Suitable for students in sport and exercise science. This book includes normative data for various aspects of fitness, such as strength, endurance, anaerobic and aerobic capacity, body composition, flexibility, speed and agility. It also looks at health norms to measure cardiovascular values, blood lipids, bone density and energy expenditure.

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.

Physical fitness affects our ability to function and be active. At poor levels, it is associated with such health outcomes as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Physical fitness testing in American youth was established on a large scale in the 1950s with an early focus on performance-related fitness that gradually gave way to an emphasis on health-related fitness. Using appropriately selected measures to collected fitness data in youth will advance our understanding of how fitness among youth translates into better health. In Fitness Measures and Health Outcomes in Youth, the IOM assesses the relationship between youth fitness test items and health outcomes, recommends the best fitness test items, provides guidance for interpreting fitness scores, and provides an agenda for needed research. The report concludes that selected cardiorespiratory endurance, musculoskeletal fitness, and body composition measures should be in fitness surveys and in schools. Collecting fitness data nationally and in schools helps with setting and achieving fitness goals and priorities for public health at an individual and national level.

Functional Testing in Human Performance offers clinicians the first-ever compilation of information on clinical and data-based functional testing for sport, exercise, and occupational settings. This unique text serves as a primary resource for accurate assessment of individuals' functional abilities in order to develop program prescriptions to enhance their performance. Functional Testing in Human Performance is a comprehensive learning tool for novices and an essential reference for advanced clinicians. The text defines the role of function in physical performance and how it can be appropriately tested. Especially helpful for novices, the text explains testing criteria, testing terms relevant to research, and selecting the most appropriate test and testing sequence. Common testing mistakes are also presented as well as pitfalls to avoid when testing. The text also includes case studies that illustrate a variety of situations--including testing for a client recovering from a lower-extremity injury, discussing preseason testing for a large group of athletes, and presenting the study of a client in an occupational setting. These cases include detailed statistical analysis and normative data, offering clinicians the opportunity to consider the application of functional testing and implementation strategies adaptable to their specific practice setting. After laying a foundation, the text progresses to detailed testing procedures for discrete physical parameters and specific regions of the body. Tests are organized from least to most complex, and each test is presented in a step-by-step manner outlining the purpose of the test, equipment needed, testing procedure and recommendations for performing the test, interpretation of results, and the data to suggest normative values, reliability, and validity for each test. This formatting facilitates quick reference to testing information for on-the-spot use, whether in the clinic, athletic training room, gym, or job site. Throughout the text, the functional tests are accompanied by photos for visual clarity. To enhance understanding, a companion DVD features live-action demonstrations of 40 of the most advanced tests. Icons on those test pages indicate they are modeled on the DVD. In addition, the DVD may be loaded onto a computer to offer convenient print-on-demand access to reproducible forms for recording data from selected tests. Functional Testing in Human Performance offers a unique and comprehensive reference for assessment of physical activities in sport, recreation, work, and daily living. By presenting the theory and detailing the practice, this text assists clinicians in understanding and incorporating functional testing to identify their patients' or clients' limitations and enhance their performance, rehabilitation, and daily functioning.

Developing the Athlete: An Applied Sport Science Roadmap for Optimizing Performance explains the integration of sport science with an athlete development team to prepare athletes to compete and succeed at every level of competition.

Developed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), ACSM’s Foundations of Strength Training and Conditioningoffers a comprehensive introduction to the basics of strength training and conditioning. This updated 2nd edition focuses on practical applications, empowering students and practitioners to develop, implement, and assess the results of training programs that are designed to optimize strength, power, and athletic performance. Clear, straightforward writing helps students master new concepts with ease, and engaging learning features throughout the text provide the understanding and confidence to apply lessons to clinical practice.