104
Release: 2019-01-21
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 9241514183

Regular physical activity is proven to help prevent and treat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease stroke diabetes and breast and colon cancer. It also helps to prevent hypertension overweight and obesity and can improve mental health quality of life and well-being. In addition to the multiple health benefits of physical activity societies that are more active can generate additional returns on investment including a reduced use of fossil fuels cleaner air and less congested safer roads. These outcomes are interconnected with achieving the shared goals political priorities and ambition of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. The new WHO global action plan to promote physical activity responds to the requests by countries for updated guidance and a framework of effective and feasible policy actions to increase physical activity at all levels. It also responds to requests for global leadership and stronger regional and national coordination and the need for a whole-of-society response to achieve a paradigm shift in both supporting and valuing all people being regularly active according to ability and across the life course. The action plan was developed through a worldwide consultation process involving governments and key stakeholders across multiple sectors including health sports transport urban design civil society academia and the private sector.

Psychology of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior

Psychology of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior
Author: Ryan E. Rhodes
Publisher: Jones & Bartlett Learning
Total Pages: 417
Release: 2023
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 1284248518

"Psychology of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior focuses on the psychological effects of physical activity. The text explores all areas of exercise psychology, including personal motivation, the benefits of exercise, and the theories, pioneers, and ongoing research. The book is intended to help prepare the exercise science professional for future career opportunities in the public and private sector"--

Physical Activity in Diverse Populations

Physical Activity in Diverse Populations
Author: Melissa Bopp
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 324
Release: 2017-07-14
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 1317200829

The health benefits associated with regular physical activity are now widely recognized. This book examines how social determinants such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation and disability can impact on physical activity and its associated health outcomes. It explores the social, cultural, political and environmental factors that influence engagement in physical activity in a range of diverse populations and presents evidence-based, culturally appropriate strategies for targeting and promoting physical activity participation. Each chapter considers how the social determinants that impact on health are formed by the environments in which people live, work, learn and play. Incorporating a series of original case studies, this book analyzes physical activity behaviors in groups such as: African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Native Americans military veterans and physically disabled populations low-income populations rural populations LGBT populations. It also includes a variety of useful features such as key terms, summary points and critical thinking questions, as well as a chapter on international perspectives. Physical Activity in Diverse Populations: Evidence and Practice is vital reading for any course touching on social factors in physical activity behavior.