Psychometric properties of two systematic observation tools, the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) and the Children's Activity Rating Scale (CARS), were examined for use with individuals with mental retardation (MR). Eleven children with MR were videotaped while participating in gym-based physical activity. Accelerometer data were collected and synchronized...
Introduction. Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes that interferes with daily living and causes severe pain. Pharmacotherapy is the accepted treatment strategy, however, this strategy is associated with high cost, minimal reductions in pain, and adverse side effects. Thus, a critical need exists to develop...
Physical activity is increasingly recognized as a maj or component contributing to the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Evidence exists that a physically active behavior is carried over from childhood to adolescents and possibly to adulthood. Limited research about the physical activity behavior of students with visual impairment is available,...
The ability to establish and maintain balance is claimed to be an important prerequisite of movement tasks. However, despite this general belief, there is limited empirical evidence to support the contribution of balance in motor skill performance. Furthermore, psychometric properties of using a computerized force platform to assess balance ability...
Manual wheelchair propulsion is a physiologically stressful and biomechanically inefficient form of locomotion. The repetitious nature of propulsion puts wheelchair uses at high risk for developing upper extremity overuse injuries. Previous kinematic analysis has revealed that wheelchair users employ several distinct stroking techniques. One of the techniques, circular pattern (CP),...
Sleep is an active process that affects an individual's daily functioning and physical and mental health. It is also beneficial for an individual's overall health and well being. Children with autism often have difficulty sleeping. One common complaint from parents of children with autism is that these children lack sufficient...
Alterations in gait patterns are commonly observed in individuals with transtibial amputation (TTA) who use a prosthesis. Current commercially available ankle-foot prostheses (AFP) offer very little range of motion (ROM) at the ankle joint. Previous researchers have hypothesized that lack of ankle ROM significantly contributes to alterations in TTA gait...
The role of schools and physical education curriculum in the promotion of physical activity (PA) has been widely recognized in recent years and schools have been identified as an appropriate setting for the promotion of PA (Cale, 2000). Physical educators have the unique role of working with children in a...
In order to increase life expectancy without long periods of morbidity, physical activity should be a component in every older adult's lifestyle. It is proven that regular physical activity can improve health and quality of life for older adults; however, the older population is one of the most sedentary populations...
It has been demonstrated that walking is the most common form of physical activity for adults with intellectual disabilities, including Down syndrome (DS). The pedometer is common measurement tool to quantify steps walked, yet there is little evidence of the psychometric properties for individuals with intellectual disabilities, particularly DS. Thus,...
The methods to educate students with disabilities in physical education contexts vary greatly due to their unique characteristics and special needs, requiring different teaching methods on an individual basis. In order to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities in physical education settings, teachers should employ evidence-based practice (EBP). However,...
Attitude and knowledge levels of physical education teachers about working with Mexican American students and families were measured using Doyle and Chng's (1994) Mexican American Attitude and Knowledge Scale (MAAKS). Multicultural training, adapted physical education training, and other relative experiences that might affect attitude and knowledge levels were analyzed.
Participants...
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating, degenerative, and chronic disease that affects over 350,000 individuals in the United States. Symptoms such as fatigue, spasticity, weakness, gait and visual disturbances, numbness and balance problems affect many with MS on a regular basis. There are literally an infinite number of combinations of...
As obesity rates of children and adolescents rise within the Unites States, physical activity becomes increasingly important for adolescents with and without a disability. As the trend toward increased obesity rates in adolescents continues, there are similiar increases in the percentage of children being educated in inclusive settings. The purpose...
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a disability awareness unit implemented into secondary level physical education curricula, on acceptance and knowledge of students without disabilities. One hundred twelve students in the 7th and 8th grades participated in this study. Predetermined classes of students were randomly...