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In this study, we had two inter-related goals: (a) to examine sex and minority status differences on children's motivation for physical education (PE; i.e., their expectancy beliefs, subjective task values, and situational interest) and their psychomotor learning outcomes (i.e., motor competence, cardiorespiratory fitness, and in-class physical activity); and (b) to examine the relationships between children's motivation and their psychomotor learning outcomes while testing the moderation effects of sex and minority status. We recruited 195 fourth and fifth-grade students (101 boys; 94 girls; M age = 10.7, SD = 0.7 years) from three elementary schools in North Texas. Using multivariate analysis of variance, we identified a significant sex difference that favored boys in motivation and psychomotor learning outcomes, with no significant minority status difference in relation to these variables. Regression analysis revealed that children's expectancy beliefs were significantly associated with both motor competence (R 2 = 11%) and cardiorespiratory fitness (R 2 = 16%), while both situational interest and sex were associated with in-class physical activity (R 2 = 18%). Thus, improving children's expectancy beliefs may be a means of enhancing psychomotor learning outcomes in PE, especially for girls. Enhancing children's beliefs in their own ability and offering diversified PE content so as to generate greater interest may facilitate psychomotor learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of the study were: (1) to investigate the associations between fundamental motor skills (FMS), health-related fitness (HRF) and physical activity (PA) during middle childhood; and (2) to examine whether HRF serves as a mediator in these pathways. The participants were 342 children (156 girls; Mage = 8.40, SD = 0.50) recruited in Texas. Children's FMS (locomotor and ball skills) were assessed. School-based PA that included light, moderate, and vigorous PA was captured by accelerometers. The FITNESSGRAM battery was used to measure children's HRF, including body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular fitness. Structural equation models were used to evaluate two proposed models (model-1 = FMS»HRF»PA; model-2 = PA»HRF»FMS). Both locomotor and ball skills were associated with all components of HRF (p < 0.01), but not PA. The SEM analyses supported associations between FMS, HRF and PA, with sound goodness-of-fit indices: (1) model-1: CFI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.072; and (2) model-2: CFI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.071, respectively. The relationship between FMS and PA was fully mediated by the HRF in both directions. The behavioral mechanism (e.g., maintaining appropriate levels of HRF) provides meaningful insights to understand the obesity trajectory during middle childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current pandemic has changed the way allied health professionals, including recreational therapists, provide care in the nursing home setting. This article aims to address concerns for older adults residing in nursing homes by reviewing the history of nursing homes, analyzing the impact regulations have had on the recreational therapy profession, and offering considerations for future practice in a COVID-19 world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health is an important public health issue and up to one in five youth experience mental health problems. The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among motor competence, health-related physical fitness and mental health outcomes in adolescents. A secondary goal was to test the direct and indirect effects of motor competence on adolescents' mental health through health-related physical fitness. Participants were 279 adolescents (Mage = 12.49, SD = 0.89) recruited in the south-west region of the US Motor competence including volleyball, soccer, and ultimate Frisbee, were assessed using PE Metrics™. FITNESSGRAM® test battery was used to assess health-related physical fitness components. Students completed a survey measuring their depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life. Motor competence was significantly associated with components of health-related physical fitness (r ranged from −0.15 to 0.38). The robust fit of the model supports the significant indirect effect of motor competence on mental health outcomes through health-related physical fitness (χ2/df = 39.92/25; CFI = 0.97; RMSEA = 0.046; 90% CI [0.02, 0.07]). The hypothesized conceptual model tested in this study provides insights into the potential interaction of motor competence and health-related physical fitness with adolescents' mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Motor competence (MC) has been recognized as the foundation for life-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as well as an influential factor in reducing sedentary behavior during childhood. Guided by Blair et al.'s health model, the purpose of this study was to examine the behavioral mechanism of mental health including physical, psychosocial, and cognitive health among Hispanic children related to MC and MVPA.Methods: A prospective research design was used with two-wave assessments across one academic year. A total of 141 Hispanic kindergarteners (Meanage = 5.37, SD = 0.48) were recruited in Texas. Nearly all (94.3%) of the participants were from low-income families based on the Income Eligibility Guidelines. The study was approved by the University Research Review Board, and informed consent was obtained from parents/guardians prior to starting the study.Results: Multiple regressions indicated that manipulative skill was a significant predictor of physical and psychosocial health (β = 0.21, β = 0.26, p < 0.05, respectively) and locomotor skill served as a significant predictor for cognitive health (β = 0.22, p < 0.01), after controlling for BMI. Bootstrapping analyses supported the statistical significance of indirect effects of MC on mental health outcomes through MVPA (95% CI [0.031, 0.119]) and sedentary behavior (95% CI [0.054, 0.235]), respectively.Conclusion: The results suggest that skill-based activities/games, with instructions, should be encouraged during school-based physical activity and health promotion programs in childhood education. Better understanding of the early effects of MC may contribute to designing strategies to promote Hispanic children's well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Best practices for physical activity interventions within recreational therapy programs will optimize balance and prevent falls among older adults and include strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance training. This protocol describes a community-based intervention to reduce falls for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An examination of a community-based fall-prevention intervention, N'Balance, for adults age 55 and older was completed. N'Balance is a multidimensional intervention. A quasi-experimental intervention trial with a control group, using two sites, was the research design. This 6-week intervention met twice weekly for 50 minutes and included pre- and post-tests of physical and psychosocial aspects. Results indicated that N'Balance was associated with improved balance, a reduction in the fear of falling, and approached significance with leisure self-efficacy. The RE-AIM model was used with this intervention to explore its reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation, and maintenance in community recreation settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An examination of a community-based fall-prevention intervention, N'Balance, for adults age 55 and older was completed. N'Balance is a multidimensional intervention. A quasi-experimental intervention trial with a control group, using two sites, was the research design. This 6-week intervention met twice weekly for 50 minutes and included pre- and post-tests of physical and psychosocial aspects. Results indicated that N'Balance was associated with improved balance, a reduction in the fear of falling, and approached significance with leisure self-efficacy. The RE-AIM model was used with this intervention to explore its reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation, and maintenance in community recreation settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Falls among older adults are a major public health concern because they have a high incidence and impose substantial personal and societal burdens (Marks & Allegrante, 2004). Physical, emotional, social, environmental, and financial costs of fall-related injuries can be devastating. The direct annual financial cost in the United States for treating fall-related injuries is more than $20 billion annually (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008). Research has focused on factors that hinder healthy aging among community-dwelling older adults. However, scarce literature exists on factors that facilitate education- and prevention-related activities focused on falls. This article makes a case for comprehensive activity programs that include fall-prevention workshops for older adults. Further, this article presents a literature review on the causes of falling and its impact on older adults. A holistic approach to developing fall-prevention programs and a strong commitment to promoting and implementing such programs will be discussed. A summary of evidence-based fall-prevention programs will be shared. Recommendations for planning and achieving fall-prevention program objectives will be offered to aid activity professionals as they create and implement successful programs to support health and well-being among community-dwelling older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the information available about the benefits of physical activity, many older adults are not participating in sufficient physical activity to influence their quality of life positively. Activity professionals frequently intervene to change this behavior with less than optimal results. This paper provides a framework to approach changing activity levels by intervening with older adults according to their stage of readiness for change, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. The Stages of Motivational Readiness for Change Model is discussed followed by suggestions for interventions at each stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Offers information on a study which identified the perceptions of college students with visual impairments on what influenced their social activity on campus. Association of social integration with the completion of their degrees; Conceptual framework; Implications of the findings; Future research.

This article presents the concept of using leisure time as a potential coping resource for family caregivers of impaired older persons, that could be facilitated through a leisure education program within a caregiver support group. Included is a review of literature relevant to stresses of caregiving, barriers to caregivers' leisure involvement, and rationale for a leisure education program within a family caregiver support group. It is suggested that leisure education programs be based on the Peterson and Gunn leisure education model which consist of four components: leisure awareness, leisure activity skills, leisure resources, and social skills. Each component is considered in relation to caregivers' situations. Reasons for caregivers' resistance to intervention and outreach techniques are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to document the demographic characteristics of a sample of persons with visual disabilities and provide an index of their self-reported needs. An additional purpose was to determine whether the needs of the geriatric blind or severely visually impaired (over 70 years) differed in comparison to younger persons with visual disabilities. A needs assessment survey was administered to a sample of persons living in a metropolitan area who were visually impaired. The total sample was partitioned into four age groups, those less than 30 years, 30-49 years, 50-69 years, over 70 years. The results are discussed in terms of the special areas of need for persons with visual disabilities, in general and for older persons who are blind or visually impaired in particular. Implications for working with older persons with visual impairments are also suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

More persons with mental retardation are living to later life than ever before. Federal legislation mandates interagency collaboration between the networks of services for older adults with developmental disabilities. Research demonstrates older persons’ lives can be enhanced by recreation experiences. However, most agencies serving older adults indicate that they are unprepared to serve the aging mentally retarded population. A strategy is presented for community‐based social service and aging‐related agencies to integrate older people with mental retardation into generic recreation programs serving elderly adults. This strategy represents a comprehensive interagency approach to offering older persons a variety of recreation experiences utilizing the expertise of aging, recreation, and mental retardation professionals. Eight steps are included in this integration process: (1). Defining the target population. (2). Discovering recreation integration needs and interests. (3). Creating staff awareness and understanding. (4). Preparing consumers. (5). Designing and adapting recreation experiences for successful integration. (6). Empowering consumers. (7). Providing a continuum, of recreation services. (8). Evaluating consumers, experiences, and outcomes. This integration strategy provides older adults with mental retardation the opportunity to progress to interdependent recreation functioning, in less restrictive environments, with maximum integration, and less intensive services. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A progressive functional fitness strength training program using dumbbells and ankle weights was developed to improve upper and lower body strength as well as functional performance of residents living in a multi-level care facility. Five upper and five lower body strength exercises were performed in a group setting three times per week for 30 minutes. Resistance of the dumbbells and ankle weights were progressed over the eight week training period. At the end of the training period, improvement occurred in muscular strength, functional performance and depression symptoms. We conclude that this functional fitness strength training program is feasible and a cost efficient program to conduct in a group setting. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

No abstract available for this article. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An increasing number of older adults with developmental disabilities are living in community residential settings and in need of community recreation and leisure services. As these individuals move into what is "retirement age" for their demographic cohort, a greater emphasis will be placed on the availability of generic. community recreation and leisure services. Characteristics of this growing population of elders, and a rationale for the development of integrated recreation programs are presented. An interdisciplinary model of recreation integration is discussed with implications for therapeutic recreation specialists. The application of this model is illustrated through a case study of an older adult who is developmentally disabled. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Recreation services providers should be designing and offerine a continuum of recreational activities to elders with developme$al disabilities (DD). A goal should be to make these individuals as inde~endent as possible in their recreation function- ing. In order to acfomplish this, recreation professionals should be assisting older adults with DD acquire the knowledge and skills nec- essary to pursue recreational activities that are appropriate to their abilities, interests, and age level and which will foster their physical, social, mental, and/or emotional well-being. Principles and a plan- ning process model for meeting this challenge are presented in this chapter. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In recent years, research has been conducted explor- ing relationships between leisure satisfaction, leisure participation, and life satisfaction (Graney, 1975; Neugarten, Havighurst & To- bin, 1961; Ragheb & Griffeth, 1982; Riddick & Daniel, 1984; Rus- sell, 1988). In the field of gerontology, a variety of studies have demonstrated that older persons need both reciprocity and control in order to achieve life satisfaction (Gatz, Popkin, Pino & VandenBos, 1985; Goodman, 1985; Langer & Rodin, 1976; Schulz & Brenner, 1977). However, the psychological needs of reciprocity and control as characteristics of leisure activities which lead to life satisfaction are in need of further investigation. - This paper examines the literature in order to illustrate that reci- orocitv and control are characteristics of leisure activities which h e b gged persons achieve life satisfaction. Known characteristics of lei- sure activities which lead to either leisure or life satisfaction are reviewed. Following this review, selected studies of reciprocity and control are highlighted and discussed. Then, the proposed relation- ship between leisure activities, reciprocity, and control is addressed. A discussion of applications for practitioners follows. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

No abstract available for this article. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The basic skills frequently associated with the helping professions are described as they are related to activity personnel. A model for systematic helping is presented which focuses on four stages: Listening; Responding; Exploring and Understanding; and Acting. The purpose of the discussion is to demonstrate to activity personnel the importance and the role of helping skills in their profession. Helping skills are needed if activity personnel are to facilitate independence, self reliance, and self-fulfillment on the pan of the older adults through their participation in activities. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Once goals and 'objectives have been specified, the activity-specialist must select activities to meet these goals and objectives. The activities utilized in the intervention process must be thoroughly understood in order to assure optimal benefit to the older adult. The procedure for systematically achieving a precise and complete understanding of activities is activity analysis. Examples of aspects for possible consideration are presented for each of the following components: Psychomotor; Mental; Affective; Social; Adaptability and Variability of'Activities; Usefulness to Participants; and Feasibility. This process if analyzing activities should help activity specialists provide more meaningful activities for aged adults. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including the role of recreation therapy faculty as change agents, the importance of collaboration as a workforce skill, and intergenerational learning within the therapeutic recreation classroom and curriculum.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports published within the issue on topics including recreation therapy (RT) or therapeutic recreation (TR), impact of higher education issues and trends on RT and accreditation of RT/TR programs in colleges.