This study examined the utility of a model to explain parental influence on children’s physical activity. Children (n = 994) from 3 elementary schools completed a survey with scales assessing physical activity, attraction to activity, perceived competence, and perceived parental influence. Self-report data on the physical activity levels of parents (n = 536) were also obtained to test the hypothesis that active parents may provide more encouragement and support for their children. The parental influence scales accounted for 20%, 26%, and 28% of the variance in physical activity, attraction to physical activity, and perceptions of competence, respectively. Correlations between parent and child levels of activity were low, but children of active parents had higher scores on the parental influence measures and psychosocial correlates than inactive parents. This study provides further confirmation of the important influence that parents exert on their child’s physical activity behavior.

This study compared the physiological responses (oxygen consumption and energy expenditure) of Nordic Walking to regular walking under field-testing conditions. Eleven women (M age = 27.1 years, SD = 6.4) and 11 men (M age = 33.8 years, SD = 9.0) walked 1,600 m with and without walking poles on a level, 200-m track. For women, Nordic Walking resulted in increased oxygen consumption (M = 14.9 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1), SD = 3.2 vs. M = 1 7.9 ml x kg(-1) min(-1), SD = 3.5; p < .001), caloric expenditure (M = 4.6 kcal x min(-1), SD = 1.2 vs. M = 5.4 kcal x min(-1), SD = 1.2; p < .001), and heart rate (M = 113.7 bpm, SD = 12.0 vs. M = 118.7 bpm, SD = 14.8; p < .05) compared to regular walking. For men, Nordic Walking resulted in increased oxygen consumption (M = 12.8 ml x kg(-1) min(-1), SD = 1.8 vs. M = 15.5, SD =3.4 ml x kg(-1) min(-1); p < .01), caloric expenditure (M = 5.7 kcal x min(-1), SD = 1.3 vs. M = 6.9 kcal x min(-1), SD = 1.8; p < .001), and heart rate (M = 101.6 bpm, SD = 12.0 bpm vs. M = 109.8 bpm, SD = 14.7; p < .01) compared to regular walking. Nordic Walking, examined in the field, results in a significant increase in oxygen use and caloric expenditure compared to regular walking, without significantly increasing perceived exertion.

Physical inactivity in postmenopausal women contributes to a rise in atherogenic risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome. Although regular physical activity positively contributes to health, inactivity progressively increases with age. The Dose Response to Exercise in Women aged 45-75 yr (DREW) study is designed to investigate the effect of different amounts of exercise training on cardiorespiratory fitness and risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women at moderately increased risk of CVD. Methods: DREW will recruit 450 sedentary, healthy, postmenopausal women with a body mass index of 25-40 kg•m Ϫ2 , resting systolic blood pressure (BP) of 120-159 mm Hg, and a resting diastolic BP of Յ 99 mm Hg. Laboratory and self-report measures completed at baseline and 6 months include maximal oxygen consumption (V O 2max), resting BP, anthropometry, dietary habits, physical activity history, medication use, menstrual history, personal and family medical history, and fasting HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose. Eligible participants are randomly assigned to a nonexercise group or one of three exercise groups. Participants exercise 3 to 4ϫ wk Ϫ1 at a heart rate equivalent to 50% of V O 2max expending 4, 8, or 12 kcal•kg Ϫ1 •wk Ϫ1 , depending on group assignment. This study will allow quantification of possible dose-response relations (50%, 100%, and 150% of the consensus physical activity recommendation) between exercise training and study outcomes. Conclusion: DREW can make important contributions to our understanding of the effects of physical activity in postmenopausal women and help refine public health and clinical recommendations for this group.

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We conclude that enterically coated oral ATP supplementation may provide small ergogenic effects on muscular strength under some treatment conditions.