Physical Activity

Focusing on a traditionally less studied age group, Growth, Physical Activity, and Motor Development in Prepubertal Children presents concentrated and selected information about the relationships among health and anthropometry, physical activity, motor ability, and motor development in children between the ages of eight and twelve. Extensively referenced, this book features the results of comprehensive studies of development during the prepubertal years as they relate to environmental conditions. It devotes special attention to body composition and health-related physical fitness.

Despite the enormous interest in discovering longevity genes in humans, the results have been elusive, while the effects of physical activity in delaying aging are promising and the importance of caloric restriction is now being systematically investigated. At present, there is enough evidence to define the components of a healthy diet and physical activity lifestyle at the population level and it is clear that lack of exercise is associated with increased risk of premature chronic disease and death.

Physical Activity and Health explains clearly, systematically and in detail the relationships between physical activity, health and disease, and explores the benefits of exercise in the prevention and treatment of health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and cancer.

This unique book is the first of its kind to specifically explore the science, medicine, challenges and successful experiences of assisting those who must perform and thrive in hot conditions, with an eye toward maximizing both performance and safety. Beginning with both human and comparative physiology as it relates to coping with the heat, key concepts are subsequently elaborated, including heat acclimatization, work-to-rest ratios, hydration, sleep, the effects of altitude, and the use of drugs and supplements. The sections that follow discuss heat-related considerations in individual and team sports and other populations, monitoring techniques, and medical and legal issues.