Data drives decisions. Therefore, assessments are a key component to a successful program. The primary goal of the PE4life research initiative is to demonstrate that programs that integrate PE4life’s Core Principles are having a positive impact on the health of children. Indicators of positive health for students include such parameters as better fitness scores, enjoyment of physical education, higher levels of physical activity outside of school, better test scores, and fewer behavioral problems such as suspensions.

Currently, three Academy Training Centers are partnering with faculty at local universities to help evaluate the PE4life program. These universities include:

 

• The University of Kansas
• The University of Arkansas
• Slippery Rock University (Pa.)

 

At each of the three Academy Training Centers, quality control procedures and standardized assessments are employed in order to make comparisons with traditional physical education programs.  The evaluations are longitudinal, tracking the same children over 3 years.  This process uses highly specialized fitness software to track the children’s progress. 

Assessments at each of the sites include:

• Aerobic capacity/Cardiovascular (PACER assessment)
• Muscle strength (curl up – abdominal strength)
• Muscular endurance (90° pushup – upper body strength)
• Flexibility (back-saver sit and reach measure)
• Body composition measures (i.e., height and weight      (calculate BMI), waist circumference, skinfold measures (triceps, calf)
• Amount and type of physical activity students receive each week
• Enjoyment of physical activity
• Behavioral issues (i.e., suspensions, number of days of suspensions)

 

Other Research

Physical Education Info
Physical Education Requirements
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development : Prevention of Pediatric Overweight and Obesity : The dramatic increase in the prevalence of childhood overweight and its resultant comorbidities are associated with significant health and financial burdens, warranting strong and comprehensive prevention efforts. 
School Health Policies and Program Studies : The Juvenile Obesity Epidemic: Strike Back with Physical Activity : The prevalence of juvenile obesity is on the rise and has reached epidemic proportions.
Why Gym Class Matters : Kids’ Attitudes Toward Sports Affect Their Adult Health
2006 NASPE Shape of the National Report, Executive Summary
2006 NASPE Shape of the Nation Report, full document (64 pages)
California Department of Education Study comparing Fitness Standards and SAT (MS Word) (visit the CDE website)
2003 NASPE Parent Survey (MS Word)
Recess - An Essential Component in our Elementary Schools (MS Word)

 

 

CDC Findings

Patterns of Childhood Obesity Prevention Legislation in the United States
Obesity and Overweight Children
Make a Difference at Your School: Key Strategies to Prevent Obesity
Childhood Overweight Fact Sheets for Every State
Lack of Exercise is a Matter of Death!
More and More Americans Are Obese!
Obesity is Taking a Higher Toll on Health and Healthcare Costs... Than Smoking or Drinking!
More and More Young People Are Overweight!

 

Daily PE
Children Need 60 Minutes of Daily Physical Activity, Expert Panel Says : Read the full article, an editorial and/ or the press release for the study published in the June 2005 issue of "The Journal of Pediatrics."
School Health Policy Guide : Fit Healthy and Ready to Learn (Section D)
The Guide To Community Preventative Services : Fact Sheet: Physical Activity
First Choice Study: Dramatic improvements by increasing activity from 3 to 5 days per week
Develop Your Body and Mind: Active youth become active adults

 

Daily Youth Health
1st Quarter 2006: Policies Affecting Child and Adolescent Nutrition, Obesity and Physical Activity : Provided by the Health Policy Tracking Service and the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation, this report contains an overview of actions regarding topics as diverse as snack and soda taxes to safe walking and biking paths, broken down by state.(MS Word)
Facts on Kids Health : Facts AND Action Items for Kids’ Health
Heart-Rate Measured Activity : How much activity do Youth Get?
Promoting Better Health for Young People Through Physical Activity and
Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System :

 

Exercise/ Brain
Exploring the Link Between Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement - Snapshot
Exploring the Link Between Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement - Issue Brief
A User’s Guide to the Brain : Harvard Medical School expert (Dr. John Ratey) is quoted as saying "Aerobic exercise is good for the brain."
Can Exercise Replace Ritalin as Treatment for ADHD?: A recenty study at SUNY Buffalo demostrated exercise improved the behavior of some ADHD children.
Dr. John Ratey: Harvard Medical School expert Dr. John Ratey articles page
Exercise can help dyslexic students: >Exercises targeting brain’s learning center have a profound effect
Exercising the body can benefit the brain: Science News Online 2-part series regarding lifestyle and the brain
More Vigorous Exercise Equals Better Academic Performance: Michigan State University and Grand Vally State University research results
NPR: Exercise Helps Students in the Classroom: Audio Segment. Includes comments from Dr. John Ratey.
The Resilient Brain: Brain research opens new frontiers in working with children and youth experiencing conflict in school and community.

 

Obesity Stats
NPR: Fighting Obesity : Audio segment
Prevalence of No Leisure-Time Physical Activity: Physical inactivity is associated with obesity and increased risk for chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and diabetes mellitus) and premature mortality.
U.S. Kids Have Shorter Life Expectancy Because of Obesity

 

PE4life Review of Statewide Health and Wellness
Pennsylvania Report Card