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This paper defines a variety of fitness components, using a simple multidimensional hierarchical model that is consistent with recent definitions in the literature. It groups the definitions into two broad categories: product and process. Products refer to states of being such as physical fitness, health, and wellness. They are commonly referred to as outcomes and are frequently used as dependent measures in research. Process refers to behaviors or lifestyles, and these are frequently used as independent measures in research. First, the paper defines health-related fitness, focusing on body composition, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, endurance, muscular endurance, and muscle strength. Next, it defines skill-related fitness, focusing on agility, balance, coordination, power, speed, and reaction time. It goes on to define physiological fitness, including metabolic fitness, morphological fitness, and bone integrity. The next section defines motor skills (non-fitness abilities that improve with practice and relate to the ability to perform specific sports and other motor tasks). The final section presents health definitions, including hypokinetic diseases or conditions, health, wellness, quality of life, healthy lifestyles or behaviors, physical activity, exercise, and leisure activity. (SM)

Historically, the approach to physical activity for people with disabilities has been couched in medical rationale and focused on rehabilitation. This does not account for physical activity for the joy of it as in play, exercise to improve or maintain fitness, or activity required in employment. The new paradigm of healthy, active lifestyles for people with disabilities is one of inclusion and integration. Today, adapted physical education programs in the schools include games, sports, rhythms, and aquatics suited to the individual needs, capabilities, and limitations of students with disabilities. This paper focuses on the benefits of physical activity and physical fitness for people with disabilities, the challenges to becoming physically active, and the effects of disabilities on health-related fitness components (cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composition). The paper also discusses how communities can promote physical activity and fitness programs for people with disabilities. It examines the move to inclusive education for students with disabilities, and it considers issues related to sports for people with disabilities. A list of pertinent professional organizations is included. (Contains 25 references.) (SM)

This publication summarizes what is known about the influence of regular physical activity on the health and quality of life of older individuals, addressing both the acute effects of a single bout of physical activity and the more persistent, long-term effects of sustained participation in exercise and physical activity. Section 1 discusses the physiological benefits of regular physical activity, focusing on cardiovascular function, blood pressure, blood lipids, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, and balance. Section 2 discusses the psychological benefits of physical activity, noting information in a related table that discusses immediate and long-term effects. Section 3 focuses on general psychological well-being, including depression and anxiety, and cognitive functioning. Section 4 discusses the social implications of regular physical activity, referring to a related table that discusses immediate and long-term effects. Section 5 examines who should be physically active. Section 6 focuses on physical activity programs for older adults, discussing the activity mode, training frequency, duration of exercise, and intensity of exercise. The paper concludes that participation in regular physical activity is associated with tangible benefits for almost all older adults. It examines the considerable speculation about why so many seniors choose not to be active and notes the need for additional efforts in this regard. (SM)

The article examines weight lifting training procedures for persons involved in wheelchair sports. Popular myths about weight training are countered, and guidelines for a safe and sound weight or resistance training program are given. Diagrams and descriptions follow for specific weightlifting activities: regular or standing press, military press, behind the neck press, bench press, curl, reverse curl, upright rowing, rowing, pull over, and bent arm pull over. Supplementary exercises are noted in a concluding section. (CL)

As female athletes age, their risk of musculoskeletal injuries increases. These injuries can have a negative impact on their health and athletic abilities. This article explores the most common conditions that aging female athletes may face, such as osteoarthritis, meniscal injuries, joint instability, rotator cuff injuries, and stress fractures. Hormonal and physiological changes, anatomical differences, and changes in bone mineral density can cause these injuries. To prevent such injuries, it is crucial to incorporate comprehensive injury prevention programs that include strength training, flexibility exercises, balance training, and appropriate warm-up and cool-down routines. These programs should be tailored to the individual's fitness level and musculoskeletal issues. Additionally, the article offers valuable insights into various techniques for managing and treating these injuries, such as non-surgical interventions, surgical options, and rehabilitation programs. Healthcare professionals, coaches, and athletes themselves must recognize and address these issues to improve performance, prevent injuries, and support the overall health and well-being of aging female athletes. In conclusion, maintaining physical fitness and engaging in structured exercise programs are crucial for aging female athletes to slow the decline in musculoskeletal strength and integrity. Proper first aid measures, appropriate medications, and a comprehensive exercise regimen can aid in recovery and regain strength, function, and mobility, enabling a return to competitive sports or other athletic pursuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to determine if an elastic band resistance-training program is effective in producing improvements in muscular strength comparable to traditional resistance training programs such as free weights and weight machines. The low cost, portability, and accessibility of elastic bands make them ideal for at home resistance programs which may increase the likelihood of adherence to a training program. There appears to be evidence in the research literature to indicate elastic band resistance programs can serve as a less expensive, more portable, more accessible, and safer alternative to traditional resistance training programs (free weights and weight machines) where the goal is to increase muscular strength (Nyberg, et.al., 2014; Colado & Triplett, 2008; Brubaker, 2009). Additional research is needed to determine if an elastic band training program is an appropriate and effective mode of strength training for various demographics groups such as teens, special needs, senior adults, and others who may be unable to utilize free weights or weight machines as a training option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscular weakness and muscle fatigue has been shown to increase the risk of overuse injuries and have a negative impact on performance in golfers. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of muscular weakness on drive distance in golf by pre-fatiguing major muscle groups in the upper body (UB) and lower body (LB). METHODS: 15 male subjects (25 + 5.0 years) drove a golf ball using a Titleist 915 D2 driver with an extra stiff Matrix Ozix Blacktie shaft. Ball flight distance was tracked by the 3D Doppler Tracking Radar Flightscope Technology. Subjects then pre-fatigued their upper and lower bodies and teed up again. The mean flight distance (FD) was calculated for the control, and upper and lower body fatigue tests. RESULTS: One-way repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of prefatigue on FD [F(2,22.22) = 17.11, p < 0.05], with a significantly lower FD for UB compared to control (-28.84 + 3.49) and LB (-17.97 + 5.52). CONCLUSION: It appeared that prefatiguing the upper body can reduce FD in golfers whereas pre-fatiguing the lower body had less of an influence on FD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]