Chapter 1Chapter 1Chapter 1Chapter 1

The dilemma of our times: The dilemma of our times:

Lifespan physical activity and the obesity crisis Lifespan physical activity and the obesity crisis

The dilemma of our times: The dilemma of our times:

Lifespan physical activity and the obesity crisis Lifespan physical activity and the obesity crisis

Introduction to Physical Introduction to Physical Education, Fitness, and SportEducation, Fitness, and Sport

Introduction to Physical Introduction to Physical Education, Fitness, and SportEducation, Fitness, and Sport

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It is possible and desirable. It is possible and desirable.

It is not just for children and youth, but . . . It is not just for children and youth, but . . . EVERYONE!EVERYONE!

It has strong protective effects on one’sIt has strong protective effects on one’s health.health.

What do we know about the role and place of What do we know about the role and place of physical activity?physical activity?

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Prevalence of overweight and obese persons andPrevalence of overweight and obese persons and its impact on public health its impact on public health (see Box 1.3).(see Box 1.3).

It occurs across age groups.It occurs across age groups.

More common in children and youth from lowerMore common in children and youth from lower SES groups, minorities (especially blacks andSES groups, minorities (especially blacks and Latinos, Mexicans), and those who have Latinos, Mexicans), and those who have disabilities.disabilities.

We face a health crisis . . .We face a health crisis . . .

What are some of the critical indicators?What are some of the critical indicators?

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Physical educators.Physical educators.

Fitness professionals (e.g., health clubs, personal Fitness professionals (e.g., health clubs, personal trainers).trainers).

Recreation leaders (e.g., Boys & Girls clubs, ParksRecreation leaders (e.g., Boys & Girls clubs, Parks & Recreation programs.& Recreation programs.

Club sport programs.Club sport programs.

Others?????Others?????

Reaching the national health goals cannot be Reaching the national health goals cannot be achieved by one single group of achieved by one single group of professionals.professionals.Which groups need to team up? Which groups need to team up?

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““Lets Move” “Play60”Lets Move” “Play60”

Emergence of “lifestyle management” within theEmergence of “lifestyle management” within the wellness movement.wellness movement.

Policymakers pushing for high-quality, dailyPolicymakers pushing for high-quality, daily Physical Education in schools.Physical Education in schools.

2004 Renewal of the 1966 Child Nutrition Act2004 Renewal of the 1966 Child Nutrition Act >>> School Wellness Policy required in each>>> School Wellness Policy required in each school district.school district.

What current efforts are aimed at reversing the What current efforts are aimed at reversing the health crisis?health crisis?

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(NASPE GA) “go to Shape of the Nation”(NASPE GA) “go to Shape of the Nation”

State legislation that increases minimumState legislation that increases minimum requirements for nutrition, nutrition educationrequirements for nutrition, nutrition education and Physical Education/physical activity. and Physical Education/physical activity.

Establishment of National Health objectives:Establishment of National Health objectives:>> Healthy People 2000 (1991) & Healthy People 2010 >> Healthy People 2000 (1991) & Healthy People 2010

(2000)(2000) >> Primary Goals: >> Primary Goals: 1. Increase life expectancy & quality of life for all 1. Increase life expectancy & quality of life for all

2. Decrease / Eliminate health disparities 2. Decrease / Eliminate health disparities

What current efforts are aimed at reversing the What current efforts are aimed at reversing the health crisis? health crisis? (continued)(continued)

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In our culture, what are the common stereotypes for In our culture, what are the common stereotypes for a) who is active? a) who is active?

b) what activities do they engage in?b) what activities do they engage in? (moderate or vigorous intensity?)(moderate or vigorous intensity?)

Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

A revolution for public health . . . :

Moderate intensity physical activity for ALL across the lifespan

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► Early YearsEarly Years

► Youth Youth

► Young AdultsYoung Adults

► Older AdultsOlder Adults

Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

What might it look like . . . ? What might it look like . . . ?

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Movement & motor play = LearningMovement & motor play = Learning about surroundings and life.about surroundings and life.

Informal, less structured, & less goalInformal, less structured, & less goal directed.directed.

Largely dependent on parents Largely dependent on parents

. . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7) . . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7) Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

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► Early Childhood PA Programs Early Childhood PA Programs (see Box 1.4)(see Box 1.4)

> Mostly commercial (i.e., fee-based).> More in affluent/suburban areas.

> Less accessible to lower-income groups.> Facilities and equipment are modified.

> PA habits are formed in childhood.> Their importance is well accepted.

. . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7) . . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7) Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

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► Children’s Sport OpportunitiesChildren’s Sport Opportunities> > Dramatic increase in recent years.

> Emergence of “age-group” programs.> Variance in organization (recr. v. competition)

> Variance in support (volunteer parents v. organizations such as Kiwanis)

> Well-designed programs can provide positive sport experiences.

. . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7) . . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7) Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

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► Elementary-School Physical EducationElementary-School Physical Education> > While importance is recognized, status is

marginal (e.g., time in PE; who teaches it).

> K-2: Focus on fundamental motor skills; adventure activities, coop. games & team building.

> Grade 3-5: Increased focus on modified versions of sport.

. . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7) . . . during Early Years? (Birth – Age 7) Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

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Middle and High schoolers either becomeMiddle and High schoolers either become more active or more sedentary.more active or more sedentary.

HS Phys. Educ. requirements are 1-2HS Phys. Educ. requirements are 1-2 semesters.semesters.

Involvement in other activities (e.g., band,Involvement in other activities (e.g., band, school sport; dance team) may exemptschool sport; dance team) may exempt students from Physical Education students from Physical Education

. . . for Youth? (ages 10-18) . . . for Youth? (ages 10-18) Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

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Fitness centers in HS are becomingFitness centers in HS are becoming more common (w. access for communities.more common (w. access for communities.

Access for public during after schoolAccess for public during after school hours and evenings.hours and evenings.

Physical activity venues are now morePhysical activity venues are now more accessible for youth year round. accessible for youth year round.

. . . for Youth? (ages 10 – 18) . . . for Youth? (ages 10 – 18) Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

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► High School Interschool Sport ProgramHigh School Interschool Sport Program

>> Participation has steadily increased in the last decade (~7,200.000 students).

> Booster clubs for many sports to supplement funding.

> Coaches may come from outside of the ranks of licensed teachers.

> Most expect year round strength conditioning, & have an athletic trainer.

. . . for Youth? (ages 10 – 18) . . . for Youth? (ages 10 – 18) Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

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► Out-of-School SportOut-of-School Sport

> > Students will engage in sports not typically seen in HS programs.

> Practice and competition involvement equals that of athletes in HS programs.

> Involvement and accomplishment may well go unnoticed at school.

. . . for Youth? (ages 10 – 18) . . . for Youth? (ages 10 – 18) Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

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. . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over). . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over)

Entry into the workforce or furthering Entry into the workforce or furthering education.education.

Establishing patterns of work and play. Establishing patterns of work and play.

Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

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► University Recreation & FitnessUniversity Recreation & Fitness programsprograms

> > Attractive facilities help attract and retain students.

> Extensive choice in sport and fitness programs & activities. (see Box 1.5)

. . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over). . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over)

Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

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► University Recreation & FitnessUniversity Recreation & Fitness programs programs (cont’d.)(cont’d.)

> > Extensive array of Sport Clubs for regional and national competition.

> Outdoor Adventure program offerings are common.

> Intramural programs and elective “General Physical Activity” courses are popular with

students.

. . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over). . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over)

Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

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► Community recreation Community recreation > > Municipal and private fitness facilities offer fee-based PA opportunities (e.g., YMCA, Parks

& Recreation).

> Community rec. programs cater to all ages.

> Availability of such programs can attract new community residents.

> Municipality-maintained parks, and trails offer additional access for PA (often free).

. . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over). . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over)

Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

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► Informal Participation Informal Participation > > Very popular among young and older adults.

> Can contribute to health and quality of life.

> Popular examples include: Cycling, swimming, walking, jogging skating, tennis, and golf.

> Other (less visible) include mountain biking, rock climbing, and backpacking.

. . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over). . . for Young Adults? (Age 18 and over)

Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

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. . . for Older Adults?. . . for Older Adults?

Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

Myths about the dangers of (vigorous)Myths about the dangers of (vigorous) physical activity for older adults. physical activity for older adults.

1980’s brought about a gradual shift. 1980’s brought about a gradual shift.

Today, older adults are learning to beToday, older adults are learning to be more active (preferring low impactmore active (preferring low impact activities).activities).

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► Master Athlete ProgramsMaster Athlete Programs

> Hail from Europe.

> Increasingly popular.

> Track & Field , Swimming.

. . . for Older Adults?. . . for Older Adults?

Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

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► Physical Activity ForeverPhysical Activity Forever

> > Increased life expectancy increases need

for PA in older adults > maintain health.

> Inactive lifestyle adds to health care

cost.

> Previous generations never viewed fitness and active lifestyle as essential.

. . . for Older Adults?. . . for Older Adults?

Lifespan Physical ActivityLifespan Physical Activity

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► Sport Clubs (fee-based, caters to different ages and skill levels)

► Sport Medicine Centers (specializes in injury treatment, rehab,

independent from hospitals, caters to all ages)

► Home Fitness (homes now often include a fitness room)

► Worksite programs (reduced health care insurance cost)

► Sport / Games Festivals (offers competition for all ages and

skill levels).

New Settings for Sport, Fitness, New Settings for Sport, Fitness, and Physical Educationand Physical Education

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► An early start helps

► Breakdown of gender and age stereotypes

► Emphasis from youth to adults

► Increased role by private sector

► New professionals

► Increased availability of information

► Role of technology

What are the emerging characteristics What are the emerging characteristics of Lifespan Physical Activity?of Lifespan Physical Activity?

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► Increased opportunities for PA vs.

overweight/obesity crisis.

► Disparities between groups relative to access and

opportunity for PA, Sport, Fitness.

► Role of “built environment” in suppressing vs.

increasing PA.

► Poor infra-structure to support PA for ALL.

► Having professionals become “boundary-crossers.

Major issues and what to do about Major issues and what to do about them? them?