Measurement Issues In Aging And Physical Activity

"Based on the 10th Measurement and Evaluation Symposium, "Measurement Issues and Challenges in Aging Research," Measurement Issues in Aging and Physical Activity considers research from experts around the world relating to the latest questions, challenges, and techniques in aging and measurement. The reference addresses a range of topics in aging research, including issues from the fields of kinesiology, biology, physiology, technology, urban planning, measurement, and statistics. Measurement Issues in Aging and Physical Activity breaks new ground with a discussion of multicultural factors related to physical activity promotion and intervention. Ideas include using culture as a catalyst for active living and using culture-based physical activity as an alternative approach to promotion of active living. The reference further examines multicultural issues with a look at alternative medicine, including an account of a demonstration of qi-gong, a traditional Chinese exercise, from the symposium. In addition, a new term, kinesmetrics, is introduced for the field of measurement and evaluation. Kinesmetrics is defined as a discipline for developing and applying measurement theory, statistics, and mathematical analysis to the field of kinesiology. The groundbreaking Measurement Issues in Aging and Physical Activity explores subjects in a range of research topics. For both veterans and newcomers to the field, this reference will be a comprehensive guide to the latest research on aging in measurement and physical activity." --Publisher description.

Based on the 10th Measurement and Evaluation Symposium, "Measurement Issues and Challenges in Aging Research," Measurement Issues in Aging and Physical Activity considers research from experts around the world relating to the latest questions, challenges, and techniques in aging and measurement. The reference addresses a range of topics in aging research, including issues from the fields of kinesiology, biology, physiology, technology, urban planning, measurement, and statistics. Measurement Issues in Aging and Physical Activity breaks new ground with a discussion of multicultural factors related to physical activity promotion and intervention. Ideas include using culture as a catalyst for active living and using culture-based physical activity as an alternative approach to promotion of active living. The reference further examines multicultural issues with a look at alternative medicine, including an account of a demonstration of qi-gong, a traditional Chinese exercise, from the symposium. Measurement Issues in Aging and Physical Activity also provides information on the benefits of and barriers to exercise in older adults; interventions to improve quality of life in older adults; advanced statistical methodologies, with discussion of structural equation modeling and longitudinal data analysis; and issues regarding training of future aging research and measurement specialists. In addition, a new term, kinesmetrics, is introduced for the field of measurement and evaluation. Kinesmetrics is defined as a discipline for developing and applying measurement theory, statistics, and mathematical analysis to the field of kinesiology. The groundbreaking Measurement Issues in Aging and Physical Activity explores subjects in a range of research topics. For both veterans and newcomers to the field, this reference will be a comprehensive guide to the latest research on aging in measurement and physical activity. The 10th Measurement and Evaluation Symposium was supported by the American Association for Active Lifestyle and Fitness (AAALF), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the Measurement and Evaluation Council, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Human Kinetics.

Measurement and Evaluation in Human Performance, Sixth Edition With HKPropel Access, teaches the fundamentals of collecting and analyzing human performance data by focusing on the concepts of reliability and validity. It features practical applications in kinesiology, physical education, and more

The statistics are disturbing: steadily rising numbers of sedentary overweight children and obese teens, and a generation looking at a shorter life expectancy than their parents’. But while it may be obvious that physical fitness benefits both the mind and body, a growing research base is supplying evidence of why this is so, and how these benefits may be reproduced in greater numbers. Physical Activity Across the Lifespan makes a clear, scientific case for exercise, sports, and an active lifestyle in preventing illness and establishing lifetime health habits at both the individual and the population levels. The book focuses on key aspects of physical/mental well-being—weight, mood, and self-regulation—and the role of physical activity in public health and school-based interventions targeting these areas. Contributors review definitional and measurement issues salient to understanding what physical activity is, to analyzing benefits of participation, and to implementing effective interventions. Also addressed are limitations of current research, steps needed to continue building the field, and emerging therapeutic possibilities for activity, such as the role of rough and tumble play in preventing ADHD. Included in the coverage: Physical activity, cognition, and school performance. The influence of social and built environments on physical activity in middle-aged and older adults. Preventing and treating obesity through physical activity. Physical activity in preventing drug use and treating chemical dependence. Antidepressant properties of physical activity. Schools as a foundation for physical activity and an active lifestyle. Physical activity as an adjunct or booster to existing interventions. Physical Activity Across the Lifespan is an innovative text for researchers and practitioners in various disciplines including health promotion/disease prevention, child and school psychology, education, health psychology, and public health, as well as program developers and policymakers in these areas.

Awareness of the importance of exercise and physical activity to optimal physical and mental health has never been greater. It is widely acknowledged that physical inactivity is a leading cause of death, yet statistics show less than 50% of Americans participate in regular physical activity. This information highlights the public health challenge of increasing participation in physical activity to enhance physical health and to buoy the psychological benefits associated with physical activity. The Oxford Handbook of Exercise and Psychology is an authoritative and comprehensive presentation of the breadth and depth of empirical contributions utilizing state-of-the-science theories and approaches in exercise psychology. Chapters are authored by leading investigators across the globe who have made significant scientific contributions addressing the behavioral aspects of physical activity. Sections of the book address the effects of physical activity on mental health; knowledge gathered utilizing psychobiological perspectives; behavioral factors that impact exercise motivation; scientific contributions addressing the physical activity benefits with special populations, including individuals with physical disabilities, older adults and cancer patients; and promising areas for additional investigation. Each chapter presents a summary of scientific advancements in the topic area as a foundation for future investigation. Fueled by a broad range of disciplines and interdisciplinary approaches, the field of exercise psychology is growing, and this comprehensive handbook will be the perfect resource for students, researchers, and physicians interested in exercise motivation and the mental health benefits of physical activity.

Physical Activity and Health Promotion: Evidence-based Approaches to Practice evaluates the realities and complexities of working to reverse the adverse trend toward physical inactivity. It is a well-rounded, evidence-based study of interventions for physical activity practice, covering a range of settings and target groups. Expert contributors present case studies which help to translate the theory into practice, from individual to societal levels, enriched by explanations of the socio-political context.

Go beyond aging theories and examine the physiological and physical impacts of aging. Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults takes a close look at the physical implications of the aging process and how health, physical activity, and exercise interact in aging adults. With an international team of contributors composed of leading experts from across the field of gerontology, Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults delivers comprehensive, interdisciplinary coverage of the physical aging process and its effects on movement and exercise. Research on the physiological and physical implications of aging is presented, focusing on study outcomes and their practical application in optimizing healthy aging. Presented in an integrated and cohesive manner, this text is organized into four parts. Part I covers the theoretical foundations of biological aging, the implications of aging theories on medical research, and the social and economic impacts of demographic shifts due to population aging and global population size. Part II addresses age-related changes to the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and endocrine systems. Part III covers the physical effects of aging on other dimensions of life, including balance, motor control, and physical functions. Part IV focuses on exercise and older adults, taking an in-depth look at exercise measurements and the main barriers to regular exercise. One full chapter is devoted to recommendations for optimizing health for the general public, while another chapter is focused on performance by elite older athletes who exercise beyond functional fitness. Chapter objectives, end-of-chapter summaries, and review questions highlight key concepts and promote learning retention. Behavior Check sidebars look at the impacts of aging on behavior, how behavior affects physical health and activity, and how changes in behavior can improve everyday living. Functional Fitness Checkup sidebars focus on the performance of daily movements that are vital for older adults who want to maintain their physical independence. Putting It Into Practice elements provide examples of real-life application of the concepts presented, facilitating a practical understanding of how to use the content to benefit clients. A definitive resource for students and health care professionals who study physical aging, conduct clinical research, or work with older adults as clients and patients, Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults helps readers understand the aging process and its effects on movement, exercise, and other dimensions of life.

And examples -- References -- Construct validity in physical activity research / Matthew T. Mahar and David A. Rowe -- Definitional stage -- Confirmatory stage -- Theory-testing stage -- Summary -- References -- Physical activity data : odd distributions yield strange answers / Jerry R. Thomas and Katherine T. Thomas -- Overview of the general linear model and rank-order procedures -- Determining whether data are normally distributed -- Application of rank-order procedures -- Data distributions and correlation -- Extensions of GLM rank-order statistical procedures -- Summary -- Endnote -- References -- Equating and linking of physical activity questionnaires / Weimo Zhu -- What is scale equating? -- Equating methods -- Practical issues of scale equating -- Remaining challenges and future research directions -- Summary -- References.